Early Gossips

For hundreds of years, people have been using herbs to nourish the scalp and promote the growth of strong, healthy hair. The list of herbs traditionally used for this purpose is extensive. Here we’ve outlined some of the best choices, why they work, and how to prepare them

1. Aloe Vera

Enzymes in aloe vera dissolve dead skin cells and excess sebum which can clog hair follicles. Aloe contains salicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory and mild anti-biotic. Aloe gel is also an excellent moisturizer with a molecular structure similar to keratin, the prominent protein that makes up skin and hair. For this reason, aloe vera is one of the best carriers for other herbal remedies that promote hair growth.

Read this article revealing ten reasons why you should have an Aloe Vera plant in your home.

2. Amla

Amla, the Indian Gooseberry contains several anti-oxidants including vitamin C which is necessary for collagen production. Elevated collagen levels accelerate production and increase strength of new hair growth. Mix amla powder with a moisturizer such as coconut oil and massage into the scalp.

As a side note, amla is also an excellent remedy for premature greying of hair.

3. Basil

Basil is rich in magnesium, an often overlooked mineral that is essential for hundreds of chemical processes within the human body. When applied to hair and scalp as an herbal rinse, basil acts as an anti-inflammatory, strengthens hair against breakage, and improves circulation in the hair follicles which helps to stimulate growth.

4. Bhringraj

Also commonly known as maka, Eclipta alba or bhringrajis an ancient Ayurvetic herb considered to be one of the most helpful natural means for encouraging hair growth. Check out this guide for making a scalp treatment using bhringraj powder.

5. Burdock Root

The root of the Burdock plant has many traditional medicinal uses including as an anti-inflammatory and scalp treatment. Rich in fatty-acids, burdock root oil can be used by itself or combined with other herbs such as rosemary to promote scalp health and encourage stronger hair growth.

6. Calendula

The flowers of Calendula officianalis, also known as marigolds are rich in minerals and anti-oxidants. Calendula oil applied to the scalp promotes growth of stronger hair by increasing collagen production and circulation in hair follicles. Use calendula alone or in combination with another moisturizing oil.

7. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a vitamin-rich herb that helps to improve circulation and stimulate hair growth. Fenugreek seeds should be soaked in water overnight then ground into a fine paste. Apply fenugreek paste directly to the scalp or mixed with Greek yogurt for the added benefit of lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy exfoliant. Allow this mixture to soak in for at least thirty minutes before cleansing the scalp.

8. Flaxseed

Flaxseed (also known as linseed) is full of fatty-acids and anti-oxidants which help to remove toxins and dead cells from the scalp. Boil ground flax seeds in water to form a soothing gel that can be applied to scalp and hair as a moisturizer that can help to stimulate growth and improve the strength of existing hair. A guide for making flax seed gel can be found here.

9. Ginger Root

Ginger root oil increases circulation in hair follicles, promoting stronger and faster growth. Ginger root is also an anti-septic and moisturizer, making it excellent for clearing up dandruff and other skin conditions which may interfere with healthy hair growth. Check out this recipe for making your own ginger root scalp treatment.

10. Gotu Kola

Also sometimes called brahmi, Centella asiatica or gotu kola has been traditionally used for thousands of years to treat many internal and external maladies, many of which are associated with the crown chakra. Mix gotu kola extract with olive oil and massage into the scalp to improve circulation and promote stronger hair growth.

11. Hibiscus

Hibiscus flowers contains vitamins and anti-oxidants that improve scalp and hair health. Add fresh blossoms (or if you can’t find them fresh, use dried hibscus) to coconut oil and grind into a fine paste. When applied to scalp and hair regularly, this mixture increases hair growth while at the same time warding off premature greying and dandruff. For best results, allow mixture to soak into scalp and hair for at least two hours.

12. Hops

The flowers of the hops plant, Humulus lupus contain a nourishing oil that is widely recognized as a hair growth stimulant as well as for its ability to thicken and strengthen existing hair. Furthermore, hops flower oil is a natural anti-septic which can help to combat infections of the scalp and hair follicles that may stunt healthy growth.

13. Horsetail

Mineral-rich Equisetum arvensa is a hugely popular natural solution for promoting hair growth and a healthy scalp. Horsetail works by stimulating blood vessels that supply oxygen to hair follicles. Also, horsetail contains quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-allergy and anti-viral capabilities and silica a NUTRIENT which helps to repair damage and fortify new and existing hair against breakage. To prepare this herb, steep one part dried horsetail in two parts water for an hour or more. Strain and cool the infused water to room temperature before applying to hair and scalp.

14. Lavender

The oil of Lavandula augustifolia is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-septic. Lavender oil stimulates circulation in the scalp, strengthens new hair growth, and helps to balance the natural oil production of the scalp, making it a popular choice for people of all skin types. As an added bonus, lavender oil is also a natural insect repellant which can ward off disease-carrying parasites like fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and head lice. Lavender oil can be used in combination with a carrier oil, or try this Bulgarian Lavender Hair Butter from Alteya Organics.

15. Licorice

Glycosides, triterpene saponins, and flavonoids naturally occurring in licorice root work to nourish the scalp and heal damage caused by fungal infection, eczema, environmental allergens, and chemical exposure. To make a licorice root cleanser, add one tablespoon of dried licorice root to three cups of boiling water. Allow the roots to steep for an hour or more on low heat (simmer.) Strain and cool the infused liquid to room temperature before applying to hair and scalp.

16. Marshmallow

The roots of Althea officinalis, or common marshmallow contain lauric acid, the medium chain fatty-acids present in coconut oil which give the fruit its outstanding list of health benefits. Marshmallow root is also rich in mucilage, a natural hair detangler. Boil dried marshmallow for about fifteen minutes then strain to extract mucilage which can then be combined with your favorite natural conditioner.

17. Oat Straw

Oat straw, Avena sativa is another herbal source of silica and magnesium which promote scalp health and hair growth. Create an herbal rinse by steeping oat straw for an hour or more. Alternately, you can reap the benefits of oat straw by drinking it as a tea.

18. Parsley

Easy to grow in most climates, Petroselinium crispum – common garden parsley is full of vitamins and anti-oxidants which increase keratin and collagen production in the scalp, increase circulation, promote healthy hair growth, and protect skin and hair from damage by free-radicals. Parsley also contains zinc and copper which work together to regulate metabolism and synthesize melanin, the pigment that protects skin and hair from sun damage. Create an herbal rinse by steeping parsley in boiling water or grind fresh parsley mixed with water or oil into a fine paste to be applied to scalp and hair. Parsley can also be added to tea and salads, however pregnant women should avoid ingesting large amounts of parsley as the herb can potentially cause miscarriage.

19. Peppermint

The moisturizing oil contained in peppermint leaves is anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. When applied to the scalp, peppermint oil can help to heal chemical, microbial, or environmental damage while also stimulating growth by boosting circulation and stimulating hair follicles. To prepare peppermint oil as a healing scalp treatment, try this recipe.

20. Rose Hips

The fruit of Rosa canina, the wild rose is one of the best sources of vitamin C (containing around fifty percent more than oranges) making rose hips a powerful herbal stimulant for hair growth. Simmer or soak rose hips in water until they become soft enough to crush. Mix with a moisturizer to form a paste that can be applied to the scalp and hair.

Avoid over-cooking rose hips as vitamin C is heat-sensitive and denatures when boiled.

21. Rosemary

Rosemarinus officianalis is an evergreen herb that is easy to grow in most climates. Rosemary oil is vitamin-rich, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and by far one of the most popular and effective herbs for scalp health and hair growth. Massage one to two teaspoons of rosemary oil directly into the scalp or mix with other oils to create a conditioning scalp treatment. For a great article on how to prepare rosemary for hair,

22. Sage

Sageis attributed with many healing qualities, thus its Latin name salvia which means “to save.” This esteemed herb contains vitamins B and C, as well as magnesium, zinc, and potassium, all of which improve the growth and strength of hair. Sage is also antibiotic and anti-allergic, and anti-septic making it ideal for healing skin ailments that may stunt hair growth. Add sage oil to a moisturizer or create an herbal rinse by steeping dried sage in hot water.

23. Shikakai

Acacia concinna, a shrub native to the warm plains of Asia has been used for thousands of years as an herbal hair cleanser. Dried shikakai fruit may be ground into powder or steeped in warm water to make a healing cleanser. Rinse hair or massage shikakai paste into hair and scalp to promote growth, strengthen roots, and improve scalp health. (Shikakai is often combined with amla for the added benefit of the Indian gooseberry’s anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties, as well as for amla’s rich dark color.)

24. Soapnut

The fruit of Sapindus mukorossi, a tree in the Lychee family has been used by people of many different cultures since ancient times to make soap – thus the moniker “soapnut.” The natural cleanser made from Sapindus fruit has both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties making it an excellent choice for nourishing scalp and hair follicles, as well as for growing thicker, healthier hair. For more information on making your own soapnut cleansers, check out this great article.

25. Thyme

Thymus vulgaris is known to have anti-septic and anti-fungal properties. Thyme also contains minerals magnesium, potassium, and selenium which are known to promote stronger hair growth. Thyme oil can be mixed with a carrier oil or steep a handful of dried thyme in warm water to create an herbal rinse.

26. Watercress

The aquatic herb, Nasturtium officianale known commonly as watercress is richly packed with vitamins and minerals including biotin which has proven benefits for skin health and stronger hair growth. Check out this recipe for for making a watercress rinse.

27. Yarrow

Yarrow is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent making it an ideal herbal remedy for treating scalp conditions which may stunt hair growth. Because it is high in natural saponins and fatty-acids, yarrow extract is perfect for making natural scalp and hair cleansers. Alternately, yarrow oil may be mixed with a carrier oil and applied to scalp to help stimulate new hair growth.

28. Yucca

Not to be confused with yuca root, Yucca schidigera is a succulent native to the deserts of western North America. Yucca has many traditional uses for health and hygiene including as a nourishing natural cleanser for scalp and hair. A guide for making Yucca soap and shampoo

- 10:07

Do You Love Long Hair? Here Are 28 Best Herbs For Hair Growth

For hundreds of years, people have been using herbs to nourish the scalp and promote the growth of strong, healthy hair. The list of herbs...

While some may see it as a sign of wisdom and maturity, many people view gray hair as an unwanted sign of old age.

Every hair on your head actually starts off as white, and is then colored by a natural pigment called melanin. As your hair grows, melanocytes – cells that produce melanin – transfer melanin to each individual hair follicle, which seamlessly colors each strand of hair. As we age, melanocyte activity slows down and eventually stops, leading to less pigment in the hair. Although genetics, hormones, and environmental pollutants can speed along the graying process, the sad fact remains that your chances of going gray increase 10% to 20% every decade after the age of 30.

Though there are many dyes on the market formulated specifically to cover gray hair, the harsh chemicals in these products make them undesirable to those with an eye for maintaining optimal health.

Fortunately nature provides us with both internal and external remedies for slowing, halting, and sometimes even reversing the growth of gray hair, as well as masking it without hurting our bodies in the process.

1. Henna

Henna is a beautiful auburn dye prepared from the Lawsonia inermis tree which has been used for cosmetic purposes since ancient times.

Most henna comes in powder form and can be mixed with a variety of other natural substances such as lemon juice, vinegar, and cloves or fragrant oils before it is applied to hair. Henna can also be mixed with indigo for a darker color if desired.

Henna should be used regularly to maintain its brilliant color and to effectively mask the gray – anywhere from once per week to once a month depending on the depth of color desired.

2. Tea

Another method for covering gray hair and restoring your natural hair color is to use tea. Black teas work best for darker hues, chamomile for blondes, and rooibos for redheads.

Once a week, steep 3 to 5 teabags in two cups of boiling water and allow it to cool before applying it to your clean, wetted hair. For easier application, try mixing it with conditioner. Leave it in for a least one hour, and bear in mind that the longer it’s in your hair, the more intense the color will be. When your gray hair has absorbed the color of the tea, the mixture can be rinsed out.

***Make sure to rinse your hair in cool water. Hot water will leach color from hair faster than colder water.***

3. Coffee

For black or brown tresses, or to add some tonal variation to dark hair, just brew up a pot of strong coffee. Once cooled, mix one cup of the brew with two cups of hair conditioner. Throw in a few spoonfuls of spent coffee grounds into the mixture for added effect.

Leave it in your hair for a least one hour before rinsing. Though the coffee dye may be subtle, you can repeat these steps to achieve your desired color.

4. Herbs

Flowers and herbs make wonderful natural dyes. Because they are so gentle, you will likely need to use them regularly to maintain the color. There are many herbal options depending on your natural hair color:

Dark Hair – Rosemary, sage, nettle, cloves, cinnamon, black walnut hulls, and comfrey root
Blonde Hair – Chamomile, calendula, lemon peel, saffron, marigold, yarrow, sunflower petals, and mullein flowers
Red Hair – Hibiscus flowers, red clover, rosehips, red rose petals, beets, carrots, and marigold

When using fresh plants, be sure to dry them out completely and crush them into a fine powder. Feel free to mix and match different herbs to add more dimension to your color. Mix together ½ cup of dried herbs with water and simmer on the stove for 30 minutes. Allow it to cool before adding one tablespoon of a carrier oil like coconut oil. Apply to hair and let it sit for one to two hours before rinsing.

5. Amla the Indian Gooseberry

Phyllanthus emblica, commonly called Amla or Indian Gooseberry can be mixed with natural coconut oil or almond oil and massaged into the scalp to cover gray hair. Not only does this mixture act as a colorant, the oils will moisturize and enrich scalp and hair for a glossy healthier appearance all around. Amla juice can also be enjoyed as a beverage to improve overall health and slow or halt the growth of stubborn gray hair.

6. Beet, Carrot, and Lemon Juice

Juicing your hair with beet juice, carrot juice, lemon juice, or a combination of the three, will restore reddish hues or add some vibrant highlights to your existing color. Beets are better for darker reds, carrots for softer orange, and lemon for golden blonde.

Combine one cup of juice with hair conditioner or coconut oil and massage into hair. Since beet and carrot juice will color your skin too, be sure to protect your face by applying oil around your hairline, ears, and neck. Leave it in for an hour before rinsing. For lemon juice applications, sit out in the sun for extra lightening.

7. Potato Skins

The next time you peel your potatoes, save the skins to make a natural, hair-darkening dye. The starches in the potato peel act as a colorant that will slowly darken gray hair.

Boil two cups of water with one cup of potato skins for at least 25 minutes, strain out the peels and let the potato water cool down. It won’t smell very nice, so you may want to add a few drops of essential oil to the mix.

Shampoo and condition your hair as normal, parting your hair into several sections. You can pour the liquid directly on the hair sections or use a small hair dyeing brush to saturate each section. Rinse hair with cool water and repeat the process regularly until you get the desired look.

8. Catalase

A potent anti-oxidant found in the cells of all plants and animals living in an oxygen-rich environment, catalase is now known to help halt the growth of gray hair.

Hydrogen peroxide, a naturally occurring waste by-product of the metabolic process, is thought to be a major contributor in the breakdown of pigments in hair. As we age, our bodies produce less catalase, resulting in the build-up of hydrogen peroxide in our hair follicles – which literally bleaches hair follicles from the inside out.

By eating foods high in catalase such as garlic, onions, cauliflower, potatoes, broccoli, kale, and cabbage, we introduce this gray hair-fighting enzyme back into our bodies, resulting in the gradual return of our youthful hair pigmentation through a safe, all-natural process.

9. Copper

Another key to the mystery of why hair goes gray, a study published in 2012 revealed that low levels of copper in the body can lead to the premature graying of hair. Measuring the copper, zinc, and iron levels in the blood of 66 people under the age of 20 who were going gray, researchers found that their copper concentrations were significantly lower than those in the same age group who weren’t going gray.

Preventing gray hair could be as simple as eating more sesame seeds, cashews, soybeans, shiitake mushrooms, spinach, and asparagus – all of which are excellent dietary sources of copper.

10. Vitamin B12

Playing a key role in the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system, vitamin B12 also helps produce DNA and RNA – the genetic code needed for the growth and development of all living beings.

Though a vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to graying hair, it’s easily reversed by including salmon, sardines, tuna, lamb, beef, eggs, milk and other vitamin B12 foods into your diet. Or, boost B12 in the body by taking a supplement.

11. Fo-ti

With a rich history as an anti-aging tonic, fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum) is a climbing vine native to China. Also known as “he shou wu” which translates to “the black-haired Mr. He”, legend has it that an ill and impoverished Mr. He ate the roots of the fo-ti plant to keep from starving. Not only did it restore his health and vitality, it turned his hair from gray to black.

Some scientific studies have verified the long-held belief that fo-ti can help reverse the aging process. Containing more than 100 chemical compounds, a review on the current science found that fo-ti has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-aging properties, and could be a useful therapy for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Also effective for baldness and thinning hair, fo-ti extract has been shown to promote hair growth by increasing the size and number of hair follicles on the scalp. Although fo-ti has yet to be rigorously studied for restoring hair color pigment, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners often prescribe it for just this purpose. Available as asupplement, fo-ti is slow-acting and it may take anywhere from three to six months to see changes in your hair color.

***As always, remember to consult a doctor before starting any new vitamin or herbal supplements***

12. Quit Smoking

In addition to the numerous health benefits of quitting smoking, there is a link between cigarette smoking and premature graying. Smoking causes oxidative stress, which is known to accelerate the aging process and is more likely to turn hair gray before the age of 30.

- 09:33

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Five Times Jidenna Redefined Ankara Fabrics

How do you see fashion?

Is it something for the centrefold models in a glossy magazine? Or something you aspire to but is unattainable?

For most of us, we acquire our tastes from what we feed off the media. Going with the times and not having to curate out taste. It’s easier- ctrl C, ctrl V.

“That’s so last year, this is what they wear now.”

(They being the trendy)

Does that sound familiar? And that rolls in year-on-year. Every fashion season with its unique quirks. Quirks designed with a muse in mind. A muse that isn’t you.

That works for most consumers though.

I had a conversation around personal style which stated off with us talking about Kcee (he needs a stylist) and it soon got down to popular fashion blogger, Nobel Igwe and how he etched out (he still does) a unique style for himself. One of those in said conversation voiced that he couldn’t adopt Nobel’s choice of colour. But what thing we all agreed on was that what Nobel does works for Nobel (and it might work for you).

But what if it doesn’t? What if recreating the bearded Igbo muse’s famous door looks doesn’t go to plan. And you’re sure it’s not your phone camera. It just doesn’t work.

Fashion is not a one size fits all although it’s treated as such. And while certain things work across board knowing what works for you and implementing it will make all the difference in the world.

Let me bring this home a bit.

In taking selfies for instance, if you take a lot of them over time you must have worked out what angle(s) work(s) best for you. Capturing from the side, not looking straight into the camera, look up to the camera and so on. Yet there are people who take selfies head straight, click and boom- beauty. Same camera, same light condition.

What makes for different results are our features. Certain features on us are more/less obvious than on others. Complexion, height, size, and a few other things may get in the way.

Short persons should wear pants with horizontal lines- it makes them look taller. But if you’re tall you shouldn’t do it except that’s the precise effect you are gunning for.

And you don’t have to be a professional to achieve a look that works for you while keeping up with the times (if that’s your thing). Get a stylist.

But a less expensive option is for you to identify what gets in your way. Google a way around it and then incorporate this into every of your looks. It boosts your confidence and you end up making fashion statements without even trying.

Image Credit: Eva Rinaldi Via Flickr Cc

- 07:19

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