The Benefit of Using Natural Products

There are hundred if not thousand of websites that provide recipes for natural and organic hair care, beauty products and remedies including shampoo, conditioner and hair color, that you can make using essential oils and ingredients found in your own kitchen and garden! If you have read and are not utilizing some of the ideas found in my article on Getting Creative with Homemade Recipes   then you will find that creating your own homemade products are easier than you think. Below I've created a list of ingredients to try when creating your own unique products

*Please use extreme caution when using any products for the first time, natural or not. If you are allergic to any of the listed ingredients then do not use it on your hair/scalp:

Almond Oil - This carrier oil is both nourishing and protective. It is high in linoleic acids, which account for its anti-inflammatory, acne reduction and moisture retention properties. Almond oil is a commonly used ingredient in beauty products as it treats and prevents dry, chapped and irritated skin (scalp). In addition to skin, Almond oil is great for hair. It helps condition, nourish, and soften hair while stimulating hair growth!

Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera improves the skin's ability to hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and encourages skin rejuvenation. Some have raved about its ability to encourage hair stimulation and hair growth! This product also has incredible moisturizing properties!

Avocado/Avocado Oil - This oil is rich in potassium, sulfur, vitamins A,D and E and fatty acids. It is very nourishing for dry hair and scalp as it replenishes oils lost through washing and coats the cuticles. It is especially valuable for those with eczema, dry scalp and other scalp ailments. It leaves the hair feeling smooth and soft.

Banana- The pulp is a great biodegradable moisturizer and lubricant, excellent for dry hair. It is an excellent humecant, locking in moisture and coating the hair shaft, leaving the hair smooth. The pulp is rich in potassium and vitamin A, B, C.

Calendula Oil - Moisturizes and conditions. Very good in soothing scalp and skin conditions like eczema. 

Carrot Seed Oil - This oil is a true powerhouse in the hair growth category! Carrot Seed oil is rich in Vitamins A, B, C, D and E. As you know Vitamin A, B and E are excellent for hair growth as it improve moisture for increased elasticity, conditions hair and stimulates growth.

Chamomille (Roman) Oil - This essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is very calming to the skin. It is both emollient and healing and thus is a wonderful addition to any skin care product!

Clary Sage - Astringent, stimulates  growth, kills bacteria. It is also believed to darken gray hair. 

Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is an amazing carrier oil! This is a great oil for general moisturizing and serves as a protective layer, helping to retain the moisture in your hair. Coconut oil does not clog pores (which can inhibit hair growth--and even kill hair follicles), making it great for the hair. It stimulates hair growth, softens the hair and conditions the scalp. It also can also help eliminate dandruff!

Evening Primrose Oil - Moisturizes and conditions the hair.

Glycerine - Natural emollient, pulls moisture into the hair.

Henna (Lawsonia Inermis) - Henna is believed to help provide stronger, smoother and shinier hair when used regularly. The dye is believed to penetrates the hair shaft, binding with the keratin in the hair while coating the hair, filling in rough spots on a frayed cuticle. This adds a second layer of strength and makes hair stronger. With its ability to smooth over rough cuticles, damage during combing and manipulation is reduced a great deal.

Honey - is a natural wonder full of properties beneficial to the hair. It is a natural humectants - meaning it attracts moisture and holds it in.

Jojoba Oil - The structure of Jojoba oil closely resembles that of your own skin oil (sebum). Jojoba is readily absorbed into the skin, is non-pore clogging and helps balance production of your natural sebum. Jojoba is moisturizing and helps prevent dry scalp. It contains linoleic acid and myristic acid, which account for its anti-inflammatory and moisture retention properties. It adds moisture and gives your hair extra protection, shine and body. It also cleanses and is revitalizing to hair and scalp!

Lavender Oil - This essential oil has multiple properties that make it important for overall general health and well-being. In hair care, Lavender is used as a scalp treatment for itchiness, dandruff, and even lice!

Lemon Oil - Besides having a refreshing and clean aroma, Lemon oil helps balance cell fluids and sebum and increases circulation. In hair care, Lemon oil helps control oily hair and gives golden highlights. It is also helpful in controlling lice.

Neem Oil - Neem oil has amazing healing properties and has long been used in Indian and Ayurvedic medicine. It moisturizes and protects skin. Its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving activity make Neem potentially useful against eczema on the scalp.

Olive Oil - Olive oil has been used for generations in natural soap products. It attracts external moisture to the skin yet allows the skin to "cleanse" and release sweat, sebum and shed dead skin. Olive oil is high in the antioxidants Vitamins A and E providing anti-aging properties and it has disinfectant properties, is moisturizing, soothing and healing. Simply a wonderful and gentle component in skin care!This oil stimulates cell regeneration, increases elasticity and decreases wrinkles. Pomegranate oil is a savior for mature, irritated, and dry, cracked skin!

Rosemary Oil - This is a well-known remedy for improving hair growth.It stimulates growth and has antiseptic properties. Rosemary also increases the circulation to the scalp therefore promoting hair growth and imparting shine to dark hair. Additionally, it helps control oily hair as well as dandruff.

Shea Nut Oil - This oil glides on the hair and scalp smoothly and helps heal and repair dry, damaged hair. It also creates a protective moisture barrier against the dry, harsh elements! (see shea butter for more information on properties).

Sweet Almond Oil - Contains Vitamin E and F, great properties for itchy scalp. It is mild and easily absorbed.

Tea Tree Oil - Tea Tree Oil has so many beneficial properties that it is a must for all medicine cabinets! This oil soothes irritated, inflamed skin and stimulates healing while minimizes scarring. It is a natural antiseptic, antifungal and anti-microbial and treats dandruff.

Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) - As an anti-oxidant, Vitamin E prevents free radical damage from the sun and environment (yes your hair need UV protection too!). It improves moisture and helps soften the hair. Vitamin E also helps maintain the integrity (preventing rancidity) of product formulations.

Play around with different products. Remember what works for one person may not work for you. Have fun!