Black Hair Styles

Seborrheic dermitisis is a skin disease with symptoms of red patches and flaking skin. This happens due to overactive oil glands that produce too much oil. The excess oil patch attracts a specific yeast growth causing these skin symptoms.

You can see an example of it even in children - cradle cap in infants. The infant develops thick, yellow patches with crusty scales that can not be easily removed. It disappears by itself by the age of three and does not cause itching. While in adults these scaly formations can be seen on the face, on the eyebrows, scalp and behind the ears. Adult seborrheic dermatitis is embarrassing, itchy and shows symptoms of increased dandruff.

There are different types of seborrheic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis is one variation. It is a type of skin lesions which looks very severe though its benign and is also known as barnacles. Usually, lesions arise from the upper layer of the skin known as epidermis. These lesions do not go deep into the skin but cause redness and are very itchy. They can be surgically removed, if needed. However, it is best to leave them as they are benign growths.

However, most of the patches of seborrhea are on or near the scalp and can be treated with specific shampoos to reduce the symptoms. Shampoos that contain salicylic acids, selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithione are known to be very effective. In the case is severe then you may need to take dermatologists advice and maybe go in for steroid lotions or intensive shampoos containing coal tar.

But it is always better to try a healthier, chemical free option to treat your skin diseases. Some herbal remedies work wonders specially application of tree tea oil or lemon oil. Just add a few drops of these essential oils to a natural herbal shampoo and with this mix, wash your hair frequently. You can also make a mixture of apple cider vinegar and dilute it in equal proportion in water. Apply this mix to your head, massage it well on the scalp and let it remain for sometime. Wash it with warm water, rinse thoroughly and repeat it every day till Seborrhea reduces.

You can also use mild medicated shampoos in less severe cases that are available in local stores. However, it is best to show it to a doctor if you find no relief from dandruff shampoos and herbal remedies.

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In 1990 I decided not to use the commercially made shampoos after reading Aubrey Hampton’s book, “Natural Organic Hair and Skin Care.” In this book Aubrey tells you how to read the label on any product that you put on your skin or hair.

Manufacturers are constantly using toxic chemicals in their skin and hair products and disregard their toxic effects on your body. This is easily seen in the list of chemicals that they use. Here are a few of these chemicals found in many product labels:

* propylene glycol or glycol– a petrochemical used because it is cheap

* cetearyl alcohol – emulsifier that can be synthetic or natural

* methylparaben or propylparaben – typical synthetic preservatives

* distearate – this is polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol which are petrochemicals

* isopropyl alcohol – used as a cheap solvent to carry synthetic oils.

Here is a natural shampoo that you can make. This formulation is something that I have been using for many years. First collect the following items:

4 oz of castile soap with any scent is that available – plain, peppermint, eucalyptus.

½ oz of rosemary - stimulates the hair follicles and helps to prevent premature baldness

½ oz of sage – has antioxidants and keeps things from spoiling and is antibacterial

½ oz of nettles – acts as a blood purifier, blood stimulator, contains a large source of nutrients for hair growth

½ of lavender – controls the production of sebaceous gland oil and reduces itchy and flaky scalp conditions

2000 mg of MSM – provides organic sulfur to your scalp, which improves the health and strength of your hair. It also helps to drive herbal nutrient into the skin and follicles where they can do the most good.

one empty 8 oz plastic bottle, or any other empty shampoo or soap bottle.

Mix the herbs in a mason jar, which has a lid. Boil 2 cups of distilled water. Add 3 heaping tablespoons of the mixed herbs into the boiling water. Pull the boiling water and herbs off the stove. Let the herb mixture sit for 30 – 40 minutes. Put the 2000mg of MSM into the herb mixture after 30 minutes of cooling. After 40 minutes and the MSM is melted, strain the herbal mixture into a bowl.

Pour 2 to 2 1/2 oz of strained herbal tea into the 8 oz plastic bottle. Now, pour the 4 oz of castile soap into the 8 oz plastic bottle. Cap the bottle and shake to mix the ingredients.

The shampoo is now finished and ready for use. Use this as a base for all of the shampoos you make. You can add different herbs as you learn what these herbs do and how they help your hair. You can vary the ingredients according to your taste. But now you have a shampoo that has no additives that can harm you.

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In this article I will go over briefly what we as women of color are doing wrong when it comes to growing longer hair and what we can do to change that and actually achieve our dream of having longer hair. I've been using this technique for about 4-5 months and my hair is beyond my shoulders and still growing! Hair Myths and the Truth About Them

1. Clipping the ends makes the hair growThis myth is one of the oldest and most inaccurate myths I know. Clipping the ends has absolutely nothing to do with hair growth! Your hair is dead, not alive and clipping the ends will not make another strand of hair sprout out like that of a rose bush. Clipping the ends is what keeps us from gaining length. All hair grows an average of 1/2 inch per month so if you keep cutting it every 6 weeks or so your hair will never get longer.
2. Pills and Greases Help Hair GrowIn all honesty as many greases that are out there claiming to make the hair grow "GUARANTEED" should be out of business because none of these greases or vitamins will ever make your hair grow. Vitamins are beneficial to the body, but they are not going to promote hair growth. Greases will actually stunt your hair growth. About 99.99% of all hair grease contains mineral oil or petroleum. These ingredients actually clog the pores on your scalp and inhibit moisture from absorbing into our already dry hair. DO NOT place anything on your scalp! Your scalp actually produces enough of the needed oil(sebum) to lubricate the scalp efficiently. If anything use a water based, mineral oil/petroleum free, and protein free moisturizer in your hair daily.
3. Washing the Hair Too Much Dries Out the Natural OilsWashing your hair often does not dry out the hair. Water is moisture so how can that possibly dry out the hair? If anything washing your hair with harsh shampoos is what dries it out. You should use a gentle shampoo that doesn't lather up like dish washing liquid in your hair. The shampoo should be formulated for chemically treated, damaged, dry hair. Lather once and then condition. Black hair should be washed about ever 3 days and no less than once per week.

Now that I've unveiled some of the myths to taking care of our hair I will tell you the basics of how to grow your hair long and gain an average of 6 new inches of beautiful hair in 12 months!

1. Wash your hair a minimum of once a week and deep condition the hair every time you shampoo. Do not use a blow dryer to dry your hair. Instead allow your hair to air dry or sit under a dome dryer.
2. Moisturize your hair daily and comb the hair with a wide tooth comb only. NEVER use a brush in your hair ever! It will only rip your hair out and cause major breakage!
3. Sleep with a satin bonnet, pillow case, or satin scarf at night.
4. Stop getting your ends clipped to gain length.

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People have been wearing wigs since the ancient Egyptians decided to cover bald heads with it so that the head did not become burned by the blazing sun. Since then, wigs have been part of fashion with some cultures taking to wigs more than others. Today, they are worn by both men and women for various different reasons.

Men primarily wear wigs to hide their balding heads. Men and women can be vain about their looks and thinning hair and balding heads tend to make people look older than their age, so wigs are a natural choice. Men who wear wigs or toupees find that they have a lot more confidence than when they went out in public without one. It can make a man feel younger and better about himself, which is an advantage to wearing a wig.

Women who have thinning hair due to heredity or medical conditions also feel more confident when donning a wig. Women consider their hair an attractive part of their body and when it doesn't look as good as it used to, they can feel bad about how they look. As a result, women with thinning hair lack confidence and have low self-esteem. Wearing a wig help them feel more attractive.

Cancer patients often wear wigs when they lose their hair. Some do it because it makes them feel more attractive, but others wear wigs so that the whole world does not have to know that they are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. It is just another way that wigs can help people feel better about the way they look and feel.

One of the advantages of wearing a wig is that it gives the wearer versatility. People who wear wigs can change hairstyles frequently. One day you can wear a short wig and the next day you can don a longer wig of a different color. It gives the wearer options.

Wigs can be styles just like natural hair. In fact, some are constructed with human hair. Wigs made from synthetic fibers may be styled as well. In fact, the synthetic hair styles stay in longer than human hair wigs that have been styled. Yours may need to be trimmed to fit your face when you first get it. Any hair stylist can trim a wig, but you can go to a salon if you are more comfortable there.

Wigs can be advantageous if your hair is unruly. Let's face it. Some people just have bad hair. Their hair can be baby fine or wild and wooly which make it hard to manage, let along style. A wig cap will keep your hair in place and hidden from under the wig. Wigs can make you look great every day. Plenty of women wear wigs on a daily basis and their friends don't even know it. Some go so far as to get wigs and trim them to different lengths so that their hair will appear to be growing!

Wigs are a fashion accessory today. There are hair extensions and weaves that people wear to enhance their looks. They are not that expensive either. A trip to a hair stylist can cost $40 to $80, and you have to do that every six to eighty weeks. You can get a wig that looks good for $50 to $100. That is a small price to pay if the wig makes you feel better and look better every day. Think of the money you will save on hair salons!

Hairs are one of the greatest assets. It has now become a multi million dollar business and is still growing very rapidly. One who can't afford extra expenses can manage it through natural herbal ways as well as through some effective home remedies.

Herbal Shampoo for Hairs

1. Shampoo of Multani Clay: Immerse 100 gm multani clay in water. After two hours make a paste and apply gently in the hair. Wash the hair after 5-10 minutes in winters with warm water and normal water in summers. If hair is very dirty do it twice a week; the hair becomes soft, silky and long. It brings a cool and light feeling.

2. Shampoo of flour of gram pulses: Apply paste of flour of gram pulse made with water on the hair twice a week and wash the hand after an hour. The hair becomes black, dense, clean, shining and soft. It also relieves itching or cures boils in the head.

Home Remedies for Hair Care

1. Add one-gram black pepper in 100 gm of curd and apply in the scalp. Now wash the hair with warm water once a week. The hair becomes black and beautiful and stops falling.

2. Mix eclipta alba, black sesame, dry emblica myrobalan and sugar candy in equal quantities (all in powdered form). Take six grams in the morning on an empty stomach daily and drink 250 gm of milk over it. Take this treatment from one years, along with it take vegetarian food, and do not indulge in sex.

3. For graying of hairs, add black sesame and eclipta alba in equal quantity, chew one teaspoonful of this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach and drink fresh water over it. Take daily for six months. It is successful for all persons up to 40.

4. To prevent hair fall, mash beetroot leaves in heena paste and apply on the head also cures dandruff.

5. Warm 300 gm coconut oil with 3 gm of black pepper added in it. When it starts boiling stop heating, sieve with a fine cloth and keep in a bottle. Massage with fingertips in the night gently.

Immerse peels of lemon in coconut oil for 8-10 days in sunshine. Now sieve and apply in the hair. Hair becomes black and shining.

Disclaimer: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

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For decades, creating a beautiful African American crown of glory has been seen as some kind of misnomer. How can one unlock the secrets of long Black hair? How can one experience ultra black hair growth? The list goes on and on. Growing black hair is not hard. Black hair can and does grow. Yet, certain styling techniques and products are needed to cause more fragile African American hair to grow.

Rule #1: Employ the Right Shampooing and Conditioning Techniques

1) Use the right products. Do not use shampoos with sulfates or silicones. Although some Black women can experience hair growth no matter what product they use, 90% of black women (and men) have drier hair that requires all that natural oils it can get. Shampoos that contain sulfates, any derivative, glycols, and silicones (any ingredient that ends in CONE), take moisture away from black hair. This facilitates hair breakage, brittleness, and dryness. It can also create scalp conditions for some people. Beauty 4 Ashes A Double Portion Super Gro Shampoo is an excellent choice for curly textured, African American hair. It is all natural and contains natural and essential oils to stimulate Black hair growth. Plus, black hair needs oils anyway. While working in the hair care industry, I noticed many hair regeneration specialists who use the A Double Portion products and had results with their African American clients. You can find Beauty 4 Ashes products in certain salons, at their website (wwwdiscoverb4acom), or even on Ebay.

2) Shampoo your hair weekly. I know many African Americans shampoo their hair a lot less than once a week; however, to keep the hair follicles opened, stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, facilitate growth…and reduce hair build-up, scalp conditions, and germs…African American should wash their hair once a week. Men can wash more often. If you are using the right shampoo, you will not strip your hair of the natural oils it needs to grow and thrive.

3) Condition your African American hair.
To grow black hair, you must give it moisture. Without moisture, it cannot thrive. Aubrey Organics GPB Protein Conditioner (wwwaubreyorganicscom) and Beauty 4 Ashes Super Gro Conditioner (wwwdiscoverb4acom) are excellent for increasing Black Hair Growth, maintaining hair moisture and restoring strength and shine. Plus, Beauty 4 Ashes Super Gro Conditioner actually contains over 15 ingredients that stimulate hair growth. Both products are all natural and should be used at least weekly.

Rule #2: Watch How You Comb Your Hair: No No’s For Black Hair Growth

1) Combing Your Hair. I know many African Americans grew up brushing their hair; however, brushes, even plastic ones and ones made from boar bristles, can rip the hair, cause stress, and cause breakage. Thus, brushes are a no-no for longer, Black Hair. Instead, buy a large tooth comb with no ridges between each individual comb. Goody usually makes quality hair combs for Black hair. Do not use fine tooth comb.

2) Ripping Out Your Hair Growth.
Watch Your Hands and Your Hair Dressers. Comb your hair from the bottom up, especially after shampoos. This will avoid tangles. Section your hair to comb it out and always apply some form of moisture to your hair before combing it. You don’t need a heavy cream. In fact, you should avoid mineral oil or petroleum based greases or hair lotions. But, use something similar to Carol’s Daughter’s hair milk (wwwcarolsdaughter) or Beauty 4 Ashes GodHead Follicle Fuze Hair Butters and Puritea Tea-Rific 10 Hair Lotion (wwwdiscoverb4acom). When at the salon, tell your hairdressers to not pull your hair or comb it from the top down. This will cause more breakage.

3) Moisturize your scalp with light hair oils and butters, not greases. Try olive oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil.

Rule # 3: Lay Off the Chemicals and Heat.

1) While blow drying makes African American hair easier to comb and style, try to limit it to once a month. Braiding your hair is great alternative to straightening your hair with a blow dryer.

2) If you must blow dry, start at the ends and then go to the roots. Apply a nozzle to quicken the straightening process.

3) Do not overprocess the hair with relaxers or texturizers. If your African American hair already has chemicals on it, such as a relaxer, do not apply more chemicals, such as hair dyes and rinses.

Your hair can grow and you can have great, beautiful long hair. For best results, use products such as Beauty 4 Ashes A Double Portion products (wwwdiscoverb4acom) or Aubrey Organics (wwwaubreyorganicscom).

Hair loss causes severe trauma and loss of confidence among many. With the development of scientifically proven formulations, hair loss can be controlled and prevented if treated in the early stages. Though numerous miracle shampoos are advertised in the market no one is sure about their efficacy. It is always safe to buy and use only FDA approved products or those recommended by the American Hair Loss Association.

Herbal Gardens Hair loss Shampoo

Herbal Garden prepares a variety of herbal based shampoos are available for treating hair loss. Egg shampoo works best with dry hair for normal fruit shampoo or henna shampoo are ideal. Lemon based shampoos are suitable for oily hair. These shampoos contain only natural and herbal ingredients and no chemical or animal products. It stops dryness, flaking and itching of scalp. It can also prevent dandruff and enhances blood circulation. It minimizes oil production and maximizes luster of hair. A bottle of Unique Hair Loss Shampoo Formula costs USD 10.99. The hair loss shampoo is prepared with natural essential oils that nourish the scalp and hair follicles to stimulate healthy hair growth. They also customize the shampoo according to the client’s hair color and hair problem.

Newgen

The 8 oz. Shampoo from New Generation is a gentle, pH balanced shampoo that is suitable for daily use. Discovered by Dr. Purola, this formula has deep cleansing properties and stimulates the blood circulation to provide nutrients to the hair follicles, to arrest hair loss and facilitate new hair growth. The deep cleaning action removes dirt and oils. The shampoo leaves no residues on the scalp making it receptive to the New Generation 2 Cleanser Conditioner for healthy hair.

Anti Hair loss shampoo – Peremier-31

This is based on a scientific formula that improves the hair structure by providing moisture and nourishment and luster to the hair. It acts against bacteria and the production of sodium that is excreted as dandruff. Backed by six years of research this shampoo effectively controls hair loss and strengthens the hair roots.

Dead Sea Premier Anti Hair Loss Shampoo

This is a Ginseng based shampoo with minerals and a secret ingredient known as CRSFO. Its four fold function helps in restricting hair loss and facilitating hair growth.

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African American hair can be difficult to manage and if you want something that is a little more manageable, you'll probably want to use flat irons to smooth out the tight curl and keep the hair smooth. This makes it easy to comb and style the way you want.

Flat irons are more practical than the old-fashioned hot combs and is usually preferable for African American hair care. A flat iron is basically a tool that has two flat plates which heat up. These can be made of metal or ceramic, but ceramic is better for your hair, though pricier. Metal, though it appears smooth, is actually very rough on a microscopic level and can destroy your hair with extended use.

For African American hair care, you'll probably be using flat irons fairly often, if not on a daily basis. This means you need a good quality iron that will not ruin your hair from frequent use, ceramic plates are usually best for this purpose. The higher cost is worth it, because you will have healthier hair that is less likely to turn brittle and break.

When using flat irons on your hair, try to dry it as thoroughly as possible and use oil that is specially designed for African American hair. This will help prevent the hair from drying out and snapping. Apply a little oil to the hair and then work on small sections at a time, running the flat iron from the top down. You may need to repeat the process if your hair is particularly stubborn.

You may also want to use a heat protective spray or a straightening balm if your hair is particularly stubborn. These can help protect the hair and make it easier to work with, especially if you are straightening your hair on a daily basis. You should be able to find these products at any salon that specializes in African American hair care.

Flat irons work very well on African American hair and are the preferred method of straightening tight, curly hair. Look for one that is built to handle thicker hair and that has ceramic plates to avoid damaging your hair with frequent straightening. You don't have to pay high salon fees to have manageable hair, with your own flat irons, you can straighten your hair at home.

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Black hair needs adequate moisture to maintain its health. The ability for hair to absorb moisture depends on how porous the hair is. Generally speaking, fine hair is usually more porous than coarse hair.

To see how porous or damaged your hair is, try this simple test. Take a small section of hair and tease it by back-combing it. If the hair bunches up very quickly it is either porous or damaged.

Here are some tips for blow-drying African-American hair. Keep in mind the particular needs of your specific hair when judging how much moisturizing treatment your hair needs.

Start off with a good moisturizing hair lotion, keep the heat on low, and keep the blow-dryer about 2 to 3 inches from the hair.

First use a large-toothed comb to detangle the hair. Start combing the ends first and work your way up to the scalp. This method will reduce damage and breakage.

Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum to help protect against the heat. This will also help close the cuticle.

Gently towel-dry the hair real well to remove as much excess water as possible. Do not vigorously rub the hair with the towel but rather gently press the towel against the hair.

Dry the hair in sections using clips to section off the hair. Start at the bottom and work your way up to the top of the head.

Keep the blow-dryer moving across the hair and do not keep it directly pointed on one section of the hair for too long as this will help to keep the heat damage to a minimum.

Dry the hair in a downward motion as this will help the cuticle to lay flat and will help provide shine to the hair.

After drying a section of hair, use a blast of cold hair to close cuticle as this will help to seal in moisture.

Use a diffuser on the blow-dryer if you would prefer to keep your hair in its naturally curly state.

The very curly African-American hair has fewer cuticle layers than wavy or straight hair and this makes it more fragile and vulnerable to heat and chemical damage. Each time heat is applied to your fragile hair, some of the moisture is lost which affects the softness and manageability of the hair. It is important to reduce damage and moisture loss by considering the tips as mentioned above.

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Asience Shine Therapy Shampoo Conditioner strength hair

US $25.88 End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 3:45:12 PST Buy It Now for only: US $25.88 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Intensive Spa Dead Sea Mud Hair Mask 100ml conditioner

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LOT 3 Progaine Conditioner For Thinning Hair Only 99¢

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Because African American hair is prone to dryness and breakage, it is essential that you invest in some quality hair care products that were designed precisely for your hair.

Shea butter is an absolute must for African Americans. It is a great moisturizer for your hair, but did you know it works very well on your skin too? It is absorbed quickly into the skin and is best if it is applied twice a day. Oils By Nature makes a great shea butter and their products are made from natural and organic ingredients.

If your hair is chemically treated, you'll need to deep condition your hair at least once a month. I especially like Treasured Locks' Deep V Conditioner. It is scented with jojoba and vanilla and works wonderfully well especially when activated by heat.

If you have braids or dreadlocks, I recommend African Pride Braid Sheen spray with extra shine. This spray softens, shines and moisturizes your braids and can be used every day on your scalp to curtail the frizzies.

Carol's Daughter (request a catalog to see all of her products) makes a fantastic line of hair care products for African Americans. Her products have been featured on Oprah Winfrey's show and are simply wonderful. My favorite is Tui leave in conditioner. The tui oil conditions and hydrates your scalp and is scented with lavender and mango for exotic smelling hair.

Blended Beauty has an entire line of products created for kinky curls, Afros and relaxed hair. Happy Nappy Styles is one of Blended Beauty's products and it dries soft and is never greasy. Many people have recommended this product to me and is suitable for use on children too.

The right brush is essential for caring for your African American hair. The Kakakiki KombBrush was created with rounded-tines so that it would not get tangled and break the hair. All you need to do is moisturize and put the brush through your hair. It gently massages your scalp, which helps to stimulate hair growth.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream ( Travel Size )

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5oz Shea Butter/Goats milk/Oatmeal/Aloe/Glycerin Soap

US $4.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 1:21:37 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

Jaqua Pink Champagne Shea Body Butter, 2 oz, Brand New!

US $6.99 End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 2:50:19 PST Buy It Now for only: US $6.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

LOT OF 12-HOME-MADE OLIVE OIL/SHEA BUTTER SOAP..U-PICK

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Body Frosting with Japanese Green Tea, Shea Butter

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BATH & BODY WORKS INFUSED WITH SHEA BUTTER SOCKS BLUE 3

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