I know… I’ve been away for a while… and it has been too long.  The reason?  Skincare.

I am one of those unfortunate people that have suffered with subject for a long time.  My skin has always been very hard work and in my social circle, it has not felt fair at times as my ‘girls’ ALL have beautiful, effortless (Nadia will not agree to this,) flawless skin.  Most of them are ‘chocolate babies’ too and that just makes me jealous…

Hereditarily, my skin has been prone to breakouts, rashes, allergic reactions to perfumes and other commercial skincare products.

It’s then easy to tell that my track record with the commercial skin care industry has been a rocky and unsuccessful one.

I resigned myself to the fact that I would have to live and deal with it but then it occurred to me that I could actually take this on.  After all, I make my own hair products, work in clinical nutrition.  Why not my skin?

So for months, I have been testing out what is good for me and working with natural recipes.

Coming up, will be information on natural skin care, where to start, what you really should be looking for and what you need to get started.  Recipes included.

Please subscribe and share to make sure that you receive the mails directly to your inbox.

Dandruff

Dandruff – A common scalp condition that causes white flakes to appear in the scalp and hair. The white flakes are dead scalp skin. Dandruff is often the result of seborrhoea, an inflammation (dermatitis) of the scalp.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Contains pectin, carbolic acids, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, ethyl acetates and the perfect balance of 19 minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, fluorine and silicon as well as acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, enzymes and amino acids.

Good for – Regulating the water content in the cells and body, helps with regulating blood pressure, assists in preventing circulatory problems, helps with diminishing premature calcification of the arteries and assists in blood circulation. Also balances skin and scalps pH, helps treat dandruff and itchy scalp conditions, fights hair loss, fungal infections of the skin, soothes sunburn and insect bites and can help eliminate head lice.

Aloe Vera – Aloe barbadensis

Contains Amino Acids, Anthraquinones, Enzymes, Hormones (Auxins & Gibberellins), Lignin, Minerals, Salicylic Acid, Saponins, Sterols, Sugars and Vitamins.

Its properties are – Analgesic, cleansing, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, Anti-viral, immune modulating, anti-oxidant and cell proliferant.

Good for speedy wound healing, soothing irritated skin and scalp conditions including dandruff, healing burns, rashes, insect bites, sores, viral and fungal infections and can help reduce psoriasis, rosacea, warts, eczema and wrinkles.

Bay Leaf – Laurus nobilis

Contains about 0.8 – 3% essential oils, mucilage, tannins and resins.

It’s properties are – Antibacterial, Analgesic, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aperitif, Astringent, Diuretic, Insecticide, Stimulant and Tonic.

A good scalp tonic, stimulating growth and easing dandruff.

Birch Bark/Leaves – Betula pendula/alba

Contains about 3% tannic acid, saponins, bitters, glycosides and flavonoids, including hyperoside, quercitrin, myricetin galactoside, kaempferol, myricetin and quercetin glycosides in the leaves. About 15% betulin and betulenic acid, salicylate and methyl salicylate, empyreumatic oil, also known as Birch Tar which contains a high concentration of methyl salicylates as well as creosol and guailacol as well as terpenoilds and triterpenes including betulin, betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene and ursolic acid. Essential oils, bitters, resins and betuls camphor also exist in the bark.

Its properties are – diuretic, detoxifying, cicatrizing, anti-rheumatic, astringent, antiulcer, choleretic, slightly hypertensive, anti-fever in the leaves. The bark is diuretic, digestive and anti-fever.

Good for treating affections of the skin and scalp such as dermatitis, eczemas, dandruff, and furunculous (A skin condition characterized by the development of recurring boils).

Burdock Root

Contains calcium, potassium, iron, amino acids, polyphenols, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, volatile oil, polyacetylenes, resin, mucilage, inulin, alkaloids and essential oil.

It’s properties are – Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-scorbutic, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Anti-allergy.

Good for eczema, psoriasis, itchy skin/scalp conditions as well as scalp conditions such as dandruff, and hair loss.

Cloves – Eugenia caryaphyllata

Contains volatile oil; eugenol (up to 85%), acetyl eugenol, methyl salicylate, pinene, vanillin, gums and tannins, rich in minerals and vitamins.

Its properties are – Mild topical anaesthetic, disinfectant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, germicidal, antiviral, analgesic, warming and stimulating.

Good for mild pain relief (topical), infections, fungal infections, dandruff, provides a cooling sensation and relieves scalp irritation. The benefits of clove are just too numerous to state here!

Comfrey - Symphytum spp

Contains tannins, rosmarinic acid, allantoin, steroidal saponins, mucilage, inulin, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, Gum, Carotene, Glycosides, Sugars, Beta-sitosterol, Triterpenoids, Vitamin B-12, Protein and Zinc.

Its properties are – Anodyne, Astringent, Demulcent, Diuretic, Emollient, Expectorant, Haemostatic, Refrigerant and Vulnerary.

Good for rough, damaged skin, treating inflammation, stimulating wound healing, eczema and psoriasis. The high content of the phytochemical Allantoin which promotes skin cell regeneration, stimulates the growth of new cells and helps sensitive skin to become more resilient, counteracting dryness and cracking.

Fenugreek – Trigonella foenum-graecum

Contains mucillage, proteins and amino acids, flavonoids, saponins and steroidal saponins, coumarin, lipids, vitamins, minerals, galactomannan fibre and alkaloids, such as trigonelline.

Its properties are galactogogue (increases mothers milk), digestive aid, tonic, anti-anaemic, cardio tonic, depurative, febrifugal, expectorant, a neuromuscular stimulant, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-spasmodic and an emmenagogue. Fenugreek is seen as one of the most important remedies for dandruff. Also good for soothing irritation, reducing inflammation and treating skin infections.

Ginger – Zingiber officinale

Contains about 477 chemical constituents including ascorbic acid, caffeic acid, capsaicin, beta-sitosterol, beta-carotene, curcumin, lecithin, limonene, selenium and tryptophan, essential oils including ginerol (5-10%)minerals and vitamins.

Its properties are – Anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-viral, carminative, circulation-stimulating, detoxifying, diaphoretic, digestive, lymph-cleansing, mild laxative, perspiration-inducing and warming.

Good for Arthritis, fevers, headaches, and toothaches, lowers blood cholesterol and blood-pressure and aids in preventing internal blood clots. Coughs or bronchitis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, improves the complexion, eases tendonitis, improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation and is stimulating. There is some evidence to suggest that it helps to combat skin, ovarian, colon and breast cancer. Great dandruff remedy.

Horsetail

Contains 5-7% silicic acid, nicotine, palustrine, palustridine, phytosterol, beta-sitosterol, malic acid, vitamin C, volatile oil, potassium salts as well as silica, sulfur, amino acids (valine, paraginic acid, lucine, serine & citruline), cysteine, flavone, glycosides and saponine.

Its properties are – antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent,  effects

Good for helping prevent baldness, seborrhea and dandruff, irritated skin conditions, pimples and eczema

Lavender – Lavendula angustifolia

Contains over 100 constituents, including linalool, perillyl alcohol, linalyl acetate, camphor, limonene, tannins, triterpenes, coumarins, cineole, and flavonoids.

Its properties are – Analgesic, Anticonvulsive, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Decongestant, Deodorant, Detoxicant, Diuretic, Fungicide, Restorative and Sedative.

Good for soothing irritated skin and scalp conditions, eliminating dandruff, reducing hair loss and inflammation

Neem – Azadirachta indica

Contains diterpenoids and triterpenoids, gedunin and its derivatives, vilasinin type of compounds and C- secomeliacins such as nimbin, salanin and azadirachtin ), proteins (amino acids), carbohydrates (polysaccharides), sulphurous compounds, polyphenolics such as flavonoids and their glycosides, dihydrochalcone, coumarin and tannins, aliphatic compounds.

Its properties are – Anti-inflammatory; Anti-arthritic; Antipyretic; Hypoglycaemic; Anti-gastric ulcer; Spermicidal; Antifungal; Antibacterial; Diuretic; Antimalarial; Anti-tumour; Immunomodulatory.

Good for treating skin and scalp infections, fungal infections such as ringworm, psoriasis, eczema, dry and itchy skin conditions and acne.

Rosemary – Rosemarinus officianlis

Contains 0.5% to 2.5% of volatile oils, Flavonoids,Terpenoids, Phenols including caffeic, chlorogenic, labiatic, neochlorogenic, and rosmarinic acids and high amounts of salicylates.

Its properties are – analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antiviral, aphrodisiac, disinfectant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, tonic and stimulating.

Good for increasing blood circulation to the scalp, treating dandruff and other irritated skin and scalp conditions as well as helping to prevent hair loss.

Sage – Salvia officianalis

Contains Bitter principles, Flavonoids, Tannins, Silica, Antibiotic polyacetylenes, Inulin, Hydroxycoumarins and Volatile oils.

Its properties are – Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Antiperspirant/Deodorants, Aromatic, Astringent, Depurative, Emmenagogue and Nervine

Good for treating skin and scalp infections including fungal infections, helps heal dermatitis, herpes, psoriasis as well as excessive perspiration amongst other things.

Tea Tree – Melaleuca alternifolia

The main constituent in tea tree’s essential oil and present in concentrations of 30% or more is terpinen-4-ol, with more than 100 other constituents identified. Other constituents include terpinene, terpinolene, pinene, cymene, and limonene.

Its properties are – antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, balsamic, bactericide, cicatrisant, expectorant, fungicide, insecticide, stimulant and sudorific.

Good for treating skin and scalp infections including bacterial, fungal and viral, helps clear abscesses, acne, burns, herpes, oily skin, athlete’s foot, cold sores, blemishes, diaper rash, warts, sunburn and infected wounds, while fighting dandruff on the scalp.

White Willow Bark – Salix babylonica

Contains apigenin, beta-carotene, catechin, lignin, rutin, salicin, salicylic acid, tannin, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamin C amongst other things.

Its properties are – bitter, astringent, cooling, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, pain relieving, anti-pyretic, exfoliating

Good for mild pain relief for headaches, joints and muscular pain, reducing fevers from bacterial and viral infections and other feverish illnesses, cleansing the scalp and skin, as a rinse for treating dandruff and for treating corns and growths. Also good as a mouthwash for sore gums, a compress and poultice for burns, insect bites and wounds and a foot soak for sweaty feet.

How To Use

Dandruff treatments should be used at least several times a week for maximum effect.

Herbal Scalp Rinse

You can use one or a combination of herbs for your rinse, e.g Sage, Birch, Comfrey, Burdock Root, White Willow Bark and/or Horsetail.

Make an infusion (just like making tea). Combine the herbs and use 1-2 teaspoons of the herb mix per cup (250ml) of distilled (or at least filtered) water. Pour freshly boiled water over the herbs, cover and allow to infuse until the water becomes cool. Strain through muslin or cheesecloth. Pour over your hair and scalp as a final rinse after shampooing/cleansing, massaging it into your scalp. Do not rinse out.

Tougher, more fibrous herbs such as the stalks, roots and bark will need to made into a tea by making a decoction. Use about 30-60 grams of herb (single or a combination) to 750ml distilled water. Use a non metallic pot with a tight lid. Add herbs and water to pot and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for between 15 and 40 minutes depending on how tough the herbs are. Do not uncover. Allow to cool before straining. Proceed to use as a final rinse.

Herbal Pastes

Fenugreek should be made into a paste by soaking two tablespoons of the seeds overnight. In the morning drain the seeds and grind them into a paste as smooth as possible. Apply the paste all over the scalp, cover and leave for 30 minutes.  Proceed to wash hair. It’s recommended to use this treatment at least twice a week for the first two weeks and then once a week for another two weeks. You could also use the water that you soak the seeds in as an after-shower hair tonic (final rinse or daily scalp spritz).

Neem powder can be made into a paste by mixing a few tablespoons of the powder with water or oil until a thick paste consistency is formed. Apply the paste all over the scalp, cover and leave for about 30 minutes. Proceed to wash hair.

Herbal Oil Treatments

Using the essential oils of the herbs mentioned above. Select one or a mix of essential oils such as Sage, Clove, Rosemary, Ginger and Tea Tree.

Choose a carrier oil. Coconut oil is good for scalp treatments, Jojoba oil is great too. Neem oil can be used in small amounts with your carrier oil. Measure out your carrier oil into a bottle. Add your essential oil(s) to the carrier oil. Close the bottle and shake well. Add no more than 20 drops of essential oils for every 60mls carrier oil used. Use closer to the maximum recommendation for a pre-wash treatment and about half or so for a leave-on oil treatment.

You can also infuse your carrier oil with the dried herbs to create your own Herb Infused Oils.

There are two ways of making infused oils. One is fairly fast and the other is a slow process. The usual ratio is 1:2, 1 part herb to 2 parts oil. 50g herbs to 100g/ml oil for example. You can make it stronger if you like by doing 1:1 equal amounts of herb to oil. Just make sure the oil is enough to cover the herbs.

Warm Method – Put your herbs and oil into a heat proof dish and put in a warm oven for 3-4 hours until the oil has changed in colour. Allow to cool, strain through muslin or cheesecloth into jars and label.

Cold Method – Put your herbs into a sterile jar. Pour the oil over the herbs and cover. Label and date the jar. Leave to infuse in a dark place for 4-6 weeks (give it the occasional shake) or until the oil has changed colour. Strain into another jar through muslin or cheesecloth.

You can make double or triple strength infused oils by straining the oil and adding more herbs and repeating the process.

Use your herbal oils at least 3 times a week for maximum effect.

Ginger Juice Pre-wash Treatment

Juice enough fresh ginger root to get 1 tablespoon of juice. Mix ginger juice with 1 teaspoon of Sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to the scalp directly and leave on until dry or fully absorbed into the scalp. Shampoo out. Depending on your needs you may need to double or even triple this recipe.

Apple Cider Vinegar Dandruff Rinse

Mix 2 parts ACV to 1 part warm water. Pour mixture over your hair & scalp after washing. Leave on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse. You can also leave this mixture on but it will smell a bit until it dries completely. For serious cases a stronger rinse can be used by mixing 1 part ACV to 1 part water. You can also add in a few drops of essential oils such as those mentioned above or create an infusion as suggested above and use the infusion in place of the water for a stronger dandruff treatment.

Aloe Vera Gel/Juice

Apply the gel/juice to the scalp and cover with a plastic cap as a pre-shampoo treatment about 1/2 to 1 hour before washing or even overnight. The juice can also be used as a daily leave-on scalp spritz.

Join me next time where i’ll be listing herbs for itchy/irritated scalp conditions.

My new Aloe & Honey Conditioning Shampoo is available to purchase now. This sulphate- free shampoo lathers into a dense, rich foam in both hard and soft water but will not strip your hair or leave it feeling crunchy. As the name suggests, this shampoo conditions whilst it cleans to leave your hair feeling soft, smooth and moisturised.

Believe me when i say you only need a TINY bit of this shampoo. Literally one pump per section. You’ll be surprised as to how much this lathers and how well it cleanses. You’ll be even more surprised as to how your hair feels once you rinse it off!

Free from - SLS and other sulphates, Added Salt, Mineral Oil, Petroleum, Silicones, Artificial Fragrances & Parabens

Click HERE to find out more!

Look out for my new Crambe Moisturising Conditioner which will be available soon.

I absolutely love this shampoo. If any of you have read my earlier posts on this blog you will know that i have a love-hate relationship with shampoo. I’ve never been a 100% satisfied with the results i get from shampooing. My hair gets clean, yes, but the way my hair usually feels afterwards isn’t great. So i normally employ other methods to help minimise the drying effects of the shampoo such as the ‘conditioner over shampoo’ method or Oil Rinsing after shampooing to help re-soften my strands. BUT….. With this shampoo i don’t have a need for those methods. My hair feels so soft and not at all yucky, crunchy or squeaky. I barely co-wash now, only when i’m pressed for time.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients

Deionised water – Purified Water

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate – Contains purified fatty acids derived from natural coconut oil. Completely bio-degradable and mild to skin and eyes. Excellent foaming properties in hard and soft water. Provides gentle cleansing and imparts a soft after-feel to skin and hair.

Aloe Vera Juice – Contains amino acids, minerals, enzymes, vitamins and many other nutrients. The enzymes help activate fresh growth and stimulates the growth of existing hair by stabilizing the follicular cycle. Helps to restore the hair and scalps pH balance.  Is a cellular regenerator with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, helps to treat and heal red, itchy and unhealthy scalps. Also smoothes the hairs cuticles and imparts shine to the hair.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine – Produced from Coconut Oil. Often used in combination with other Detergents to make them milder, and also produces a good foam. Especially recommended for Dry Hair Shampoos. Cocamidopropyl Betaine has been shown to be effective at removing heavy build-up including silicones.

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate – Derived from coconut oil. An extremely mild, high-foaming surfactant. Will not strip skin or hair of natural oils, imparts a soft, conditioned after-feel to skin and hair.

Glycerine – A humectant extracted from coconut. Moisturises by drawing water from the air (or in product) into the skin and hair. Provides a smooth, silky feeling and adds gloss. Boosts foaming in shampoos. Great for dry hair.

Coco-Glucoside (and) Glyceryl Oleate – 100% plant-derived (Coco Glucoside from Coconut and the fatty acid Glyceryl Oleate from Sunflower Oil) and is gentle enough for use in baby care products. A mild, water-soluble emollient and lipid layer enhancer which replenishes the skins’ moisture barrier function. It helps the hair retain its natural oils and moisture and assists with detangling.

Honeyquat – Naturally derived quaternized conditioning agent made from honey, exhibiting excellent moisture binding capabilities. Due to its low molecular weight, can easily penetrate the hair shaft to provide moisture to dry, dull hair. Also helps restore shine and lustre. Helps reduce static build-up and improves wet combing.

Olive Oil PEG-10 Esters – Water Soluble Olive Oil. Adds emollience to water based products and helps solubilise essential oils.

Panthenol – Pro-vitamin B5. Penetrates deep into the skin and hair shaft and has excellent water-binding abilities. It creates a protective film aiding moisture retention. Helps strengthen the hair by imparting an elastic film inside and out, which also helps thicken the hair and leaves it feeling soft, silky and easy to handle.

MicroKill – Broad spectrum Parabens-free and Formaldehyde-free preservation system. Active against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, yeasts and moulds.

Hydrolysed Wheat Protein – Provides excellent film forming properties and can absorb up to twice its weight of water. Its ideal for retaining water levels and moisturising the skin and hair. Helps strengthen the skin and hair and repairs damage. Porosity of the hair is reduced leaving it feeling smoother and softer and improves shine and lustre.

Essential Oils – Provides a natural fragrance whilst imparting all the beneficial properties the herb naturally contains.

Guar Conditioning Gum – Derived from guar gum. Softens and conditions whilst forming a protective barrier to help control flyaway and frizzy hair.

Citric Acid – pH adjuster to bring product pH ranges down to a suitable acidic level for optimal hair & skincare health.

If any of you have gone to my website www.dias-allnatural.co.uk over the past few days you might have noticed a few changes. I’ve worked super hard to bring about a better shopping experience for my customers by creating a new and improved website.

I’ve included some of the most helpful haircare tips on this blog on there so you can browse the products as well as gain some inspiration on caring for your curls, coils and kinks! There’s even a ‘Building A Regime’ article on there with some great examples and tips to help you put together a haircare regime to suit you and your hair’s needs. You can now also leave reviews on each product (although you can’t leave a star rating… yet). So for all those who have tried the products, head over there and leave your comments. I would appreciate that very much! All payments are still processed via PayPal which makes life easier and more secure for all of us. I’ll be launching some new products this year so check back regularly to see what becomes available.

I’ve also launched a Dia’s – All Natural Blog that you can access via the new website which will keep you updated on all things Dia’s.

Check it all out and let me know what you think. If you come across anything that isn’t working properly or have any suggestions as to how i can further improve the site, then send me a message via the form on the Contact Me page.

Happy Shopping!

Happy new year to you all. A big thank you to all my followers and main commenters. You continue to be the reason i press on with this blog. Another big thank you to all my Guest Authors and Kelly of ‘The Kitchen Cupboard’ who have taken the time to write amazing articles for this blog.

I pray that you will all see your dreams become a reality, that The Almighty will bless you abundantly and that you, in turn, will be a blessing to others and make a difference this year!

Have a good one!

Nadia

www.dias-allnatural.co.uk

Last Orders

Last orders for the Christmas and New Years season need to be placed before/on Friday 16th December by 1:30pm. Any orders placed after this time will be processed after the shop opens again in the new year on Tuesday 3rd January.

Take Care!

High Mucilage Herbs - Great for conditioning and detangling

Mucilage – a complex mixture of polysaccharides that form a soothing gelatinous fibre when water is added. Coats and softens the hair shaft and provides slip for detangling.

Blue Mallow/Malva

Related to the more common Marshmallow. Contains about 8% mucilage in the roots and more than 10% in the blossoms, tannins, and antioxidant anthocyanins including delphinidin and malvidin. Also used as a natural colour rinse for greying hair.

Burdock Root

Very high in mucilage (up to 75% fructo-oligo-saccharides (FOS) including inulin), calcium, potassium, amino acids, polyphenols, arcigen, essential oil, flavonoids, iron, inulin, lactone, chlorogenic acid, polyacetylenes  resin, tannin, and taraxosterol.

Coltsfoot

Contains about 8-10% mucilage (polysaccharides), flavonoids, 10% tannins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, vitamin C, and very high in minerals such as silica and zinc. A medicated herb with an abundance of natural plant sulfur, silicic and amino acids.

Irish Moss

Contains about 55% mucilage (polysaccharide-carrageenan), protein and abundance of minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iodine & sulfur. Forms a thick gel like mass.

Marshmallow Root

Contains about 15-20% mucilage (polysaccharides), starch (38%), pectin (11%), flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, phytosterols, fatty acid esters, sucrose, asparagine, and lecithin. It also contains beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium and zinc.

Slippery Elm

Contains a complex mixture of polysaccharides (mucilage) including pentoses, methyl-pentoses and hexoses. This mucilage is very similar to that found in linseed. it contains so much mucilage that 10 grains of the powdered bark will convert a fluid ounce (approx 30ml) of water into a thick jelly. The bark also contains high concentrations of anti-oxidants including beta-sitosterol, traces of beta-carotene and flavonoids including proanthocyanidins.

Strengthening Herbs

Naturally strengthens the hair, preventing breakage and split ends.

Hibiscus

Rich in AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and amino acids, mucilage (polysaccharides and pectins) and acids including vitamin c (ascorbic acid). It helps to rehydrate the keratin fibres (hair’s protein) and regenerates its structure. Because of the mucilage content Hibiscus is great for conditioning and detangling and creates a film around the hair increasing body and shine.

Horsetail

Very rich in natural silicon conditioning silica/minerals, sulfur, amino acids (valine, paraginic acid, lucine, serine & citruline), high amounts of silicic acid, cysteine, flavone, glycosides & saponine. The high silica content naturally strengthens the hair, helps prevent split ends and increases shine.

Henna

Contains essential oils, 1,4-naphthoquinone, tannins, gallic acid, flavonoids, lipids, sugars, triacontyl tridecanoate, mannitol, xanthones, coumarins, 2-3% resins, 5-10% tannic ingredients and up to 2% Lawsone. Well known for it’s natural dying properties (due to the presence of Lawsone). Henna is also great at strengthening the hair, helping to prevent breakage and split ends as well as a great conditioning herb providing soft, silky hair.

Other Herbs

Great for conditioning and general hair health

Amla

Rich source of vitamin C, antioxidants, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Carotene and Vitamin B Complex. Great conditioning herb for silky soft hair. Also darkens the hair.

Catnip/Catmint

Contains essential oils, camphor, rosmarinic acid, iridoids, tannins, iron, selenium, potassium, manganese, chromium, and moderate amounts of other minerals & vitamins. Very conditioning and softening herb. Great for dry hair. Adds a blond/light tint to hair which probably wont be seen in darker hair types.

Chamomile

Contains volatile oils (including proazulenes, farnesine, alpha-bisabolol, spiroether), mucilage, flavonoids, bitter glycosides, coumarins and tannins. Provides light conditioning, adds shine and silkiness. Also lightens the hair or enhances highlights.(Probably wont be seen in darker hair types).

Nettle

Rich in vitamins E, A, C, iron, acetylcholine, sulfur, histamine, chlorophyll, carotenoids, calcium, potassium, silica, lectins, lecithin, sterols, choline, coumaric acid, fatty acids, polysaccharides, lignans, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, pantothenic acid, chlorophyll & folacin. Great addition to any herbal hair mix.

There are other herbs that are great for the hair. These are just a few.

Sources: Various

How To Use

Tea Rinses – Used as a final rinse

You can use one or a combination of herbs for your final rinse. I like marshmallow, coltsfoot, burdock and/or blue mallow. Use Henna separately as a treatment (see below).

Make an infusion (just like making tea). Combine the herbs and use 1-2 teaspoons of the herb mix per cup (250ml) of distilled (or at least filtered) water.  My personal advice if you want to use slippery elm or Irish moss is to use no more than 1/4 teaspoon of the dried herb per herb mix, otherwise you’ll end up with a thick gel that you can’t pour over your head! Put herbs into a heat proof cup/dish or jug. Pour freshly boiled water over the herbs, cover and allow to infuse until the water becomes cool. Strain through muslin or cheesecloth. Pour over your hair as a final rinse after shampooing/cleansing as a natural conditioner and detangler. Do not rinse out.

Tougher, more fibrous herbs such as the stalks, roots and bark will need to made into a tea by making a decoction. Use about 30-60 grams of herb (single or a combination) to 750ml distilled water. Use a non metallic pot with a tight lid. Add herbs and water to pot and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for between 15 and 40 minutes depending on how tough the herbs are. Do not uncover. Allow to cool before straining. Proceed to use as a final rinse.

Herbal Hair Spritz

Follow the instructions above to make a herbal infusion or decoction. Once cool, pour into a spray bottle. Use daily as a conditioning spritz for your hair to help soften and detangle. Seal in moisture with oil/butter of choice. Make small batches at a time, keep refrigerated and use within a few days.

Herb Infused Oils

Great for making your own conditioning/strengthening hair oil.

There are two ways of making infused oils. One is fairly fast and the other is a slow process. For either of them you will need to choose your herb or mixture of herbs and a carrier oil of your choice such as Coconut oil, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil, Jojoba Oil (££) or any other oil that you like for your haircare. The usual ratio is 1:2, 1 part herb to 2 parts oil. 50g herbs to 100g/ml oil for example. You can make it stronger if you like by doing 1:1 equal amounts of herb to oil. Just make sure the oil is enough to cover the herbs.

Warm Method – Put your herbs and oil into a heat proof dish and put in a warm oven for 3-4 hours until the oil has changed in colour. Allow to cool, strain through muslin or cheesecloth into jars and label.

Cold Method – Put your herbs into a sterile jar. Pour the oil over the herbs and cover. Label and date the jar. Leave to infuse in a dark place for 4-6 weeks (give it the occasional shake) or until the oil has changed colour. Strain into another jar through muslin or cheesecloth.

You can make double or triple strength infused oils by straining the oil and adding more herbs and repeating the process.

Henna Hair Treatment

Using natural henna powder. Not henna dyes or other commercial henna products. Mix 100g (up to 200g for shoulder length or longer hair) with 300-400ml boiling water. Mix into a paste, cover and let sit for for a few hours or until you see the natural dye releasing (up to 24 hours). Apply to hair in sections to ensure even coverage. Leave for 15 minutes up to 2 hours. Rinse well and maybe follow with conditioner to help remove any leftover residue. If using henna for hair dying purposes, it is best to add in a splash of something acidic such as ACV or touch of lemon as the acidity will help ‘draw’ the colour out better. Also consider adding Hibiscus and Blue Mallow into your mix for added colouring and conditioning benefits. If you only want the conditioning benefits than use the shorter time frames given. PLEASE NOTE – Henna will change the colour of your hair. Maybe not by much but you will get some kind of red tint at least. Consider using other conditioning/strengthening herbs if you don’t want this.

As i said earlier, there are other herbs that are good for the hair. These are just some of them. Feel free to add your favourite conditioning or strengthening herbs in the comments box below.

Join me next time for Herbs For The Scalp!

Stimulating Growth Range

I put together an entire range for this customer to help her combat hair loss and breakage. Based on the power of natural herbs, oils and botanicals that stimulate blood circulation, provide much needed nourishment and balance the scalp’s pH. I also gave this customer a customised hair regime with a step by step guide on how and when to use each product, including tips and recipe suggestions for additional home-made product supplementations. She also purchased the Creamy Leave-in Conditioner and Apricot Hair & Scalp Oil to complete the range.

Cayenne & Neem Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Stimulating Cayenne Pepper and Neem powder in an invigorating blend of plant oils, butters and essential oils to increase blood circulation, create a healthy scalp environment and stimulate the hair follicles. With Papaya, Jamaican Black Castor, Coconut, Safflower , Aloe and Vitamin E Oils, mixed with stimulating essential oils of Rosemary, Lavender and Sage in a moisturising Shea Butter base.

Liquorice & Arnica Stimulating Shampoo

High foaming yet gentle SLS free, pH balanced shampoo that will cleanse without stripping, to leave hair clean, soft and moisturised. With Liquorice Root, Arnica and stimulating essential oils of Rosemary, Peppermint and Tea Tree to increase scalp circulation, and promote hair growth.

Stimulating Black Tea Conditioner

Lovely Creamy pH balanced conditioner with follicle stimulating Black Tea, emollient Crambe Oil, conditioning Honeyquat & moisturising Panthenol that will leave your hair wonderfully soft, smooth and conditioned, reduce shedding and promote growth.

Stimulating Scalp Butter

An invigorating blend of plant oils, butters and essential oils to help balance, increase blood circulation, create a healthy scalp environment and stimulate growth. With Vitamin E, Jojoba, Coconut, Safflower, Jamaican Black Castor & Aloe Oils and a blend of stimulating essential oils including Rosemary, Thyme, and Peppermint in a moisturising Shea Butter base.

Stimulating Algae Hair & Scalp Spritz

A superb natural remedy to aid in the battle against hair loss. With nutrient rich Aloe Vera Juice, balancing Rosewater, Stimulating Rosemary water & MSM, soothing Chamomile Water & Allantoin, moisturising Glycerine & Panthenol and Bio-Energiser – a unique growth enhancing formula containing extracts of seaweed proven to stimulate growth of new hair follicles as well as encourage the growth of existing hairs. This spritz is truly a powerhouse of plant goodness that will not only stimulate growth but will moisturise your hair and smooth down cuticles for healthy hair and scalp.

Stimulating Growth Products For Asian Hair

Again, based on the products already formulated above but with modifications to suit oily Asian hair. This range is oil-free and the customer doesn’t use any type of conditioner after shampooing, so i had to condense most of the good scalp and hair loving botanicals into the pre-shampoo treatment, shampoo and scalp spritz. Again, given with a customised hair regime. Here are the variations:

Cayenne, Neem & Black Tea Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Stimulating Cayenne Pepper, Neem powder and Black Tea in an oil free conditioning base with nourishing Aloe Vera Juice & invigorating essential oils of Rosemary, Lavender, Sage & Tea Tree to increase blood circulation, create a healthy scalp environment and encourage new, healthy growth.

Liquorice & Arnica Stimulating Shampoo

As Above, but less emollients and stronger cleansing action to help combat greasy roots.

Stimulating Algae Hair & Scalp Spritz

As Above, but with the inclusion of Tea Tree Water to increase scalp circulation.

Other Products

Cleanse & Condition Clay Treatment

I made this for a customer who has allergies to coconut & palm, two of the most widely used ingredients in the cosmetic industry! Needless to say, most of the ingredients, even the mildest cleansers and conditioners where not suitable for her, so i made a lovely 2 in 1 cleansing and conditioning clay treatment for her using the power of natural, mineral rich Bentonite & Rhassoul clay that would cleanse her scalp and hair of dirt and build-up whilst strengthening and softening her strands, leaving her hair silky soft. With added Aloe Vera Juice, Olive & Jojoba Oils, Honeyquat & Panthenol (Vitamin B5).

Sulfur-Rich Hair & Scalp Spritz

With nourishing Aloe Vera Juice, balancing Rosewater, stimulating Rosemary Water, moisturising Glycerine & Panthenol, soothing Allantoin and sulfur rich MSM, a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in the body, to increase blood circulation to the scalp and stabilise hair loss and shedding and encourage growth.

Cocoa Body Butter

An all natural alternative to popular and petrochemical filled cocoa butters on the market. Excellent for providing barrier protection from the harsh winter elements whilst deeply nourishing your skin. This gorgeous body butter will leave your skin ever so soft and smooth. With added staying power! Ingredients include, unrefined Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Capuacu Butter, Mango Butter, Coconut, Avocado, Jojoba & Wheat germ oils and skin loving essential oils of Orange, Patchouli, Benzoin & Ylang.

Conditioning Stretch-Mark Oil – Pregnancy Safe

A carefully selected blend of rich, nourishing and healing oils, full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and essential fatty acids that will soften and smooth your growing tummy and increase elasticity to help prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch-marks. With moisturising Shea & Safflower Oils, healing Calendula, Baobab, Tamanu, Marula, Buriti & Carrot Tissue Oils, smoothing Rosehip & Papaya Seed Oils, super rich Borage & Sea Buckthorn Oils and a touch of conditioning BTMS for added skin softening properties. Anti-oxidant rich Vitamin E, skin loving essential oils of Neroli, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and Mandarin finish off this amazing oil.

Kiwi Anti-Blemish Rejuvenating Spot Serum

A potent blend of skin rejuvenating & healing oils, botanical extracts, vitamins & essential oils carefully formulated to provide effective results against blemishes and spots. 100% Plant Based formula. With rejuvenating Kiwi Seed Oil, smoothing Rosehip and Papaya Oils, an exotic blend of Baobab, Karanja, Copaiba and Andiroba Oils providing excellent natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-seborrheic, anti-biotic and anti-acne properties, nutrient rich Borage Oil, healing botanical extracts of Calendula, Chamomile & Sea Buckthorn, skin loving essential oils of Tea Tree, Lavender, Neroli & Patchouli, anti-oxidant rich and powerful skin healing Vitamin E and Vitamin A which nourishes the skin, counteracts inflammation and protects cell membranes and other structures within the cells from further damage. Truly an amazing natural anti-blemish treatment to help reduce skin blemishes, calm inflammation, rejuvenate and renew stressed, blemished and acne-prone skin.

Herbs & More Moisturising Braid Spray

A wonderful all natural braid spray to help moisturise and soften roots and maintain a healthy scalp without leaving build-up. This lovely spray will help reduce tightness and provide cooling relief for freshly braided hair and will help control the itch that usually comes with long kept braids. Using daily will keep regrowth strong & soft and keep the flakes away. With nourishing Aloe Vera Juice, astringent Witch Hazel, soothing Chamomile & Allantoin, emollient water-soluble Olive Oil, healing Comfrey & Calendula Extracts, conditioning Honeyquat, moisturising Panthenol, sulfur rich MSM and scalp loving essential oils of Peppermint, Lavender, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Geranium & Orange.

Anti-Itch Herbal Scalp Oil

Packed full of healing oils, herbs, botanical extracts, vitamins and essential oils to naturally combat seriously itchy scalps along with the heat and inflammation that usually comes with it. Each and every single ingredient has been carefully chosen for it’s beneficial properties and together, they pack a serious punch. For those in desperate need of relief! With anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-oxidising Coconut Oil.  Herb infused oils of Chickweed, Comfrey, Marshmallow, Mullein, & Calendula provide much needed anti-itch, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, demulcent, vulnerary, astringent, and healing properties. Skin regenerating, anti-biotic and healing oils of Tamanu, Baobab, & Karanja oils to help fight any scalp infections. Papaya, Castor & Jojoba Oils help dissolve dirt and dead skin cells to unclog pores. With healing and soothing botanical extracts of Sea Buckthorn, Chamomile & Bisabolol, Vitamins E and A and scalp soothing & healing essential oils of Tea Tree, Rosemary, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang and Geranium. It’s not cheap, but it WILL WORK!

If you would like full product descriptions and pricings of any products you see here, email me at info@dias-allnatural.co.uk or if you would like your very own custom-made product, tailor made to suite your individual needs then head over to my Custom-Made Products page and fill out the form to get started!

Definition:

Porosity is the ability of the hair to absorb water and other matter (like chemicals).

In the post ‘Balancing Moisture & Protein’, i gave a brief summery of what hair is. The outer layer of the hair, the Cuticle, is made up of several layers of interlocking scales and is responsible for how porous the hair is.

Different Degrees of Porosity

Low Porosity

Low or poor porosity is characterised by very tightly closed cuticles and is generally considered healthy as all or most of the cuticle layer is intact. It doesn’t easily absorb water and resists the penetration of chemical treatments.

Average/Normal Porosity

Normal Porosity is hair that is able to absorb water well but resists permitting too much water to penetrate. This is considered the best porosity to have. Again, all or most of the cuticle layer is in tact and lies down flatly. Hair with normal porosity can hold styles well and receives chemical processing well. Although chemical processes can change the porosity of the hair from average to high.

High Porosity

Highly porous hair is hair that has sustained cuticle damage with lifted, missing, cracked or chipped cuticles. It absorbs significantly higher amounts of water then normal or low porosity hair (up to 55%, in contrast with 31.1% for healthy hair) and is not capable of holding onto that water as the damaged cuticles allow water out just as fast. This type of hair never feels properly moisturised even with constant moisturising. When hair is fully soaked in water, the weight of the excessively absorbed water can lead to significant breakage due to loss of elasticity. Highly porous hair easily accepts chemical treatments such as dyes, but wont hold onto the colour for very long and is easily over processed as it takes significantly less time than low or average porosity types to receive the chemicals. Highly porous hair doesn’t hold onto styles as well as normal or low porosity types.

Uneven Porosity

Uneven porosity is a combination of low or average porosity and high porosity and is common in long hair. The longer your hair is, the older it is and the more it has been exposed to mechanical, chemical, environmental and heat damage. Uneven porosity has spotty issues where some parts of your hair hold onto moisture well and some parts (such as the ends) do not.

What Causes Highly Porous Hair? 

Genetics does have a part to play with how porous the hair is. Naturally curly hair is more porous than straight hair by nature. Every kink and bend along the shaft where the hair naturally curls or kinks stops the cuticles from lying down flatly and so the cuticles remain slightly raised along these points. The curlier or kinkier your hair is the more porous it is. Other determining factors are mechanical damage caused by rough handling, dry combing/brushing, friction caused by towel drying, scarfs, hair bands and hats, chemicals such as permanent dyes, relaxers, texturisers and perms, heat damage from tools such as blow-dryers, flat irons and curling tongs as well as over exposure to environmental factors such as UV rays and harsh winds. Strong sulfate shampoos, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, are capable of dissolving the fatty acid layer beneath the cuticle (called the Cell Membrane Complex or CMC, the ‘cement’ that keeps the cuticles in place), which can lead to irreparable gaps in the cuticle layer. Natural soaps, being very alkaline in nature, causes the hair to swell and the cuticle to lift up away from the surface of the hair shaft, penetrating through the cuticle and into the CMC where it can bind with the fatty acid layer and rinse it away, again causing gaps within the cuticles. All these different factors can permanently alter, raise and/or damage the cuticle layer causing highly porous hair.

Porosity Tests

It is best test for porosity on freshly cleaned and dried hair.

Test One – The Finger Touch Test

Gently hold a few strands of hair with one hand. With the other, run your fingers up the length of your hair, from tip to root. If your hair feels rough with lots of little ridges or bumps (excluding the bumps that are naturally created by the bends in the shaft where the hair curls) then your cuticles are not lying flatly and your hair is porous.

There are some who argue that the first test is not at all effective at determining porosity as the cuticle layers are so microscopically tiny that you can’t possibly feel whether they are raised or not unless the hair has sustained significant damage.

Test Two – The Water Test

Take some shed hair (or pull out a strand of freshly washed and dried hair), a stop watch and a tall glass of water. Drop the hair into the glass and wait for one minute. After the minute has passed check to see whether your hair is floating or has sunk. If your hair is floating ON TOP of the water, than you have low/poor porosity. If your hair is floating JUST UNDER the water, your hair has average porosity. If your hair has SUNK to the bottom of the cup then your hair is highly porous. If part of your hair is FLOATING and part of it is SINKING, you have spotty porosity issues.

Healthy hair should not sink at all or only sink slightly (in one minute that is). The rate that the hair sinks is an indication of how quickly it absorbs (and will lose) moisture. The faster the moisture is absorbed into the hair, the more porous it is. Hair should naturally absorb moisture at a slow pace and should be capable of holding it for long periods of time. If hair absorbs enough moisture within one minute to cause it to sink in water, it is absorbing too fast and indicates high porosity.

Correcting Porosity Issues

After you have determined whether your hair has low, average or high porosity you may be wandering how to correct any issues. Here are some suggestions

Low/Poor Porosity

If you find your hair does not absorb water well than you need to focus on moisture rich products more than protein. Deep conditioning WITH HEAT (a hooded dryer) is highly recommended. The heat will cause the cuticles to open and will allow the much needed moisture to enter into the cortex.

High Porosity

Highly porous hair can be treated in two ways depending on the type of damage caused to the cuticle.

Lifted Cuticles – PH

If your hair is highly porous and you don’t necessarily use chemicals or heat and are generally quite gentle with your strands then it is possible that the cuticles are raised. Rebalancing your hair’s pH may be all that is required to help return your porosity level to normal. Acidic rinses such as Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinses are an effective way of bringing the pH of your hair back down to optimal levels, thus closing your cuticles and correcting high porosity. For more on pH and hair click HERE.

Damaged Cuticles – Protein

If your hair is highly porous and you regularly use heat and/or chemicals, brush or comb your hair very roughly and/or without slippery products such as conditioner or you have tried correcting your porosity with pH and it hasn’t really helped, then you have sustained cuticle damage. You may have missing, cracked or chipped cuticles. You cannot permanently repair damaged hair but you can patch it up temporarily with protein treatments. Protein helps to reinforce the hairs structure and can help fill in the gaps where the cuticles are chipped or missing. This creates a complete layer over your cortex that can resist moisture loss, keeping the hair moisturised for longer and will help to correct high porosity. Again heat can and should be used to help create stronger bonds between the protein and your hair so that the protein is not simply washed down the drain but actually remains on your hair after rinsing.

Uneven Porosity

Uneven porosity can be corrected by either or both of the suggestion listed above. Using pH and protein will help fill in or flatten the cuticles in those places that are causing the spotty porosity problems. Product layering can also be very effective where the porosity issues are uneven, such as at the ends. If you have dry ends, then layering more moisture and oil/butter on the ends will help to create a thicker barrier where your hair is most susceptible to moisture loss and will help your hair retain moisture evenly.

The Best Treatment of All

I’m sure you know what i’m about to say. Prevention is better then cure! Reducing those things can cause the hair to sustain damage is the best ‘treatment’ we could possibly administer.

• Treat your hair gently.
• Detangle only when your hair is loaded with conditioner to reduce damage caused by friction
• Avoid chemical treatments as much as possible
• Avoid the overuse of heat styling tools
• Avoid harsh sulfate shampoos and alkaline soaps

This brings us to the end of the ‘Getting To Know Your Hair Series’. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the different things that can affect the hair and what it takes to keep it healthy. Knowledge is the best tool in any successful hair journey!

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions regarding anything we’ve discussed in this series, feel free to leave them in the comment boxes or email me at NaturalHair.Advice@gmail.com.

What is pH?

pH stands for ‘potential of hydrogen’ or ‘hydrogen strength’ and refers to the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous (water based) solution relative to the concentration of hydrogen ions present. The level of pH is measured on a logarithmic scale of 0 – 14 with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline. In the middle we have pH 7 which is considered neutral as it has an equal balance of acidity and alkalinity. Water has a pH of 7 (hard water can measure pH 8!). pH 0 – 6.9 are acidic in nature and pH 7.1 – 14 are alkaline (base or caustic).

pH on a logarithmic scale is measured in multiples of 10 so every number on the scale is 10x more alkaline or acidic than the previous number. Example: pH 6 is 10x more acidic than pH 7, pH 5 is 10x more acidic than pH 6 and 100x (10×10) more acidic than pH 7. pH 8 is 10x more alkaline than pH 7 and pH 9 is 10x more alkaline than pH 8 and 100x (10×10) more alkaline than pH 7. It’s a little confusing i know, but it does help to know this (honestly).

What pH is Our Hair?

Our hair and skins pH measures between 4.0 – 5.5 so our hair is acidic in nature. In order to maintain optimal hair health we should try and keep our hair within this range.

How pH Affects Our Hair

pH greatly affects the way in which our hair looks, feels and behaves.

How Acidity Affects Our Hair

In it’s optimal pH range of 4.0 to 5.5 the cuticles of our hair lie flat against one another contributing to a smooth look and feel and allows light to bounce off well, giving our hair lovely shine or sheen. Closed cuticles protect the shaft from external damage and allows the strands to move around each other without causing damage. If we decrease the pH of our hair further, then the cuticles continue to tighten and tighten. Solutions or products with a pH lower than 3 will begin to corrode or eat away at the hair & scalp causing damage.

How Alkalinity Affects Our Hair

If we raise the pH of our hair above 5.5 the shaft begins to swell and the cuticles will begin to lift or open. Raised cuticles will allow more moisture into our hair but will also allow more moisture out. Lifted cuticles expose the hairs cortex and provides limited protection. Hair in this state is considered weak and susceptible to further damage. Lifted cuticles cause the hair to look dull and rough and each strand can tangle on the next causing more damage to the cuticle layer. The higher the pH the more our hair swells and our cuticles lift incurring more and more damage. Solutions or products with a pH of 10 or more will begin to dissolve the hair and scalp causing damage. Permanent hair dyes and relaxers are extremely alkaline (pH values between 10 and 13) and work by lifting the cuticles so the chemicals can deposit onto and alter the cortex/main structure of the hair.  Highly alkaline solutions weaken the disulfide bonds in the hair and can alter it’s structure permanently. 

Maintaining Healthy Hair With pH

Our goal here is to maintain the hairs optimal pH range of between 4.0 and 5.5 and thus keep it nice and healthy. All products containing water have a pH value and it’s important that our water based products such as shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins and moisturisers be within this range. Remember, water is 100 – 1000 times more alkaline than our hair so even a quick warm water rinse will cause the cuticles to lift slightly. If we dry our hair and apply oil or butter straight onto our hair after rinsing with warm water, the cuticles will remain open causing a slight feel of roughness and less sheen or shine. We should always try to restore or rebalance our hairs pH. It’s important, then, to use a water based, pH balanced (acidic) leave-in or moisturiser after washing our hair to bring the pH back down and close the cuticles before sealing with an oil or butter. A final rinse of diluted ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) also serves this purpose. Aloe Vera is also a great ingredient choice for hair moisturisers and spritzes as its pH value is around 4. This way we ensure our cuticles are closed, that moisture is retained well and our hair is stronger and less susceptible to damage.

The last post in this series will be on porosity and how it affects our hair, including how to correct any porosity issues.

Until next time!