Vitamin: MSM

 

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound with the formula (CH₃)₂SO₂. It is also known by several other names including DMSO2, methyl sulfone, and dimethyl sulfone. This colorless solid features the sulfonyl functional group and is considered relatively inert chemically. It occurs naturally in some primitive plants and is present in small amounts in many foods and beverages and it is marketed as a dietary supplement, although its benefits are disputed.

MSM is structurally related to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), but the behavior of these two is different. DMSO is a highly polar solvent and an excellent ligand, with water-like dissolving properties whereas MSM is less polar and less reactive. MSM is also a metabolite of DMSO

Supplementing MSM:

MSM is present in many foods such as raw fruits, vegetables, milk, and some grain products. MSM is very fragile and processing and cooking deplete foods of their MSM content. This is all the more reason to add it to your supplement regime. MSM is a water soluble mineral and any excess is flushed out your system.

MSM is sold in powder form either in loose form or enclosed in capsules. MSM is also used to help treat other ailment from joint stiffness to allergies.

MSM also has a cleansing effect on your system.

You also need to consume enough water to make sure that you a fully hydrated. The water usually helps speed up the elimination of the toxins MSM sweeps out. There are no known harmful long or short term effects of MSM supplementation.

MSM Benefits for Hair & Nails:

The benefits as for as hair and skin are concerned from MSM supplementation are softer skin and hair, improved texture of skin and hair, and improved growth. Since MSM adds sulphur to your body, a lot of people notice a softer and smoother texture of hair.

Many also experience increased growth and density.

MSM is a good supplement to take for overall health and cell regeneration.

Hair Care Ingredients: Part V

 

EDTA ( Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid) - A sequestering (chelating) agent with unique properties of "neutralizing" trace metals (like calcium, iron and magnesium salts, etc.) and other deposits on hair.

Ethyl Ester PVM/MA Copolymer - Humidity resistant, non - tacky polymer.

Ethoxydiglycol - Viscosity decreasing agent.

Essential Oils - Used for fragrance, as an antiseptic, germicide and a natural preservative. Derived from natural plant oil.

Hair Care Ingredients: Part IV

DEA Oleth - 3 Phosphate - An emulsifier that prevents separation of product. Adds shine.

DEA Oleth - 10 Phosphate - An emulsifier derived from oleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid.

Deionized Water - Water purified by deionization technique based on removal of highly active ions especially positively charged cautions like calcium (Ca++) magnesium(MG++) and iron (Fe++) and (Fe+++).

Diazolidinyl - A cosmetic preservative.

Dicetyldimonium Chloride - (see Cetyldimonium Chloride)

Dimethicone - A silicone derivative. Adds luster and sheen.

Dimethicone Copolyol - Same as above and is water soluble.

Dimethyl Lauramine Isostearate - Conditioning and emulsifying agent.

Dimethyl Stearamine - Conditioning and emulsifying agent.

Hair Care Ingredients: Part III

Caramel - Used as a coloring in cosmetics and a soothing agent in lotions. Produced by heating sugar or glucose and adding small amounts of alkali or a trace mineral acid during heating.

Carbomer 940 - An organic gelling agent.

Carrageenan - Natural thickening agent.

Cationic Surfactants - Those in which the active molecule bears a positive charge. These sufactants usually have strong conditioning properties and are used in conditioners, moisturizing treatments and paks. Cationics often have antimicrobial properties (germicides).

Ceteareth - 5 - An emollient and emulsifier. (see Cetyl Alcohol).

Cetearyl Alcohol - A mixture of fatty alcohols derived from coconut oil consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. Used as emollients, thickeners and emulsion stabilizers.

Ceteth - 2 - A polyethylene glycol derivative of cetyl alcohol. Water soluble. Emollient and conditioning agent and emulsifier.

Cetrimonium Bromide - A cationic conditioning agent and antiseptic widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. Due to its high cost, it is rarely used in cosmetics. Adds shine.

Cetrimonium Chloride - Quaternary conditioning agent, similar to cetrimonium bromide, but more suitable for water systems.

Cetyl Alcohol - A natural fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil widely used as an emollient and stabilizing agent in conditioning and moisturizing treatments (emulsions).

Cetyldimonium Chloride - Used often as a conditioning agent, compatible with sufactants, often used in shampoos.

Chloroxylenol - A crystalline, water soluble substance used as an antiseptic, germicide and fungicide. Penetrates skin. No known toxicity in humans when diluted below 20%.

Citric Acid - A natural, edible organic acid used to adjust pH, one of the natural hydroxy acids derived from citrus fruits.

Cocamide DEA - Shampoo thickener and foam stabilizer derived from coconut fatty acids. Also assists in removal of fatty soils.

Cocamide MEA (see Cocamide DEA) - Mono - amide (MEA) as opposed to diamide (DEA).

Cocamidopropyl Betaine - An amphoteric surfactant used as a cleanser. Known for its mild conditioning properties. Derived from coconut fatty acids.

Coco Betaine - (see Cocamidopropyl Betaine)

Cyclomethicone - A silicone derivative. Adds luster and sheen.

Hair Care Ingredients: Part II

Beet Extract - Extract from the stem base of the beet used for its reddish color.

Benzophenone - 3 and 4 - A sunscreen that blocks UV - A rays.

Beta Carotene - Found in all plant and many animal tissues, beta carotene is extracted as red crystals or crystalline powder, used as coloring in cosmetics. Also used in the manufacture of Vitamin A. Used also as antioxidant.

Biotin - A naturally occurring vitamin H. Some studies show that it has a positive effect on hair growth when taken internally.

Boric Acid - An inorganic acid and mild antiseptic, and preservative.

Butylene Glycol - Organic humectant similar to propylene glycol.

Hair Care Ingredients: Part I

Acetamide MEA - Water soluble conditioning agent compatible with anionic and nonanionic systems as opposed to quaternary surfactants compatible only with cationics, adds shine.

Alcohol - A general term for organic ingredients that contain the OH (hydroxyl) group. Alcohols differ substantially in their properties ranging from water soluble solvents like isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, ethyl alcohol (used by breweries, the only drinkable alcohol) through moisturizing agents like glycerine or propylene glycol to fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and sugars (multi alcohols).

Algae Extract - Extracted from seaweed and pondscum, rich in minerals, algae extract is claimed to prevent wrinkles, very moisturizing.

Algal Polysaccharides - Extract from red marine algae gathered off the Hawaiian coast known for its moisturizing potential and lubricity.

Allantoin - Water soluble crystal known for its ability to help heal wounds and skin ulcers and to stimulate the growth of healthy tissue.

AMP (Aminoethyl Propanol) - An organic pH adjuster used to maximize the effects of styling products.

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate - The ammonium salt of lauryl sulfate derived from the natural coconut alcohols, it is a mild anionic surfactant widely used at acidic (mild) pH values.

Amphoteric Surfactants - Those in which the active molecule bears both positive and negative charges. Their properties depend upon th pH of the system and they may behave like anionics or cationics. Some of the finest amphoterics are used in shampoo systems formulated for dry or chemically treated hair due to their mildness and light conditioning properties.

Annatto Extract - A food grade vegetable dye from a tropical tree, yellow to orange.

Annionic Surfactants - Those in which the active molecule bears a negative electric charge. These surfactants are primarily used as cleansing agents in relatively mild shampoos for oily or normal to oily hair.

Vitamin: Folic Acid

 

Folic acid (also known as vitamin B₉, vitamin B_c or folacin) and folate (the naturally occurring form), as well as pteroyl-L-glutamic acid,pteroyl-L-glutamate, and pteroylmonoglutamic acid are forms of the water-soluble vitamin B₉. Folic acid is itself not biologically active, but its biological importance is due to tetrahydrofolate and other derivatives after its conversion to dihydrofolic acid in the liver.

Vitamin B₉ (folic acid and folate inclusive) is essential to numerous bodily functions. The human body needs folate to synthesize DNA, repair DNA, and methylate DNA as well as to act as a cofactor in biological reactions involving folate. It is especially important in aiding rapid cell division and growth, such as in infancy and pregnancy, as well as in "feeding" some cancers. While a normal diet also high in natural folates may decrease the risk of cancer, there is diverse evidence that high folate intake from supplementation may actually promote some cancers as well as precancerous tumours and lesions.Children and adults both require folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anaemia.

One of the most important nutrients to prevent hair loss

Folic acid promotes healthy cell growth which in turn produces healthy skin regeneration, and of course hair regeneration or hair re-grow. Taking folic acid vitamins for hair loss prevention can not only greatly decrease your chances of experiencing hair loss to begin  with, as well as help to prevent future hair loss. When male are deficient in folic acid, some men became completely bald!

Folic acid can be purchased in supplements over the counter, but it is best to get your vitamins in the foods you eat. Folic acid is found in nuts and in soybeans. Try replacing your cow's milk with soymilk. Also may leafy green vegetables such as spinach and turnip greens (although the folic acid never seemed to help Popeye!).

The reason that folic acid hair growth may indeed be a reality is the role that folic acid plays in cell division within the body. Folic acid is essential to the healthy and efficient reproduction of new cells all over the body. Research seems to suggest that this includes hair cells, especially for those with thinning hair.

Bull SEMEN for hair, ANYONE?

Move over, argan oil and shea butter. Stylists are all abuzz about the latest miracle hair treatment: bull semen.
After reading about sperm-based facials, one British stylist began chatting away with her clients.
“When a client asked where she could get a sperm-based hair treatment done to feed her protein deprived locks … I was speechless,” the stylist said on Stylecaster.com.
She did some research and came across a “Aberdeen Organic Bull Semen Treatment.” Hari’s, a salon in London, is offering clients a conditioning treatment made out of bull’s semen. Hari’s has been one of London’s top salons for over 30 years and prides itself on offering some of London’s most exciting new treatments sourced from around the world.


It has become the most talked about treatment in London. Touted as “Viagra for Hair,” this 45-minute treatment ranges from £55 to £85 ($90-$138 U.S.) and uses semen from Aberdeen Angus bulls. Hari’s combines the sperm with the root of the protein-rich plant Katera. The protein-enriched potion is massaged into the client’s hair after it has been shampooed. Then the client is put under heat so the treatment penetrates the hair. The final step is the blow out, which gives the hair an awful lot of body, as well as shine.

“I have been searching for an organic product with a lot of protein because that is what hair is made of and that is what it lacks when it is dry,” says salon owner Hari Salem. “Thesemen is refrigerated before use and doesn’t smell. It leaves your hair looking wonderfully soft and thick.”

Salem told media that he tried hundreds of products—including wild avocados and truffle oil—before hitting on bull semen as the elusive element in a formula for making hair look gorgeous. His salon also offers such treatments as Kerastase Hair Rituals and mind-soothing Indian Head Massage.
Salem says the treatment repairs, restores and brightens any hair. He says he has no shortage of customers.
“It will be an ongoing treatment as long as the bulls perform,” he says.


According to CosmeticsDesign.com, the trend may actually have started with Norwegian based company Maritex, which stated that it was the main producer of Cod sperm for use in cosmetic products.
The company suggested that the sperm successfully binds water in body lotions and make-up, with the company said to have sold seven tons of processed cod sperm for use in cosmetics in 2002.
However, the motive behind the Hari’s salon’s decision to use the controversial ingredient was more scientific, with the protein in the semen thought to actively complement the protein contained in hair molecules.


Bull semen may be the latest attempt by hair manufacturers to find pure forms of protein that match the hair protein quantities in order to create the most effective hair care treatment. With the bull semen and Katira plant extract mix giving an almost instant and odorless finish, the treatment may be the start of big things to come, says CosmeticsDesign.com.

Because semen has to be refrigerated in straws until use, it could be a while before it becomes a staple in hair-care products. And with its high cost, the ingredient would be aimed at the premium hair care market.
According to Mintel data, other unusual animal ingredients are being used in Asia and Latin America, with many companies incorporating placenta ingredients into skin care products, according to CosmeticsDesign.
Sofface cosmetics, based in China, has created a make-up base that contains sheep placenta, while the Guangzhou Sisder Health & Beauty company has based an entire skin care and body line using the same ingredient.

And that’s no bull.


source from which article was taken: http://forum.blackhairplanet.com/f11/bull-semen-hair-4818/
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Eh? What are your thoughts and views READERS? Would you bull your hair? LORL

A CUPPA anyone?

A CUPPA anyone?

Black Tea to alt Hair SHEDDING!

Black Tea and Antioxidants

Black tea contains ten times more antioxidants than found in fruits and vegetables. Black tea is rich in polyphenols, an important antioxidant which destroys the harmful free radicals formed as a result of metabolism. These free radicals are cell damagers, which can lead to blood clots, cancer and atherosclerosis. Thus, antioxidants from tea help protect our cells from damage.

Black Tea Benefits for Hair
Rinsing your hair with black tea helps darken the hair and add shine to it. To add shine to the hair, people generally brew two cups of black tea and rinse dampened shampoo hair. The tea rinse also helps increase bulk of hair, slows down hair fall and enhances hair growth.

As compared to coffee that has high amounts of caffeine, the low levels of caffeine in black tea boosts the flow of blood to the brain, without posing the risk of over-stimulating the heart.

Black tea dilates the blood vessels that eases out the flow of blood through them. This in turn ensures a healthy supply of blood………,

Choosing the right tea for your hair: http://www.localharvest.org/herbal-hair-rinse-C6366

The TRUTH: I have been using this for a little while now and it is effective in regards to shedding in regards to growth, I honestly could not tell you as my hair grows and has grown always. I use it every wash as a rinse or I will add it to a spritz bottle and spray my hair and scalp, let it sit for a little then apply my DC on over the black tea, then I will proceed to DC for 30-40 minutes under my dryer. The reason I use the black tea this way is I used it as a final rinse once and it dry similar to when you use a protein (BUT it is not a protein) it just acts that way. I then use it and mixed in some coconut oil as a last rinse and it was much better but I did not like how it makes my hair felt even with the oils mixed into it.

Hence why I DC on over the black tea, I get the tea penetrate into my scalp and hair shaft along with the nice moisture and benefits from my DC. I notice a lot less shedding my hair feels strong and it always has s nice sheen.

I also use it to mix my henna mix, cassia mix and also use it to mixed my ayurvedic powders also.

I So if you are experiencing shedding, make a some black tea and sit and have a cuppa with your hair, your scalp and hair will enjoy.

URINE Therapy

UT = Urine Therapy

This was a topic posted on the forum I am a member on and it was an interesting read on the links below and the discussions on some of the links was quite interest and intriguing all at the same time.

On one of the forums below there are ladies that are use this method as a treatment, from washing the hair with their urine, to using as a daily moisturizer and even consuming urine for internal diseases and ailments.

I found this video while researching and reading more on the topic.

This guy runs a urine therapy community, check out youtube, there are loads of youtube videos on people using UT.

My question to you is, would you try UT? Have you tried it? Could you? If not, why not? What is your views on this therapy?

Links for further read:

http://www.all-natural.com/urine.html

http://forum.blackhairplanet.com/f49/who-would-try-urine-therapy-7711/

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19503

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/urine.htm
Disclaimer: I have never used UT! I just found it interesting and want to hear others views and experience if you have used it

A simple HAIR acronym chart!

Need a boost in your ‘Hair Growth?’ Anyone?

Caffeine & or Coffee for Hair Growth!

Studies:
Study proves caffeine in shampoo does penetrate to the hair follicle 
Posted on April 3rd, 2007 in Hair Loss News, Hair Loss Studies by admin | 1,333 Views | 
Caffeine is being used as an ingredient in some hair loss shampoos. The reason for this is that an in-vitro study was done where follicles were treated with a caffeine solution and it was found that caffeine blocks the effects of a DHT, the hormone that causes Male Pattern Baldness and damages the hair follicles.

Dr Fischer, who conducted the first trial, took scalp biopsies from 14 men in the early stages of hair loss. He extracted the hair follicles and then placed them in test tubes with solutions containing different levels of caffeine. The follicles that were being treated with caffeine saw their average growth increase by around 46 per cent and the life cycle of the hair extended by 37 per cent, when compared to the control group. This study prompted some manufacturers to add caffeine to their hair loss products.

In this study, researchers in Germany wanted to see if topically applied caffeine could be delivered to the follicle when being part of a shampoo.

According to their study they were able to prove that after 2 minutes of shampooing, the caffeine in the shampoo was able to penetrate into the scalp via the hair follicles and stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin).

This proves that shampoo is an effective delivery vehicle for caffeine, provided that it’s left on the scalp for 2 minutes or more.
Follicular Penetration of Topically Applied Caffeine via a Shampoo Formulation.

A Guide to Protein

A Guide to Protein
Silk Amino Acids - Help to seal the hair cuticle, increase detangling & shine, and acts as a moisturizer by preventing dryness. Used to penetrate the hair to add body and strength.

Wheat Amino Acids - Wheat amino acids increase the hair's ability to retain moisture and impart shine and gloss to damaged and dull hair. Due to its low molecular weight, wheat amino acids easily penetrate the hair shaft and bind to hair's inner fibers.

Keratin Amino Acids - This amino acid helps to restructure damaged hair. Keratin helps strengthen and build healthy hair.

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein - Known to add strength and manageability to hair. It is able to keep the cuticle smooth, repair and strengthen hair. This vegetable protein helps hair retain moisture. Hydrolyzed soy protein also adds shine, provides ease of combing, and reinforces the hair preventing breakage.

Hydrolyzed Silk Protein - Nourishes and strengthens while delivering natural sheen and softness. A film-forming agent used to care for dry, damaged hair. It binds moisture, increases hair volume, and improves its manageability and overall structure. Provides ease of combing and smoothness to feel of hair, provides control to the hair from application to completion of styling.

Hydrolyzed Rice Protein - Low molecular weight penetrates the hair shaft to rebuild and strengthen damaged hair. Rice Protein strengthens and expands the diameter of the hair shaft to create a noticeably thicker, more luxurious look.

Hydrolyzed Oat Protein - Derived from oats; adds texture and thickens hair, soothes, softens, and nourishes it.Restores strength and elasticity. Easily diffuses into the hair shaft to give a fuller, healthier look.