Showing posts with label Cedarwood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cedarwood. Show all posts

Scalp Stimulating Deep Conditioner



















Many men and women face the unfortunate problem of thinning hair. Hair loss has many causes including aging, stress, illness, genetics, pregnancy, and menopause. The majority of shampoos and hair products out there contain synthetic materials which can also contribute to thinning hair.


For those with thinning hair, or those who generally want healthier hair, below is a list of ingredients to avoid if possible:

  • Propylene Glycol - May cause dry skin and skin irritation.
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Laureth Sulfate - Cleansing/foaming agent that may corrode hair follicles.
  • Oleyl betaine - May cause dry hair and scalp.
  • Mineral oils - Clog pores and may inhibit healthy hair follicle health.

It may come as surprise to those of you who know me, but I have thinning hair. You wouldn't think so by looking at me, because thankfully I have fairly thick hair,  So far it is not very noticeable. But seriously, I lose ...SO... much hair!!! I'm pretty sure it is due to genetics in my case, but it bothers me, so I decided to try to fix my problem with an at home scalp stimulating deep conditioner. I was hesitant at first, because rubbing oil directly onto my scalp sounded like a greasy mess. I'm so glad I tried it though, because the results were amazing! My hair was not greasy at all. In fact, my hair actually had significantly more body at the root. I could see the difference after only one treatment. The shaft of my hair was so smooth and revitalized.

Below you will see a before and after picture of my hair. Both pictures were taken first thing in the morning with no product in my hair. I washed my hair at night and put my hair up in a bun, so both pictures show my hair completely natural and air dried. Don't judge me!. Pictured on the left is obviously my hair before the treatment, and pictured on the right is my hair after the treatment. My hair looked and felt so much better! Who knew homemade hair products could work so well?!













Ingredients:
  • 6 ounces Coconut Oil
  • 3 ounces Jojoba Oil


Essential Oils:
  • 9 drops Clary Sage
  • 6 drops White Fir
  • 3 drops Rosemary
  • 3 drops Cedarwood
(I only use therapeutic grade essential oils that are safe for consumption.
For more information on how to purchase these oils, please feel free to contact me.)


Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients and blend in a blender or a food processor until well combined.

Store away from the light in an airtight container.

I like to apply the conditioner once a week on dry hair, before getting into the shower. I start by massaging small amounts of the product into my scalp. Once I feel like my scalp is saturated I apply the product very gently to the shaft of my hair. I then put my hair into a high bun and let is sit for a minimum of thirty minutes. Once I'm ready, I get into the shower and shampoo and condition my hair like usual.

There you have it! An easy and effective homemade conditioning treatment for pennies on the dollar!

Nerdy Extras:
Coconut Oil is an excellent conditioner for the hair and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It is made up of saturated fats, vitamin E, vitamin K, and Iron. It also softens the hair and conditions the scalp.

Jojoba Oil loosens and removes hardened build up on the scalp. Many scalp related problems, including hair loss, are caused by a hardened build up of sebum on the scalp which clogs hair follicles and creates scaling. If the build up is not removed, it can eventually interfere with the hair follicles ability to function properly. This is why jojoba oil makes such a fantastic base for do it yourself hair treatments; it cleans the hair follicles and allows the hair to function normally. Additionally, jojoba oil won't make your hair greasy if you have oily hair, as it naturally regulates the amount of sweat your hair follicles are emitting. Many people assume because they have an oily scalp they don't need to condition it. This is not the case, and the reason why many people with oily hair have flaky scalps. Jojoba oil also is an excellent moisturizer for dry hair. It really is great for all hair types.

Clary Sage is a very interesting essential oil with many uses. In this case, it strengthens hair follicles, which significantly reduces the amount of hair loss.

White Fir Essential Oil is said to have natural cortisone-like effects that often stimulate hair regrowth.

Rosemary Essential Oil stimulates the hair follicle; which as a result enables the hair to grow longer and stronger. It has been known to help treat and prevent dandruff and flaky scalps.

Cedarwood Essential Oil reduces dryness and hair loss by promoting healthy hair.

FDA Disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease."



Homemade Puppy Shampoo





















Happy National Dog Day! I recently got a Boston Terrier puppy. Her name is Lucy. She is so sweet and makes my life so much more joyful (potty training aside, haha). It's crazy how one tiny little puppy can literally transform the mood in my home for the better. After making the move out to the gorgeous Sonoran Desert, things got a little complicated. Everyone in my home was homesick in just about every way. Then little Ms. Lucy came along and turned things around. She has been a total Godsend. I had been wanting to test out my essential oils and homemade products on pets, so I thought making a DIY puppy shampoo would be the perfect way to jump start my new interest.

The shampoo worked so much better than I expected!
Her coat was so soft and shiny and she smelled great! 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin E (or approximately 5 capsules)


Essential Oils:
  • 3 drops Peppermint
  • 2 drops Lavender
  • 2 drops Cleansing Blend
  • 1 drop Cedarwood
(You could potentially omit the essential oils.
Although, in my opinion, it is what makes this recipe so amazing.
I only use therapeutic grade essential oils that are safe for consumption.
For more information on how to purchase these oils, please feel free to contact me.)


Instructions:
Add the oatmeal to a blender and mix until it becomes a powder consistency.

Heat the water up until it is very warm. Add the hot water to the oat powder inside the blender. Mix until well combined. Let it sit for a few minutes, until it thickens.

Add castile soap, apple cider vinegar, and vitamin E to the blender. Mix until combined.

Put the essential oils in the mix, again, blending until combined.

Pour finished shampoo into a glass jar to store.

Apply a quarter sized drop over dog and massage into coat, leaving on your pup for as long as they will tolerate it, or about five minutes. Be sure to rinse well.

Nerdy Extras:
Oatmeal is great for your dogs coat. It has many vitamins and minerals that helps their skin heal faster. It can help soothe skin irritations and itchiness, making it an excellent choice for dogs battling hot spots, eczema, and psoriasis. Living in the desert, the humidity is generally pretty low, so dogs around here can get pretty dry and flaky. Oatmeal helps battle that by moisturizing, cleansing, and softening your dogs coat.

Castile Soap has so many uses, but as a dog shampoo it helps to remove dirt, oil, and even pests. It is very gentle on sensitive skin and great for dogs who have itching issues.

Apple Cider Vinegar helps to clean your dogs coat/skin. Bonus - It is also a natural flea repellent!

Vitamin E can help support the skin of your dog by reducing flakiness. It also promotes a healthy, glossy looking coat.

Peppermint Essential Oil is excellent at repelling insects and supporting healthy circulation.

Lavender Essential Oil is a very safe and gentle oil to use on your dog. Our veterinarian even diffuses it in her office for the dogs in there.

Cleansing Blend Essential Oil Blend is great at neutralizing odors and soothing skin irritations.

Cedarwood Essential Oil is a natural antiseptic and flea repellent. It helps with circulation and is a powerful coat conditioner. 

FDA Disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease."