CERAMIDES
Ceramides oil is the glue that binds to proteins through
sharing electrons. The Ceramides oils found in polyunsaturated fats glue down
the hair cuticle thus preventing the scales from being entangled with
neighboring scales and breaking off. The oil form a protective film on each
strand of hair, thus preventing moisture lost. Examples of oils with ceramides
are grape seed oil, walnut oil, wheat germ oil, evening primrose oil, borage
oil, carrot tissue oil, sunflower oil and
safflower oil. Sunflower and safflower oils come in two varieties: one
is high in monounsaturated fats and the other is high in polyunsaturated
fats. Use the polyunsaturated variety if
you want the benefits of Ceramides oils.
Apply a light coating of the oil on the tips and dry parts
of your hair. This allows the oil to penetrate the core of your hair yet do not
completely block out water from entering to moisturize the cortex.
Research
Research indicates chemically treated hair, e.g. bleaching
or straightening, benefits most from using ceramides. This type of hair is
damaged and weakened due to chemical treatment. Chemicals strip hair of its
natural protective oil and weaken protein structure both internally and
externally. Ceramides penetrate into the cortex to support and strengthen hair internally
whereas protein patches up broken cuticles of the hair externally. To a certain
extent, hydrolyzed protein can penetrate your hair strands as well. The
advantage of ceramides is the oil can be left on the hair whereas protein is
left on the hair for a short time and then it is washed off. The result of
using these hair strengtheners is your hair become more resistant to breakage.
For maximum benefit, your hair need a combination of lipids
(fats) namely ceramides, 18 methyl eicosanoic acid or 18 MEA and Cholesterol. Research
on skin suggests that there must be a balance of all three fats in order for a ceramides-containing
product to be effective in healing the skin. Therefore, do not rely on only one
type of lipid to lubricate and strengthen your hair or skin.
HORSETAIL (Equisetum
arvense)
Horsetail is high in silica and minerals that are necessary
for the growth and repair of skin, hair, bones, cartilage, teeth and connective
tissue. It has many forms of silica, such as silicin, which IS soluble in water.
Use this herb if you have weak hair, prone to split ends or
hair fall. It increases hair strength and luster as well as control hair loss.
This herb is suitable for oily hair as it is drying and
astringent.
Make a tea with dried horsetail as an after-wash rinse.
HORSETAIL TEA RINSE
• Simmer 2 tablespoon dried horsetail in 1 liter of water or
steep it in water overnight. You can add in slippery elm if you like to add
more slip for your hair. Horsetail works synergistically with stinging nettle for
hair lost, dandruff and irritated scalp. Nettle also provides conditioning for
your hair.
• Strain out residues and use tea as an after-wash
rinse.
