To make your own leave-in conditioner, mix 1 pint of distilled water with 1 tablespoon of your favorite conditioner and put it in a spray bottle. For aromatherapy and other health benefits, also add 3 to 6 drops of an essential oil such as lavender, rosemary, or ylang ylang to the mixture. Shake well before using.
The best way to strengthen hair follicles, promote hair growth, and reduce dry skin and dandruff is to increase the blood circulation to your scalp. You can achieve this by massaging your scalp with your fingertips for a few minutes a day. Reach from underneath you hair as if you were washing it, and move your fingers in a circular motion. Apply enough pressure to move the skin surface, and make sure to give attention to every area of the scalp. Incorporating a couple drops of essential oil such as lavender, ylang ylang, and cedarwood will further stimulate your scalp and make your massage more healthful and relaxing.
It is commonly known that juicing (drinking fresh vegetable and fruit juices) helps fight face wrinkles, but it is also great for obtaining and maintaining healthy hair. Cucumber and bell pepper juices are wonderful sources of silicon which strengthens hair. Parsnip juice is a well-known beauty tonic for skin, hair, and nails. Raw vegetable and fruit juices provide a concentration of the most beneficial nutrients that is far superior to any vitamin supplement that you can buy.
A hair strand consists of three layers. The cuticle is the outer layer--this layer has an average of three to ten layers that should be tightly packed together. Proper moisturizing and conditioning are important to strengthen and protect the cuticle layers. The cortex is the next layer under the cuticle--this layer determines your natural hair color and is where all permanent chemical changes (relaxers, hair dye) take place. The medulla is the inner most layer--this protein layer is hollow, and the cuticle and cortex layers shape around it. Most hair damage occurs in the cuticle layer and in extreme cases, the damage can reach the cortex and medulla. Knowing and understanding the layers of a hair strand can help you make healthier choices for your hair.