Can caffeine encourage hair growth?

Caffeine can stimulate hair growth! That is according to some studies that have been done related to male pattern baldness. However, it's not the drinking of it stimulates the growth, it's the topical application of the caffeine found in tea and/or coffee. If you were to try drinking caffeine for growth, it would take drinking up to 60-80 cups a day to impact your hair growth. Researchers are currently looking at ways to boost the topical application of caffeine through a spray or a caffeinated shampoo. Currently, I do black tea rinses (which contain caffeine) to control my hair shedding because I am such an heavy shedder. When I do black tea rinses consistently (weekly) I do notice a huge decrease in the amount of hair that I shed.

On to the topic at hand...

How does caffeine prevent hair loss and stimulate growth?
According to a study published by the International Journal of Dermatology, caffeine blocks out a hormone called DHT which is responsible for male pattern baldness and damage to hair follicles. In the study hair samples were taken from men and monitored in a laboratory for eight days, and it was shown that caffeine consumption had boosted hair growth 33 to 40 percent.[3] This finding is also being applied to research regarding hair growth/loss in women.


What is the amount of caffeine you can expect per drink?

A single serving of caffeine is considered to be 100mg, roughly the amount in one cup of brewed coffee. The table below shows the estimated caffeine content for some common beverages.

2oz	Espresso	40 to 120	mg
8oz	Brewed Drip Coffee	60 to 160	mg
8oz	Decaffeinated Coffee	3 to 5	mg
8oz	Green Tea	20 to 40	mg
8oz	Black Tea	20 to 60	mg
12oz	Coca-Cola Classic	34	mg
12oz	Mountain Dew	55	mg
8oz	Red Bull	80	mg

Source: Hair Loss And Caffeine


Thinking of adding caffeine to your regimen?
Don't get too carried away, too much caffeine can actually boost DHT and lead to hair-loss. Just like many things with hair - the trick here is to find the balance.

Check it out: Jc over at The Natural Haven did a post last year about the effects of caffeine on hair growth.

Resources
1. Management of Baldness
2. Caffeine & Hair Growth
3. How does diet affect hair growth?

Parabens? Huh?

A while back someone asked me what I thought about parabens. Honestly, I never thought anything about them. So this research was truly a learning experience for me.

Parabens 
Parabens are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries and are used as preservatives in many types of formulas. Paraben compounds are used in products for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties.

Where can they be found?
-shampoos
-commercial moisturizers
-shaving gels
-personal lubricants
-topical pharmaceuticals
-toothpaste
-food additives 

A small percentage of the population is actually allergic to parabens and can suffer from skin irritation if exposed.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their report "Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?" reported that parabens displayed estrogenic activity in several tests. 

What does that mean?
Parabens can mimic your body´s own hormones and can result in an endocrine-disrupting action when they are rubbed into your body or washed down the drain into your drinking water. This can result in interference with your body´s endocrine system: your hypothalamus, your ovaries, your thyroid. I actually have a friend that was told by her health care professional to stop using products with parabens because they were making her sick. 

Parabens have been proven to penetrate the skin and can be traced in the blood minutes after application, it is theorized that they may have adverse effects on the body. A major issue that struck a cord with me (and many of us know already) is that  the FDA has no ability to regulate the ingredients in cosmetics - they can only publish lists of additives they consider harmful and rely on the manufacturers to make changes themselves.

In sum, you must make the decision for yourself regarding whether or not you will continue to use products that contain ingredients that may or may not be safe for continuous human use. Always do your own research utilizing reliable sources so that you can make an informed decision.

Resources:

Wikipedia: Parabens

Natural News

Terressentials

Parabens - FDA

If you have some knowledge (or comments) about parabens, 

please share the wealth and comment below.

How is Aloe Vera good for your hair?

Over the past year Aloe vera has become a staple in my hair care product arsenal. I use it as an ingredient in my leave-in conditioner and also the base for a moisturizing spray. A Google search of other blogs revealed that quite a number of bloggers have written about and also use aloe vera as a hair care product.

Research on the Aloe vera plant has revealed that it is a useful resource for humans because of the presence of polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones, and lectins. However, the scientific evidence for the cosmetic use of Aloe vera and can be contradicting at times. But, when you think about it - so many of the regimens/recipes in the natural hair world lack research.

As for hair use, Aloe vera is said to be preferred by vegans for the re-twisting of locs. Also, Aloe vera has been experimented with for the use as a base for a hair cleanser that does not strip natural oils from the hair. On eHow there are a few articles about the use of Aloe vera for treating hair loss and promoting hair growth.

Check out additional links to Aloe vera information below:
Use Aloe Vera to Promote Hair Growth
The Benefits of Aloe Vera Plant on the Hair
Aloe Vera
Free Aloe Vera Samples
Aloe Vera in the News

Are you using Aloe vera juice or gel? How so?

The Avocado

I recently read the Avocado: A Luscious Hair Care Treatment article on Naturally Curly. Not too long ago a purchased an avocado with the intention of using it on my hair (I don't eat them) because I already use the oil so I became curious about what the actual source would do for my hair. The oil keeps my hair soft, is light, and doesn't have a heavy smell to it.

According to the article the avocado is a fruit that can be used as a deep conditioning treatment for the hair. The avocado is filled with proteins, vitamins, and amino acids. At the end of the article there is a list of recipes and since I never used and avocado before - those recipes served as my starting point:

Avocado Conditioner

Avocado Conditioner is designed to be made and used immediately. Discard leftovers, use as a facial or share it with someone else to use.

Flesh of a ripe avocado

¼ cup coconut cream

¼ cup coconut water

3 tablespoons mayonnaise containing egg

In medium-sized bowl mix avocado and coconut cream). In very small bowl whisk together coconut water and mayonnaise; use spatula to add this to the first mixture. Whisk all together until smooth.

Divide hair into 6-8 segments. Slather green mixture on each segment working all the way into hair, from scalp area to the ends. Put on shower cap or other loose fitting plastic cap. Sit out in the sun if possible or under dryer on medium high setting, if available. Leave on hair for 45 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Shampoo and style as usual.

You know that pH rave that is going on right now?

Check out this post by Jc on The Natural Haven:

Does hair really not react in the pH range 4-9?

I don't know about you but I love scientific data! (Science was my favorite subject in school until I got to Organic Chemistry UGH)

Thoughts on this? Has this post changed your mind?

Scalp Massage

I love a good scalp massage and I love them even more when I am not the one doing it - that is what husbands are for :). In addition, as it turns out there more benefits to a scalp massage besides just the good feeling.

scalp massage.

Sources say that a scalp massage is a great way to ease the mind and the nervous system. Scalp massages increase blood circulation and increase root health and strength. They can also be done with the oil of your choice but be careful not to use an oil that is recommended to be used with a carrier oil (i.e. peppermint oil). A key thing to keep in mind is that scalp massages should be done with the pads of your fingers - not the tips, especially if you have long nails. Check out the resources listed below for more detailed information.

Resources

Hair & Scalp Massage Oils

Steps To A Great Self-Administered Scalp Massage

Undercover Petroleum

It's petroleum's turn...

Petroleum: black, dark brown or greenish liquid found in porous rock formations in the earth. The American Petroleum Institute, in its Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS), defines it as "a substance, generally liquid, occurring naturally in the earth and composed mainly of mixtures of chemical compounds of carbon and hydrogen with or without other nonmetallic elements such as sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen." (1)

Also known as:

Crude Oil

Bitumen

Petrol

Vaseline (brand name)

References

1. Petroleum

2. Green and Chic

Undercover Mineral Oil

There are quite a number of individuals that prefer to stay away from products that contain high levels of petroleum, mineral oil, and silicones.

So later those individual try a product and the results are unexplainable and undesirable...what happened?

What if one of those ingredients that you have been avoiding is hidden with a product but listed under another name. Knowing all the names associated with an ingredient that you are using can be beneficial to your regimen and product choices.

First up: Mineral oil

Mineral oil or liquid petroleum is a by-product in the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline and other petroleum based products from crude oil (1).

Also known as:

white mineral oil	paraffin oil
Liquid petroleum	Liquid paraffin
Nujol	white oil
paraffinum liquidum	Petrolatum
Paraffin wax	gelatinous petroleum
frigol	kremol
kaydol	alboline
paroleine	Saxol
adepsine oil	glymol
lignite oil	Heat-treating oil
Hydraulic oil	Cable oil
Lubricating oil	Oil mist
refined mineral	mineral oil mist
oil mist	mineral
severely refined	Uvasol
oil, petroleum	clearteck
drakeol	hevyteck
filtrawhite	blandol white mineral oil
carnea 21	Ervol
gloria	hydrocarbon oils
peneteck	primol
triona b	blandlube
crystosol	Molol
protopet	bayol f
crystol 325	fonoline
bayol 55	kondremul
neo-cultol	penreco
perfecta	petrogalar
primol 355	primol d
tech pet f	Petroleum hydrocarbons
jute batching oil	Mineral oil, aromatic
Mineral Seal Oil	Electrical Insulating Oil
Mineral oil hydrocarbon solvent (petroleum)
Mineral oil (saturated parrafin oil)

I must say that this list is ridiculous. It seems like a lot to go through to disguise mineral oil. I am not sure if there are certain terms are only used in cosmetics but better safe than sorry.

References

1. Mineral Oil, Wikipedia

2. What is Mineral Oil

3. The Dangers of Mineral Oil

4. Mineral Oil Cosmetic Toxin Data

5. Why Arbonne Does Not Use Mineral Oil

Heat Protection

My plans for the end of the Castor Oil challenge originally included a roller-set so that I could get an idea of how much length I had retained by the end of winter. I decided to also flat-iron for a super straight look that is now rare for me.

Because I now care about what I do to my hair I want to take proper precautions so I started doing my research on heat protectants. I never used one before because I didn't know any better.

What I found was:

-heat protectants work by coating the hair and protecting it during heat styling

-most heat protectants contain dimethicones and other -cones to protect the hair

-a good heat protectant has a low thermal conductivity (it absorbs heat)

-they can serve as protection from UV rays (hmmm?)

-if your hair is wet, heat can cause the water in the hair shaft to boil/steam which can cause the hair shaft to burst

-thermal protectors coat the hair with polymers and provide topical protection

-no amount of product can fully protect your hair from heat

Here is the product that I am going to try:

WISH ME LUCK!!!!

Scalp Experiment: Moisturizing

All winter because of the dry air if I do not moisturize my body properly or if I use a soap that is too strong my skin will start to feel tight, itchy, and a burning sensation all over. So I started to think....what if my scalp goes through the same thing as my skin?

-When my scalp is itchy I barely have flakes if I have any at all. So I assumed I didn't have a dandruff problem.

-I use the same shampoos and conditioners all year long but only itch during the winter season so I assumed it wasn't an allergic reaction to a product I was using.

-I don't do any weird treatments that would send my hair and scalp into a confused frenzy. And I only switch between two products at a time, just like I do in the summer.

So after days of going through process of elimination....my skin and hair started itching at the same time. A went to get the shea better for my skin, I glanced at the spray bottle of aloe vera....EUREKA! My scalp is just dry and when dry, it itches like my skin. Then I scratch like crazy and it gets sore.

To test my theory I have been moisturizing my scalp every other day with aloe vera....it has been working. To see if it was the aloe vera and not just a change in weather, I skipped a moisturizing session and the itching came back. I am convinced my scalp and skin just hate the cold as much as I do. Why oh why couldn't I figure this out about 3 months ago, LOL.

I also assume that the Castor oil wasn't making much of a difference with the itching because I was applying it to dry scalp - there wasn't any moisture to lock in. So now I oil after washing/co-washing and I have also added a midweek co-wash to my winter regimen. Although winter is near the end when as I make my discovery at least I will be ready for the next winter season.

Sources:

Prevent Itchy Scalp in the Winter

Scalp Itching

Soothe a Dry, Itchy Scalp

Curing Dry, Itchy Scalp in Natural Black Hair

Good Guide Product Search

This morning while doing an ingredient search for some products I am curious about I came across Good Guide. This website allows you to search a product (any kind) and obtain information on how safe that product is for use and it's environmental and societal impact. Pretty cool. I am going to start using this regularly when I am considering a product switch.

I searched one of my staple products Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner:

What does Good Guide have to say about your products?

Healthy Hair Care on a Budget

I have noticed a lot of so-called "quality" hair care items can be on the pricey side. So what is a girl on a budget to do? Get creative and put those brain cells to use! Many products can be made right in your own kitchen. I know buying products is more of a convenience...but when you make your own, just make a lot-the amount you would pay for anyway. Additionally, you can make the product just like your hair likes it.

You want a good moisturizing quality shampoo...
Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap, because you have to dilute this soap-it lasts quite a while. Search the web for mixing/dilution options

You need a conditoner for cowashing...
VO5 & Suave are two brands that always affordable, sometimes less than $1

Deep conditioners are only good when then cost a lot....NOT!
Get a cholestoral conditioner (Lustrasilk, LeKair) and add some oil (olive, coconut, jojoba, etc) to it. I like to mix 1 cup of conditioner with almost 1/2 cup of olive oil and some essential oils.

Styling Aids....gotta have 'em
Organic Aloe Vera Gel....make it into a spritz, add it to a pomade, or use it to make a holding gel. The options are only limited by your creativity
Sweet Almond oil...a little goes a long way and gives awesome shine

So there you have it wallet friendly cleansing, conditioning, and styling. All it takes is a little research.

Combating Dry Hair

"Dry hair is hair that does not have enough moisture and oil to maintain its normal sheen and texture."

-Medline Plus

It seems like the biggest and most frustrating problem with hair problem is dryness. I base this assumption off of the fact that I get asked about this topic a lot.

External factors that contribute to dry hair:

• Shampooing too often
• Using a harsh shampoos
• Environmental elements

Internal factors that can contribute to dry hair:

• Nutrient deficiency
• Illness

Some suggested ways to combat dry hair include:

• Shampoo your hair with care-don’t go overboard
• Use a conditioner (deep, leave in, or a rinse out)
• Trim frayed/split/knotted ends
• Use a no heat styling methods
• Protect your hair from the elements (weather)
• Do hot Oil Treatments

Alternative methods:

• Aromatherapy - add a combination of six drops of lavender, bay and sandalwood essential oils with six ounces of warm sesame or soy oils then apply the oil to the hair, wrap in towel for 15 minutes, then rinse
• Food Therapy - Eat lots of food high in omega -3 fatty acids, such as fish. Add flaxseed oil to your diet; approximately two tablespoons a day added to popcorn or potatoes can replenish lost hair and skin oils.
• Mayo - comb the mayonnaise through your damp hair, then wrap your head in a towel, let it penetrate for at least 20 minutes and then shampoo.

I personally prefer to combat dry hair by:

-Moisturizing and Sealing regularly

-Using a conditoner/water mix spritz on my hair

-Wearing hats when the air is dry

-Deep Conditioning Weekly

Treating dry hair was not an overnight process. It took a few weeks of me treating my hair with love. It has been well worth. I showed my hair love and my hair is loving me in return. Patience is a virtue

Home Remedies For Dry Hair

Dry Hair

Dry Hair Remedies

Product Ingredients

Per a suggestion from the Curly Chemist, Dajewel, on Curly Nikki, I went through some of my products that are currently in my house and wrote down the top five ingredients. This was to see what ingredients they have in common and they way those products with commonalities respond to my hair.

The products on this list that I don't like or can live without include:

Mane N Tail Shampoo

Soft & Precious Detangling

Organics Shea Butter Detangling Hair Lotion

The one I love include:

All the oils listed

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat

As for ones not mentioned; I am still shopping around for that "wow" product in that category.

This list will be of great help when I am out shopping around for products. Prior to creating this list I would look for ingredients with water high on the list and no mineral oil or petroleum. Keeping my eye out for those few things did help some I am looking forward to going shopping better armed with knowledge. So when my financial fast ends I will put this to the test :)

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