In my last post, I introduced all the oils, pills & potions I am using to nurture my hair and encourage growth. As I said before healthy hair starts from the inside, so in order to grow strong, healthy hair, we need to take a good look at what we're putting into our bodies. Don't get me wrong - I'm not on a mission to grow hair all the way down to my backside (I've never been a great fan of length). I'm more concerned with quality rather than quantity, so without further a do, here are the products I am using. PLEASE NOTE: These are what I find works best for ME and MY hair. They are not necessarily suitable for everyone. ALWAYS consult your own GP before taking any kind of medication or supplement. In order to give the correct information, I will be using internet resources and citing my references:
OILS
Coconut Oil |
Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing them a shiny complexion. Regular massage of the head with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, lice, and lice eggs, even if your scalp is dry. Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. It is therefore used as hair care oil and used in manufacturing various conditioners, and dandruff relief creams. Coconut oil is normally applied topically for hair care. This is my personal favorite hair oil, as it is very light, doesn't weigh my hair down, and a little goes a long way.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JCBO) |
Jamaican Black Castor Oil is made using roasted Castor beans prior to extraction, this creates a natural occurring activated charcoal. This is the reason it is so dark in colour. It is known to cleanse toxins from the scalp, eliminate dry flakes, nourish and thicken the hair, stimulate hair growth, moisturize dry & damaged hair and protect both hair and scalp from infections which hamper hair growth. The only downside to this product is due to the fact the beans are roasted, it does tend to leave your hair smelling like old cigarettes. I only use it at night (much to my husbands distaste) that way I don't have to go out smelling like an old ashtray.
Amla Brahmi Bhringaraj Hair Oil |
Amla Hair oil is made with the best known oils & herbs recommended in Ayurveda, among them the king of all medicinal fruits – Amla. Amla stimulates hair follicles promoting hair growth, prevents premature greying & dandruff. It is the best source of Vitamin C to strengthen & nourish hair roots thus preventing hair fall. Amla Oil is one of the world's oldest natural hair conditioners making hair soft & glossy by improving texture and preventing split ends. As an Indian herb, amla oil has been used in since a very long time.
With its added ingredients of Henna, Brahmi, Neem and other special herbs your hair is strengthened and protected against dandruff, premature greying and damage caused by weather conditions and excessive blow drying. According to Ayurveda Amla has cold potency, it prevents the scalp from over-heating, one of the main causes of hair fall & scalp infections.
Amla hair oil is fortified with the most potent herbs which stimulate hair growth & prevent hair loss including Brahmi & Bhringaraj. Amla Oil enriches hair growth and pigmentation. It prevents premature greying of hair, dandruff, increases the strength of hair follicles and is preventing hair-fall. Amla hair oil gives a natural shine and soft texture to the hair. It also helps to rejuvenate hair that is dull and damaged. It also prevents split hair ends. The ingredients are:
Amla hair oil is fortified with the most potent herbs which stimulate hair growth & prevent hair loss including Brahmi & Bhringaraj. Amla Oil enriches hair growth and pigmentation. It prevents premature greying of hair, dandruff, increases the strength of hair follicles and is preventing hair-fall. Amla hair oil gives a natural shine and soft texture to the hair. It also helps to rejuvenate hair that is dull and damaged. It also prevents split hair ends. The ingredients are:
· Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Oil)
· Emblica Officinalis (Amla)
· Eclipta Alba (Bringaraj)
· Bacopa monniera (Brahmi)
· Nardostachys jatamansi (Jatamansi)
· Cyperus rotundus (Nagarmootha)
· Symplocos racemosa (Lodhra)
· Terminalia chebula (Haritaki)
· Terminalia belerica (Bahera)
· Azadirachta indica (Neem)
· Sesamum indicum (Sesame)
· Lawsonia inermis (Henna)
· Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor)
· Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Almond Oil)
· Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
I chose to try this ayurvedic oil as it is all natural and contains NO mineral oil.
SUPPLEMENTS
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) |
Methylsulfonylmethane is a relatively new dietary supplement form of sulfur that is found in our living tissues. MSM supports healthy connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, and muscle, as well as skin, hair and nails. Be careful with this one though - there are a few odd side effects. I have experienced crazy - and I mean CRAZY - vivid dreams and when I first started taking MSM I also experienced headaches (although I managed to combat that by increasing my water intake).
Cod Liver Oil w/Evening Primrose Oil |
Norwegian cod liver oil has traditionally been one of the most popular natural sources of Vitamins A & D. Cod liver oil also contains the Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
Biotin |
Biotin plays a role in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism and assists in the release of energy from cells. It also helps to maintain healthy skin and hair, as well as supporting nervous system function. Biotin is found in most skin, hair & nail supplements.
Vitamin B6 |
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) plays a role in protein and glycogen metabolism. Vitamin B6 is also involved in the formation of red blood cells, normal function of the nervous system and supports the regulation of certain hormones. I use this because a lot of my hair loss was due to hormonal changes after I had my second baby.
Silicon Dioxide |
A biochemic remedy for for impure blood and for boils, brittle nails and lack-luster hair. Prepared from safe, natural and non-habit forming ingredients. I was introduced to this by a friend and I can honestly say that since taking it, I have had no brittle, splitting or breaking nails on my hands or feet.
Vitamin D |
AKA Sunlight! We don't get enough of it here in the UK. Vitamin D is necessary for absorption and utilization of calcium from food. It plays a role in the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, supports cell division and can be manufactured by the body on exposure to sunlight.
Flaxseed Oil |
Also known as Linseed Oil, another source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Sea Kelp |
Kelp is a rich source of the trace mineral iodine. Iodine is required for normal thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones. Iodine has also been shown to support normal energy metabolism and can help in the maintenance of normal skin.
Vitamin E Oil |
This is just a great all-round beauty oil. I use it on my hair and my skin.
Water |
WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER and more WATER!!!!!!!!!!
So there we have it. As I said before, this is what works for ME. Everybody's hair has different needs, so you just need to do your research and find out what works best for you.
References: