Shift to Simple Proven Hair Methods
Healthier Hair Care
Nearly 25% the weight of a single strand of hair is made up of water, If you drink at least 2 liters of water per day it will increase hair growth and help strengthen your hair, soft water preferably.
If you’re not drinking enough water hair growth can stop completely. The body, skin and hair function better with enough hydration, Just like plants do! We are, after all made up of 60% water.
If you’re trying to grow your hair, make sure to drink enough water and use all natural haircare products not the cheap (or expensive shampoos) that contain chemicals which clog your hair follicles and make your hair frizz and break. You may think that silicone is good for your hair (temporarily) but it will cause build-up and dry hair in the long run and damage your scalp.
Natural vitamins can also help our hair grow strong and long encouraging hair growth with natural nutrients.
Do Hats Cause Hair Loss
Your Hair and Hats
Hats do keep your scalp & hair safe from the UV rays which can cause damage. Controlled and limited exposure to the sun is key. The sun is not 100% bad for your scalp and hair if you spend anywhere between 10-30 minutes per day without a hat, the sun can actually combat and prevent hair loss.
The vitamin D that the sun provides also creates new hair follicles which promotes hair growth. Wearing a hat or using a natural spf may provide protection while being outdoors. A good habit is parting your hair in the opposite direction to lessen the exposure on one side of your scalp. You can also use organic avocado oil or organic sunflower oil on the hair that’s exposed to protect from the UV rays. These oils have many benefits for your skin as well and make great carrier oils.
Free Easy Steps for Healthy Hair
Get Healthy Hair
For some people healthy hair comes easy, for others it’s an ongoing struggle. Hair isn’t everything you say, but that depends on the person. I almost shaved off all my hair when transitioning back to my natural hair color which was turning grey at the time.
For me, it was about going back to my natural hair and stopping all the toxins and chemicals that I was coloring my hair with. I couldn’t wait for the new hair growth to grow and wanted to cut away the fake color….my family said don’t go overboard, don’t shave it!
I decided to go cold turkey and just let it grow out, it looked bad with the half grey and half brown hair although I could vision something extraordinary at the end of this path…yes, mother nature was right! The end result which was my true hair color was perfect!
The most important thing about letting your Natural Hair grow back is your health, your Scalp and Hair will be healthier and you won’t have those chemicals and toxins on and In your head and body!
A healthy scalp means healthy hair. A few Free Easy Steps for Healthy Hair for you to keep your strands their healthiest.
1) Massage your scalp every day, once or twice a day, preferably in the morning and again at night for 2-3 minutes each time and use an a few drops of an oil scalp massage for 20 minutes before shampooing your hair.
2) Use non-toxic natural shampoo and conditioners only. Try to rotate and use 3-5 shampoos.
3) Use filtered or distilled water for your final hair rinse.
4) Clarify your hair once a month with apple cider vinegar or something healthy.
5) Eat enough protein, biotin, zinc foods and supplement with vitamins if needed.
6) Protect your hair from the Sun with uv hair protectors.
7) Stop using any form of Hot Tools or use 1-2 times a week with a heat protectant on the lowest setting you can, it’s best not to go over 300F.
Natural Hair Dye Alternatives - Are They Worth It?
Natural Hair Care
After trying to find a natural alternative and pushing away hair dyes that contained harsh chemicals and toxins I experimented with Henna which left my brown hair the same color with a tinge of red and my small percentage(at the time)of grey strands orange.
It was a nice natural scented, messy experiment. My hair had some shine to it, the color was not right for me so I chose darker henna powders and tried amla for a more ashy effect… still not impressed with the outcome on myself but my friend looked gorgeous. Although Henna might work for you if you have more of a warmer hair color preference and it would be the healthier choice if you choose to color your hair.
Next, I found Hairprint, it was natural just like henna although it did not leave an orange or red tint on my hair which I didn’t want anyway. Again, it smelled natural and was quite messy. My hair looked darker even though I used a light brown my hair looked darker and flat and it was rough to the touch, that dry feeling.
Just like the henna powder I would still need to apply this natural messy product every 3-4 weeks cause the roots would show the hair color difference and we couldn’t have that now, could we? I mean, what would the world say, it’s forbidden to show grey hair, it’s a bad bad thing….Really? It’s Not a bad thing, it’s an Awesome thing.
Mother Nature Knows Best and the Best thing You can do for Your hair is to Not Dye it or Hide it, Do Not Cover it, Show Your Beautiful Sparkly Strands and make them Sparkle even more with the Natural oils that work for Your hair like Coconut oil, Avocado oil, Grapeseed oil. Be careful with some oils that stain hair like Almond oil or Amla oil, these could leave a yellow tinge. My Final Thought, Flaunt that Sparkly Real Natural Hair and Don’t Hide it!
More Ways to Improve the Health of Your Home
As well as eliminating harmful chemicals, there are other ways to improve the health of the home. The more time you spend creating a healthy home environment, the healthier and happier you and the family will be.
Not sure where to start? Below, you’ll discover more ways to improve the health of your home.
Invest in an air purifier
Ensuring the home’s air is clean is one of the most important steps when making the home healthier. This can be achieved with a good quality air purifier. These help to eliminate fine particle matter from the air. This has been linked to heart disease and lung issues. However, when purchasing an air purifier, make sure you’re getting the best quality. Some won’t be able to remove the smaller fine particle matter.
Open your windows regularly
Good ventilation is also important for the health of the home. For this reason, you’ll want to make sure you open your windows frequently.
Even in winter, you should open the windows once each day to allow fresh air to circulate around the property. If you have air filters in the home, you’ll also want to replace these frequently to ensure they are working correctly.
Take shoes off outside
Taking your shoes off after a long day is one of the nicest feelings. However, do you tend to take them off inside the home? Most people remove their shoes inside, but this means you may have trodden some harmful toxins into the home.
Instead, it’s best to remove your shoes before you get into the house. This may not be easy when it’s raining and wet outdoors. However, you could always take them off on the welcome mat just inside the home.
Add more plants to the home
Plants are one of the best natural ways to remove harmful toxins from the home. They can help to purify the air and eliminate carbon dioxide.
Not all plants and flowers will boost the quality of the air. So, you’ll want to focus on ones that do such as Areca palms, rubber plants, peace lilies and Aloe vera.
Switch to soy candles
Do you frequently use scented candles to enhance the smell of the home? If so, you could be unknowingly adding harmful chemicals into the environment. The Petroleum based paraffin candles are the worst culprits for toxic fumes. Instead, opt for 10%% soy candles or other vegetable-based candles. These don’t produce any harmful chemicals at all.
Give the home a spring clean
When was the last time you gave your home a full spring clean? If you can’t remember or it was a long time ago, now’s the time to give it a big clean.
Cleaning the home regularly is one of the easiest ways to reduce harmful chemicals in the home. It eliminates dust, dirt and debris which could be a haven for bacteria. Ideally, you’ll want to try and do a big clean once a month. However, if this isn’t possible every few months should be enough.
Filter tap water
Tap water can contain a lot of nasty chemicals. To ensure yours isn’t contaminated, it’s worth investing in a water filter. When you drink the filtered water, you can rest in the knowledge that it doesn’t contain anything harmful.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to improve the health of the home. Paying attention to the cleanliness of the home, while focusing on air quality will help to make it a much safer space. The more effort you put into cleaning the home and making it a healthier place to be, the better your quality of life will be.
Natural Alternatives to Harmful Chemicals
As harmful chemicals are typically found in everything from our food to our cleaning products, it’s easy to think they are unavoidable. However, did you know there are some great natural alternatives you can use?
If you’re looking to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals, below you’ll discover some great natural alternatives to consider.
Stainless steel cookware
Most homes take advantage of the convenience of non-stick cookware. However, did you know it can give off toxic gases when being used?
Brands such as Teflon, use Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is what gives the cookware its non-stick properties. However, studies have shown that when heated to high temperatures, toxic gases are released. This can lead to problems such as production issues and potentially even cancer. Instead, it’s best to use stainless steel cookware. If you can’t live without your non-stick cookware however, it’s best to cook with them over lower temperatures.
Use glass, rather than plastic bottles
Plastic water bottles tend to be the go-to option. However, they can also contain numerous harmful chemicals such as BPA. These can leak through into the water, then absorb into the body when you drink from them.
Instead of using plastic bottles, aim to switch to glass bottles instead. These don’t contain harmful chemicals and they are reusable which means they are also better for the environment too.
Natural cleaning products
Cleaning products are a huge source of harmful chemicals. However, did you know you can now purchase natural cleaning solutions?
There are more natural cleaning solutions out there than ever before. When you consider traditional chemical cleaners contain bleach and ammonia, it’s worth looking into natural alternatives. The fumes released from cleaning products can lead to respiratory issues and they are also extremely dangerous for children.
There are lots of natural alternatives you can try. As well as pre-mixed natural solutions, you can also choose to make your own. Vinegar, baking powder and lemon juice are the main natural ingredients used in alternative cleaning solutions. Take a look online and you’ll find lots of natural cleaning product recipes to try out.
Natural insect repellents
As the weather warms up, all kinds of bugs can start to invade the home. Ants, wasps and flies are common pests that we typically tend to kill off with insect repellent.
Insect repellents are known to contain harmful chemicals. This is why they often have instructions to spray them, leave the room for a set time period, and then air the room out afterwards. They may be effective, but they could seriously harm your health.
Like natural cleaning solutions, you’ll also find lots of recipes online for natural insect repellents. Did you know for example, lemon juice and vinegar can be off putting to certain insects? Simply do an online search for natural insect repellents, followed by the pest you’re having trouble with, and it will show you the best natural products to use.
Flowers instead of air freshener
If you like to keep the home smelling fresh, it’s common to use cans of air freshener. However, these too contain harmful toxins which can build up in the home.
Instead of using air freshener, there are plenty of natural alternatives you can try. Fresh flowers are a great option. Not only do they smell divine, but they also help to brighten up the home. There may be a lot of harmful toxins found in traditional products, but there is also a lot of natural alternatives out there. The above are just some of the natural alternatives to harmful chemicals you can start using today. It’s also worth looking into natural based cosmetics and baby products too.
Invisible Threats You May Not Think About
When it comes to removing toxins from the home, some are more obvious than others. There are a number of hidden toxins you might not even be aware of that could pose a risk to your health. Here, you’ll discover some invisible threats you may not think about when removing toxins from the home.
Dust mites
You can’t see them, but dust mites are very much present in the home. Known to live on fabrics, particularly mattresses, it is the fecal matter from these mites which causes potential health issues.
As you vacuum and carry out dusting of the home, it can release the fecal matter into the air. This is when you breathe it in, and it can cause issues. Washing bedding regularly and reducing damp in the room will help combat dust mites.
Air fresheners and perfume
Air fresheners and perfume might smell divine, but they could be harboring harmful toxins. In fact, they could contain hundreds of different chemicals.
The trouble occurs when the chemicals in the perfume and air freshener, mix with the ozone in the air. This in turn can lead to the development of secondary indoor pollution chemicals. This can cause headaches, digestive troubles and allergic reactions. Using natural air fresheners and perfumes will help eliminate this worry from the home.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
BPA is a plasticizer, used to make plastics much more flexible. It is frequently found in products such as water bottles, food packaging, baby bottles, pacifiers and plastic cutlery.
This harmful toxin is known to impact both male and female fertility, cause trouble for the cardiovascular system and lead to development and behavioral issues in children. When searching for plastic related products, look out for ones which claim they are BPA free. Most baby bottle manufacturers for example, have now eliminated BPA from their products. However, be aware that if you choose some of the common BPA alternatives, like BPF, they haven’t yet been fully tested. Therefore, it isn’t known whether they are actually safer than BPA.
Phthalates are most commonly found in PVC based products. These include plastic wrap, food storage containers, vinyl flooring and baby toys. They are also used to prolong the scent in fragrances.
Although found in many household items, these chemicals do pose a huge risk to the health. They can particularly lead to endocrine damage, birth defects in babies and they are especially harmful to children. Even low doses of Phthalates can cause health risks.
Always ensure any baby products you buy are listed as Phthalate free. You’ll also want to avoid eating anything that has been cooked or stored in a plastic microwave container. Check labels for the inclusion of “fragrance” in the ingredients too. This would suggest the product does contain Phthalates and should be avoided.
Parabens are typically added to products and used to prevent mold and bacterial growth. They are most frequently added to skin care, beauty and personal care products.
The issues parabens can cause include diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and endocrine disruption. They can also lead to issues with reproduction and birth defects. They have been used in beauty products since the 1920’s and help to boost the shelf life of cosmetics.
A high level of cosmetic products still contain parabens today. So, it’s best to look out for products which advertise themselves to be paraben free.
These are some of the most common hidden chemicals you could be exposed to in the home. When you’re trying to make the home cleaner and safer, you’ll want to consider the invisible threats too. Follow the advice above to reduce or eliminate these hidden toxins from the home today.
Common Toxins to Remove from the Home and Get Rid of them Safely
Although it’s practically impossible to eliminate your exposure to chemicals completely, there are ways to minimize the risks.
Some toxins are much more harmful than others so eliminating from the home is essential for your health. Here, you’ll discover some common toxins to remove from the home and how to get rid of them safely.
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
VOC’s can come from a range of sources in the home. They vaporize easily and add gas pollutants into the environment. The amount of VOC’s in the home has been recorded as being over 400. As they are found in so many household products, VOC’s tend to be more common inside than outside of the home.
The most common risks they present to your health include:
⦁ Eye or respiratory tract infections
⦁ Dizziness
⦁ Headaches
⦁ Increased risk of cancer
⦁ Damage to the liver, kidneys or central nervous system
They are often found in new home furnishings and carpets, plywood, interior paints, cleaning fluids and deodorants to name just a few.
The main way to safely eliminate VOC’s from the home, is through ventilation. Ensure you open your windows frequently, particularly if you have just painted the home. You’ll also want to keep the humidity and temperature of the rooms low.
Another tip is to look for products which are advertised as low VOC. Mold is a common household problem, yet it can be extremely harmful to the health. Caused by excess moisture levels and a lack of ventilation, mold can quickly grow and spread throughout the home.
Many people are sensitive to the effects of mold. However, symptoms are usually mild including coughing and wheezing, nasal stuffiness and skin irritation. If left untreated, the health effects experienced could be much more severe, particularly for those with asthma.
The earlier you spot and treat a mold problem the better. Leave windows open at least once a day, invest in a dehumidifier if you live in a moisture prone area and fix any leaks as soon as possible to prevent it from forming.
Pesticides are commonly used to keep pests under control in the home. However, they can also be found in other unexpected areas too. Some pesticides have been detected in around 50% to 95% of foods in the US. So, you could be consuming them as part of your daily diet.
Avoid using bug sprays and lawn pesticides wherever possible. You’ll also want to pay attention to the labels of the food you purchase and try and find foods which don’t contain this harmful chemical.
Heavy metals Over time, harmful chemicals found in heavy metals such as lead, aluminum and cadmium, can gather within the soft tissues of the body. The trouble is these metals are commonly found throughout the home.
Some of the most common sources of heavy metals include types of seafood, drinking water, antiperspirant, lead paints and preserved wood. They can lead to health problems such as Alzheimer’s Disease, nausea, abnormal heart rhythm and fatigue.
To limit your exposure, make sure you install water filters in the home, avoid eating high mercury content fish and avoid buying treated wood products. You’ll also want to check for lead paint in the home, as well as avoid buying any products constructed from PFC.
These are just a small selection of the most common toxins to remove from the home. All of the toxins mentioned above can have a severe impact on your health in the long term. So, eliminating them now will ensure you and the family stay safe indoors.
Removing Harmful Chemicals from Your Home in 2021
Why Removing Harmful Chemicals Is Important
Did you know there could be a lot of harmful toxins lurking in the home? From flooring to paint and medications to cleaning products; we are surrounded by toxins every single day. While a low level of toxins isn’t harmful to the body, too much of them could cause serious health issues. Here, you’ll discover why removing harmful chemicals in the home is important.
It’s harmful to your kids.
While harmful chemicals impact everyone in the household, kids are known to be particularly susceptible to exposure. Young children especially are exposed to a lot more chemicals than adults. This is because they crawl across the floor, place things in their mouths and breathe more air than adults.
The trouble is that their bodies are still developing. The immune system isn’t as strong as it is for an adult. This means they are even more at risk of developing harmful effects from the chemicals they are surrounded with.
It increases the risk of lung diseases.
Harmful chemicals can have a number of effects on the respiratory system. The most common issues caused by high levels of chemical exposure include asthma and lung disease. The main chemicals that can lead to issues with respiratory issues include Cadmium, Benzene and Asbestos. The latter is typically found in old insulation, while Cadmium is found in old batteries and Benzene is found in degreasers.
Potential impact on the renal system.
You’ll also find harmful chemicals can potentially impact your renal system too. This part of the body is responsible for eliminating waste, regulating body fluids and salt levels. The damage caused to the renal system by harmful chemicals can include kidney tissue damage, kidney cancer and a limited ability to filter the blood.
Possible chemicals that could impact the renal system include lead, Mercury and Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents. Lead is found in outdated plumbing and old paint, while Mercury is found thermostats and fish. Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents are found in dry cleaning solutions, degreasers and paint removers.
The danger to your cardiovascular health.
Exposure to certain chemicals can also impact the cardiovascular system. Used to move gases, nutrients and waste to and from the body, fight disease and stabilize your temperature, the cardiovascular system is crucial to our health.
The main chemicals that put the cardiovascular system at risk include nitrates, Methylene chloride and carbon monoxide. Nitrates are largely found in fertilizers, while Methylene chloride is found in paint removers and auto part cleaners. Carbon monoxide, the most harmful chemical to be exposed to, is found in faulty furnaces and car exhausts.
Potential reproductive issues.
Worryingly, exposure to high levels of harmful chemicals can also cause problems with reproduction. You may find it more difficult to conceive, it can increase the risk of your baby dying, and cause potential birth defects. In some cases, it can even cause infertility.
The chemicals putting you at risk of reproductive issues include Methyl Mercury, lead and carbon monoxide. Methyl Mercury is largely found in fish and coal burning power. These are just some of the ways harmful chemicals can impact your health. They can also cause issues for the nervous system, such as sight, memory and speech. The immune system can also be impacted, and it can cause troubles like rashes and dermatitis for the skin.
As you can see, there are a lot of chemicals that can impact your health in the home. The above are just some of the reasons why it is important to remove harmful chemicals from the home. While you can’t eliminate all chemicals completely, it is possible to reduce the amount in the home to improve your health.
Hair Loss in Women
Hair Loss in Women
What You Need To Know
We don't want to think about it or talk about it but we might end up seeing it one day in the mirror, our hair thinning, receding hair line, bald spots, hair loss.... our heart sinks, we panic and try to figure out what went wrong?
My story, the truth, honestly.... At a young age, growing up, my hair was always in a healthy condition until years later when I started to color it every month, in my 30’s. My hair started getting dry and brittle although it was still thick and healthy looking.
A few years after that my hair looked thinner and the parting on my head was wider, it looked worse because I was tinting my hair a darker color, medium brown. My hair felt so soft and looked so shiny but it was not healthy, it was thinning and I was losing more hair, often.
I experimented with natural hair colors, semi-permanent hair tints and I still had these issues, in fact one day after I colored my hair a few hours later I noticed my eyes looked swollen and I also had a headache after using a semi-permanent hair tint which advertised as being good for your hair and not harsh.
As a graduate from cosmetology/beauty school in Europe, I also have a hairstyle Award from France for performing fast styling and doing a great job with perms. One thing that I learned is that it's Not good to try and change the structure of your natural hair with chemicals and If you leave chemicals on for too long, like perms, you can lose your hair, all of it, at once!(That happened to a Lady at a Salon years ago) Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow?
Perms work by damaging your hair follicles so they can't hold their natural shape. So, patience is better, meaning, if you want to curl your hair just use curlers or a curling iron (on low-medium), not chemicals.
Straightening your hair with chemicals isn't healthy for your hair either, it's a vicious cycle which leaves your hair more vulnerable to breakage and damage because it uses strong chemicals.
Watch out for are hair extensions, don't use them often or you will weaken the roots of your hair because they tug on the hair roots which can lead to traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is a condition caused when too much tension is regularly placed on the hair roots, pulling out the hairs and damaging the follicles permanently. OUCH!
Another thing that should not be done often is tightening your hair back tightly, you will end up losing hair from all the tension you are putting on your roots, I’ve seen this many times. Hair loss starts below the scalp and on the scalp and hair damage usually happens to your hair from chemicals, heat and the weather/sun.
There are many reasons why hair loss in women happens, here are the main ones below.
* You use chemicals on your scalp/head. For example - hair color, perm.
* Clogged/blocked hair follicles. For example - hair spray, hair oils(don't leave oils on your scalp for too long) and not washing your scalp enough which causes build-up.
* Diet, lack of vitamins- zinc, biotin, etc.
* Genetics (sometimes it's in your genes)
* Health issues- thyroid problems, anemia or an autoimmune disorder. (see a doctor/specialist)
Temporary hair loss can also occur after giving birth.
Scalp Detox and Hair Clarifying is crucial for a healthy scalp and hair, it should be done at least monthly depending on your scalp and hair issues. You can Find the Best Vinegar Shampoos and Detox Hair & Scalp mask at Morrocco Method
Scalp massages can benefit to awaken and stimulate hair follicles by using peppermint oil, rosemary oil and lavender oil, 3 drops each mixed with half a cup castor oil and one cup aloe vera, leave on head for 30 minutes and then massage scalp for 2 minutes before washing hair. Massaging your head in the morning for 1-2 minutes is also beneficial.