DIY Aloe Vera Hair Masks for a Healthy Hair

Healthy hair represents a beautiful personality but in these days, due to certain reasons like the usage of harsh chemical based shampoos, environmental irritants, pollution, unhygienic hair care practice due to busy schedules, stress, over usage of hair styling products, etc. most of the people are suffering from hair damages which in turn result in many hair and scalp problems.

Stop worrying about your hair damages and start using natural remedies like Aloe Vera for healthy hair growth, as natural remedies will reduce the damage and help the hair to grow strong and shiny.

Aloe vera is an amazing plant that has many effective properties used for treating skin, hair and health problems. Here in this article, we are going to know how to use aloe vera as hair masks for a healthy hair.

Natural Aloe Vera Hair Masks for Healthy and Beautiful Hair:

Before going to know about the healthy aloe vera hair masks, we should know some aloe vera properties which help for maintaining healthy hair.

• Aloe vera has many essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B, C & E, zinc, iron, enzymes, polysaccharides and glycoprotein’s that stimulates the healthy hair growth.
• It reduces the excess sebum (oil), toxins, dust, dead cells and other impurities on the hair and scalp. It also moisturizes your hair with its mucopolysaccharides to reduce dry, dull and flaky hair.
• It exhibits an alkalizing property that restores your pH levels of the scalp which in turn prevents any microbial growth and its attack on the scalp.
• It contains anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that remove microbes causing dandruff, relieves itching and soothes your hair.
• It penetrates deep into the hair and scalp to condition and nourish your hair and to add volume to your hair.

Now, let’s have a look on the amazing aloe vera hair masks for healthy hair. However aloe vera gel alone is used for healthy hair but when mixed with other natural ingredients, it results in an effective relief from hair damage and promotes long and glossy tresses.

Mask – 1: (Aloe Vera with Olive Oil and Yogurt for Smooth and Shiny Hair)

Olive oil acts as an antioxidant and natural conditioner that nourishes the scalp and hair. Yogurt has a moisturizing property that adds volume and shine to your hair.

Note: Or mix 1 teaspoon each of organic coconut oil and fresh lemon juice in 3 teaspoons of aloe vera gel. Apply it on the hair and massage for a couple of minutes. Rinse your hair after 20 minutes.

Mask – 2: (Aloe Vera with Lemon Juice for Hair Loss)

Aloe vera with lemon juice combination helps to provide nourishment, eliminate dandruff, removes excess oiliness, stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss.

• Extract aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf and squeeze half a lemon in a bowl.
• Pour this mix into a blender and blend it for a minute or two.
• Apply it on your hair and scalp and massage gently for few minutes.
• Wash your hair thoroughly after 20 – 30 minutes.
• Repeat it regularly to prevent hair loss and to enhance healthy hair growth.

Mask – 3: (Aloe Vera with Coconut Oil and Honey for Dry Hair)

Dry hair will result in dandruff, itchy scalp, hair loss and finally results in hair damage. This is hydrating hair mask that nourishes your hair deeply and prevents dry hair.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of raw honey, 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in 4 – 5 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel in a bowl.
• Stir well and apply this mix on your hair from root to tip direction as a hair mask.
• Leave it on for about 30 – 45 minutes and rinse off with your regular shampoo.
• Continue doing the same process regularly to get rid of dry and dull hair.

Mask – 4: (Aloe Vera with Tea Tree Oil and Rosewater for Dandruff)

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that fight against the microbes causing dandruff. Aloe vera has soothing properties against the itching and redness caused due to dandruff. Rosewater soothes the irritated scalp and hair.

• Mix 5 – 7 drops of tea tree oil and 1 – 2 teaspoons of rose water (for serum consistency) in 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
• Stir well and apply it on your scalp by massaging thoroughly.
• Let it sit for few minutes and rinse off your hair with water.
• Do the same process for thrice a week till you get relief from dandruff and damaged hair.

Note: Or mix 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of organic honey in 1 cup of aloe vera gel. Apply it on your strands and roots and rinse off your hair after few hours.

Mask – 5: (Aloe Vera with Castor Oil and Fenugreek for Hair Growth)

Castor oil strengthens your hair roots, reduces the stress and grows your hair faster. Fenugreek contains hormone antecedents which rebuild your hair follicles and thus promotes faster hair growth.

• Mix 2 teaspoons each of basil powder, fenugreek powder and castor oil in 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel.
• Stir it and apply it on all over the scalp at night before bedtime.
• Massage it gently for few minutes and leave it on for overnight.
• Shampoo your hair in the next morning and continue doing it for once a week to get healthy hair growth.

Note:

• Or mix 2 tablespoons each of castor oil and powdered fenugreek in 1 cup of aloe vera. Apply it on the scalp and hair. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it for overnight. Rinse off in the morning to promote a healthy hair growth.
• Or mix 1/4 cup of wheat germ oil and 1/2 cup each of coconut milk and aloe vera gel in a bowl. Massage it all over your hair and scalp. Rinse off your hair after 30 – 45 minutes with water.

Mask – 6: (Aloe Vera with Egg for Hair Conditioner)

An Egg has proteins and other essential nutrients that nourish and condition your hair. Aloe vera adds shine to your hair.

• Whip an egg in 1/2 cup of fresh aloe vera gel thoroughly.
• Apply it on your hair and scalp and let it sit for about 15 – 20 minutes.
• Rinse your hair with cool water and repeat it regularly as a natural hair conditioner to your hair.

Note: Or mix equal parts of aloe vera and olive oil and apply it on your hair. Rinse off with a mild shampoo after 30 – 45 minutes for deep clean conditioner and to add volume to your hair.

Mask – 7: (Aloe Vera with Hibiscus Flower for Split Ends and Damaged Hair)

Hibiscus rejuvenates your scalp, stimulate proper circulation and enhance the hair growth. This combination helps to keep your hair healthy by repairing the damaged ends and prevents split ends.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of hibiscus flower paste in 1 cup of aloe vera gel.
• Blend it well till you get a fine paste.
• Apply this paste on the hair as a mask and wait for 30 – 45 minutes.
• Rinse off with water and reapply this mask regularly to get rid of split ends and also to enhance your hair growth.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Direct application of aloe vera gel on the hair will help to treat itchy or dry scalp and other hair or scalp problems and thus nourishes your hair.
2. Wash the aloe leaves thoroughly with water before using them for your hair treatment.
3. Always use freshly squeezed aloe vera gel for hair treatments and if it is not available then choose organic aloe vera gel or juice available in your health or food stores.
4. Avoid overusing lemon juice on your hair, as it lightens your hair’s color. So, replace honey instead of lemon juice to moisture your hair.
5. Regular application of aloe vera oil on the hair will help you to get rid of many hair problems and promotes healthy hair growth.
6. Aloe vera might cause some allergic reaction in some people. So, do some skin patch test before applying on hair or scalp and regularize its application if you didn’t find any allergic reaction.
7. Consult your doctor if you didn’t find any relief from your hair or scalp problems.
8. Other than using aloe vera, drink plenty of water and consume a healthy diet to promote hair growth and reduce hair problems.
9. Pour aloe vera in your regularly used shampoos, conditioner and hair styling products before applying on your hair to reduce the damage caused to your hair.

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Dye your hair naturally: these recipes will make your hair perfect!

Science shows that nearly 65 percent of women dye their hair, so the chances are you have experienced the hair dyes found at any drug stores. The problem with over-the-counter hair dyes is that they are packed with chemicals which are extremely detrimental to your health. According to The National Cancer Institute, there are over 5,000 chemicals used in hair dye products, most of which are carcinogenic and associated with ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, and leukemia. So, what`s the alternative?

7 Ways to Dye your Hair Naturally

Coffee
Coffee works wonders for going darker, making your hair chocolate-like and undamaged. All you have to do is to make a strong coffee and allow it to cool down and then mix one cup with a couple cups of leave-in conditioner and two tablespoons of coffee grounds.

Another option is to shampoo the hair and then pour coffee over. Let it work for twenty minutes before rinsing it off with apple cider vinegar and warm water.

Tea
Tea works for natural hair color given that it is less strong than coffee. Black tea is a good way to cover gray hairs and go darker while teas like chamomile work for blondes and rooibos for redheads.

You should use three to five teabags for two cups of water and use them alone or mixed with a conditioner.  Mix in fresh or dried sage if you are trying to cover gray hairs.  Let it work overnight if you want more color. Ultimately, rinse with warm water.

Herbs
You can use many different herbs, depending on the color you want to get.

Red:  Use calendula, marigold, rosehips, and hibiscus to deepen the red or add highlights. Simmer the herbs for half an hour, strain and cool down. Pour onto the hair and air dry.

Brunette/Dark: Try rosemary, nettle, and sage. Again, simmer the herbs for half an hour and then strain and cool down. Brush through the hair and leave it on for one hour.

Blonde: Chamomile, calendula, marigold, saffron, and sunflower petals all work here. Rhubarb root can also be added to fight gray hairs.  The procedure is the same as with the herbs above.

Beet and Carrot Juice
Beet and carrot juice are an effective way to add red tints to your color. For reddish-orange use more carrot and for more red use more beet juice.

Pour a cup of the juice onto your hair, alone or mixed with coconut oil. Wrap your hair and let the juice work for an hour. Rinse it off and finish with apple cider vinegar spray.

Henna
The leaves of this plant have natural pigment which works wonders for your hair. It is ideal for brunettes and redheads since it creates a red-orange color. It is recommended to mix it with chamomile in order to soften the paste.

Mix a cup of henna powder with two cups of lemon juice and leave it for 4-6 hours. Apply onto the hair, wrap with plastic wrap and let it work for at least 3 hours before washing it off.

Lemon Juice
Due to its whitening properties, lemon juice is best used for highlights. Spray the juice and brush through the hair. Let it work for a few hours and repeat several times since it works very slowly.

Walnut Shells
Walnuts shells are best used for a dark brown color. Simply crush them and boil for half an hour. Let it cool down, strain, and apply onto the hair. Leave it on for an hour before rinsing it off.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com/

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20 Great Habits for Stronger and Healthier Hair

Every woman wishes for a strong, shiny, and healthy hair, but most of the regular care practices are a downturn in keeping the hair healthy. Some of these things we do automatically, but they do affect the health of our hair.  Here are 20 great habits for stronger and healthier hair!

1. Moisten the hair with plain white vinegar after using shampoo and let it work for a few minutes before washing. Your hair will be much shinier after the very first use.

2. Use a natural avocado hair mask one a month

3. Wash the hair with egg yolks instead of shampoo. As unusual as it seems, raw egg yolks moisturize the hair much better than most commercial products.

4. Avoid washing the hair too often as this practice removes the oil from the scalp which is needed for nutrition and growth.

5. Use a sulfate-free shampoo as sulfate tends to deprive the hair of its moisture.

6. Braiding the hair before bed gives natural waves in the morning and prevents the hair from tangling and breakage.

7. Massage the scalp with a wooden brush on a daily basis to increase blood flow in this area and stimulate hair growth.

8. Protect the hair from the sun by using sunscreens and summer hair styling products which protect the hair from salt water and chlorine.

9. Instead of blow drying the hair, let it dry naturally as often as possible.

10. Dry the hair before bedtime as wet hair is more prone to breakage.

11. Argan oil is highly beneficial for the hair! Use it as a conditioner or for split ends and dry scalp

12. Avoid curling irons and hot straighteners as high temperatures weaken the hair. In case you must use any, make sure you use a spray-in heat protectant, too.

13. Don’t bleach or dye your hair as they contain chemicals like ammonia, which has been shown to damage the hair and burn the scalp.

14. Never brush the hair when it is wet since this makes it prone to breakage. Use a comb right after applying a hair conditioner.

15. Use a silk or satin pillowcase for the bed. These materials are safer for the hair as they don’t catch it like other pillowcases do when you toss and turn.

16. Consume biotin to stimulate hair growth and skin regeneration.

17. If your hair is prone to split ends, trim it every 8 weeks to keep it strong and healthy.

18. Take care of your hair with natural masks which are high in vitamins and beneficial oils.

19. Eat well as the hair is nourished by the food you eat. If your diet lacks natural fats, vitamins, and protein, your hair will suffer.

20. Relax! Stress is one of the most damaging things for the hair. No matter how much you nourish your hair, stress will affect the hair and it will never be as shiny as it could be.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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