Hair Loss in Men & Women

"Sometimes hair loss can be genetic or it can occur from a stress, sudden shock, physical injury, psoriasis, seborrhea, syphilis, a variety of drugs (such as; anesthesia, beta-blockers, cortisone, x-rays and radiation and ulcer medications), anemia, excessive dryness, fungus (ringworm), parasites, chemical and heavy metal exposure (copper is common), hormonal imbalances, systematic illness, diabetes, liver, kidney disease, thyroid deficiency, nutritional deficiencies including anorexia and excessive or sudden weight loss."-Beauty by Nature 2006) Bridgette Mars

Women go through a period of hair loss after around three months after giving birth and after coming off of birth control pills, which causes excessive estrogen, which in turn- contributes to hair loss. However, the affect usually reverse after a six months period.

For men, hair loss usually follows the maternal rather than the paternal side and hair often recedes at the front of the scalp, the temples and crown on either side or spreads out from the top. A major cause of balding in men has much to do with excess production of the hormones androgen and testosterone. Both of these hormones can cause your hair follicle to shrink. However, even though genes play a part you can slow or minimize the loss of hair.

*Sudden hair loss can be a sign of serious health changes and should be discussed with a competent health professional.

Some ways to help diminish hair loss:

• Jojoba oil helps to replenish the natural oils in the scalp. look for and use jojoba based products
• Wear your hair loose to avoid pulling of the scalp
• Including raw black sesame seeds, sea vegetables and cooked black beans and kidney beams.
• Include silicone-rich foods, such as kelp and onion to your diet
• eat the skin of organic cucumber and red peppers, which is high in silica
• Including oats, onions, nuts, buckwheat, barley, nutritional yeast, almonds and seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower.
• Drink fresh vegetable juices made with beet, carrot, nettle, spinach with a bit of onion
• Avoid fried foods and refined sugars
• Minimize your intake of alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and refined carbohydrates
• Supplements that may be deemed helpful hair loss are Omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, the B-complex  vitamin and zinc  Beauty by Nature 2006) Bridgette Mars

Recipes!

Hair loss Tonic 

Apply to the scalp and leave on

1 cup water

1 cup aloe vera juice

15 drops clary sage essential oil

1 drops rosemary essential oil

*Essentials may be bought at health food stores

Combine all the ingredients and store in a tightly sealed jar

Nettle Hair Loss

Apply the mixture nightly to the scalp before bed to prevent hair loss. After massaging, brush the hair or use as a final rinse without rinsing it out.

1 quart vodka or apple cider vinegar

2cups fresh nettle, washed and chopped

1/2 cup rosemary

1/2 cup sage leaf

Combine all the ingredients in a large glass jar. Cover and allow to stand for 2 weeks, shaking the mixture daily. Store unused portion in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Herbs!

Mix a blend of the herbs of your choice and drink a quart of this tea daily. This will help to improve hair growth and diminish hair loss:

·         Aloe

·         Basil

·         Burdock

·         Eclipta

·         Honey

·         Nettle

·         Parsley

·         Rosemary,

·         sage and yarrow.

No more squeeky clean- Choosing a green shampoo

The scalp is the most absorbent part of our body. We eagerly wash, moisturize, condition, straighten, add volume and shine to our hair, which is why choosing genuinely green hair care should certainly be at the top of your priority list. However, beware of the word "organic" on the label of mainstream products, more often than not we see an  ingredient like, aloe-vera on the label that only (believe it or not) accounts for 1 percent of the product. Reading labels is so important and what we all can start learning is in-deed; the bulk of the shampoo is what truly matters for the health of our hair. The quality of detergents and amount of emollients (oils) both have to be derived without the use of toxic chemicals process.

While we love the idea of an  all-natural shampoo containing herbs, oils and botanical ingredients. Mainstream "herbal" shampoos just can't do that for us. Many mainstream shampoo products found in Wal-mart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Wal-greens and many others, exaggerate about the claims to be a natural product. They contain harsh detergents, preservatives and petroleum derived silicones. The very nature of detergent itself interferes with the scalps natural barrier function and makes it even easier for chemicals to penetrate the scalp... We all know what is underneath our scalp don't we?

If you’re looking at the ingredient list most often you'll find sodium laureth sulfate and its milder companion, laureth sulfate. Both have actually been questioned as cancer-causing ingredients although the cosmetic industry has declared them 'safe" for use. One of the greenest available cleansing agents is laurly glucoside which is a soapy blend of coconut oil, corn starch and sugar, but isn't frequently used because of its higher price.

So what should you be using?
While humectants and emollients in shampoos are a nice touch, they make very little difference because they are simply washed off too quickly. Still, vegetable glycerin, aloe extract, jojoba oil, honey and lecithin make shampoo nourishing as they fill in the pores of the hair shaft and keep the hair surface smooth and soothe and moisturize the scalp. Many organic brands offer concentrated shampoos with little added water which makes it very economical; this eliminates the need for strong preservatives. Grapefruit seed oil, wheat germ oil vitamin A, C, E and benzoin extract act as natural preservatives in these shampoos.

How often should you wash?
 It depends on the state of your hair, if your hair is fine and dry, daily shampooing even with the mildest product can increase dryness. If you you spend a lot of time in the sun or wear a lot of styling products shampooing everyday-to-every other day is recommended. By taking a look at the condition of your hair you should act accordingly. However, be aware of frequent amount of washes, which, can make your hair brittle dry and prone to split ends; especially with hard water.

Woman of color should shampoo once a week since it is much harder to retain the little oils our scalp produces in our scalp due to the kinks and coils of our hair texture. If you work out often or simply just presepire a lot in in your scalp 2 times a week is recommended.


Next post: A list of green shampoos and non-green shampoos that may help in retaining moisture and your scalp natural oils

Nu'Khara: A Birthday story

My product is made from courage, from smiles, from laughter, from late nights, from fright, from mistakes, from survival, from struggles, from life, from heart. My products are made from me... Ever before realizing Nu’Khara, it remained an unlocked thought in my cranium unacknowledged. I was pregnant with child with a pantry full of products that all seemed too risky; to not only the health of the life inside me, but to mine as well. I thought, if prescribed medicine is now dangerous because of pregnancy, hasn’t it always had a negative effect somehow? And if so, how safe will Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate be on my skin? Assuming you all know that 60% products is absorbed into your skin and into your blood stream.

Keri Lotion, that’s where the key was slowly rotated. I still remember my mom giving me the lecture about the type of products I was using on my skin and hair and the effects it would have on my health. Of course, I threw her notion away, to me she was on a different planet (a much cleaner one) and I was still on the planet they call naive and without conscience. Oblivious to the world and what I thought a company’s word meant to me. I bought in. They all said the same thing; it was generic, it was “innocent” and it was being used by many. Eventually I grew tired of getting the same results-which was nothing, I was tired of paying for something that only lasted 1-2 weeks (that did not do anything special), I was tired of someone else deciding what was supposed to be good for my skin-without explain how it’ll benefit me. 

I read and read and read. My eyes and brain were in sync with the words and the warm saliva on the tip my fingers, told the pages, which told my heart I had fallen in love with how I will contribute to lives of my family and to the many people around the world. The obsession with Nu’Khara was born on June 3^rd 2011. I emptied out my pantry and decided to make a plan on how I was going to change my life. With a new set of rules, choices, responsibilities, opinions and attitude… I have. In the summer of June 2012 Nu’Khara was born into a lover of beauty, health and certainty. Nu’Khara has come to share the story that now shows truth in a bottle. Nu’Khara allows you to choose a much higher standard of care, that makes you astonishing inside and awe-founded at the person you see before you.

Nu’Khara~ One with God, one with peace, one with love 

 For a chance to order from Nu'Khara head over to the Facebook page, where I always update my readers on health tips, product buys.and fun times Take a look and let us know what catches your fancy. Happy & safe holidays!

*We most certainly do Christmas orders. 
http://www.facebook.com/Nukhara?ref=hl

All the things a man should do: Hair Care

Hair care isn’t just a girl thing. It should be a guy thing too. Fella's also need the right hair care regimen to address common hair challenges, such as dryness, fragility, and style and hair loss. Don’t know where to start? Use these two

important tips!

Do less shampooing.
Too much cleansing can make men's hair dry and brittle and breakage-prone. Why? Because most shampoos are made with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) that can strip hair of its protective natural oils that keep strands supple and strong. Head into a natural health food store for a Sulfate-Free Shampoo! Do it!

Do more moisturizing.
That means each and every day guys, apply a natural moisturizer, such as almond or coconut oil, each day. Just rub some on your fingertips or the palm of your hands and run your hands through your hair. The benefit will be an added moisture boost, that will make your hair look softer and helps you avoid dry scalp and flakes.

All The Things a Man Should Do: Dry Hands

If it's not bad breath, dry hands is right behind it. I hate seeing a man with dry hands. I can deal with rough, as long as I'm not seeing white and I'm sure some ladies can agree... Here's what you do.

Mix a teaspoonful of honey with two

teaspoonfuls of almond or olive oil, massage into hands after washing and drying. Put on a pair of cotton gloves or socks! and sleep in it. Wash your hands in the morning (best done when sleeping alone!) and continue to do this every night until you notice the difference.

Minimize your exposure to all kinds of chemicals; water, soap, and household cleaners and be sure to always wear protective gloves when doing household/work related chores.

...And guys please, carry lotion in your bag. It doesn't make you feminine, it makes you hot.

All The Things a Man Should Do: Keeping your partner relaxed...

If you're a real man you know you have to keep your woman entertained and excited and if you're a real man, you know woman love massages... So how about creating an oil blend just for the two of you, created by you? To all woman, you're not off the hook!

Ingredients:
Olive or

almond or coconut oil
Castor oil (available at most pharmacies)
Essential oils of your choice (lavender or sweet orange essential oil)
*Buy from any health food store
Glass or stainless steel bottle container (to prevent leaching of phthalates from plastic)

How to:
Blend the carrier oil (that’s your olive or almond or coconut oil) with the castor oil in a ratio of 9:1. In other words, 9 parts carrier oil and one part castor oil.

* Ie.9 - ¼ cups Olive oil to 1- ¼ cup of castor oil... Just an example!

Add a few drops of essential oil. Lavender and sweet orange for some reason smell like orange chocolate! Do a ratio of 5 drops Lavender to 1 drop sweet orange or vice versa. Shake gently to combine and let stand overnight. It takes about 12 hours for the fragrance to stabilize, so don’t worry if it smells less than sophisticated when you first mix it. Good luck! Even though I don’t think you’ll need it ;).

All The Things a Man Should Do: Would you like a mint?

If it's not bad breath, dry hands is right behind it. I hate seeing a man with dry hands. I can deal with rough, as long as I'm not seeing white and I'm sure some ladies can agree... Here's what you do.

Mix a teaspoonful of honey with two

teaspoonfuls of almond or olive oil, massage into hands after washing and drying. Put on a pair of cotton gloves or socks! and sleep in it. Wash your hands in the morning (best done when sleeping alone!) and continue to do this every night until you notice the difference.

Minimize your exposure to all kinds of chemicals; water, soap, and household cleaners and be sure to always wear protective gloves when doing household/work related chores.

...And guys please, carry lotion in your bag. It doesn't make you feminine, it makes you hot.

All The Things a Man Should Do: Pee you to body odor

I'm sure I don't have to say much about this topic. Men and women both perspire, but how do you keep your underarms smelling fresh and cut the odor? Easy.

Take a good bath washing your underarms gently. After getting

out of the shower dry your underarms thoroughly. Take your lemon juice and pour onto a cleansing pad or cotton ball and rub your underarm area gently. The citric acid in lemon juice kills bacteria that are found under the underarms and unlike antibacterial products (deodorants) bacteria don’t seem to develop a resistance to citric acid.
* May sting a little the first time

Fresh lemon juice works best, but a product such as ‘Real Lemon’ from the supermarket will work just as well. Some people may have an irritation to using lemon juice, so I suggest you try with one arm first to see if it causes you irritation.

My Hair story: The Cut Pt.2

…Hours after my scalp was filled with scabs all over my head, my hair was now stuck to my scalp and there was puss and blood that were binding it there. I was going through torture trying to pull what I had left off of my scab filled scalp and that is when is when I knew something had to change. For four long years I would buy every product on the shelf that said Grow Now, Miracle Grow, and Growth Serum. Anything that promised it would get my hair back to its original state, I had it. Long and behold nothing worked, my hair was still breaking, still not getting back to being healthy, and still not reaching past my shoulders. After the three years of being relaxed in high school and transitioning into college for my first year, natural hair started to have a buzz going around the world, starting with comedian Chris Rock’s ‘Good Hair’ documentary. I decided not to listen or watch what was being said about natural hair, not because I didn’t care but because I had no desire too. I was still trying to have hope for my dead relaxed hair.

The year going into my first year of college is when I actually went my shortest and decided to follow the new trend of Rihanna, which was to go really short in the back and chin length in the front and trust me; I took it there. A couple of months later after making some close friends that I still have today and at last watching Chris Rocks documentary, I actually contemplated the thought of  cutting my hair off, which was quickly followed by turning that thought off. Until one afternoon my friend asked me if I would ever cut my hair and go natural, which I quickly answered an abrupt NO too. Even though having natural hair had been trickling through my mind for a couple of months at that point, I wasn’t going to cut off my hair! How was I going to look? Would short hair even fit my face? Would guys even look at me? As much as these questions sound shallow, these are questions that were consuming my mind. Hair is a very social and classis things in society. It identifies you as a person and no matter what first impressions are always made upon how you look and what your hair looks like.

However, when I went home that night, my friends question wouldn’t ease off my mind and I really contemplated if I could really cut off my hair. I realized that my perm date was coming up within a weeks and so was my birthday.  I went to sleep and the next morning I woke up feeling an urge to just do it. The way I saw it my hair was already short- my hair already damaged. What did I have to lose? My answer: It not growing. That was my big worry, but I took the chance. The next day I called my friend and told her I wanted her to cut off every single strand.

After my big chop (08/11/2009) I couldn’t stop smiling. I looked so beautiful and I couldn’t believe it. I think a little part of me grew, I didn’t care what others thought and that was important to me. I had one day to get acquainted with my new look and the next day would be when things got back to reality...College. On my way to school I was fine all the way up until I hit King Subway station. My heart started to beat really fast, I was nervous, I was shaking and worst of all I was late for my lecture which guaranteed me to walk in with all eyes on me, great! As I stopped pacing the halls after five minutes I finally opened the door and walked in. I searched for familiar faces which at first went from confused, to dropped jaws, too lighted eyes and then too huge smiles. I felt so relieved and happy. My friends were there to support me and told me how great I looked. They joked around about how bald I was which, surprisingly made things easier. Since then my natural journey has been a positive experience and it always makes it easier to have positivity around you. 

Good luck to all my newbies I'll be teaching you as much as I can! :) 

~Nu'khara