How To Grow Out Chemically Treated Hair

We always want what we don’t have. Got curly hair? You probably want silky smooth, straight locks. Straight hair? You most likely envy everyone with luscious curls. But lucky us, now there are “permanent” chemical treatments, like Japanese straightening, that will give us the hair we’ve always wanted. The beauty of these treatments is that they cut styling time to a minimum—you can usually just air dry your hair and go. But is it really such a great idea?

If you’ve ever undergone one of these treatments, you probably understand how much of a nuisance your hair becomes once it starts growing back. When the roots start to come in, they’re a completely different texture than the rest of your hair. What was once hassle-free becomes extra trouble, since you now have to make sure your hair looks uniform. There may come a time when you decide to stop chemical treatments altogether. Maybe you’re tired of the damage, maybe you’re annoyed with having to deal with your roots, or maybe you’re just sick of the price. The enviable next step is the seemingly never-ending process of growing out your hair. So how do you go about this and still make sure it looks awesome? These tips will help you restore your hair to its former glory.

Trim or chop.The only way to 100% get rid of “permanently” chemically-treated hair is to cut it off. Any time you’re voluntarily trying to grow your hair, getting regular trims is even more important. Make sure you’re visiting your stylist every 6-8 weeks to snip off those dead ends. This will drastically cut down the time it takes to see a difference. If you’re feeling daring or looking for a change, you can even go for the big chop. Naturally, the more drastic the cut, the quicker it takes for the chemically-treated parts to be gone.

Avoid heat.The first thing you’re going to want to do when your roots start to come in is to go straight for hot styling tools. Stop right there. The chemical treatment has already caused a significant amount of damage to your hair so the last thing you’ll want to do is add more. Using heat will only harm your hair and make the growing out process take even longer.

Braids are your best friend.How are you supposed to deal with roots if you can’t use heat? Braids. Not only are there a million adorable ways to style them, but they’re also a great way to match your roots to the rest of your hair. While your hair is damp, braid it from the top of your head all the way down and sleep on it. When you undo it in the morning, your hair will have beautiful, effortless waves—and your uneven roots will be hidden.

Use heatless styling techniques.There are tons of ways to curl—and even straighten—your hair without heat. Start using these methods to avoid damage and ensure your hair still looks great. If you’re in a pinch, try sporting updos like sleek ponytails or messy buns.

Have patience.
Growing your hair out can seem to take forever. You’ll get frustrated and your patience will run thin, but remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day and it’s going to take a bit to get your hair back to a healthy and natural state. Depending on the length of your hair, it could actually take a year or two to get your natural texture back completely. It’s important to relax, have patience, and just look forward to the end result.

Love your hair!In a recent study, Dove discovered that only 4 out of 10 girls with curly hair thought it was pretty. It’s important to embrace what you have and to remember that no matter the texture or color of your hair, it’s beautiful! So get out there and rock those curls, sport those sleek locks, and love your hair.

Read more: http://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-to-grow-out-chemically-treated-hair/#ixzz4MsoixCHC

Home Remedies for Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hairs, commonly known as razor bumps, are hairs that have curled around and grown back into the skin instead of rising up from it.

According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System, ingrown hairs or razor bumps appear most frequently among people of the African American community or people who have curly hair.

An ingrown hair can produce a raised, red bump that looks like a little pimple. At times, there may be pus inside the bump. It also causes redness, swelling, inflammation, pain and irritation in the area.

The condition occurs most frequently where people shave to get rid of unwanted hair, such as the beard area, legs, underarms and bikini area.

This is not a serious issue, but definitely an irritating problem affecting many people. In most cases, ingrown hairs go away on their own as the hair eventually grows out of the skin. But some simple home remedies can speed up the healing process and diminish the inflammation and redness.

As for the hair growing back into the skin, you can simply lift it out with a sterile straight pin or a pair of tweezers; do not pick or dig at your ingrown hair though.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for ingrown hairs.

1. Sugar Scrub

Sugar is a great skin scrub that can help get rid of ingrown hair. It gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells and helping the ingrown hair come out of the skin. Plus, it will make your skin silky smooth.

Sugar Home Remedy to Get Rid of Ingrown Hair

1. Mix one cup of white sugar with one-half cup of extra-virgin olive oil or jojoba oil.
2. Stir in 10 drops each of tea tree oil and lavender essential oil.
3. Apply a small amount of this homemade scrub on the affected area.
4. Gently scrub the skin in circular motions for a few minutes. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
5. Follow this remedy once or twice a week as needed.

You can store the remaining scrub in an airtight container for future use.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda has a soothing effect on the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it helps relieve itching by exfoliating the skin and also reduces redness caused by ingrown hairs.

• Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and one cup of water. Dip a cotton ball in the solution. Dab it on the affected skin. Leave it on for five minutes and then wash it off with cold water. Repeat two or three times daily as needed.
• You can also make a homemade scrub with one teaspoon each of baking soda and ground oatmeal and one tablespoon of water. Mix the ingredients together to create a paste. Apply it gently on the skin and leave it on for not more than five minutes. Then rinse if off with lukewarm water and gently pat the skin dry. Follow this remedy twice daily as needed.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help heal the skin and also prevent infection.

• Add five drops of tea tree oil to two tablespoons of distilled water. Apply the diluted tea tree oil on the affected skin after cleansing the area with antibacterial soap. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse the area with lukewarm water. Do this twice daily as needed.
• Mix three drops of tea tree oil in one tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the mixture on the affected area and gently massage it for a few minutes. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy twice daily as needed.

4. Aspirin

Aspirin can help reduce redness and inflammation, the two most common symptoms of ingrown hair. The anti-inflammatory property of aspirin reduces swelling, fights inflammation and treats mild infection. Plus, the salicylic acid present in aspirin scrubs away dead skin to loosen the offending hair.

Soak two aspirin tablets in one teaspoon of warm water until it forms a paste-like consistency.

1. Add one teaspoon of honey to the paste.
2. Apply the paste to the affected area.
3. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and then gently pat the skin dry.
4. Follow this remedy once or twice a week as needed.

Note: Those with highly sensitive skin should not follow this remedy.

5. Salt

Salt works as a great exfoliating agent and at the same time helps increase circulation, promote healing and reduce swelling.

1. Mix one and one-half teaspoons of table salt in one cup of lukewarm water.
2. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and gently rub it over the affected skin.
3. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it off with water.
4. Do this twice daily until the ingrown hair clears up.

Note: Do not use this remedy if your skin gets red or irritated.

6. Black Tea Bags

Black tea bags can also help get rid of ingrown hairs. Black tea contains tannic acid, which reduces redness and inflammation and helps soothe the skin.

• Moisten a black tea bag in warm water. Rub it over the affected area for two to three minutes. Repeat several times daily as needed.
• Alternatively, steep a black tea bag in hot water for a few minutes. Remove it from the water and squeeze out the liquid into a bowl. Mix in one teaspoon of coconut water. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and then press it gently on the irritated skin. Do this twice daily for a few days until you see improvement.

Homemade Natural Toothpaste to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

Most of us start and end our day with brushing our teeth. But have you ever wondered whether the toothpaste you use every day is actually good for your health?

Commercial toothpastes contain many harmful toxins. The most common ones are fluoride, triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Triclosan is a well-known endocrine disruptor that alters hormone regulation.

Sodium lauryl sulfate, used as a foaming agent, is a possible carcinogen. It is also a persistent irritant that can irritate your gums and contribute to gum inflammation.

Fluoride can affect your bones and pineal gland, even your brain function.

Looking at the harmful ingredients used in commercial toothpastes, it is more convincing to make your own natural toothpaste at home.

It is very easy to make. Plus, the ingredients used in this DIY recipe are readily available and extremely beneficial for oral health. Also, it will cost you much less than the commercial products.

Let’s have a look at the ingredients and their oral health benefits.

Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil

Extra-virgin coconut oil is high in lauric acid that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. It can help reduce the plaque on your teeth and prevent problems like toothaches, bad breath and gum disease.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology suggests that coconut oil as well as sesame and olive oils can be used as valuable preventive agents in maintaining and improving oral health.

Another study published in the Nigerian Medical Journal suggests that coconut oil, when used for oil pulling, is effective at reducing plaque formation.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, acts as an abrasive agent and helps whiten and brighten your pearly whites. It neutralizes acids in the mouth, thereby reducing the chance of bad breath.

According to a 2008 study published in The Journal of Clinical Dentistry, baking soda paste or powder more efficiently removes plaque than non-baking soda products. This conclusion was made after analyzing various studies.

Turmeric
The turmeric used in this homemade toothpaste is good for overall oral health. It helps keep dental problems, such as toothaches and gingivitis, at bay due to its anti-plaque, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It also helps whiten your teeth.

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology found turmeric mouthwash to be effective in controlling plaque and preventing gingivitis.

Peppermint Extract
This extract is mainly used to give a nice flavor to the homemade toothpaste. Plus, it has therapeutic benefits that can inhibit the formation of biofilm that is linked to cavities.

In fact, in ancient times, people used powdered peppermint leaves to combat halitosis (bad breath) and whiten their teeth.

DIY Homemade Natural Toothpaste to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

Things you’ll need:

• Extra-virgin coconut oil
• Baking soda
• Turmeric powder
• Peppermint extract (optional)

Steps

1. Put 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil in a bowl.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.

3. Optionally, add 10 to 15 drops of peppermint extract to the bowl.

4. Last but not least, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.

5. Mix the ingredients with a nonmetallic spatula or spoon until you get a smooth paste-like consistency.

Your homemade toothpaste is ready to use

Homemade Shaving Cream for Smooth Shaving

Shaving is a part of both men and women’s beauty routines. To make shaving easy and smooth, there are countless commercial shaving creams in the market.

But these commercial products are full of chemicals and preservatives that can leave your skin irritated and dry.

This does not mean that you need to stop using shaving cream. A good alternative to the commercial products is homemade shaving cream. It will not only keep your beauty routine natural, but also save you money.

Plus, there is a certain amount of pleasure and pride in using things you made yourself!

The main ingredients in this shaving cream recipe are shea butter and extra-virgin coconut and olive oils.

These three ingredients are the ultimate moisturizers that alleviate dryness and soothe the skin, thus great for avoiding razor burns.

The essential oils used in this recipe give a nice fragrance to the cream.

This homemade beauty product is highly moisturizing, smells delicious and is completely chemical-free!

However, don’t expect a foamy shave with this homemade shaving cream as it does not lather. Just use a thin layer of this cream on your skin and shave against the direction of your hair growth.

How to make a simple and easy DIY shaving cream at home with all-natural ingredients

Things you’ll need:

• Shea butter– 1/3 cup
• Extra-virgin coconut oil – 1/3 cup
• Extra-virgin olive oil – ¼ cup
• Peppermint essential oil – 8 to 10 drops
• Lavender essential oil – 5 drops
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Wooden ice cream stick or toothpick to stir the mixture

Steps

1. Put 1/3 cup of extra-virgin coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Add 1/3 cup of shea butter to the bowl.

3. Put the bowl in a microwave and heat the contents for about 1 minute or until the oil and shea butter melt.

4. Remove the bowl from the microwave and add ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil.

5. Add 8 to 10 drops of peppermint essential oil and 5 drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture.

6. Mix the ingredients thoroughly using an ice cream stick or toothpick.

7. Put the bowl in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or until the mixture solidifies. Then, let it sit in room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.

9. Whip it with an electric hand whisk or beater for 3 to 4 minutes or until it becomes light and fluffy.

Your homemade shaving cream or lotion is ready. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The shelf life is 1 to 2 months but make sure there is no moisture in it.

How to Lighten Skin Naturally

Dark and dull skin can be caused by overexposure to the sun, environmental pollution, a medical condition, dry skin, stress, poor lifestyle choices, and prolonged use of chemical-based cosmetic products.

Many people work hard to achieve fair and flawless skin. The market is flooded with skin-lightening creams and lotions. But such products have harmful chemicals that can ultimately damage your skin. Oftentimes the products are expensive, too.

You can save yourself some time and money by using natural remedies that will effectively brighten and lighten your skin complexion.

Here are the top 10 ways to lighten skin naturally.

1. Yogurt

Yogurt, a by-product of milk, has many nutrients that are good for the skin. It also contains lactic acid that has bleaching properties. The following remedies are suitable for all skin types.

• Gently rub plain yogurt onto your skin. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily for several weeks to notice a significant change in your complexion.
• Alternatively, mix one tablespoon of fresh yogurt with one-half tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture on your face and neck. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash it off with water. Do this daily to improve your skin tone and complexion.
• You can also add a little lemon juice and some oatmeal to yogurt to make a thick paste, and apply it as a face mask. This remedy will also help keep your skin supple and moisturized.

2. Oranges

The most important ingredient in skin care is vitamin C, which you can get in abundance from oranges. Plus, oranges have bleaching properties that can lighten your skin tone.

It has been found that regular consumption of fresh orange juice can greatly improve the overall texture of your skin as well as its suppleness. To lighten your skin, oranges can be used in two different ways.

• Combine two tablespoons of orange juice and a pinch of powdered turmeric. Apply this mixture on your face and neck before going to bed. You can also apply it on your hands and legs. Wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes. Do this daily.
• Grind dried orange peels into powder. Mix one tablespoon of the powdered peels with one tablespoon of plain yogurt to make a paste. Apply the paste on your skin and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off with water. This will help lighten spots and other marks on your face. Do this once or twice a week, but no more than that.

3. Gram Flour

Gram flour is one of the best ingredients for people who wish to lighten their skin complexion. It contains various nutrients that help keep your skin very healthy. Using the remedy below every other day will help remove excess oil from your skin while retaining your skin’s natural moisture.

1. Mix some gram flour with a small amount of water or rose water to make a thick paste.
2. Apply it on your face, hands, and legs.
3. Leave it on until the paste dries. Then wash it off with water.

4. Honey

Honey helps bleach skin while also acting as a moisturizing agent. Dry skin is a common factor that contributes to an uneven skin tone. Honey also has antibacterial properties that can help fade age spots and acne scars.

• Apply pure honey to your face, leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. This simple remedy will help remove dead skin cells, making your skin appear brighter and fresher than before. Do this once daily.
• To make a skin-lightening mask, combine one teaspoon each of honey and lemon juice, one tablespoon of powdered milk, and one-half teaspoon of almond oil. Mix them well and apply it gently on the skin. Leave it on for 10 to15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. Do this every other day.

5. Lemons

The acidic property in lemons works as a natural bleaching agent for the skin and the high amount of vitamin C in them encourages new cell growth. Also, lemons have antioxidants that are very good for skin complexion.

• Dip a cotton ball in freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply it directly on your face. You can even rub a cut lemon directly over the affected skin and allow the juice to stick to the skin. Leave it on for at least an hour and then wash your face with water. Do this once daily. This simple remedy will surely lighten your skin complexion and can also prevent the development of scars on your face.
• Mix three teaspoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply this mixture on the skin and leave it on for half an hour. Wash it off with water. Do this once daily.
• Alternatively, mix together one teaspoon each of lemon juice, powdered milk and honey. Apply it on your skin and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Do this daily or every other day.

Note: When using these remedies, be sure there are no open wounds on your skin. The acidic nature of lemon juice can cause pain in open wounds. Also, lemon juice may not be suitable for sensitive skin or if you are allergic to lemons.

6. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera can alleviate hyperpigmentation and restore your skin’s original color. Hyperpigmentation is one of the main causes of uneven skin tone.

Also, the cooling effect of aloe vera helps regenerate new cells and rebuild damaged tissue, which is important for healthy skin. This simple remedy using aloe vera gel can lighten dark spots and improve your overall skin complexion.

1. Cut the outer layers of an aloe vera leaf. Squeeze out the thick, jelly-like substance.
2. Apply the gel thoroughly on your skin.
3. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, and then wash it off with water.
4. Do this at least twice daily for two weeks.

If you do not have an aloe vera plant, you can buy aloe vera gel in the market.

Papaya Hair Mask for Beautiful and Healthy Hair

Dull and dry hair can make anyone go crazy and look for treatments to restore their hair’s shine.

Instead of relying on commercial products that contain chemicals, you can use some natural ingredients to support your hair’s health. Natural ingredients not only ensure that your hair is not treated with chemicals, but also are cost effective.

Ripe papaya is a popular ingredient for homemade hair masks. Along with papaya, coconut milk and honey are great for making a hydrating and growth-supporting hair mask.

Each of these ingredients has benefits for hair care.

Ripe Papaya

Ripe papaya is rich in numerous nutrients like vitamins A and C, beta carotene, magnesium, potassium and copper that support healthy hair growth and also help make your hair smooth and shiny.

Plus, the enzymes in papaya prevent buildup of oil and impurities on the scalp, one of the main causes of dandruff. It also works as a great hair conditioner (when used in small amounts) to give a nice shine to dull, unruly and lifeless hair.

Coconut Milk
Like coconut oil, coconut milk is an excellent ingredient for hair care. The high vitamin E and fat content in it helps strengthen your hair from the roots. It also helps soften and treat dry hair. It easily penetrates deep into hair shafts, which in turn supports hair growth. Some people even use coconut milk to massage the scalp before taking a shower to support hair growth.

Honey
Honey is another excellent ingredient for your hair. This natural emollient works as a hair softener for smooth and soft hair. The antioxidants in it help make your scalp healthy and stimulate hair growth.

How to Make a Papaya Hair Mask

Things you’ll need:

• Ripe papaya – ½ cup
• Coconut milk– ¼ cup
• Honey– 1 teaspoon

Steps

1. Put ½ cup of peeled ripe papaya (cut into cubes) in a blender.

2. Next, add ¼ cup of coconut milk.

3. Then, add 1 teaspoon of raw, organic honey.

4. Blend the ingredients for a few minutes, until you get a smooth paste.

5. Transfer the contents to a bowl.

Voila! Your homemade papaya hair mask is ready for use.

How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster

There are no shortcuts to growing luscious, long locks. On average, hair grows about a half an inch per month. Your general health, well-being, and genetic factors affect your rate of hair growth.

You can encourage hair growth by maintaining healthy hair through a good diet and proper hair care. Certain herbs can help make your hair grow faster, too.

Here are the top 10 ways to help your hair grow faster.

1. Eat a healthy diet

Eating a diet rich in protein and vital vitamins and minerals is an essential prerequisite to healthy hair growth. Opt for foods high in vitamins A, B, C, and E, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and selenium. Vitamin B-complex, in particular, is extremely important for making your hair grow faster.

So, include a variety of foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, chicken, eggs, whole grains, salmon, spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, cabbage, parsley, grapefruit, avocado, brown bread, oats, and alfalfa in your diet to nourish your hair and scalp. Plus, drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices, such as orange, grapefruit, carrot, beet, and lettuce juice.

Fish, flax seeds, walnuts, beans, winter squash, olive oil, and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also good for hair growth as about 3% of a hair shaft is made up of omega-3 fatty acids.

Avoid nutritional deficiencies because they tend to affect your hair adversely. For example, vitamin E and zinc deficiencies lead to hair thinning and loss.

2. Use castor oil

Being rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, especially omega-9 fatty acids, castor oil promotes hair growth naturally.

• As this oil is quite viscous, mix the castor oil with an equal amount of coconut, olive, or almond oil. Massage your scalp with it and leave it on for 30 to 45 minutes. Then shampoo your hair.
• You can also add essential oils, especially rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, or thyme oil, to the castor oil and then put it in your hair.

3. Massage your scalp

Massaging promotes blood flow to the scalp, which in turn stimulates the hair follicles. In addition, deep condition your hair once a week with a hot oil treatment or deep conditioning hair mask.

1. Apply the oil (preferably warm) or conditioner to your hair.
2. Gently rub your fingers on your scalp in a circular motion for three to five minutes.
3. Rinse the oil or conditioner out of your hair.

4. Flip your hair upside down

This is one of the most popular tricks to promote faster hair growth. Just flip your hair upside down by flipping your head over for two to four minutes daily. It is believed to work by improving circulation.

5. Stay stress-free

Stress is one of the most important factors that contribute to hair loss. It is believed that stress can disrupt the normal hair cycle and trigger hairs to enter the telogen or fall-out phase. Thus, when striving for faster hair growth, minimize the stress in your life.

To manage stress, you can use meditation, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques. Plus, be sure to get your beauty sleep as the growth hormone is released during sleep.

6. Whip up an egg mask

Eggs are highly beneficial for faster hair growth because they are packed with protein and also contain iron, sulfur, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. You can use an egg hair mask at least once a month.

• Whisk an egg. Mix in four tablespoons of grapeseed oil and a few drops of lavender oil. Apply it on your hair and scalp and leave it on for half an hour. Finally, rinse it out and shampoo your hair as usual.
• Apply a mixture of two egg yolks and two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil on your scalp. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash it out with cold water and then shampoo your hair.
• Alternatively, whisk an egg and add one cup of milk, two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, and the juice from half a lemon to it. Apply it on your scalp and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before washing it out and shampooing your hair.