Cinnamon To Lighten Hair?!

Cinnamon contains naturally occuring peroxide and can lighten hair. I'm not looking to lighten myself as the Henna treatments give me highlights already, but for some of you who might be looking to lift the color a bit  and don't use Henna, this might be an option to dyes.

Top picks for healthy hair growth!

I am definitely pro-supplements and vitamins and they have made a huge difference in the quality and quanity of my hair when I take them.  Check out the list below for benefits of taking the right ones!


Note: Check with your doctor before starting a vitamin and mineral program, especially if you have health concerns, are pregnant or lactating.

Calcium
Essential for healthy hair growth. Dairy, tofu, fish, nuts, brewer's yeast, beans, lentils and sesame seeds. Up to 1,500 mg Too much calcium can inhibit the absorption of zinc and iron. An acid found in chocolate can inhibit calcium absorption.
Chromium
Prevents hair loss. Brewer's yeast, liver, beef and whole wheat bread. Up to 120 mg People who are allergic to yeast should not take chromium supplements. Chromium can help prevent hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, both of which can cause hair loss.
Copper
Helps prevent hair loss as well as defects in hair color and structure. Shellfish, liver, green vegetables, whole grains, eggs, chicken and beans. Up to 3 mg High levels can lead to dry hair, hair loss and sever health problems. Sugar can inhibit copper absorption.
Iodine
 Helps regulate thyroid hormones and prevents dry hair and hair loss. Fish, seaweed, kelp, iodized salt, garlic. 150 mcg None Iodine deficiencies can lead to hypothyroidism or "over active thyroid."
Iron
Prevents anemia and hair loss. Liver, eggs, fish, chicken, whole grains, green vegetables and dried fruits. 15 mg Too much can lead to malfunctions of the liver and spleen. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron.
Magnesium
Works with calcium to promote healthy hair growth. Green vegetables, wheat germ, whole grains, nuts, soy beans, chickpeas and fish. 280 mg None 70% of Magnesium is in our bones.
Manganese
Prevents slow hair growth. Whole grain cereals, eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, beans, peas, fish, meat and chicken. 3-9 mg None One symptom of Manganese deficiency is the reddening of hair.
Potassium
Regulates circulation and promotes healthy hair growth. Avocados, bananas, lima beans, brown rice, dates, figs, dried fruit, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisins, yams and yogurt. 3,500 mg None Works with sodium to control the body's water balance.
Selenium
Keeps skin and scalp supple and elastic. Brewer's yeast, meat, fish, grains, tuna and broccoli. 55 mcg An excess of Selenium can be toxic, leading to the loss of hair, nails and teeth. Selenium works closely with vitamin E.
Silica
Strengthens hair and prevents hair loss. Seafood, rice, soybeans, green vegetables. 300 mg None A cup of Horsetail Tea is an excellent source of Silica.
Sulfur (methyl-sulfonyl-methane or MSM)
Sulfur is a main component to hair's structure. Onions, garlic, eggs, asparagus, meat, fish and dairy products. 1-3 g None A diet with adequate protein also contains adequate sulfur.
Zinc
Prevents hair loss. Spinach, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, whole grains, red meat and brewer's yeast. 12 mg Too much can interfere with iron absorption. Zinc and Vitamin A work together. A deficiency in either can lead to dry hair and oily skin.

This is what is in my current roster:
Alta Health Products - Herbal Organic Silica with Bioflavinoids
Megafood One Daily
GNC Evening Primrose Oil 1300
GNC Fish Oil with GLA 300mg Omega 3's 3xday
GNC Aloe Vera Gel 200:1
Solgar Chelated Zinc
GNC Chewable C 500 with Rosehips

Product Reviews: 2010 Product Haul: Anita Grant

I've been eyeing up Anita Grant's website for some months now and was impressed not only with the layout and extensive product information of the site, but her natural products!  I've particularly wanted to try the Rassoul Clay mask that has gotten such raves.  Things that held me back from ordering were A: They are in London and B: As someone who just started my natural hair journey, there were many products still left to try out right here in the US. 

I came across a review the other day mentioning her products and decided, hey, going in 2010...now is the time to try out some of these yummy products!  They also have available samples and sample boxes to satisfy your product junkie hunger pangs without breaking the bank!  I especially love the herbal section with its in-depth descriptions and recipes!  I can't wait to get my package and I have a feeling I will be shopping there again in 2010.

On the way to me as I type are:

Banana Rhassoul Deep Condish - Decadent & Delicious Spa Hair Mud for Naturally Curly Hair - Mineral rich cubes strengthens & fortifies your lovely tresses & detoxifies your scalp leaving hair light, soft and fluffy. Contains Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Silica, 1000iu of Vitamin E, Unrefined Black Cocoa Butter & natural Soya based Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) which helps to guard scalp & hair from free radical damage. 

 Babassu Amla Shampoo Mini Bars

Babassu Shampoo Bar cleanses your tresses and clarifies your scalp without stripping the natural oil from your hair.  When it comes time for you to rinse the lather from your hair, your curly coily tresses will just gleam with delight. To ensure that you rid your hair and scalp of product residue, build up, silicones & other deposits, simply add a teaspoon of Bicarbonate of Soda to your bubble-action lather when you Babassu shampoo.

 Organic Dark Chocolate & Banana Smoothie Face Mask
A natural antiseptic & anti-oxidant that increases circulation and softens dry skin.  Chocolate, Cacao, Cocoa (aka: Fruit of Gods or Theobroma [name of the tree], cabosse [name of the actual fruit]) is one of the most nourishing food known to man. It contains calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, vitamins A1, B1, B2, C, D, E, phosphorous & chromium.
 

 

Organic Blue Malva Herb - Organic Malva adds sheen and body to your curls.   

 Burdock Root - Burdock root is purported to stimulate hair growth, when used weekly, as a final rinse.

Horsetail Herb  - Horsetail herb is purported to help eliminate dandruff, clear the scalp of build-up, adds strength to your tresses & naturally repair split ends.

Marshmallow Root - Marshmallow is a medicated, conditioning, mucilaginous herb that provides an abundance of 'slip' which helps to nourish and detangle thick naturally curly, wavy & Afro type hair.

Organic Papaya Oil - Loads of Omega 6 & 9 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A & C. Papaya contains natural fruit enzymes called papin.  Papin softens and gently dissolves the 'cement' that holds dead skin cells on the surface.  perfect for herbal infusions because they are cold pressed from either the kernel or the seed of the fruit - therefore retaining their vitamins & minerals.

Natural Coconut Rosewood Dry Oil Spray - Coconut Rosewood Dry Oil Spray is extremely light to the touch and absorbs effortlessly into your skin and hair without leaving an oily residue, you'll be left smelling utterly delicious.  Infuses organic Rose Buds from Persia with organic Rosewood essential oil in a Coconut Oil base to condition your entire body - leaving you feeling silky smooth and soft with a delicate fragrance. Coconut Rosewood Dry Oil Spray may be used to add sheen to dry or slightly damp hair.

Have You Tried? - Atomized Oil?

My hair is very strange with oils.  It mostly hates it, but the lighter, more penetrating ones, i.e., Camellia and Cranberry seem to deliver consistent results.  I sometimes like to finish with a light scrunching of my curls with a teaspoon of one of these light oils once it is completely dry and to add additional shine and softness.  One thing I do hate is putting the oil on my hands! So I put on my thinking cap and remembered this Misto oil atomizer!  Although it is for cooking, it is great to lightly misting your curls with oil at home as well as on the go!  It's on sale at Amazon right now with free shipping. 

Product Review: Steam Scalp Oil

UPDATE!  Nice email from the salon ower and creator of Steam Creams and Oils, Carla!

Hi Tina,

thank you for your review and I'm glad you liked the oils.Right now we are featured on naturallycurly.com I'm glad I found your blog. I love to hear hair journeys.

Carla

Steam Creams and Oils

Since I bought my hair steamer, Sally (LOL!) I've definitely become enthralled with steaming my hair and the results that it gives.  I swear I saw a jump in hair growth in the time I have had it.  Defintiely in softness and fullness.  It definitely increases the effectiveness of any treatments applied to the hair tenfold.  There is a lovely little salon devoted to the art of the steam and the hair oils they use for their scalp massages and treatments are available on-line for at home use.  100% natural, 93% Organic.
The Steam Hair Oil is a nutritious blend of oils that will condition and mend your split ends restoring shine and luster to all hair types.
I purchased the Steam Scalp Oil #1, a nutritious blend of anti oxidants and jojoba oil. Scent #1 is light, flowery and citrusy, meant to enhance self image. I massaged into my scalp and bathed my ends in my trusty camellia oil infused with hibiscus petals.  Steamed for 30 mins and co-washed with EO Restorative Moisture Rich Chamomile & Honey.  The results were soft, wonderful smelling wonderfully defined tresses. 

Ingredients: Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Calophyllum inophyllum (foraha) seed oil, Orbignia speciosa kernel butter, Astrocaryum murumuru butter, Passiflora edulis seed oil, Oriza sativa (rice) bran oil, Euterpe oleracea (acai) pulp oil, Pentaclethra macroloba seed oil, Serenoa serrulata (saw palmetto) extract, Citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, Citrus aurantium var. amara (petitgrain) leaf oil, Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower oil, Salvia officinalis (sage) leaf oil, Backhousia citriodora (lemon myrtle) leaf oil, Cedrus atlantica (cedar) bark oil, Juniperus communis (juniper) berry oil, Vetiveria zizanoides (vetiver) root oil, Rosmarinus officincalis (rosemary) extract

Curl Cloths For Drying Your Hair!

I stopped using regular towels on my head years back and while I had my relaxed tresses, relied on my Aquis microfiber towel for hair drying.  While I was transitioning, I read about using old cotton tees for scrunching/drying and I use them in addition to Curl Cloths.  Curl Cloths™ are fun and functional, styling cloths specifically designed to set curls for optimal spring, shine, and beautiful definition, without the frizz. 

They come two in a pack and are a pleasure to use.

Have You Tried? - Spoolies!!

Unlike conventional hair rollers, which are hard and unforgiving, these tried-and-true hair spools or "Spoolies" are made of soft, pliable plastic so you can leave them in overnight and still get a good night’s sleep. Simply wrap your hair around the center of the spool and fold over the large end to secure. Small spools measure 1" long and create ½" curls. Large spools are approx. 3¼" long. 24 spools per pack.
•No need to remove before going to bed
•Made of soft plastic
•No annoying pins to fuss with
•Available in 2 sizes

I'm thinking to order these in the large size and try them out on a wet or damp hair set and see what happens.  Just something new to maybe add into rotation. Apparently the vintage ones are rubber and the "newer" version is a cheap PVC plastic.  The original rubber ones can be pre-ordered on the spoolies website.