It's only NATURAL: The Benefits

I recently discovered a new site called benefitof.net. It gives the benefits of everything from overdraft protection to the benefits of Facebook. In the life style section under fashion and beauty, I found a lot of benefits of products we use regularly in our hair. So, I thought I'd share some of the stuff I read about.

Co-washing

The first thing I read wasn't a product, but something I know a lot of naturals do and that's co-washing. Co-washing is the act of shampooing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. One of the important benefits is you retain more moisture in your hair, since you wouldn't be stripping your hair of its natural oils with shampoo. This is especially good for overly dry hair. BUT please don't leave out shampooing your hair. The purpose of shampoo is to rid the hair of product build up and excess debris, which can clog the pores. Conditioners were not made to do that. With that being said, co-washing isn't bad, but shouldn't be the ONLY means of cleansing your hair.

Sulfate free shampoo

Both Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and its close relative Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are commonly found in many household products like soap, shampoo, detergents, toothpaste and other products we expect to "foam up". These products, containing sulfate, have also been frequently reported to be the cause of eye irritation, scalp irritation, tangled hair, swelling of hands and face, and split fuzzy hair. These side effects are a reason in itself to use sulfate free shampoo. Another benefit would be reduced hair loss. Using sulfate causes the hair to be dull and breakable. Sulfate free tames the hair hardness and leaves the hair soft and easy to comb.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I have and will make frequent references to extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). It is one of my favorite hair staples. This is a very versatile product, used in everything from cooking to easing the noise of snoring. Packed full of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, EVOO helps to provide the hair with nutrients needed for hair growth and helps to preserve the moisture in the hair. One of the things I do, is when using my leave in conditioner, I seal the moisture into my hair strands with a mixture of shea butter and EVOO. It's very affective.

Black Soap

I've never used this product, but have read numerous things about the benefits. A lot of naturalistas live by black soap. Black soap or African black soap is traditionally hand made in Africa from ingredients found in nature. Research has revealed that black soaps might contain many different ingredients, but majority of black soaps contain various oils, like the coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, shea butter and cocoa butter. They also contain ashes from different plants, like shea tree bark, banana trees, cocoa pods, and plantain leaves.

Black soap can be used for cleansing the hair. After cleaning use your regular conditioner for shiny lustrous beautiful hair.

Black soap contains a very high content of glycerin; it can easily absorb moisture from the air. To prevent it from spoiling due to humidity, black soap must be stored in a sealed plastic bag or dry container.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is has antibacterial properties and act as a natural disinfectant. It is obtained by steaming leaves of the tea tree or Melaleuca tree and then compressing them to extract their oil. For hair, mixing tea tree oil into your shampoos and conditioners will help to get rid of dandruff. By acting as a disinfectant for the scalp, tea tree oil reduces the build up or residues around the follicles allowing for the free flow of sebum, hair's natural oil, into our hair shaft. Also, by reducing the inflammation around the follicles, tea tree oil promotes regeneration of existing hair while promoting new growth.

MSM

Methylsulfonymethane, or MSM, is a form of sulfur used to maintain healthy cells, organs, tendons, hair, skin and nails. I remember as a child my mother slathered Sulfur 8 and Glover's Mange onto my scalp regularly. I can't recall ever suffering from dandruff as a child. Though it doesn't smell very pleasant there are several benefits for sulfur in the hair.

Regular use of MSN helps your hair grow faster and naturally. It revitalizes hair follicles by increasing circulation in the scalp, thereby eliminating waste and toxins. It also assists essential nutrients like calcium, pantethol, and biotin to build strong hair.Studies suggest that MSM increases production of keratin, the protein found in hair fibers responsible for healthy hair. It not only prevents hair breakage, but is also beneficial for glossy hair as is makes your hair follicles flexible.

Onions

The last one that I want to share with you is the foulest of them all, but beneficial. Not only for eating purposes, onions have antifungal and antibacterial effects that make them useful for hair treatments and skin care. Studies have shown that applying onion juice to the scalp twice a week for a period of time will encourage hair growth. The sulphur contents of the onion regenerates the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.