Saturday, April 28, 2012

Overview About The Benefits And Uses Of Hibiscus For Hair Care


Hibiscus Hair Treatment
Hibiscus is a plant that is widely grown for ornamental purposes. These plants that grow like woody shrubs, are mainly found in the tropical regions across the globe, especially in Asian countries like India. You may find numerous hibiscus varieties with showy flowers of different colors and color combinations. Apart from being a popular ornamental plant, hibiscus is also said to have various health benefits. Different parts of this plant are used for both skin and hair care too. It has been suggested that hibiscus can lower high blood pressure as well as cholesterol levels. This article will provide you with information about the use of hibiscus for hair care.

Hibiscus Hair Treatment

Even though most of us are familiar with hibiscus plants, very few are aware of their use for hair care. In fact, the plant has been highly valued in India and certain other Asian countries for its uses in hair and skin care. It is an important herb used in various ayurvedic hair treatment products. You may find hibiscus extracts in many of the herbal hair care products like oils, shampoos, conditioners, etc. If you are interested in knowing more about the use of hibiscus for hair care, then continue reading this article.

Benefits of Hibiscus for Hair and Skin
As mentioned above, hibiscus is a plant that is used for natural beauty care. Even though, there are numerous types of hibiscus plants, the variety with red flowers (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is mainly used for hair and skin care. Even the plain white hibiscus flowers are sometimes used for these purposes. Hibiscus is claimed to be effective in curbing hair fall and dandruff. According to some, hibiscus is also effective in boosting hair growth. It is also used as a remedy for premature graying and split ends. Application of ground hibiscus leaves and flowers is believed to be beneficial for the scalp, as it has cooling and soothing properties. This herb is also found to be a good conditioner and moisturizer for hair. It can make the hair soft, supple and shiny. As far as skin care is concerned, hibiscus is believed to treat acne, suntan and dark circles. It is also used for improving complexion, skin tightening and for preventing wrinkles.

How to Use Hibiscus for Hair

Hibiscus can be used on the scalp and hair in many different ways. You may use it to prepare hair oil or as a shampoo or conditioner. The following are some tips and guidelines about using hibiscus for hair care.
  • In order to prepare hibiscus hair oil, you have to take a few flowers and leaves of hibiscus (preferably red flowers). You need half a cup of chopped flowers and leaves of hibiscus that has to be crushed well. Add the crushed hibiscus to a pan and add a cup of coconut oil into it. Cook the mixture over low heat, till fumes develop. Turn off the heat and allow the oil to cool, before storing. Gently massage a small amount of this oil before bath, at least two times a week. You may rinse it off with a mild herbal shampoo.
  • If you want to use hibiscus as a shampoo, you have to collect a few leaves and flowers of hibiscus. Grind them to a fine paste and apply it on the scalp as well as hair. Let it settle for about ten to fifteen minutes. You can rinse this off with lukewarm water. You may also make a paste of hibiscus powder with water (or rose water) and apply the mixture on the scalp. Rinse it off after an hour.
The above said is a brief overview about the benefits and uses of hibiscus for hair care. This herb is used as such or in combination with other natural hair care products like henna, amla, etc. You may try this natural remedy for keeping your hair health, smooth and shiny.

Monday, April 23, 2012

The Benefits Of Using Grape Seed Oil For Hair


Hair Oil
Recent research has shown that your grandmother has been right all this while. Oiling your hair regularly keeps it healthy and shiny, and makes it strong and lustrous. Every woman wants to have long, shiny hair but unfortunately many of us are plagued by problems of hair loss, frizziness, split ends and hair that is rough and lacks shine. To counter all these problems and for proper hair care, oiling your hair with a good oil is absolutely essential. One such oil that can do wonders for your hair is grape seed oil. Grape seed oil is extracted from the seeds of grapes. Grape seed oil is a light green colored oil that is almost odorless and has a light non greasy texture. This makes it an ideal oil for applying to hair for those people who are put off by the greasiness of other hair oils like olive oil and coconut oil.

Benefits of Grape Seed Oil for Hair

Here are some benefits of using grape seed oil for hair.
  • Since grape seed oil is odorless and non greasy in texture, it can be applied by people who do not like the feeling of hair that is weighed down by rich and heavy oils.
  • Because of its non greasy texture, grape seed oil is easily absorbed by the scalp and hair, making hair soft, shiny and manageable.
  • When grape seed oil is used as a carrier oil by diluting it with other essential oils like lavender oil and ylang ylang, it moisturizes and nourishes the hair making it soft and manageable.
  • Grape seed oil can also be used for hot oil hair treatments. Since the oil is light and quickly absorbed, heating grape seed oil and applying it to the scalp and hair ends greatly helps to make hair shiny, reducing brittleness.
  • Dandruff problems as well as seborrheic dermatitis can be reduced by regular application of grape seed oil on the scalp.
  • The best thing about applying grape seed oil is that it can be safely applied on all hair types, whether you have normal, dry or oily hair.
  • Using grape seed oil for hair growth is also recommended since vitamin E and linoleic acid present in grape seed oil helps to strengthen hair. Grape seed oil strengthens the hair follicles and makes hair strong and healthy.
  • Grape seed oil can be used in natural homemade deep conditioning treatments by mixing 4 tablespoons of grape seed oil with 5 drops of cypress essential oil, juice of half a lime and 2 egg yolks. Regular deep conditioning treatment with grape seed oil will make hair strong and lustrous.
  • Dry, rough and frizzy hair can also benefit from the use of grape seed oil as it smooths the hair cuticles, sealing in the moisture and making each hair strand strong
These were some benefits of using grape seed oil on hair.

How to Use Grape Seed Oil for Hair

For any hair oil to show results, you should know how to apply it correctly. Grape seed oil is no different, and to fully benefit from this wonder oil you should follow the instructions given below for its application.

First measure out about 4 to 6 tablespoons of organic grape seed oil and put it inside a zip lock plastic bag. Now add 2 teaspoon of ylang ylang, lavender or rosemary essential oil to the grape seed oil. Adding such essential oil to the hot oil treatment will help calm your mind. Add hot water in a large bowl or mug and then submerge the zip locked bag with the grape seed oil into it. Keep it submerged for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the oil in the bag is warm to touch. Pour out the warm grape seed oil from the bag into a small bowl and apply the warm oil into your scalp. With the tip of your fingers, gently massage the hot oil into your scalp and base of neck and hair. Make sure that you coat each strand of hair with the warm grape seed oil. Dip a clean towel in warm water and wring out the excess water. Wrap the warm towel over your head. Leave the oil on your hair for about 25 to 30 minutes and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo. After rinsing your hair, you will see that your hair is shining with health. Take care not to comb or brush your hair while it is still wet as it leads to tangling and breakage.

This was all about the benefits of using grape seed oil on hair and the right way to apply it. Regular use of grape seed oil will make your hair strong, healthy and super shiny. So use pure grape seed oil to get beautiful, long and lustrous hair.