Onion Oil for Hair Growth - Grow Your Edges

Have you ever asked someone what can you use to grow your edges and they say Castor Oil? While Castor Oil or Jamaican Black Castor Oil are great, they seem to be the main suggestions. If you have (or haven't) tried them and are still experiencing thin edges, you should give Onion Oil a shot. Not only is it great for your edges, but for your general hair growth as well!
*Keep in mind that you need to drop all of the unhealthy hair habits that caused the thin edges in the first place to see any results. Check out my last post on edges for details.

Let's get into it.

Onions are rich in sulfur and quercetin. Sulfur has antibacterial and anti-fungal  properties which is

5 Reasons Why I Don't Like Raw Mango Butter

I have always wanted to try Mango Butter and finally got my hands on some back in September.
Now, one of the reasons why I never purchased it was because the only store I saw it at, charged a grip for a container. It was like $15 dollars compared to the $7 or $8 I would pay for Shea-butter.
But I ended up finding it on 125th Street in Harlem for $10 and I was so happy to finally try it out.

Before I get into why I don't like it, let me show you the reasons why THEY say you should use Mango Butter.

Click to enlarge

Benefits of Rose Oil for Hair

A while back, I purchased some rose oil (from a local Moroccan store) and have been adding a few drops in water or my AVJ mix for moisture and fragrance.  I would typically spray that water on my hair before sealing it in with oil or my shea-butter mix.

If you’re interested in the benefits of Rose Oil for hair, then keep on reading.

Mustard Oil for Hair Growth

Whenever I go back home to visit my Parents/family,  I always stop by some near-by Moroccan and Indian stores to purchase my hair oils, ayurvedic powders or shea-butter. I didn't really need to re-stock on anything this time around, but felt like trying something new.

The first thing that stood out to me was Mustard Oil. I vaguely recalled reading about how it can stimulate hair growth, so I checked out a few articles online while at the store then decided to give it a try.

Before I get into the benefits of Mustard Oil..let me tell y'all something. This oil STINKS to high heavens! As soon as I opened the bottle, I almost gagged. I had my Mother smell it and she told me to only use it before I wash my hair so I don't walk around smelling all funky, yet she asked for some to add to her oil mix..lol. But when she added it to her oil mix, the essential oils in it cancelled out the Mustard Oil smell, so I knew I would be okay.

Anyway..here are the benefits of Mustard Oil

My Sulfur Oil Mix- Updated

Sulfur is a nutritional supplement found in great quantities in the human body. Often sulfur is referred to as the beauty mineral due to it's ability to increase growth in hair, nails and skin. Sulfur also is known for it's ability to improve circulation and decrease inflammation. With hair loss, sulfur can influence the amount of hair you are losing.

I purchased Sublimed Sulfur Powder in 2010 because I read how sulfur can help with hair growth. I haven't received accelerated hair growth from my Sulfur mix, but I NEVER have dandruff, itchy scalp or any scalp issues in general anymore. So I assume it's doing something right. Before I started using my mix, I would apply Sulfur 8 hair grease almost 3 times a week which worked really well.  I stopped using it because I prefer not to apply petrolatum to my scalp.

ETA: I switched up my mix because I now have different oils in my arsenal. Although I have not received accelerated growth in the past, I am hoping this new mix will give me that extra push. As most of you know, I am transitioning. My goal is to transition for 2 years, but if my natural hair can fit into a ponytail before then, I will chop sooner. Hence the use of the sulfur mix. I apply to my scalp 3-4 times weekly and about twice a week, I baggy after applying the mix. 

 

If anyone is interested in my mix, see below for the "ingredients"

 My Current Mix
1/2 Teaspoon of Sublime Sulfur Powder
4 oz of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 oz of Unrefined Coconut Oil
2 Drops of Tea Tree Oil
2 Drops of  Eucalyptus Oil
3 Drops of Rosemary Oil

My Essential Oils and Their Benefits

I use 3 different essential oils in my Shea-Butter, Sulfur and Aloe-Vera-Juice mix. Below you will see the benefits of each oil and why I use them.

 One thing I can tell you about these, is that they last forever. Two or three drops are all you need!

If you are pregnant, please consult with your Doctor before using any Essential Oil!!!

Tea Tree Oil 

I originally purchased this oil for skin issues I had. My elbow had this horrible rash and Tea Tree Oil was the only thing that made it go away. 

Once that was taken care of, I had plenty left over for hair care. 

I don't like the smell of it, at all, but because of it's strong antibacterial properties I thought it was perfect for mixes. When using this is my AVJ mix, I get a very slight tingle on my scalp that I love. 

"Tea tree oil is a proven anti-fungal and will gently kill off harmful bacteria and leave your scalp dandruff free after just a few uses. Tea tree oil is a natural alternative to the strong chemical formulas found in dandruff shampoos and products."source 

You can also read more about it on here

Rosemary Oil

Vitamin E Oil and Sun Protection

I use Vitamin E oil (that has some Coconut Oil in it) as a skin moisturizer. I originally wanted to get rid of dark spots without the use of chemicals and so far it has been working. I have been using it for at least 4 months now and my skin is more smooth and the dark spots are gradually fading. I ALWAYS have to blot my skin after applying it to remove any excess oils.
(even though my skin looks super oily in pics..it really is just the flash..lol.. Notice how my camera phone pics don't have the same effect)

Because I use an oil as a moisturizer, I don't want to apply anything else to my face afterwards. I know that UV protection is necessary, so I was doing a little research to see if Vitamin E contained some which is does.

During my research, I came across many studies but the below was easiest to understand:


A scientific review done by researchers at Boston University Medical Center examined the basic mechanisms of how vitamin E works on the skin. They concluded that vitamin E used topically and consumed orally can help protect the skin from tumors and act as a barrier against sun damage. (Thiele JJ, Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S. Mol Aspects Med. 2007 Oct-Dec;28(5-6):646-67.) 

source

There are also other oils that have Sun Protection, see below.

These will work for those with dark or brown skin.

 Not only is sun protection needed for skin, but it's also good for hair!

source

7 Ways to Use Up Your Oils

Do you have way too many "hair" oils and need to use some up? Here are a few ways you can do so:


1.) Hot Oil Treatment- Warm up the oil on the stove or in microwave, make sure it's not burning hot, then saturate your hair with the Oil. Keep it in for as long as you would like, rinse off and shampoo

2.) Mixed in your Conditioner- Ran out of a "Deep Conditioner" and have no time to go to the store? Pump up your regular conditioner with a table spoon or so of some oil, apply to hair and you now have a great Deep Conditioner

3.) Oil Rinse- Shampoo or Co-wash
Apply Oil of your choice (can be warmed up) all throughout your hair- Leave in for like 3-5 minutes
Rinse with WARM water
Condition Hair
(if needed.. de-tangle, watch how the comb just glides through your hair)
Rinse Conditioner with COOL water
Proceed as normal(towel dry, apply leave-ins, so forth)

4.) Sealing in Moisture- After moisturizing hair, you can use an oil of your choice to seal in the moisture

5.) Scalp Massages- Oil your scalp and get to massaging for at least 5 minutes

6.) Skin Moisturizers- When getting out of the shower, while your body is still damp, apply some oil to your skin

7.) Make Up Remover- If you have super dry skin, oil is a good option to remove your make-up. Dab a little oil on a cotton ball and gently wipe off make up on lids, face, brows and lips. Massage the oil in to loosen dirt and make-up.  Follow-up by washing your face with your normal cleanser.

Safflower Oil for Hair

I purchased Safflower Oil back in December to replace my Hemp Seed Oil. Hemp Seed Oil was a staple in my regimen, ( I mixed it in my DC) but I didn't like the fact that it wasn't easy for me to find and I had to keep it refrigerated. I remembered that Safflower Oil is very rich in ceramides (78%), so I figured it wouldn't hurt...and it didn't. Safflower Oil makes my hair soo soft and it's definitely a keeper! I now use this oil to seal(about 1-2 times a week because I no longer need to seal daily) and I use it when I D.C.  

This 32 oz bottle only cost me about $5.00. :-D

Here are some of the benefits:

Safflower oil is highly rich in polyunsaturated fats, containing 77% linoleic acid (omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)), 10% saturated fats, and 13% oleic acid (omega-9s - monosaturates). It also comprises high levels of vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol and phytosterols, and so helps in preventing and treating EFA deficiencies in the body. Safflower oil for hair growth contains high amounts of oleic acid, which is light in texture and penetrates the skin easily. This protects, nourishes, hydrates and firms the hair. Being extremely rich in essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is highly beneficial for dry, color treated or perm hair. When applied to the scalp, it acts as a vasodilator which can dilate the blood vessels, resulting in more nutrients supply to the hair follicles through blood circulation, and a healthy environment for hair regrowth.

Source




Benefits of Almond Oil for Hair

I saw a post on the LHCF about Dr. Oz's hair secrets from India.

The secrets were to give yourself scalp massages with natural oils.

Vigoriously massage scalp to increase circulation. Leave on for 30 minutes or sleep with them overnight.

Neem Oil = Dry Itchy scalp, cradle cap and/or dandruff. Natural antibacteria.

Coconut oil = Overprocessed hair.

Almond Oil = For thinning hair.

• Many said that Neem Oil smells like a dead animal and I refuse to use something that smells so bad in the name of hair care. Although I was very tempted to purchase it at the Indian Grocery store I visit.
• I already have Coconut Oil.
• So, I decided to give Almond Oil a try. I purchased Almond Oil(not Sweet Almond Oil) from an Indian Grocery store near my parents house, for $5.00 (7oz)

Almond oil is extracted from two types of almonds i.e. sweet almonds and bitter almonds. It is used for various purposes to improve health and beauty. Almond oil has high contents of vitamin E, B, dietary fiber, essential minerals and monounsaturated fats.

Almond oil is great hair tonic. It prevents and stops hair loss. It facilitates the growth of hair and prevents premature greying. Massaging the hair with almond oil makes them thicker, stronger and healthier.

It strengthens the hair follicles by absorbing deep into the scalp. Almond oil is especially recommended for women during their post natal period to control hair loss and for healthy growth of hair. Almond oil is an effective treatment to cure dandruff.

source

*Right now I am mixing the coconut, almond and grapeseed oil together to create my ultimate oil mix! I apply to my scalp twice a week and on my strands daily to seal.  So far, so good. I have 4 weeks to go hard on my hair care..so like I said..I AM DOING THE MOST!

Weekend Haul

So I purchased a few things through-out the weekend which I decided to share with you all.

First Stop- Walmart

Multi Vitamins- $ 4.75 (or around that price)

Castor Oil 6 oz- $2.69

Now we all know how multi-vitamins are good for overall health, so no need to explain that.

I use Castor Oil in my pre-poo treatments and in my Sulfur Mix. I'm running low on it

Second Stop- Local Dollar Store

Satin Scarfs- $1.00 Each

These will be cute headbands!!

Hair Clips- $1.00

Ya'll know how I like to clip the left side of my hair back when I do braid-outs and bantu-knot outs. These are some cute clips to use for that purpose

Satin Scrunchies- $1.00

These will be used to secure my bantu-knots and also for my buns. My hair is finally thick/long enough, that when I do a bun...you cant see the holder. 

5 Reasons Why I LOVE Grapeseed Oil

I used Grapeseed oil in the past  for some of my oil mixtures and to seal,  but I got a little oil crazy and started buying all types of oils completely forgetting all about it.
Then I started seeing other bloggers raving about this oil and my sister who started using this a while back really liked it. So, I told myself as soon as I finish using my other oils, I will buy some more Grapeseed Oil.
Boy am I glad I did!

Now on to why I love Grapeseed Oil:

1.) Very lightweight- Chances of this weighing down your hair is slim to none unless you're extremely heavy handed. This oil is almost as light as Jojoba Oil!

2.) I can find this at Stop &Shop- Any oil I can find in my grocery store is a keeper for me! Especially if it's at a low cost. I purchased the above bottle for $4.79(8.45 oz)

3.) It's a natural heat protectant- Grapeseed oil can withstand temperatures up to 420 °F

4.) It's an Oil that contains Ceramide- Ceramides are great for hair, but most importantly chemically treated hair.
 Ceramides perform a “barrier function” and help reduce the hair’s overall porosity. Ceramides bind to the hair fiber in damaged, vulnerable areas to help prevent natural moisture and protein loss that occurs when we manipulate our hair. read more here about ceramides

5.) It is said to Promote hair Growth-Any product that I purchase that has a whole bunch of benefits and is ALSO said to promote hair growth...I love. . Even if it doesn't give me accelerated hair growth...just the fact that I read it could (or does) gives me some kind of hope. LOL
Studies have shown that antioxidants present in grape seeds promote proliferation of hair follicle cells and that it may be used to induce hair growth.

Essential Oils that COULD Aid in Hair Growth

Just thought I would pass this on. The Source is at the bottom of the post.

List of Essential Oils for Hair Growth


Here is a list of different oils that contribute towards hair growth.

Rosemary: Rosemary oil is not only good for hair growth, but also for soothing itchy skin. It increases the blood circulation to the scalp which encourages hair growth and at the same time, helps in fighting dandruff. However, rosemary oil is usually not recommended for pregnant women as well as for people who are suffering from hypertension.

Lavender: Apart from being an anti-bacterial agent, Lavender oil happens to possess several regenerative properties which make it ideal for treating skin and scalp problems such as dandruff, itchiness and hair loss. When used in combination with other essential oils, it is said to produce remarkable results with respect to hair growth. 

Basil: This is another essential oil for hair treatment and hair growth. It is especially useful for people having oily hair and when used in conjunction with fenugreek, it improves the blood circulation to the hair tissue, which promotes hair growth.

Tea Tree Oil: Thanks to its antiseptic and anti-viral properties, tea tree oil is widely used for treating a number of problems such as flu, warts, cuts and bruises, as well as for treating skin and scalp problems. It is very effective in treating dandruff and when used in conjunction with jojoba oil or any other carrier oil, it makes for an effective hair loss solution.

In addition to the above-mentioned oils, there are a number of other essential and herbal oils which are beneficial for hair growth.

cedarwood
peppermint
chamomile
clary sage
lemon
thyme
burdock
grapefruit
bay
carrot root
olive
arnica

These were some essential oils for hair growth and hair loss prevention. Most of them need to be mixed with a carrier oil (such as almond, sesame, jojoba and MANY others) before they can be used. Though all of these essential oils have numerous medicinal benefits, some of them can at times, have certain side-effects. Therefore, it is always advisable that you consult an experienced trichologist before you begin using them.

Source

Too Lazy for Hot Oil Treatments? Try Oil Rinsing!

Oil rinsing has somewhat the same concept as Hot Oil Treatments, but saves a little more time. It could be done in numerous different way's, but I find the most effective is the below.

Shampoo or Co-wash
Apply Oil of your choice (can be warmed up) all throughout your hair- Leave in for like 3-5 minutes
Rinse with WARM water
Condition Hair
(if needed.. de-tangle, watch how the comb just glides through your hair)
Rinse Conditioner with COOL water
Proceed as normal(towel dry, apply leave-ins, so forth)

This is a great way to use up any oils you don't use and it really really really conditions your hair.

Afraid of Oily hair?- Ease up on the amount of oil you use!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I ran out of Coconut Oil, so for a replacement I got some Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  My hair would get a little hard this winter(I live in New England) after applying Coconut Oil(I believe it's because it solidifies at low temps), so I thought EVOO was a good replacement.  
I originally wanted to purchase Avocado Oil, but that cost about $15.00 for 8 oz and the EVOO was a lot less expensive($6.00 for 16 oz @ Stop and Shop).


Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

• Is extracted without heat and chemical processing, which is why it has a high level of nutrients
• Is Rich in high levels of fatty acids and Vitamin E which is great for hair moisturizing
• Makes hair shiny and soft
• Is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are water soluble substances, which are usually found in the waste water, after olive processing. These polyphenols have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, due to which Olive Oil for the hair acts wonders.
• DOES penetrate the hair shaft, which makes it an exceptional oil because of the extra conditioning benefits

How I use it:

• Prepoo and/or Hot Oil Treatment
• Sealant- after moisturizing
• Leave-in Conditioner- After using a creamy leave-in
• to oil my Scalp

Also Great for:
Eye Make-Up Remover
to help Smooth Cuticles
Obviously to cook with
Great to use when Cleaning Make-up Brushes(helps restore softness)
Skin Moisturizer
Softens chapped lips

Benefits of Avocado Oil for Hair

Once I finish up my Coconut Oil, the next oil I will purchase is Avocado Oil. I heard many great things about this oil and when I was going grocery shopping the other day, I was so tempted to purchase it. Like many other oils, there are a number of vitamins and nutrients found in Avocado Oil that can aid in hair related issues. I will use this oil as a sealant and if I decide to do any hot oil treatments.






Here are some of the benefits of Avocado Oil:

Rich in nutrients, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, this nutritional oil is excellent for enhancing hair health. It supplies vitamins A, B, D, and E to nourish both hair follicles and the scalp. Vitamin E also acts as a protective antioxidant. It has natural humectant properties, adding and locking in moisture. The monounsaturated fatty acids will give hair a glossy shine and silky texture. The amino acids will promote the growth of new hair cells.


Anyone will benefit from an avocado oil hair treatment, but it is particularly useful for damaged, chemical-treated hair. Dry, brittle locks are a sign of a nutrient-deprived hair. Avocado oil is a simple, natural, and inexpensive solution to replenish hair with the nourishment it needs to recover and thrive. Frizzy hair also benefits from avocado oil, as it will relax chaotic strands.

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/health/alternative-medicine/articles/70325.aspx#ixzz180BS1eCI

My New Growth/Scalp Mix

I am now 10 weeks post relaxer and this is the point when my new growth really starts to come in.
To avoid any type of breakage, I have to make sure I keep my new-growth very moisturized along with the rest of my hair, but I pay extra attention to my demarcation line.

For the last 2.5 months, I have been using an Aloe Vera Mix which was originally made as a "growth aid", but now it's a perfect solution to keep my new growth moisturized as well. I use this mix at least once a day, usually in the morning and I would just finger part my hair and spray. This will definitely be a staple in my regimen.

I put my mix in a 4 oz spray bottle to avoid any type of dripping when sprayed on my scalp/new growth and it consists of:

Up to Pink Line: Castor Oil
Up to Black Line: 99.9% Aloe Vera Juice
Above Black Line: 8 drops of Rosemary Oil  and 10 Drops of Eucalyptus Oil (if pregnant please consult with a physician before using any type of essential oil)

I shake before every use.

I haven't written about castor oil, so see below for a little bit of the benefits. For the Aloe Vera, Eucalyptus and Rosemary Oil benefits, feel free to click on the links I placed above.

Castor Oil prevents hair loss and regenerates hair

The anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal properties of Ricinoleic Acid in castor oil protects the scalp and hair from infections which can cause hair loss. The Omega-9 fatty acids in castor oil also nourish the hair and prevent the scalp from drying.

Rubbing castor oil on your scalp and the roots of your hair will regenerate new hair growth within months. This will also thicken thinning hair

http://skinverse.com/castor-oils-many-uses-for-beautiful-skin-and-hair.html

Eucalyptus Oil to the Rescue

So I'm back and ready to blog!
My trip was fun/good...unfortunately, I got really sick the first 2 days. I had a really bad cold, migraines, stomach pains and a light fever! Not Fun. I felt like death. After the first day, my migraine and stomach pains went away. And after the 2nd day, my cold was almost completely gone. Talk about fast!
I don't take medicine, I don't believe in it, I only take medicine if I absolutely need to. And being in another country, on a vacation, I felt like I absolutely needed to get over being sick. I took one spoonful of cough medicine, I forget the name. But I don't think that did much for me at all!

What I do think that helped, was the Eucalyptus Oil.
Go figure!

So here's the deal.
I use Eucalyptus Oil in 2 things.
My Toner
My Aloe Vera Juice Mix

My Toner Mix is:
Witch Hazel
Rose Water (read up on this, its great for the skin)
a few Drops of Eucalyptus Oil (helps with acne)

My Aloe Vera Juice Mix is:
Rose Water 9very moisturizing for hair)
Aloe Vera Juice
Coconut Oil
Castor Oil
Eucalyptus Oil (this is my preservative to not have me refrigerate, it also stimulates hair growth and helps with dandruff)

I use both my toner and Aloe Vera Juice Mix twice a day.

One of the main reasons why I use  Eucalyptus Oil  in my toner is because I heard its good for pimples/acne/breakouts.Because it's an essential oil and can't be used alone, I was like heey why not use this in my toner. So, I did and it has been working wonderfully.
My face, mostly my jawline..broke out like crazy and I needed to fix it fast. I think the cause of the break-out was the growth aid I was using, so I stopped using it.

Anyways,  right after I used the toner, I felt like I could breath so much better and shortly after my cold was almost gone! My headache also went away really fast!
Read up on Eucalyptus Oil and figured using it on my face may be the reason why I got better so quick.


Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil

Respiratory Problems: Eucalyptus essential oil is effective for treating a number of respiratory problems including cold, cough, running nose, sore throat, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis and sinusitis. Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti inflammatory and decongestant in nature which makes it a good ingredient for many medicines for treating respiratory problems. A study published in Laryngoscope in 2004 shows its usefulness in treating non-bacterial sinusitis. Patients suffering from non-bacterial sinusitis showed faster improvement when given medicines containing eucalyptus oil. Gargles of eucalyptus oil mixed with warm water are effective on treating sore throat.


Wounds: Eucalyptus essential oil is a good antiseptic owing to its germicidal properties. On its exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a well-known antiseptic. Hence eucalyptus oil is used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores. It is also effective on insect bites and stings.

Roots Only Applicator Bottle

With all of this new-growth, the only way I can oil my scalp without too much manipulation is with the Roots Only Applicator Bottle. I could use a regular applicator bottle, but this covers more area in a short period of time. This was orignally made for a dye touch-up of the roots, hence the name "Roots Only"

I just put my oil(s) in the bottle and do exactly what the lady in the picture below is doing all over my head. I only have to squeeze a little and my whole scalp is lightly oiled. It now takes me about 3 minutes to oil my whole scalp.

These can be found at Walmart(I got mine there for about $3.50 I think back in April) or on Rootsonly.com

Natural Hair Product Recipes

Check out this link for all natural hair product recipes.

I purchased my oils from The Vitamin Shoppe and http://www.swansonvitamins.com/ (link updated to show different oils)