Dangerous Chemicals Lurking in our products.

There are so many products on the market for hair. I think that I can go for an entire year using a different product every day, but it seems that a flood of products are on the market with many hidden dangers that we all should be familiar with.

We all are familiar with what perms and relaxers do to the hair. One day in Chemistry my teacher took Neet hair removal and placed it on a piece of hair, and it slowly began to melt. He stated, this is what lye does to your hair, and imagine what it does to your scalp! Sodium Hydroxide, otherwise known as lye, is found in everything from detergents and personal products to cleaning solutions for crude oil. It is also in many sink de-cloggers.  Sodium hydroxide can cause chemical burns, scars and blindness. 

Here is what the agency for toxic substances has to say about it:

 Toxic Substances

There are even several other chemicals in our shampoos, hair dyes and fragrances.

Phthalates, placenta and parabens are among the hazardous chemicals found in a multitude of hair care products marketed toward African-American women. Phthalates, sometimes listed simply as “fragrance” on product ingredient lists, is also linked to endometriosis, or when uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Phthalates, parabens and animal placenta can mimic hormones and disrupt critical processes in the body, scientists have said, Writes Jennifer Cunningham of The Grio.

So as you buy products take a look at the ingredients, and make sure you are not using products with these chemicals.

Chemicals to avoid:

• BHA:

relaxers, hair-growth products, skin lighteners

(immune system toxicity, cancer, hormone disruption,

organ toxicity; can build up in our bodies)

• Coal tar:

some hair dyes, dandruff shampoos

(cancer; can build up in our bodies)

• Coumarin:

hair relaxers, hair dyes, fragrance

(immune system toxicity, reproductive harm, cancer,

cell damage)

• Dibutyl phthalate:

nail polish, cuticle treatments,

other nail treatments

(reproductive and developmental

harm, immune system toxicity, hormone disruption)

• DMDM hydantoin:

hair relaxers, dandruff shampoos,

hair dyes and bleach, some skin lighteners

(releases formaldehyde, which is linked to cancer)

• Formaldehyde:

nail polish, nail treatments, eyelash

glue, some hair straighteners

(breathing problems, cancer)

• Hydroquinone:

skin lighteners, hair dyes

(immune

system and skin toxicity, cancer, reproductive harm)

  

• Octoxynol-40:

hair dyes, hair relaxers

(mutagen, cancer, immune system toxicity; may be

contaminated with 1,4-dioxane or ethylene oxide,

which are linked to cancer)

• P-phenylenediamine:

hair dyes

(immune system

toxicity, skin toxicity, hormone disruption, cancer)

• PEG 10 sorbitan laurate:

moisturizing/soothing

shampoo

(skin toxicity, reproductive harm)

• Placental extract:

conditioners, facial moisturizers

(hormone mimicker)

• Selenium sulfide:

dandruff shampoos

(linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, developmental harm;

can build up in our bodies)

• Synthetic fragrance:

many personal care products

(allergies, cancer, birth defects)

• Toluene:

nail polish, cuticle treatments, other nail

treatments

(reproductive and developmental harm,

nervous system toxicity, kidney and liver toxicity)

Protective Hairstyling: Finding a professional style

Most of us have not only fallen back in love with our hair, but have figured out a hairstyle for every activity, and while I love seeing my curls bounce all over the place , they just won’t do, when I am in a business suit or on the construction field, so what is professional natural hair?  I have to say I get a bit offended when I think about categorizing my hair, so how about we think protective hairstyles. Theses hair styles keep my ends tucked away and I deal with minimal to no manipulation of my hair! My favorite go to hair style is the bun tucked neatly in the back.  I use a knee high stocking and wrap it around my head and pull it back slowly, the thickness of your hair will gather around the stocking and keep it from slipping off. I gather the hair all together and take a bobby pin and tuck in the ends.

I also love the hairzing double combs. I have used them for buns: 

Ponytails: 

French braids:

with this style, I wash and detangle my hair, and braid it in the back and place the comb in to keep the hair held back. When I get home I just remove the come, add oil and moisturizer and tie it down, I get a full week of no manipulation.

I have also incorporated the one braid style, with just wearing one braid in the front and a bun in the back.

I have found several more really cute styles that I have posted on my facebook, check them out!

Natural Chula Facebook

10 essential foods that help to grow you hair: Part 2-Omega-3 /Biotin and Vitamin E

Our next essential food that we should incorporate into our diet is walnuts. Walnuts are the only type of nuts that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids, and as we discussed in Part 1, omega-3’s are essential for hair growth.  Walnuts are also rich in biotin and vitamin E.

Biotin, also known as vitamin H or coenzyme R,  promotes healthy hair,  making the hair grow faster and thicker.  The main reason biotin is good for hair is that it strengthens both hair follicles and the hair shaft, where the hair is produced. When taken as part of a regular regimen, hair that has been treated with biotin will be stronger. With this the hair will be less prone to breakage and will contain fewer split ends.

Biotin also helps hair grow faster. Since one of the chief things that reduces hair growth is damaged hair. Hair that has been strengthened with biotin can grow at a fast and healthy rate because the shaft as well as the follicle are strong and can handle a rapid rate of growth.

Vitamin E is best known for it’s amazing antioxidant properties, helping your body fight and prevent damage caused by aging and environmental toxins. In addition, it’s an essential nutrient in maintaining the overall health of your skin, eyes, and immune system. It’s reported to help increase stamina and endurance. It contributes to the health of your cell membranes and prolongs the life of red blood cells

Aside from contributing to the overall health of your body, thus indirectly improving the health of your hair, vitamin E has many functions that directly contribute to healthier hair and faster hair growth. Perhaps most notably, vitamin E helps increase circulation within your body, including your scalp. By increasing the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to your hair, vitamin E helps to keep your hair follicles alive and healthy, leading to stronger hair, and hair that grows faster and more easily. Because it’s known to help with the effects of aging,  vitamin E is also touted as a way to prevent and slow the graying of your hair.

Other foods that are good sources Biotin and Vitamin E  are Cucumbers and strawberries.

Here is a great recipe that is high in Biotin and Vitamin E:

Spinach, Strawberry and Walnut Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

 Serves Two

4 cups (handfuls) of fresh spinach
2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
16 walnut halves, rough chopped
2 oz crumbled Feta

Layer each ingredient on a large salad plate. Serve with Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Serves about 2-3

1/3 cup raspberry balsamic vinegar
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
pinch onion powder
salt and pepper
1 teaspoon Simply Fruit strawberry preserves
1 teaspoons Grey Poupon Honey Dijon

Combine ingredients in a jar or tightly sealed container. Shake vigorously until well combined.

Enjoy!

10 essential foods that help to grow your hair: Part 1-Omega-3

There are so many things that I do to grow out my hair, from protection hair styling, to making sure that my hair is properly moisturized.  But we should be looking at what’s going on the inside as well. I want to do a series on 10 essential foods that will help give you grow healthy and beautiful hair. Vibrant hair depends on a balanced diet. If you eat a balanced, varied, protein-rich diet, you can give your hair a healthy chance to reach all of the goals that you set out to reach.

Let’s start out by discussing Omega-3. Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are vital to every cell in the body. The benefits of omega-3 extend to the heart, breast, bone, brain, hair and skin health.

Omega-3 has gained attention for its ability to combat dry and brittle hair, hair loss, dry, flaky scalp and reduced circulation to the scalp. The benefits of omega-3 EFAs include adding luster, sheen and elasticity to your hair. Both DHA and EPA are vital for the nourishment of hair follicles. Omega-3 can help restart hair growth, help hair grow quicker and stronger—even prevent or reverse hair loss.

One of the best sources for Omega-3 is Salmon.  The omega-3 fatty acids found in this tasty cold-water fish are incredible. Your body is unable to make these fatty acids, which your body needs to grow hair. About 3% of the hair shaft is made up of these fatty acids. Omega-3s are also found in cell membranes in the skin of your scalp, and in the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated.

 If Salmon is not your favorite, you can get the essential fatty acids from other sources like herring, sardines, trout, and mackerel, as well as avocados and walnuts.

Here is a wonderful recipe for Salmon:

Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Lemon, Basil, and Salmon

TOTAL TIME: 20 min

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound whole-wheat spaghetti pasta
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 (4-ounce) pieces salmon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons capers
• 1 lemon, zested
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Add the garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.

Meanwhile, warm the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Add the fish to the pan and cook until medium-rare, about 2 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish. Remove the salmon from the pan.
Add the basil, capers, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the spaghetti mixture and toss to combine. Set out 4 serving plates or shallow bowls. Place 1/2 cup spinach in each bowl. Top with 1/4 of the pasta. Top each mound of pasta with a piece of salmon. Serve immediately.
Per Serving: Calories:462; Total Fat: 17.5 grams; Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams; Protein: 34 grams; Total carbohydrates: 46 grams; Sugar: 3 grams; Fiber: 8 grams; Cholesterol: 66 milligrams; Sodium: 573 milligrams
For More great recipes check out this link:
Salmon Recipes

Enjoy!