Natural herbs and plants offer a great alternative to synthetic hair loss products, as they are safe and don’t cause side effects. There are many different herbs and plants that treat hair loss or prevent it. Among them are sesame, aloe vera, saw palmetto, green tea and horsetail.

Some of these herbs can be eaten, others can be drunk and there are herbs that are applied topically. For example, aloe vera can be used to rinse your hair. This herbal plant will maintain your scalp in a healthy state and will promote new hair growth as it stimulates the follicles.

Aromatherapy is another method of hair loss treatment. It has been scientifically proven that the essential oils used in aromatherapy stimulate hair follicles and promote new hair growth. In addition, the usage of essential oils reduces stress, and stress is one of the main causes of hair loss.

Certain organic shampoos can also help you successfully treat hair loss. The greatest benefit of these shampoos is that they don’t contain any chemicals. Their ingredients are only natural and this makes these shampoos very gentle to the scalp and hair;

Natural hair loss treatment will stop your hair from falling and will make your hair healthy, strong and shiny.

The diet for treatment of hair loss includes usage of sea vegetables, protein, zinc and silica.

Sea vegetables are very useful in cases of underactive thyroid which may be responsible for hair loss. Sea vegetables include kelp, nori and dulse. They are available in dry form, as well as in the form of supplements. Some scientists claim sea vegetables are more beneficial that fruits and vegetables grown on land.

Hair is mostly made by protein and this explains why its intake is so important. However, this doesn’t mean you should eat excessive amounts of meat. Steaks are known to increase the levels of testosterone which often result in hair loss. You can find protein in eggs, nuts, seeds, beans and fish, so include all these foods in your daily diet.

According to numerous studies zinc deficiency is one of the reasons for male hair loss. Good sources of zinc are oysters, crab, lobster, almonds, yoghurt, oatmeal, chick peas, etc. You can also increase the levels of zinc by the usage of zinc supplements.

Silica is a mineral that makes collagen stronger. Collagen is associated with hair growth and can enhance this process. Silica can be found in dark green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, figs, onions, flax seeds, apples and grapes.

Fruit Hair Mask

You need the following ingredients:

-         ½ banana

-         ¼ cantaloupe

-         ¼ avocado,

-         1 tablespoon wheat germ oil

-         1 tablespoon yogurt

To prepare the mask, you have to blend the banana, cantaloupe and avocado, and to add the wheat germ oil and the yogurt. The mixture is applied to the hair and is left for about 15 minutes. Then, the hair is rinsed with water. If you want to achieve additional conditioning, you can add a capsule of vitamin E to the mixture.

Mask with Honey and Olive Oil

The ingredients you need include:

-         ½ cup honey

-         3 tablespoon olive oil.

The ingredients are mixed together very well. Then you should apply small amounts of the mixture until the whole hair is covered with it. After you apply the mask, cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the mask on for about 30 minutes. Wash the hair with shampoo very well and rinse it.

Male patterned baldness can be treated with prescription and non-prescription medications. Commonly, the treatments find a way to block DHT in order to prevent hair loss. The most popular and widely used medications are Finasteride (Propecia) and Minoxidil (Rogaine).

Propecia is a DHT inhibitor that blocks DHT activity. However, this medication has some side effects. Thus, men using Propecia to treat hair loss experience erection problems. Rogaine may cause skin irritation and dizziness, and can increase the heart rate.

Side effects are not the only problem associated with chemical medications. The other problem is that they are not effective in all cases. Research had proven that Rogaine was helpful in 25% of the cases. It means that if you decide to use chemical drugs to treat hair loss you risk experiencing serious side effects without being absolute sure that the medications will be effective and will help you solve your problem.

Fortunately, chemical drugs have good alternative – natural hair loss treatment products. Nature is an endless source of herbs and plants that are very beneficial for treatment of various diseases and conditions. Hair loss is no exception. Saw Palmetto is an herb that functions as a natural DHT inhibitor. It is cheaper and safer that other synthetic products available on the market. Saw Palmetto is widely used in numerous hair loss treatment products.

Zinc is another natural ingredient that works to prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT. As a result, zinc reduces DHT levels in the body.

Many hair loss treatment products contain a combination of Saw Palmetto and zinc. They are very effective and safe products which stop hair loss and promote new hair growth.

Genetics

Generally, eating a full diet that contains protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, and even an appropriate amount of fat is important (several vitamins and minerals require fat in order to be delivered or absorbed by the body). Any deficiency will typically show first in the hair. A mild case of anemia can cause shedding and hair loss. Among others, the B group of vitamins are the most important for healthy hair, especially biotin. B₅ (pantothenic Acid) gives hair flexibility, strength and shine and helps prevent hair loss and graying. B6 helps prevent dandruff and can be found in cereals, egg yolk and liver. Vitamin B₁₂ helps prevent the loss of hair and can be found in fish, eggs, chicken and milk.

When the body is under strain, it reprioritizes its processes. For example, the vital organs will be attended to first, meaning that healthy, oxygenated blood may not feed into the hair follicle, resulting in less healthy hair or a decline in growth rate. While not all hair growth issues stem from malnutrition, it is a valuable symptom in diagnosis.

Scalp hair grows, on average, at a rate of about half an inch per month, and shampoos or vitamins have not been shown to noticeably change this rate. Hair growth rate also depends upon what phase in the cycle of hair growth one is actually in; there are three phases. The speed of hair growth varies based upon genetics, gender, age, hormones, and may be reduced by nutrient deficiency (i.e., anorexia, anemia, zinc deficiency) and hormonal fluctuations (i.e., menopause, polycystic ovaries, thyroid disease).

The essential omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B12, and iron, found in fish sources, prevent a dry scalp and dull hair color. Dark green vegetables contain high amounts of vitamins A and C, which help with production of sebum and provide a natural hair conditioner. Legumes provide protein to promote hair growth and also contain iron, zinc, and biotin. Biotin functions to activate certain enzymes that aid in metabolism of carbon dioxide as well as protein, fats, and carbohydrates. A deficiency in biotin intake can cause brittle hair and can lead to hair loss. In order to avoid a deficiency, individuals can find sources of biotin in cereal-grain products, liver, egg yolk, soy flour, and yeast. Nuts contain high sources of selenium and therefore are important for a healthy scalp. Alpha-linoleic acid and zinc are also found in some nuts and help condition the hair and prevent hair shedding that can be caused by a lack of zinc. Protein deficiencies or low-quality protein can produce weak and brittle hair, and can eventually result in loss of hair color. Low-fat dairy products are good sources of calcium, a key component for hair growth. A balanced diet is extremely necessary for a healthy scalp and furthermore healthy hair.

Another reason to lose hair is hormonal problems. Hair may fall if the thyroid gland is underactive or overactive. Dealing with the thyroid diseases usually stops the hair loss. In addition, hormone imbalance of male or female hormones – androgens and estrogens, may also lead to hair loss. The problem may be solved with turning the hormones back into balance.

A great number of women lose hair about three months after they had given birth to a baby. This is also related to hormones and their imbalance because during pregnancy the hormone levels are high and this doesn’t allow the loss of hair that normally falls out. After the birth, however, hormones are back to normal levels, and the natural cycles of hair grow and loss is restored.

Also, some medications may become a reason for hair loss. Among them are anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, high blood pressure medication, antidepressants, birth control pills, medications used for treatment of heart problems, large amounts of vitamin A, etc. The hair loss process is usually stopped when the usage of the drugs is discontinued.

Hair loss may also be cause by some underlying disease like lupus or diabetes. Often, hair loss is an early symptom of disease, so you need to consult a doctor as soon as you notice it in order to determine the cause and the treatment methods.

There are many

But what if your hair happens to be a combination type of hair? What if your hair is very oily near the scalp but has the tendency to be dry to the point of brittleness as the strands reach the ends? How do you take care of hair like that?

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to care for the combination type of hair. With the appropriate use of the right products, you can prevent damage to your hair, protect it, keep it healthy and even enhance its beauty. So how do you effectively care for the combination type of hair?

It all starts with the proper washing of the hair. In shampooing, never use hot water to wet your hair. Hair strands are susceptible to extreme heat and hot water will only damage it. Instead, just use lukewarm water.

Be choosy with the products that you use for your hair. If you have the combination type hair, avoid using shampoos formulated for oily hair. It might worsen the condition of the dry tips of your locks. Instead, opt for shampoos specially made for normal hair.

Do not use too much shampoo to wash your hair. Just a dollop the size of a quarter will do. Apply the shampoo directly on the scalp and just let the suds flow to the ends of your hair. Never apply the shampoo directly to the tips because the shampoo will wash off the oil that your hair tips need so much. If you must, just scoop some suds from the top of your head and use it to wash your hair’s tips. Never overclean your hair’s ends and be careful in handling them. Rinse the shampoo off carefully and thoroughly until it is not slippery any longer.

After shampooing the hair, apply a rinse-off conditioner. Just as you should never apply shampoo directly to the tips of your hair, you should never apply conditioner directly to your scalp either. The moisturizing agents in the conditioner will cause the scalp to produce too much oil. Instead, concentrate the application of the conditioner to the tips of your hair strands, and then rinse your hair thoroughly, this time with cold water to lock in the moisture and to discourage your hair from secreting too much oil.

For added TLC for your combination type hair, indulge in deep conditioning treatment once a week. Apply moisturizing conditioner to the dry parts of your hair, wrap it with a towel and let it be for a couple of hours before washing it off completely. You can substitute olive oil for commercial conditioner if you wish. Also, make it a habit to have your hair trimmed once every two months to get rid of your hair’s brittle ends.

source:   http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/combination-hair.html

Over-processed

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Run deep conditioner through straw-like tips and leave on for several minutes. The product will absorb into your hair shaft and soften strands. Repeat process once a week. Also get into the habit of applying a daily conditioner to hair ends every time you shampoo. This will reduce split ends, discoloration, and heat damage.

• Treat yourself to a massage! Kneading the scalp as you shampoo will increase circulation and stimulate oil glands. Steer clear of products with a high alcohol content; they can be drying.

• Avoid too-tight hairstyles—like ponytails, buns, and braids. Gentle elastic bands and other ouch-less hair accessories will also help prevent breakage.

• Be gentle. Moist tresses are extra vulnerable to breakage, so resist the urge to twist, rub, and brush wet hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle. The result: damage-free locks.

• Prep hair for styling. Apply a thermal/UV protectant serum to tresses to protect hair from heat and sun damage. Can’t limit your time under the blow dryer? Turn down the heat. Lowering temperatures on styling tools prevents over-drying and frizz.

• Get scissor happy! Trim off split ends every six to eight weeks.

source:  http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20419224,00.html

Here are a few tips from real-life divas, all home makers by choice. Their hints and guidelines on good grooming could very well be of assistance to those apprehensive readers who wonder about the costs involved in good-looking.

Beauty, they say, lies in the eyes of the beholder. However, you will have to work at looking great and remaining beautiful forever. Here we have compiled a couple of beauty tips which, we are sure, will help you achieve a smooth and glowing skin and hair and look young and beautiful forever.

Natural cures, homemade products and home remedies

1. Prepare a lotion of 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 tsp glycerin, 3 tsp rose water. Mix and apply this lotion all over the body and let it remain for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash with lukewarm water.

2. Make a paste of 1 tsp lemon juice, cup yogurt and 1 tsp orange juice. Apply this on your face and neck and let it remain for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash with lukewarm water.

3. Mask for dry skin. It is known to work wonders. Beat 1 egg and frothy, add 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp glycerin, 1 tsp mineral oil. Apply the mask on your face and other dry areas of the body. Keep it for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash with lukewarm water.

4. Protein pack for your face. Soak 1 tsp black gram dal and 4 almonds in water overnight. Grind them to a paste in the morning and apply this mask to your face. Wash it off after around half an hour.

5. Face mask: Mix 2 teaspoons rice powder with 4 tsp teaspoons water and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply this pack to the face then wash it off after half an hour with tepid water.

Natural, homemade beauty hair products

A lot of young ladies struggle with their hair. However, there is good news some beauty recipes can help you restore and rejuvenate your hair leaving it softer and shinier than ever.

In case you swim in chlorinated water on a regular basis, the same damage you’ve noticed happening to your skin and bathing suit, is happening to your hair too.

1. Mix 1 tablespoon honey and any vegetable oil. Spread the mixture evenly inside and all over your hair.

2. Coat your hair with mayonnaise. Once you are done cover your hair with a plastic bag and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Apply olive oil all over your hair and cover it with a plastic shower cap and let it remain for around 20 minutes. For extra conditioning have a warm shower while you wait; the heat will help the oil work to its maximum potential.

4. Beat 1 egg, add 3 tablespoons of water and apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.

5. Mix 1/2 cup honey and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Work a small amount at a time through hair until coated. Cover hair with a shower cap; leave on 30 minutes. Shampoo well and rinse.

6. Beat 1 egg white until it is foamy, then add to 6 tablespoons natural yogurt and apply the mixture to your hair in small portions at a time. Leave it on for around 15 minutes and then rinse.

7. Mix 2 whole eggs with 4 tbsps olive oil. Smooth it through your hair, wrap your head in a plastic wrap, and leave it on around for 10 minutes, then rinse well.

This applies to all the above solutions: Once you are done waiting for the natural ingredients to work their magic wash, rinse, and style your hair as usual.

Beauty hair styles

You might not be able to visit an expensive salon. Then again you could always take advantage of these styling tips.

1. To create Soft Waves, blow dry your hair straight. Spray bottled water on your hair with a pressurized spray bottle and let your hair dry naturally. See the wavy look you get.

2. Here is a quick wavy look tip. Part your hair on the sides and braid the pieces that frame your face loosely. For a few minutes, blow dry these pieces and let your hair cool down before unbraiding it. See the results – your hair will be straight at the top and wavy at the bottom.

3. Here is another quick Wavy Look Tip. Part your hair into 1-inch sections, roll them up into pin curls and hold them together with hair clips or bobby pins. Wear your shower cap on and get into the shower.; the steam will set your hair as you shower. Take away the cap afterwards. Remove the clips from your hair and shake your now wavy hair out.

4. Here is an elegant up do tip. Tease your hair lightly at the top then pull it into a French Twist. This will create more fullness.

5. Here is another elegant up do tip. Add a couple drops of shine serum product before twisting your hair into place to give it a polished look.

source:  http://www.pioneerthinking.com/beauty/hair/haircare/kp_beauty.html

Chamomile Fields Shampoo

The Ingredients

* 4 bags of Chamomile tea (or 1 handful of fresh Chamomile flowers)
* 4 tablespoons pure soap flakes
* 1 1/2 tablespoons glycerin*

The Instructions

Let the tea bags steep in 1 1/2 cups of boiled water for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and with the remaining liquid add the soap flakes. Let stand until the soap softens. Stir in glycerin until mixture is well blended. Pour into a bottle. Keep in a dark, cool place.

Soapwart Shampoo Recipe

Suitable for all hair types. Soapwart (Saponaria officinalis) contains saponins which is similar to soap. It lathers when agitated.

Lemon Verbena for a citrus fragrance and catnip to promote healthy hair growth

The Ingredients

* 2 cups distilled water
* 1 1/2 tablespoons dried soapwart root (chopped) (most health food stores would carry this)
* 2 teaspoons Lemon Verbena or 2 teaspoons Catnip

The Instructions

Bring water to a boil add soapwart and simmer, cover for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, add herb then allow mixture to cool. Strain the mixture keeping the liquid. Pour into a bottle. Makes enough for 6-7 shampoos. Must be used within 8-10 days. Store in a cool dark place.

Dry Shampoo Recipe

The Ingredients

Cornstarch is used to absorb the hairs oils.

* 1/2 cup Cornstarch

The Instructions

Sprinkle the cornstarch in your hair, let it absorb for a few minutes, brush it out. This is great if you are in a pinch.

source:  http://www.pioneerthinking.com/beauty/hair/shampoo/