The name ‘no poo’ movement sounds like a dodgy deal…with that name, what could it deliver but follow the link I’m about to share where a girl writes all about this.
It is such a great article, so well written and definitely something that will make you think twice about the products you’re using. Today, I have decided to make the switch and give this movement a try.
Here’s the link: http://justsarahg.wordpress.com/2013/08/14/ill-never-shampoo-my-hair-again-ever-seriously/
Enjoy!
Xx
The weekend that just passed must have been one of the worst I have experienced in a long time. This time being sick got the better of me. I have never spent so much time on the couch feeling sick, nauseas, vomiting, suffering from crazy migraines, cramps and a million other things. It really was terrible.
But between it all, I had some really great conversations with friends and a good planning weekend. Even though, my assignments have stacked up and it means a little more work and more focus this week but I’m excited.
The seasons are changing and fall is here… leaves are changing colour…CHANGE is hanging in the air. It is time for more cosy nights on couches, with warm eats, hot chocolate, great conversations, fireplaces heating homes, getting prepared for winter. I can already feel it all on my skin as the air becomes drier, the sun’s rays a little less harsh…denims, jackets, scarves, beanies, hoodies – all coming out of the closet now… Autumn is here and winter is swiftly following.
Trying to get into shape in winter or only starting then is terrible and not a place you want to be at. Trying to motivate yourself in cold weather, to get out there and exercise and get focused when all you want to do is snuggle up with a book and hot tea – is definitely a lot harder then it seems.
So I decided over the weekend, that I wasn’t going to get stuck in that place again. I got chatting to some personal trainers – that are friends too, and decided to get a workout program going for the next four weeks. I also got some natural supplements and stuff to help, and got chatting to a buddy of mine who has a MMA tournament in 2 weeks time who is needing to focus and train hard in these 2 weeks – so we’re keeping each other accountable and motivated, which makes it a little easier and fun when there’s two of us going through the same kinda stuff.
So, yes, I started today, in Autumn, bringing on some good changes. Had a crazy workout this morning, and my legs and arms and everything feels like jelly but I’m totally amped and excited. Although, I am regretting all the times that I laughed at my friend Corne, after he and Piet had gymed together and he came out feeling like jello, because I totally feel what he did and it’s pretty bitter-sweet.
Apart from that, there are many snacks and stuff to eat that is light and easy to make. Pita bread cut in half and then cut open so that you have four halves make for great pizza type treats with a lot less starch and carbs and they fill you up without making you full. Once you’ve opened them up, you can top them with pretty much anything before baking in the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes. We usually put a little olive oil, garlic, basil, tomato and mozzarella on it. But you can also put mozzarella, ham and basil on it. You can put all kinds of things you’d usually put on a pizza. I’ve even cut my pita into slices or other shapes and then sprinkled a little olive oil and baked them ‘til they’re crunchy in the oven and then dipped them in sauces I like, or cottage cheese or something. All the variations make for great snacks while studying, watching movies or even for parties and when you have people over.
I’ve also swapped my usual cup of tea with milk and sugar, for mint/green tea, which seems to be good for your metabolism but also for you r skin. In eating my cereal, I’ve added coconut milk instead of milk, and cut up bananas or dates to replace the sugar that is usually there. Spring rolls and lighter kinds of foods have also become more part of my eating routine, as well as soups for the winter, and I’m keeping away from the cream based soup as well. I’m trying my best to eat things that fill me up but don’t leave me feeling swollen, bloated or heavy, and reducing my portions help as well – but still keeping to eating 5 smaller portions a day, rather than 3 big ones.
Two other things I’ve added is getting a good cream keeping your skin moisturized this winter as well as added something to my conditioner to keep my hair healthy which was recommended by a good friend of mine. Add coconut oil to your body moisturizer, that’s what I did last winter and it really helped, but if you’re feeling a little lazier – Palmer’s Cocoa Butter is definitely worth the buy. Then to keep your hair healthy, moisturized and even help it grow, add a teaspoon Bergamotessens (which can be bought at your local chemist or drug store) to your full bottle of conditioner. Don’t add more than that as it has a really strong smell that you don’t want on your head all day. But it really works and helps a lot, especially for girls with thin hair who want to thicken it up a bit.
So for those of you who want to get into eating or exercise routines, start now, before winter, so that by the time winter is here, you’re fully working into one already. Also take small steps, don’t set crazy goals and be so harsh on yourself that you end up putting yourself off of doing anything.
There’s a saying that goes, “exercising should be about rewarding your body with endorphins and strength, not about punishing your body for what you have eaten.” I agree with that, if you’re going to punish yourself, you’re going to end up hating it and get put off, but if you see things in a light of rewarding your body with endorphins, great tasting, healthy and light snacks as well as feeling energized and good, then it makes it more worth it and easier to stand up in the moments where you feel like giving up.
A song ringing true in my heart, as a new season awaits. A new, fresh start that comes after the rain, after the storm of the past season. This is such a beautiful song with beautiful words. This is a favourite of mine by Mumford & Sons. Not only because it rings true in my life but the part about ‘grace in your heart & flowers in your hair,’ that’s me. Such a beautiful song to come across at 2 in the morning while working and serving God.
Here are the lyrics.
“After The Storm”
And after the storm,
And I took you by the hand
And we stood tall,
And remembered our own land,
What we lived for.
And there will come a time, you’ll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
And now I cling to what I knew
I saw exactly what was true
But oh no more.
That’s why I hold,
That’s why I hold with all I have.
That’s why I hold.
And I won’t die alone and be left there.
Well I guess I’ll just go home,
Oh God knows where.
Because death is just so full and man so small.
Well I’m scared of what’s behind and what’s before.
And there will come a time, you’ll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
And there will come a time, you’ll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
Someone asked me about food you could add to your diet which promotes healthy growing hair and then plants that are good for your hair. Well here’s the list.
Food to eat – Fish(rich in Omega 3), beans(rich in proteins, zinc, biotin & iron), eggs(proteins) or low-fat dairy products, nuts, carrots, dark greens, oysters, bananas & raisins.
Plants promoting hair growth – Aloe Vera, Fenugreek(also known as Greek Hay or Methi), rosemary, Reishi Mushroom(also known as Ganoderma Lucidum – a Chinese mushroom), Ginko Biloba, Safflower and then, Catnip.
Hope this helps
Xx
M
11. Henna & Egg Shampoo
This is effective for hair growth & care. You’ll need natural henna powder, an egg, half a cup of lemon juice & a cup of water. Mix the henna, egg & water together until it has formed a paste & let it stand for an hour. Add lemon juice & blend again until the mixture is smooth. Apply the paste on your scalp & hair from root to tips. Leave it in for about 2 hrs or until completely dry or even through the night. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water & gently work the mixture out of your hair. Use once a month.
12. Oatmeal Hair Mask
Get half a cup of oats or more(depending on the length and thickness of your hair), mix it with 1-2 tbsp of almond oil & a quarter to half a cup of milk. Make sure your hair is tangle free & dry & apply the hair mask from root to tip. Leave it in for 15-20 mins & then rinse with warm water before shampooing. Use once a week.
13. Egg & Yogurt Mask
You need 1 egg, a quarter cup plain yogurt & a quarter cup mayo. First beat the egg until it looks foaming, add in the yogurt & mayo until the mask is smooth. Massage it into your scalp & hair, making sure every inch is covered. Use a plastic bag or shower cap to keep it from dripping & leave the mask in for an hour. Rinse with cool water & a very mild shampoo. Use it once a week.
14. Onion & Honey Treatment
This is helpful if your hair is thinning or you’re losing it. Juice one small onion & add a bit of honey. Apply the mixture to all of your head or just the spots where hair looks thin. Leave it overnight & avoid covering it(you can cover your pillow) & shampoo out the next morning. Use at least once a week.
15. Coconut Oil & Lemon Juice
This doesn’t just help strengthen your hair for fast growth but gets rid of dandruff quickly. Just mix one part lemon juice with two parts coconut oil & massage it into your scalp. Leave it in from 4hrs to overnight & gently rinse out with cool water the next morning. Use this once a week.
16. Garlic & Chamomile Tea Mask
This one is complicated but only because it has many ingredients. You need 1 tbsp of garlic juice, 3 tbsp chamomile tea(or a tea bag), 1 tbsp aloe vera gel, 1 tbsp honey, 3 cups of water & 1 egg yolk. Mix the garlic juice with the honey & place it in your fridge. Boil your water & tea for about 30mins, stirring now and then. While that cools, take your juice/honey mixture & stir in the egg yolk & aloe vera gel. Massage the mask into your scalp down to the ends of your hair & leave it for 20 mins. Wash it out with a gentle shampoo. After that rinse your hair with the chamomile & let it stay in. If you have the stamina for this process you could do it once each week.
17. Vitamin E Treatment
This one is easy if you have all the ingredients together. Have a bottle handy & combine a quarter cup of vitamin E oil & a quarter cup of jojoba oil. You can buy vitamin E capsules & either break them, press them or piece them to get the oil. Then add 15 drops peppermint essential oil & 15 drops rosemary essential oil. Cap the bottle & shake the mixture well. Apply this treatment to your scalp every night.
18. Essential Oils Treatment
This requires only essential oils. Mix 2 drops thyme, 3 drops rosemary, 2 drops cedar, 28mls grape seed & a tbsp jojoba oil in a tight bottle or bowl for storage & later use. Massage this mixture into your scalp every night.
19. Caffeine Shampoo
This requires caffeine powder. You mix 4 tsp into 230ml shampoo. You can also mix he caffeine powder in a spray bottle with 230ml water & spritz it on your hair 10-15 mins before showering. Don’t use this treatment more than once a day & if you start getting headaches, you’re using too much shampoo or spritz.
20. Mayo Massage
All you need is mayo & it doesn’t matter what kind. Make sure your hair is damp – not soaking wet – with warm water & basically rub the mayo into your scalp & down to the ends of your hair. Use as much or as little as you want. Cover with a shower cap or plastic bag to trap heat. Let it set for 20 mins and then wash out with a gentle shampoo or shampoo that has been diluted. Use once a week for dry, over-processed hair, twice a week for normal hair & once a month if you have oily hair.
This has been a question, especially for girls who have cut their hair and need it to grow back soon. Either because they regret cutting it or have a special event coming up soon. So for some hair growth treatments that are homemade and don’t have any harsh chemicals in, this is the right place. Here are some remedies:
1. Curry Leaves & Coconut Tonic
You’ll need to get fresh curry leaves & some coconut oil. Boil them together until a black residue starts forming. Harvest this residue & use twice a week to replenish your hair, grow faster & fight gray hair.
2. Castor Oil
This oil is pretty greasy which means you may want to dilute it to avoid too much hassle. Just add it to your conditioner or mix with almond oil & massage into your scalp. You could also massage some castor oil into your scalp alone & leave overnight if you have serious receding hairline, bald or thinning hair. Use it once a week.
3. Vinegar Rinse
This helps restore your hair’s optimal pH value, seals cuticles to make each strand shinier, stronger & less prone to breakage & removes product build-ups that suffocate the scalp & slow down normal hair growth. Mix 1 part vinegar & 2 parts water together & use this mixture as a final rinse after shampooing.
4. Egg Yolk & Olive Oil Mask
This will make your hair softer, shinier, healthier & longer as it is filled with rich proteins, vitamins & super-nurturing fatty acids. Mix 2 egg yolks with 2 tablespoons(tbsp) of olive oil, dilute by adding a cup of water & slowly massage this mask into your scalp. Give 15 to 20 mins to absorb all the needed nutrients & then rinse off. Use it once or twice per month.
5. Burdock Root Oil Treatment
This prickly purplish flower is jam-packed with nutrients & is good for your hair as it contains calcium, potassium, iron, vitamins & much more. It nurtures hair & helps battle some of the worst scalp problems – like inflammation, dandruff & skin conditions. Mix 1 teaspoon(tsp) of each – rosemary, basil & lavender oil, then mix in 3-5 drops of the mixture with 1 tsp of Aloe Vera gel & 1 tsp Burdock oil. Massage the mixture into your scalp leaving it on for as long as you want(the more hours, the better). Then shampoo & style your hair as usual using it at least once a week.
6. Leave-in Rosemary Treatment
This leaves your hair soft & stimulates hair growth. Mix 2 tsp of dry crushed rosemary leaves with 300mls water & then massage this mixture into your hair & scalp starting from the ends. As it is non greasy it doesn’t need to be rinsed out & you don’t need to wait til your hair is dirty to apply it. Use it after shampooing.
7. Banana Mask
Bananas are rich in potassium as well as vitamins A, E & C & calories which makes them perfect for hair growth treatments. Pick 2 soft, ripe banana, mash it into a paste & apply to your hair & scalp. Make sure the bananas are really well mashed because big pieces are hard to get out your hair. After applying, cover your head with a plastic bag. Wrap your head in a hot towel or use a hairdryer to help your hair absorb all the nutrients quickly. Use once a week.
8. Coconut oil & Avocado
This adds lustre to your hair if it’s dry, it gets rid of flaking & dandruff & keeps your hair safe from the sun, which can be just as damaging to your hair as your skin. Microwave the coconut oil for about 10 seconds, then massage 1 tbsp of it into your hair from the roots to tips. After that, massage the avocado into just the tips of your hair. The avocado could be replaced by avocado oil if you like. Leave this mixture on for 10-15 mins & then rinse with cool water before shampooing. Use once a week.
9. Almond Oil
Use if you’re trying to grow out your hair, soften it or strengthen it. Use about 1 tbsp or more depending in the length & thickness of your hair & massage it into your scalp, down to the ends of your hair. Leave for 15 mins or so before rinsing with cool water & shampooing. Use once a week for nourishment & twice a week if your hair is dry or damaged.
10. Nettle Hair Tonic
This is extremely effective but is complicated. It helps if you have thin hair – for growth & thickening of hair. You need 28g of nettle leaves, 2 cups of white wine vinegar & 2 cups of water. Place it all in a pan making sure it is non-reactive, let it simmer on the stove for about 2 hrs & let it cool before straining the mixture. Once you have strained the mixture, stir in 2 drops lavender oil & pour the mixture into a tightly sealed bottle. Shake it well before using & massaging it into your scalp. Use it every other day(or night).
This is how my soul has been feeling all year and now more than ever. This is what I feel God whispering into my ear and into my heart…I feel this to my very core…
Dancing In The Wind 