Haircare Q&A

Here are questions regarding Hair Care..  Enjoy!

• FOUR GORGEOUS STEPS TO GORGEOUS HAIR
• HERB LEAVES FOR HAIR TYPES
• HERBS TO ADD BODY AND LUSTRE
• WHICH IS BETTER FOR COLOR TREATED HAIR?
• WHAT TO DO FOR NORMAL HAIR
• WHAT DOES NORMAL HAIR LOOK LIKE AND WHAT ARE GENERAL RULES FOR CARING FOR IT?
• WHAT HOLISTIC APPROACH DO I HAVE FOR DRY HAIR?
• WHAT DOES DRY HAIR LOOK LIKE AND WHAT ARE THE GENERAL RULES FOR CARING FOR IT?
• WHAT HOLISTIC APPROACH DO YOU HAVE FOR OILY HAIR?
• WHAT DOES OILY HAIR LOOK LIKE AND WHAT ARE THE GENERAL RULES FOR TAKING CARE OF IT?
• WHAT CAUSES DANDRUFF AND WHAT HOLISTIC APPROACH DO I HAVE TO CHOOSE FROM?
• LICE FORMULA
• WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CONDITION YOUR HAIR?
• TIPS FOR CONDITIONING HAIR
• SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE CAUSES
• INFORMATION ABOUT ZEN HAIR & SCALP DETOX HAIR THERAPY
• HOW DO YOU USE ZEN DETOX?
• HOW DO YOU SHAMPOO HAIR?
• HOW DO YOU GET RID OF BUILD UP ON HAIR?
• WHAT OTHER TYPES OF HAIR RINSES COULD I MAKE?
• HOW CAN I STIMULATE HAIR GROWTH?
• SCALP TREATMENT #1
• SCALP TREATMENT #2
• SCALP TREATMENT #3

QUESTIONS REGARDING HAIR CARE AND PRODUCT USE

FOUR STEPS TO GORGEOUS HAIR?
Clean, condition, cut and style. In fact, a good hair care program is second to great looking skin. What kind of hair you have is determined largely by heredity, but hormones and diet also place an important role. But like skin, your hair is also affected by the environment and how you care for it. The better you understand the effect these factors can have on the general condition and appearance of your hair, the easier it will be for you to enhance its positive aspects, adapt to its limitations and minimize the potential for damage. Below are some practical solutions for all types of hair.

HERB LEAVES FOR HAIR TYPES?
Herb leaves used to condition dry hair include comfrey, marsh mallow, stinging nettles, parsley and sage; plus burdock root and elder flowers. Herbs for greasy hair are horsetail, lemon balm, mints, rosemary, southernwood, witchhazel and yarrow; plus calendula petals, lavender and lemon juice.

HERBS TO ADD BODY AND LUSTRE?
These include goosegrass, horsetail, parsley, rosemary, sage, southernwood, stinging nettle and watercress; plus calendula petals, lime flowers and nasturtium.

WHICH IS BETTER FOR COLOR TREATED HAIR?
Our thoughts are on shampoos with little sudsing ability. The least suds comes from the Real Purity® line. Think about a rich conditioner like the Living Nature conditioner, which is great for daily use, but also wonderful as a deep conditioner used two or three times weekly. For daily conditioning, I prefer the Kettle Care, but I'll let you make that choice. Logona also makes a ColorCare Shampoo in three shades to bring out highlights.

WHAT TO DO FOR NORMAL HAIR?
Check your current product labels for the pH, as well as for harmful or artificial ingredients. Two good essential oils that aromatherapist recommend are lavender and rosemary. To apply them, gently comb out wet hair with a wide-toothed comb, working from the ends to the scalp. When the hair is completely dry, put one drop of rosemary essential oil on your palm, rub it into your natural-bristle brush, and brush the hair, again from the ends of the scalp. Don't overdue it because to much can dry the hair. See our Skin Oils.

WHAT DOES NORMAL HAIR LOOK LIKE AND WHAT ARE GENERAL RULES FOR CARING FOR IT?
"Normal hair is soft, shiny and relatively resistant to damage when cared for properly. There is enough moisture in each strand to keep it from breaking, and enough oil coating the shafts to protect against moisture loss." according to the book, Inside Beauty. They recommend having your hair trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep split ends to a minimum; gently massaging the scalp daily; using a general conditioner daily but deep conditioning once a week; and for those who blow dry their hair, be sure to use a medium to low setting so it doesn't dry the ends.

WHAT HOLISTIC APPROACH DO I HAVE FOR DRY HAIR?
If you have dry hair, you probably have a dry scalp. Without adequate sebum production by the scalp to protect hair's moisture, it is vulnerable to split ends and can appear unmanageable as well as produce flakes. Follow these simple steps: Drink plenty of water; Take in a sufficient supply of essential fatty acids such as evening primrose oil or other oils that contain GLA, such as flaxseed oil; Protect your hair from exposure to drying conditions like wind or sun; Avoid chemical treatments such as perms, dyes or pool chlorine; Avoid daily shampooing and use a mild shampoo containing fatty acids and moisturizers - these will allow the hair shaft to reflect the light and appear shiny. Pay attention to your herbal hair conditioners as they are best left on at least a few minutes before rinsing.

WHAT DOES DRY HAIR LOOK LIKE AND WHAT ARE THE GENERAL RULES FOR CARING FOR IT?
According to the book, Inside Beauty, dry hair has too little moisture and not enough oil, and is often dull and difficult to manage. There is 'naturally' dry hair, 'chemically' dry hair, and 'mature' dry hair. The longer the hair, the older and drier the ends, so length becomes an issue. Consequently, dry hair usually looks best when its kept relatively short - shoulder length or shorter. Frequent hair cuts are a must. A trim every five to six weeks will help control the dry, frayed ends. Shampoo one to three times a week and be careful with your wet hair. Massage the scalp with your fingers to improve circulation. Condition with each shampoo and deep condition at least once a week. When drying, gently blot the hair with a towel. If you blow-dry your hair, be sure to use a medium to low setting so not to dry the hair. If your using hot rollers or a curling iron, you may want to use a small amount of styling gel on your palms and gently squeeze it into your hair before the final brushing. This will help restore the sheen and minimize problems with flyaway hairs.

WHAT HOLISTIC APPROACH DO YOU HAVE FOR OILY HAIR?
If you have oily skin then you probably know how one gets oily hair. Its caused by the same condition, over- active sebum production. For oily hair, the oil comes from the scalp and hair is much oilier near the roots than the tips. It can make it look heavy, lifeless and even dull. But the right amount of oil makes the difference, springing life back into it. Hormones and diet can be a factor. Because one has too much sebum production, it requires frequent washing with a mild shampoo. Those harsh detergent shampoos on the market only overdry the hair, stimulating it to produce more oil. Protein shampoos and those with balsam, according to the book, "A complete guide to aromatherapy," can tend to increase oiliness, making the hair heavy and attract dirt. They advise seaweed in conditioners to improve matters. Also suggested is brushing hair thoroughly before washing. There are a few essential oils that discourage oil production by the scalp. These are cedarwood, lemon, lemongrass or sage (conditioner). Diluted lemon juice as well. You can add one drop of patchouli essential oil to your daily dose of shampoo also. Vinegar hair rinses discourage dandruff and keep oily hair in check, comments the same book. If vinegar isn't up your alley, then try rinsing with sage tea - it helps reduce dandruff and excess oil as well.

WHAT DOES OILY HAIR LOOK LIKE AND WHAT ARE THE GENERAL RULES FOR TAKING CARE OF IT?
Oily hair is caused by excess sebum as described in the above question and answer. The sebum forms a coating that can dull the hair's surface within as little as 24 to 48 hours after shampooing. The most convenient length for oily hair is shoulder length or shorter, says the book, Inside Beauty. You'll also want to choose a style that is easy to maintain - especially those cuts that occasionally allow the hair to air-dry. Regular hair cuts - no less frequently than every six to eight weeks - will help keep the style in shape. Shampoo daily - mornings are best. Condition, leaving on less than one minute. If you have shoulder length or longer, or if you use heat generating appliances, deep-condition the ends once a month. If you blow-dry your hair, start on a high setting, but finish on a low setting. Perspiration generated by the heat can make hair look stringy.

WHAT CAUSES DANDRUFF AND WHAT HOLISTIC APPROACH DO I HAVE TO CHOOSE FROM?
Dandruff is caused when the skin cells on the scalp reach the surface before they are fully mature. The under-developed state of the scalp cells cause them to flake off in large clumps rather than in barely noticeable particles. There is no known cure for dandruff, but mild cases can be managed by the following scalp treatments below. Maybe one will work for you!

LICE FORMULA?
Take 20 drops of Eucalyptus, 10 drops of Rosemary, 10 drops of Juniper, 10 drops of Lavender, 10 drops of Geranium, 5 drops of lemon and 4 oz of carrier oil (preferably jojoba). Apply to dry hai,r wrap in plastic & towel. Leave on 2 hours. Shampoo - Lavender Rinse. See our skin oil Recipe from reference material.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CONDITION YOUR HAIR?
Using conditioner after shampoo is a vital part of hair care because it replaces the essential oils that are unavoidably washed away during shampooing. Conditioning also helps detangle fragile, wet hair, preventing it from snapping and breaking from the pressure exerted during combing. Finally, conditioning carries the added benefits of improving manageability and imparting shine and softness.

TIPS FOR CONDITIONING HAIR
For oily hair, leave the conditioner on for one minute or less. For normal hair, you'll want to leave the conditioner on for up to three minutes. For dry or damaged hair, up to five minutes. For the best results, apply conditioner from the roots to the ends of normal and dry hair; to the ends only of oily hair.

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE CAUSES
Improper eye development in children and cateracts in adults, says Dr. Keith Green, at the medical school of Georgia. Taken from our reference material.

INFORMATION ABOUT ZEN HAIR & SCALP DETOX HAIR THERAPY
The information below is from Morrocco Method:
"Zen Detox is formulated to benefit people of all ages and hair of all conditions. It promotes hair growth by detoxing the hair follicles/root, oil glands and scalp.

This unique multi-purpose formula is a very gentle Spa Detox to lift heavy metals and other toxins from the scalp and oil glands, and cleanse hair follicles.

There are TWO main things for good health: To get the toxins OUT and to BUILD the immune system.

Morrocco Method Zen Detox has been uniquely created to assist in removing the causes, not just the symptoms of disease. Our Zen Detox features Clays, which have been chosen over hundreds of clays for the most consistent results. An imported Volcanic Ash is added along with the synergistically tested formulas of spices and herbs.

For cancer patients or prevention, and those with a compromised immune system, Zen Detox is an ideal product to include safely with other forms of treatment and will assist greatly in detoxifying chemical residuals. Zen Detox is also wonderful for people who live in hard water locations, as well as swimmers or gym members who use chlorinated pools and incur a toxic buildup of water treatment chemicals.

There are over 70,000 chemicals being used in commercial production in the U.S. Medical researcher, Alan Levine, M.D. believes that, "the vast increase of chemicals in our environment, foods and medicines has greatly altered the body's ability to rid itself of toxins." The immune system provides for our first, second and third lines of defense against everyday germs, viruses and bacteria.

Our therapy assists in detoxing Mercury which is now associated with over 200 diseases. Mercury is especially associated with neurological and behavioral disruptions including depression, allergies, food sensitivities and chronic illness.

Morrocco Method Zen Detox is a therapeutic method to assist in detoxing accumulated chemicals from synthetic shampoos, conditioners, styling products, coloring agents, perms, hair relaxers, and Sodium Laurel Sulfate. There are 38 different names for SLS including DEA, TEA, MEA and Cocomide, a synthetic so-called coconut oil.

There are a wide variety of toxic exposures, including environmental and industrial pollution, toxic water and air.

All of these chemicals and pollutants are stored in the body, in our glands and immune system.

Over a period of time the body cannot naturally detox and the toxic build up causes diseases and can be carcinogenic. Our herbs and spices enhancing this unique formula help eliminate the chemicals, heavy metals and often carcinogenic exposures of daily living. Although immunity can decline with age, more often the weakening of the immune system is due to long term exposure to toxins. The role of the immune system is immense - from fighting viruses and germs, to coping with debilitating autoimmune diseases and cancer."

HOW DO YOU USE ZEN DETOX?
Morrocco Method has prepared these notes on how to use their detox therapy:
"For best results use a wooden spoon and a wooden or glass bowl for mixing. Take 1/3 of the packet and slowly add natural water until it becomes a thick creamy consistency. As all clays are alive this will let the clays recharge themselves back to their own life force. If you have mixed more than you need, allow the remaining product to dry out, then add water when you are ready for the next treatment. It will keep indefinitely at room temperature. Do not refrigerate!

Prepare a hot bath, light candles, play meditation music, and simply relax and soak. While hair is dry, in the bath or before entering, massage the formula into the scalp and hair, using the entire amount. Although formulated specifically for the scalp, this holistic product can safely be in contact with the skin of your face, neck and hands. Leave the detox formula on from 15 to 45 minutes depending on how you adjust. When ready, wet your hands and massage deep into the hair and scalp, loosening the hair and allowing air to uplift the detox therapy and helping it penetrate deeper into the hair follicles and scalp. For your first treatment leave the detox on for 15 to 30 minutes. The next week try 30 to 45 minutes. On the third week treatment try 30 to 60 minutes. As the formula lifts the toxins from your hair and scalp and reaches the blood circulating below the skin, more toxins begin to be lifted away, resulting in a pleasant sensation of increased clarity in the brain.

When your time is up, simply submerge your head into the bathtub water and massage the formula out of your hair and scalp. You may wish to shower before leaving the tub.

Using the detox in the evening just before going to bed can be the most relaxing time of the day, sending you into a restful sleep. This formula will be good for three treatments for normal length hair. For long, thick hair, use half this package per treatment for a two week treatment."

HOW DO YOU SHAMPOO HAIR?
First, its important to choose the right shampoo for your hair and scalp type. While there are no hard and fast rules for shampooing your hair, one thing is certain: proper scalp hygiene is as critical to luxurious hair as oral hygiene is to healthy teeth. Your scalp is like the soil in a garden. If it is kept clean and uncontaminated, nourished with nutrients and well irrigated through proper blood circulation, the hair growing in it will flourish and thrive. It is wise to avoid shampoos containing berries, tomatoes, guava, etc. These fruits and vegetable derivatives plug up pores, dry out hair, and disturb the pH balance of the scalp and the natural texture of your hair. It is also wise to use the Nose test. Trust your sense of smell. It is very reliable. If the shampoo has no synthetic scent, and smells wholesome and appealing, it is very likely a good shampoo for you; but it may not necessarily be good for your friend. There is no single shampoo that can be recommended for everyone!  Avoid commercial shampoos that contain artificial colors, scents and detergents that dry and damage the hair, and often clog the follicle openings rather than cleanse the scalp. Detergents and color additives leave a coating on the hair. Artificial scents dry the hair shafts, damaging them and making them brittle. Chemical additives also dry and plug up the scalp, disturbing its natural pH balance, causing dandruff, itchiness, premature hair thinning and significant, eventual hair loss.

Ideally, your shampooing regimen should contain three or more shampoos that are rotated regularly. Over a period of time, the scalp and hair can become resistant and immune to a single shampoo, upsetting the alkaline pH balance. Regularly alternating shampoos helps to keep the hair and scalp receptive and responsive, insuring a thorough cleansing and nourishing every time they are used.

The question of should we shampoo everyday is often asked. The truth is, while some say it is best to do that everyday, others insist that daily shampooing dries and damages the hair. There is a common sense rule to follow to help you clear this up. Observe your hair and decide for yourself how often you need to shampoo it! Some people are comfortable shampooing their hair twice a day. For others, once a day is to much. Remember, shampoo also depletes the natural oils on the hair and scalp, and for some, it could be to drying. For many, shampooing every other day maintains a healthier chemical balance of both scalp and hair, and is more desirable. For those who brush their hair often and correctly, consistently in fact, have extended their shampooing regimen to every three or four days. All of these regimens can be effective for you. As long as your new growth of hair is maintaining its luster, health and vitality, the regimen you are working is right for you.

Should you follow the instructions to wash, rinse out and repeat? There is value in this recommendation. A perfect shampoo is achieved in two parts. The first, cleanses hair and scalp of dirt, dead cells and dust, which you would otherwise massage back into the hair, scalp and follicle openings if you shampooed only once. This clogging debris could retard new hair growth and severely damage the oil glands, upsetting the natural fall-out and reproductive cycles of your hair.

The second shampooing and massage of your clean hair and scalp stimulates the flow of blood to the scalp and opens the hair follicles, allowing the blood vessels to feed each root, bulb and hair shaft, nourishing the entire follicle and activating the sebaceous glands. This ensures the proper lubrication and distribution of your own natural oils to the entire scalp and hair shafts. A natural coating of oil is vital to the maintenance of a healthy scalp and hair. It keeps the outer layer of hair lubricated and prevents drying, which is the excessive evaporation of moisture. When rinsing from the second shampoo, choose to use cool water. Towel dry hair and scalp thoroughly. Your hair is now ready to be brushed and styled.

The information above came from Morrocco Method!

HOW DO YOU GET RID OF BUILD UP ON HAIR?
According to the book, Herbal Medicine, you can use apple cider vinegar rinse water to cleanse hair of soap.  But we also have the Morrocco Method Apple Cider Vinegar that may work as well.

WHAT OTHER TYPES OF HAIR RINSES COULD I MAKE?
Prepare a strong tea of chamomile for a light hair rinse. Burdock leaf tea cleanses the system and helps give the hair additional shine from within or topically. Nettle juice cleanses the system and provides help for lackluster skin and hair. Rhubarb root tea rinse will lighten light brown or faded blonde hair. Author, Dr. Earl Mindell, suggests brewing 2 cups of Marshmallow tea. Let cool. Rinse through after shampooing.

HOW CAN I STIMULATE HAIR GROWTH?
The book, Herbal Medicine, suggests rinsing the hair with Sage tea. However, there are few legitimate remedies for baldness and it's important to note that patterns of hair loss are largely determined by genetics. Author, Dr. Earl Mindell, suggests massaging the scalp with an extract of rosemary at the first sign of hair loss. After the treatment, shampoo as usual.

SCALP TREATMENT #1
A hot oil treatment may be something you will want to try. They are great for dry hair, dry scalp and dandruff even. They are simple to prepare, but can be messy to apply. They can bring back shine to damaged hair but not always restore flexibility and bounce however. Simply add 2 oz jojoba oil (or witch hazel, aloe juice or neem oil) and 30 drops of lavender, rosemary or even sandalwood (applied to dry ends of hair is helpful but fragrance lasts for hours). Warm it up and then apply to hair. Put a cap on and then rinse off one to two hours later with shampoo.

SCALP TREATMENT #2
You could start with a basic plant oil and use a few of these suggested essential oils instead of what was referred to in Treatment #1. Juniper is suitable for acne, eczema, and greasy hair or dandruff (but maybe not as suitable for those with kidney troubles). Birch is a skin softener that soothes irritation and psoriasis and helps prevent dandruff. Cedarwood is an astringent for oily and congested skin conditions, acne and dandruff. It relieves dermatitis, insect bites and itching. Clary Sage can be used for mature or acne complexion, inflammation and dandruff. It rejuvenates cells and is also said to encourage hair growth. Patchouli is a cell rejuvenator and antiseptic, the oil treats acne, eczema, inflamed, cracked or mature skin, and dandruff. - Referred by the book, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy.

SCALP TREATMENT #3
Plant oil bases are not always the best way to blend your essential oils. Hydrosols and vinegars are great too. Or adding them to your existing hair care! Whatever way you wish, the book, The Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils, suggest these oils: West Indian Bay, Cade, Cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginian), Eucalyptus, Spike Lavender (use with caution), Lemon, Patchouli, Rosemary, Sage (Clary & Spanish), and Tea Tree. Use one or combine a couple, you'll have fun while you find what's best for you!