Can rubbing your nails really increase hair growth?

I've been holding back on writing this post for months now for fear of sounding like a complete loon. But I've decided that since we're all friends here, you all will at least forgive me if I do sound crazy. You see it all goes back to either late 2009 or early 2010 when I was chatting with a co-worker from India. From time to time we discuss holistic treatments and such. So we're talking about meditation, eating right and so on when all of the sudden he tells me this: "Do you know what my dad does for healthy hair? He rubs his fingernails together." "He does that all the time and his hair is thick and healthy." My friend has to be in his forties, so if his dad has thick and healthy hair, that would be considered a great accomplishment.

I've heard of adding strange herbs and pouring oils over your scalp for healthier hair, but rubbing nails together was something totally new to me. Was rubbing your nails together for long hair equivalent to clicking your heels together if you wanted to get your wish? To me the idea sounded that farfetched. Even so, the very next moment I could get in front of a computer I immediately began to seek out the merits of this claim. Turns out that there's quite a bit of information online about rubbing the nails together to impact, shedding, growth, and even grey hair.

Being the curious individual that I am, I immediately sought to uncover the logic behind this method (if it deed indeed work). What I did discover is that most believe the nerve endings in the fingertips are also connected to the scalp. In Chinese acupressure, certain parts of the body are stimulated to directly impact other areas. So as we create friction by rubbing our nails together, the scalp is then also stimulated. In essence, the scalp is said to receive increased blood flow and stimulation as we rub our nails together. Best of all, the technique only has to be practiced for 5-10 minutes daily (twice a day is recommended).

When I scanned online posts for testimonials, most people either laughed it off as complete nonsense or said they did it for a little while but remained inconsistent. Along with the naysayers, there were also the group of people who said they practice this technique regularly and have seen positive results. I was amazed when I read from some people that they felt their scalp itch, or tingle when using the nail rubbing technique. So what about me, you ask?

Well I did use this technique religiously for a little over a month. I rubbed my nails together for several minutes periodically throughout the day. My friend from India even caught me doing it one day at work and referenced our conversation a month earlier.

So what results did I experience? First off let me just say that my nails were the most beautiful they'd ever been when I "rubbed" regularly. They had a gorgeous natural shine to them. Not only that, they were thick and strong. Retaining nail length was not an issue. So even for this result alone, I think the practice was worth it. Now let's talk about my hair. When my friend first alerted me to this technique, I was well into my relaxer stretch. I was already packing plenty of new growth. When I finally did relax, I was all smiles over the amount of length I'd achieved in the duration of stretch. Unfortunately, that was the same stretch were I was plagued with massive tangles. So that kinda took away some of the glory of the length I'd achieved. Not too long after my touch up, I neglected my nail rubbing practice. When I think back to why I stopped, the only reasons I can think of were because I was doing it so frequently, that I feared it looked like I picked up a nervous habit. I could be sitting in a business meeting and there I was rubbing my nails together.

That was several months ago. I find myself looking back now wondering what could have been if I kept this practice up regularly. I'm looking down at my chewed up nails reminiscing of the days were I had fabulous, thick, healthy nails and a head full of dense new growth. For this reason, I've decided to re-implement this practice into my routine. This time, however, I decided to share with you incase anyone out there wanted to try. If it turns out that nail rubbing does actually encourage hair growth, I'd be wrong for not sharing. Think what this could mean if it's true. You could be giving yourself a "scalp massage" while sitting in a waiting room without actually touching your scalp. Either way, the results, for me, were promising enough for me to reinstitute nail rubbing into my daily life once again.

So basically the technique only involves rubbing the nails together. I would describe is buffing your nails as you would with a nail buffer, only instead of a buffer, you use your other set of nails. That's it! One can do it for 5-10 minutes a day or longer if desired. So who's open minded enough to give it shot?

A (better) technique for massaging the scalp

You guys already know that I'm a huge fan of scalp massages. They are so good for us in so many ways. Any part of the body that receives increased circulation thrives as nutrient rich blood floods that area. When nutrient rich blood is directed to the scalp, your hair reaps the rewards. Your hair follicles are the direct recipients of this rush of blood flow and soon you begin to notice your hair growing thicker as a result.

Lately, I've tried to be on my game when it comes to scalp massages. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the amount of new growth I have makes it a little more difficult to reach the scalp and make a huge impact. While I absolutely love my hand held plastic massager, sometimes I prefer methods that can get more done in less time. I know the plastic massager will work wonders on troubled areas such as the crown or nape, but I also felt like I needed an all over massage technique that could be done fairly quickly.

One thing that really concerned me about traditional scalp massages is how much manipulation is involved. I've always wanted to have an auyervedic massage done complete with all of the oils and spices. In fact, after posting this video last year, I found a local place in the area that performs this type of treatment. Sadly, because of my fear of coming out of the process with a boat-load of tangles, I can only enjoy by way of a video. I even had to forgo those heavenly scalp scrubs at the Dominican Salon because of the insane amount of tangles they would create just before running a small tooth comb thru my hair.

Well now I'm happy to say that I've found another way of massage that is still very effective and covers a large area. Best of all, you are barely manipulating the hair so there's no fear of negative side effects. This technique is one used by clients prior to undergoing a hair transplant. In order to create a "lax" scalp, and in an attempt to have the patient produce more samples available for grafting, he/she is encouraged to massage the scalp for several weeks prior to treatment. I've tried this technique for the first time last night and I was really impressed at how stimulated my scalp felt afterwards. I'll be sharing two short videos with you to help you visually see the process. The first vid is meant detailed instruction of the process, the second video is short demonstration.

Because most transplant clients tend to have hair positioned near the back of the head, these videos tend to focus on that area. When you perform these techniques, feel free to move about the entire scalp concentrating on any particular areas of concern. I love this method because my entire head feels stimulated in such a short period of time and it's by far one of the easiest, hair friendly scalp massage techniques I've seen. Give it a try tonight and see how easy it is. Give it a try for 60 days and see how healthy it is for your hair.

Is your water robbing your hair of moisture?

The picture you are now gazing upon are of a personal item of mine. It's an image of a squeegee I purchased for my shower a little while back. You see I have glass shower doors. One of the huge frustrations I've had to deal with as someone with glass shower doors, is the constant build-up of soap scum clouding up the glass.

I thought to myself, "if I get this little item, I'll be able to have clear shower door." Boy was I wrong. Little did I know that the cause of the pain and heart ache associated with my cloudy doors had everything to do with the hardness of my water. If you take a good look at the object, you will see that it is practically covered in a layer of white, chalky residue. The layer was so thick that I was able to scrape out some of it with my finger nails. The picture does not do it justice, the residue is thick and extremely obvious. Just to give you an idea of how thick the coating is, that same squeegee you see before you was once clear and see-thru when I purchased it. The squeegee got this way because I let it hang in my shower where it was in contact with water on a regular basis

The reason why my once, clear shower doors are now coated and have become opaque is because the water that pours forth from my shower is laden with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates, sulfates, etc. Not only did my hair have to contend with these potential harmful additives, it also had to deal with being exposed to chlorine week after week. It's a miracle, to me, that my hair made it to the lengths it has having been exposed to the same evil water that did this to my shower squeegee.

So what exactly does hard water do to the hair and skin?

The biggest culprit to healthy hair when you have hard water is the unwanted after effect of dryness. It's said that the minerals in hard water raises the cuticle layer leaving the hair feeling rough, dry and prone to tangling. If you guys remember the post on my relaxer stretch, tangles have been my achilles heel for the longest. Another negative side effect of hard water I experienced was the gradual fading of my natural hair color. Over time my hair slowly started to become light brown, slightly rusty color. I've even gone as far as to ask for a black rinse a couple of years ago at the salon to help combat this unwanted look.

Mineral build-up on my hair also had a lot to do with my constant searching for effective hair products. If the water was leaving a layer of residue on my strands, it's only fair to say that some of the conditioners weren't as effective as they could have been had they not have to deal with the hard water. I would clarify constantly but sometimes I felt I had to work twice as hard to get the moisture back in. Let me also mention that hard water is the enemy of the scalp. Because of the layer of residue left behind, the scalp becomes dry and itchy. Existing scalp problems like eczema and dandruff are made worse when your water is hard. I couldn't even tell you how annoying it was to have to deal with dry hands and feet after the simple act of showering. Now imagine what my poor scalp had to deal with. Hard water is no joke.

If you take a look below, you will see a color-coded map of the U.S. This map details the states with relatively hard or soft water.

The parts of the map colored light blue, white and red are considered to be areas of hard water. As you review the map, I also ask that you not only rely on this information but that you also try to validate for yourself if you water is harder than you think. I Googled a hard water may for my state, according to the map, my general area should have softer water than the rest of the state. That notion is complete hogwash when you look at the white coating on my poor squeegee.

Long story short, I have finally come to a place where I have found a solution to this hard water problem. Ladies, let me introduce you to the Water Stick. The Water Stick is unlike any other filter on the market. What you will find as you browse through the wide variety of shower filters online is that 99% of them only remove the chlorine. The shower stick, however, will not only remove the chlorine, it actually filters out all of the minerals leaving the water as soft as a new born kitten. I've always wanted a whole house water filter but didn't feel like making the monetary investment required of such a purchase. This Water Stick, to me, was like a prayer answered.

The water filter was under $200 which is a fraction of the price of a whole house filter. I was also comforted by the fact that the filter will last between 15-20 years. The only maintenance required would be the recharging of the filter which basically means adding salt water to it when necessary. Ladies, the very first time I used this filter I could tell the difference. Soft water is unlike any other water my skin has experienced before. The water felt slippery and delicate. I was in heaven. I feel so much more confident now when I wash my hair that it is experiencing the full effect of the products I use. My skin also feels much less itchy and irritated now. I don't have to use as much lotion and skin moisturizers as in times past. Oh, and by the way, the Water Stick also has a chlorine filter attachment as part of the overall package.

For those of you who aren't ready to make a $200 investment, there are other ways to combat the hard water dilemma. A rinse with apple cider vinegar helps to remove mineral build up. Shampoos with EDTA are another option but for those of us who are moving away from stripping shampoos to moisturizing cleansers, this option is not as desirable. I've even used distilled water as an alternative to mineral laden water that flows from my faucets. Instead of having to worry about which shampoo to use, or having to lug gallons of distilled water into the shower on a regular basis, I decided to go ahead and rid myself of this hard water dilemma once and for all.

This is my way of educating those of you who are constantly struggling with dry brittle hair at the hands of the very ingredient that should be brining moisture to the hair....water. As you look online at water filter options, please be aware that all filters are not created equal. What you need to be certain of is the assurance that the filter you want to purchase is capable of removing minerals, not just the chlorine.

For further reading, here is a thread on longhaircareforum where a member discusses her experience with the water stick.

Three techniques I used to cleanse and detox my scalp

Since my last post, I've completed a total of three wash cycles where I placed a heavy focus on cleansing/purifying/detoxing my scalp. With each wash, I used a different process to treat the scalp. Zen detox, Nioxin scalp therapy and baking soda were my weapons of choice as I declared war on my unhealthy scalp. Part of the reason why I used overwhelming force to treat my scalp is because, some time ago, I was diagnosed as having seborrheic dermatitis. I just knew that without direct intervention, my poor strands were suffocating under a layer of build-up and dandruff.

Nioxin scalp therapy has been a staple of mine for years. As I mentioned in the last post, this was the first product I purchased the moment I read about and understood the need to maintain a healthy scalp. What I appreciate about the Nioxin brand is the amount of attention and focus they place on a functional scalp. Their line boasts of several products dedicated to the health of your scalp. Next on my list of products to try from them is their follicle booster. Back to the Scalp Therapy. I've used both the normal formula and the one created for chemically treated hair. Not sure why, but I think I like the normal formula better. I think it's because normal formula gave my scalp a bit more tingle when I used it. Both formula's do wonders with regards to my dandruff situation.

Another amazing, unexpected benefit of the Scalp Therapy is it's ability to tame my new growth into full and complete submission. I'm not sure what it is in Scalp Therapy that causes this wonderful side effect, but whenever I use it, my new growth just seems to bow down and listen. It just has a way of slightly loosening the texture, turning tight curls into softer waves. Detangling becomes a breeze and styling the hair becomes much more possible. In the past, I've used Scalp Therapy as a last resort when combating dandruff. Now that I have this new level of awareness, I'll be re-incorporating into my regimen on an ongoing basis. When I used this amazing product the other day, I parted my hair into multiple small sections and applied to the scalp much like a relaxer. Then I massaged and left the product in for a good 30 minutes while I allowed it to work it's magic. Scalp therapy acts like a conditioner, so when it's rinsed out, the hair feels soft and more manageable.

The following wash I, broke out my Zen Detox so I could complete a scalp purifying mask. In my zealous attempt to really draw out impurities, I also combined some of my Aztec clay to the Zen Detox. These purifying clays are supposed to act on the scalp as they would on the skin (after all, the scalp is still skin right?). They remove impurities from the surface level while claiming to have the ability to also draw out toxins from beneath the surface. Once again I applied this liquid clay in the same manner as a relaxer, parting and applying. Applying and parting. I also used some of the mixture on the length of my hair as well. I should also mention that Zen Detox also has a way of softening up the new growth. While I applied product and massaged, I could feel my curls lengthening as the clay penetrated. Honestly, I felt like after I washed and styled, my hair seemed to have some build up. My scalp felt great but my hair had somewhat of a film to it. I think it has something to do with my mix of both Zen and Aztec. Last time I only used Zen, I didn't mix the product and I had no felling of residue. I should also mention that I included an egg in my conditioning mix and absentmindedly used warm water during part of my rinse. I had dry egg bits in my hair which could also have been culprit of my build up. Either way, I'll use Zen Detox again, but next time I won't try to get all fancy with how I use it. Just Zen and nothing else.

During my third wash, I tried a totally new experience by using baking soda. Much like the detox clay, baking soda is said to have the ability to loosen old skin cells and remove impurities from the scalp. Baking soda is alkaline in nature so it also worked to slightly straighten the new growth. Because of it's grainy, gritty texture, I decided to mix the baking soda with a conditioner so that I didn't cause too much abrasion to the scalp as I massaged it in. As with the other scalp treatments, I parted and applied as one would a relaxer. Following the application I proceeded to gently massage. The entire experience felt really good. I kept the baking soda mixture on/near the scalp and applied my regular conditioners along the length of the hair. I left everything in for about 40 minutes or so and, I'm sitting here two days later with fabulous hair. My hair is soft and, most of all, my scalp is thriving.

The final step to my ultra-healthy scalp routine was a relaxing massage using drops of eucalyptus oil directly on the scalp. This was such a soothing experience that I've decided to make it a weekly activity. People rave about the benefits of eucalyptus oil on the scalp. I just really enjoy the mild scalp tingle. It makes me feel like I'm really doing something beneficial.

Since incorporating these three scalp treatments into my routine, my dandruff has reduced dramatically. My hair also looks amazing which is an added benefit that I was not expecting. Now that I think about it, those wonderful scalp treatments were probably also working to clarify the hair which is why it responded so well to the conditioner.

I think that process I've undergone the past few washes was an experiment in what method worked best. While I don't expect to conduct full scalp "facials" every wash, I do intend to incorporate at least one healthy scalp aid into my routine at least once a week. I just want to make sure I never get to a place where the health of my scalp isn't always top of mind. I also want to thank you ladies for leaving comments on what you do to keep your scalp healthy. You gave me some great ideas. Thanks again and keep 'em coming!

Is your scalp suffocating? Find out what it's doing to your hair

A have a ritual that I do before every wash where I stand in front of my massive hair product closet and select the items I'll be including in my pre-poo and deep conditioning. Some of the products are my staples and remain within arms reach. Others are less frequently utilized and rest in the shadows. Rarely do I spend much time peeking at the products in the back because I just assumed they were back there for a reason. This week, however, I decided to take a gander to see if there's any special conditioner I may be missing out on. I'm so glad I took that extra time to look because I rediscovered one of my greatest hair loves of days past. Nioxin Scalp Therapy.


I've used Scalp Therapy on and off for years. I first rushed to the store for this product when I read the online story of a girl who received a scalp scope. A scalp scope is like a microscope for the scalp. It takes up close images of the hair strands and scalp. It helps to determine the level of blockage and buildup one has on their hair and scalp. The images are magnified 200 X and displayed on a TV screen where you can clearly see how your scalp measures against a healthy scalp.

An "unhealthy scalp" usually appears shiny due to the excess sebum build up near the hair follicles. The woman online described her scalp as looking like a Krispy Kreme donut. I found a site online with some close up images of what is considered an unhealthy scalp along with the ideal appearance of a healthy, thriving scalp. As you scroll through the images, start from the bottom of the page and work your way up. Notice how the strands of hair are impacted when the scalp is clogged and unhealthy versus when the scalp is healthy and vibrant.

Check out the pics and see for yourself.

Did you notice how strong and healthy the hair strands appeared when the scalp was in it's optimal state? As I was looking at those pics, I found myself wondering how much of our shedding could be attributed to the health of the scalp.

So what does this all mean? While we're focusing on deep conditioning, moisturizing and sealing, we may be missing out on a crucial part of our ultimate healthy hair experience. It all starts from the scalp so we also should implement strategies that bring health to the area where we need may need it most. When I think I about my own experience, I have to admit that my scalp is just not something I focus on. I think back to years past when I used to "feel my scalp." By feeling I mean I would experience the sensation of the air touching my scalp. Nowadays, I'm sure my scalp is laden with so much buildup I can't remember the last time I had that "clean scalp feeling." Sure, I apply ACV to my scalp from time to time but so did the woman who got her scalp scoped. She also claimed to wash her hair nearly every day.

I'm convinced in the direct link between a healthy scalp and thriving hair. Follicles that are suffocating under large thick flakes or a sea of sebum can't possibly produce the most healthy hair. You've seen it for yourself in the pics on that website. This post was originally meant to serve as a review for Scalp Therapy but I'll save that piece for an upcoming post. What I'd like to do is continue this conversation further by discussing ways we can treat our scalp to bring about health.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. How do you think your scalp would look under a scope?

Is shedding an issue? Maybe a cold shower can help

In my last entry, I shared with you all the valuable lessons from my most recent stretch. I also took some time to discuss some of the crazy struggles I faced with regards to excessive shedding and massive tangles. The blame for the uncontrollable tangles lay mostly with my actions (or inaction). While I understand that some of the accountability is mine, I also know that the shedding didn't make it any easier for me. So now, I'm taking the proactive road by seeking out solutions to this seasonal shedding issue.

You guys may remember my post on cold showers and healthier hair. If you recall, I talked about how cold showers can help not only with smoother follicles but also increased blood stimulation. I know you're probably thinking to yourself, "doesn't blood flow restrict when temperatures drop?" Yes, but only for a short period of time. You see, when the body's temperature begins to decline, a life saving defense mechanism kicks in. Blood begins to rush to the internal organs. Soon thereafter, the body temp rises as blood is rushed to where it's needed most. I've experienced it first hand after feeling the icy cold water cover my body in the shower. One minute your face to face with the shock of how cold the water feels. A few moments later, you're standing there thinking "this isn't so bad, the water is not as cold as it was a couple of moments ago."

Well now my search for a solution to my shedding has led me back to cold showers. I don't know how I got there but while searching online, I found several testimonies of others who've experienced less shedding after taking cold showers. Their rational behind it was the constriction of the pores around the hair follicles. Warm temperatures tend to create an expanding effect while cold water tends to constrict. That's why it's best to use heat to deep condition so the cuticle layers open for deeper penetration. You always hear about how cold rinses to close the cuticle layer back up. The same thing holds true for the skin. When we get a facial, warm steam is used to open the pores. Cold water closes them back up making them appear smaller. Well the same theory is said to hold true for the follicles. Supposedly, when we allow the cold water to touch the scalp, the pores around the follicles close up which in turn works to discourage excessive shedding.

I haven't yet tested this theory for myself but I am excited about implementing this practice once again into my routine. I have to admit that I've been a bit of a punk as of late when it comes to cold showers. But all of the sudden I feel a renewed sense of motivation about reintroducing this practice back into my routine. When I was doing the cold shower thing consistently shedding wasn't a concern so I don't really have a reference point about the effectiveness of this action specifically as it relates to shedding. Either way, I'm reaffirming my commitment to incorporating cold showers again for the greater good of my hair. I think for my experiment, I'll have to do the cold shower thing every day so I can make sure I'm setting myself up for success.

One thing I can say about cold showers and when I did them consistently is that my skin glowed. Not only that, I seemed to walk around with this amazing sense of accomplishment about having defeated my desire to jump out of the shower the moment the first icy drop touched my skin. Not only was I working to create healthier hair, I was also developing a strong sense of mental toughness. It was so invigorating. More to come. In the mean time, I challenge you to consider implementing this practice somewhere in your routine, even if it's a quick cold water blast rinse at the very end of your shower.

Are you willing to give it a shot?

***Edited to Add****

Since posting this info on cold showers and shedding, I've taken my first cold shower specifically with the intention of having impact my shedding issues. So I boldly stepped into the shower with the intention of making sure my scalp was fully exposed to the cold water. Sure, I've washed my hair in cold water before, this time however, I made the point of parting my hair in multiple places to allow the cold water to hit where it's needed the most. Once I made sure most of my scalp was exposed to the cold water, I stepped out and continued with the rest of my wash routine. I must say that I didn't notice much of a difference in the amount of shedding during my rollerset. I was a little disappointed at first. This week however, I must say that I've noticed a huge reduction in the amount of shedding I've experienced lately. This method is definitely a keeper for me! If this method really works, that means less shedding, which means less tangles, which means less knots, which means less breakage, which means thicker hair!

Feed your follicles with a healthy scalp massage

Stagnation or circulation? Which do you prefer? Does a flowing river not support and create growth and abundance more than a retention pond? I'm using this analogy to help you realize the importance of flow and circulation. More importantly, circulation to the scalp. Anytime circulation slows, in any environment, you restrict possible the life-giving source that supports further growth. I've posted several times on the benefits of increased stimulation. Today, I'm here to present to you the newest addition to my hair team.

My new scalp massager....


This thing is amazing. Even with a heap of new growth, this massager is sturdy enough to reach into the deepest parts of my hair all the way down to the scalp. Not only that, I also love the fact that I can massage away to my heart's content without even the hint of fear of damaging my hair. It's so gentle, yet so firm, yet so effective.


Scalp massages are important because it encourages increased blood flow directly to the follicles. Because the scalp is an extremity, increased blood flow to that area doesn't occur naturally unless you take direct action to do so. Tension and stress of the every day also works to restrict the muscles. Even the scalp is impacted by tension. Tension is restrictive. We need to do whatever we can to encourage free flowing movement of blood flow right where we need it most.



Enough talking. I actually created a video praising the magnificence of my massager.

Roll 'em!

Nordic Naturals: Essential for Beautiful Hair

Saturday I decided to make a vitamin run because it had been a while since I ran out of my omega 3 supplements. Normally I tend to toggle back and forth between cod liver, krill, or fish oil depending on my budget at the time. I know how crucial omega 3 oils are to the overall functioning of the body. That's why I walked into the store determined to come out with a quality fish oil supplement.

Ok, so there I was standing in front of a huge display of numerous varieties of fish oil brands. After a few moments, I summoned sales person over for some sound advice. Little did I know that I was about to strike gold. As it turns out, the sales rep suffers from eczema. Because of her skin ailment, she has come rely on the use of omega 3 oils not just for overall health, but to treat a specific condition. I knew from the moment she shared this piece of information that I was talking to an expert.

Even though I had already selected a bottle which I intended to buy, the store rep graciously let me in on her little secret. She grabbed a bottle of Nordic Naturals, held it up, and I'll never forget what she said next.

"I've tried every brand of fish oil on this shelf because I have a skin condition. No other brand that I've tried has worked for me like this one. I can usually see a difference in my eczema after a few days of using this."
Well that's all I needed to hear. It's one thing to buy fish oils because it's good for you. It's completely different when someone has identified a brand for you that actually provides noticeable results. Why do I care about which brand of fish oil someone with eczema likes?

I... no, we care because our hair needs it. Our hair is made up of several layers. One of those layers consists of lipids, i.e. fats. Essentail Fatty Acid (EFA) is litterally one of the components of the hair. Proper amounts of EFAs in the system actually helps improve the levels of elasticity and hydration in the hair. If you aren't getting sufficient amounts of EFAs, you are probably growing hair that may be dehydrated and vulnerable. Oh, and by the way, dry flaky scalp can also be impacted by an increase of EFAs in the diet.


Once a superior brand of Omega oil was identified by the store rep, I immediately made my purchase and returned home to research. The first thing I did was look online to find out what made this brand of Omega 3 so effective. It didn't take too long for me to find this taken from Nordic Naturals' website

Exceeds International Pharmaceutical Standards
Standards are set to protect consumers
Fish oil quality standards do not exist in the United States. To ensure ongoing quality, Nordic Naturals adheres to and exceeds the stringent Norwegian Medicinal Standard (NMS) and the European Pharmacopoeia Standard (EPS) for all products. These standards guarantee quality products by setting maximum allowances on peroxides, heavy metals, dioxins, furans, and PCBs.

Exceptional Freshness Levels
Freshness, which ensures product integrity and biological efficacy, may be the single most important quality of fish oils. Nordic Naturals’ patented, oxygen-free manufacturing process delivers peroxide values (indicators of freshness) down to absolute 0.0 mEq/kg, with an average of 0.75 mEq/kg or approximately 14 times below the Norwegian Medicinal Standard and European Pharmacopoeia Standard limits. The lower the peroxide value, the fresher the fish oil.

Exceptional Purity Levels
Purity is a significant concern among fish oil consumers
Nordic Naturals’ raw material is harvested from some of the cleanest waters in the world, and is tested by independent laboratories for heavy metals and over 210 other environmental contaminants. See research for more information on environmental toxins.

Award-Winning Taste
The key objections to taking fish oils are taste and aftertaste. Nordic Naturals utilizes a proprietary enzymatic process to ensure a completely repeat-free product. Our patented manufacturing process adds natural fruit essences into both the capsule and oil for a light, fruity taste.

Exclusive and Exceptional Raw Material
A great finished product starts with the best
Nordic Naturals starts with the best raw materials available: fish low on the food chain, which naturally contain low levels of impurities. All of our products are made exclusively from three fish species: Arctic Cod, Anchovies, and Sardines, as they are naturally high in the Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Additionally, we use organic evening primrose and borage oils whenever possible for our fish oil blend products. In fact, Nordic Naturals is one of the largest buyers of organic primrose and borage oils in the world.

Multi-Patented Manufacturing Process
Without chemicals or excessive heat
Nordic Naturals’ multi-patented manufacturing processes, accompanied by leading edge processing technologies, deliver fish oil with exceptional freshness and purity levels. Nordic Naturals uses several steps in processing the oils, from water and clay filters to an enzymatic molecular distillation process.

We use only the natural triglyceride form of fish oil
Triglycerides are considered the natural form of the essential fatty acid molecule. Over 98% of all fats ingested are in triglyceride form.
Next I scanned various websites and found numerous glowing reviews about this product. Most of those who tried it enjoyed the fact that the fishy aftertaste burp common to most fish oil supplements is not a concern with Nordic Naturals. I, for one, have not experienced any of this unwanted side effect. So I just wanted to share this wonderful find with you all. I do have to mention that this brand is a tad bit pricier than your average Omega 3 supplement but the concentration of EFAs per capsule is higher than most. Not only that, you are also getting a quality purified supplement compared to other oils on the store shelves. It think this brand will definitely be a keeper for me.

~Here's healthier hair, ladies~

Detox your hair from chemical relaxers. Zen Detox Review!

I am extremely excited to tell you all about my recent Zen Detox experience. I first stumbled across this product online while searching for ways to detoxify from the chemical exposure of relaxers, city water, and various hair product ingredients. At first glance, this product appeared to be the answer to all of my hair's wildest dreams, but could a product made of clay really make a positive impact on my hair?

I began my Zen detox experience by opening the cute red box and pulling out the page long product description and instructions. Actually the page was back and front so it equated to two full pages of insight into this wonderful product.

Here is an excerpt from the product page:

"Zen Detox is formulated to benefit people of all ages and hair of all conditions. It supports hair growth by detoxing the hair follicles/root. oil glands and scalp.

This unique multi-purpose formula is a very gentle Spa Detox to lift heavy metals and other toxins from the scalp and oil glands, and cleanse hair follicles.

Morrocco Method Zen Detox has been uniquely created to assist in removing the causes, not just the symptoms of disease. Our Zen Detox features Clays, which have been chosen of hundreds of clays from the most consistent results. An imported Volcanic Clay is added along with the synergistically tested formulas of spices and herbs."

The product itself consists of just clay powder which is a mint color. Nothing special about how it looks. The instructions state that the amount of clay powder should provide up to three uses so I poured about 1/3 it into a small bowl. Next I added some water over the powder which immediately started clumping up. I had a really hard time trying to create a smooth consistency once the clumps formed. Even as I added more water, I could not get it to smooth out. Eventually I gave up on trying to mix evenly and decided to use the product as it was (clumps and all). Some of the clumps were so big they were unusable. The good news is that the instructions state that any unused product should be left out at room temp to dry out and return to powdered clay. According to the package, the product does not expire so I can use it again weeks or months from now.

So I began applying the liquid part of the mix and breaking down to smaller clumps to use as well. I remember the Amazon reviewer stating that their hair benefited from the product so I used over the entire length of the hair as well as in the scalp areas. I applied as if I were applying conditioner. Let me also say that I applied on dry hair and I also skipped the pre-poo step of my regimen. Soon enough the liquid like mixture began to harden leaving my hair feeling stiff and looking ashy. At that point regret began to set in.

I was thinking to myself, "why on earth did I just add clay to my hair? Why didn't I just apply to scalp areas?" As time went on the hair got stiffer. It was a similar feeling to using the Aphogee hard protein liquid. I just played it safe an left the hair alone for the 15 minute duration until I washed it out.

I decided that since I was stripping the hair with Zen Detox, I would need to combat with a very moisturizing wash routine. So of course I had my Hair One moisturizing cleanser handy. I also decided that I'd use a blend of Silicon Mix, Suave Milk and Honey, and Nioxin Moisture and Strength conditioners as a way off adding the moisture back in.

To my surprise, the clay rinsed out fairly easily. I was not battling with clumps or clay remnants after the wash. One thing I did notice was that once I rinsed, my hair hung straighter. I don't know how to explain it but my hair was not tangled or fluffy or anything, it just hung straight down. I added the moisturizing conditioner blend to my hair and only left it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing. Once I rinsed, I immediately knew that my hair's moisture levels had once again been restored.

As I sat down to rollerset, I decided to use a dallop of Suave Milk and Honey conditioner as a creamy leave-in just in case the clay had over dried out my hair. I rollerset as normal but let me tell you, I instantly knew that I would experience a wonderful result because my hair felt very different.

It was unlike anything I've ever experienced yet to date. My hair felt like it wasn't my hair. Zen detox did something to it that I can not explain. The feeling was not like when I clarified leaving the hair feeling stripped clean. Yes my hair felt clean but not stripped. A word that would better described it would be....revitalized. My hair felt soooooooooooooooo extremely healthy. It feels strong and moisturized, it feels balanced. I feel like this is the result I've been seeking all this time. I don't know how to explain it. I'll tell you this, when I took my rollers out yesterday, my hair looked very different from how it looked on my most recent youtube vid. The curls fell below my shoulders. They were soft, shiny, and vibrant. I was absolutely amazed!

Is it the mysterious blend of herbs and spices that created this wonderful result? Or was the result due to the fact that Zen Detox, purified my hair so effectively that my conditioners I used became 100% effective? I'm not sure. All I know is that my hands will not stay out of my hair for nothin. I feel a strong peace and calm right now as I appreciate my hair as in its new beautiful state. Words can not describe how grateful I am today that I came across this beautiful product and I can not wait to continue using the treatments for two more sessions as the product describes.

I'll provide updates as I complete the second and third application. Per the instructions, the two subsequent applications should remain on the hair progressively longer. The second application should last 30 minutes and the final application for an hour. As I finish up this blog post, I need to share with you that it's now been two days since my treatment. I'm experiencing practically no breakage, my hair's moisture level is high and there's a smile on my face.

Weary of relaxer chemicals? Zen Scalp Detox may be the answer.

I remember a conversation with a friend who was telling me about one of the reasons why she stopped relaxing. She was now living a healthier lifestyle and could no longer subject her scalp to harsh chemical relaxers. I've heard it said on more than one occasion that you should never put on your skin what you wouldn't eat. The reason we should avoid applying synthetic chemicals because our skin absorbs and delivers it straight into our system. After that conversation I felt a heaviness inside. I too wanted to protect myself from the chemicals but I wasn't yet ready to transition. Every day, I've carried around a burden of how I could minimize my exposure to these chemicals. That is until today!

Today folks, I introduce to you 5 Elements Zen detox hair and scalp therapy. I was all smiles when I came across this product online. Take a look at the product description from Amazon.com

Product Description
This unique multi-purpose formula is a very gentle Spa Detox to lift heavy metals from the hair follicles and scalp and to bring clarity to the brain. There are TWO main things for good health: To get the toxins OUT and to BUILD the immune system. There are over 70,000 chemicals being used in commercial production in the U.S. Medical researcher, Alan Levin, M.D. believes that, the vast increase of chemicals in our environment, foods and medicines has greatly altered the body's ability to rid itself of toxins. The immune system provides for our first, second and third lines of defense against everyday germs, viruses and bacteria.

This unique multi-purpose formula is a very gentle Spa Detox for the hair follicles and scalp. ZEN DETOX features clays, volcanic ash, herbs and spices which enhance this unique formula to help eliminate the chemicals, heavy metals and often carcinogenic exposures of daily living This therapy assists in detoxing Mercury which is now associated with over 200 diseases. Mercury is especially associated with neurological and behavioral disruptions including depression allergies, food sensitivities and chronic illness. ZEN DETOX is a therapeutic method to assist in detoxing accumulated chemicals from synthetic shampoos, conditioners, styling products, coloring agents, perms, hair relaxers, and Sodium Laurel Sulfate. There are 38 different names for SLS including DEA, TEA, MEA, and Cocomide, a synthetic so-called coconut oil. There are a wide variety of toxic exposures, including environmental and industrial pollution, toxic water and air. All of these chemicals and pollutants are stored in the body in our glands and immune system.


There is hope people! We too can protect ourselves from the undesirable effects of harsh chemicals to our body's systems.

Based on the two reviewers (who rated this product with 5 stars) on Amazon, this product also seems to bring out desirable results not just to the scalp but on the hair also.

Take a look:

By SLG (Detroit, Mi) - See all my reviews
This really helped remove debris and build up from my hair. My hair was soo shiny! And it felt so soft and smooth, but not coated. It was really clean with a really nice glossy sheen. My baby hair lay down perfectly when it usually likes to be wirey. I would recomend this to anyone having hair issues. My hair hasnt felt this good in a long time.


By DMTM - See all my reviews
I started using this product to detox my hair from all the chemicals I'd put in my hair. It made my hair SO soft and I think it straightened it out some. Looking forward to seeing how great my hair will look in the future!

(BTW, because the words "baby hair" and "straightened" were used in the reviews, I made the assumption that these reviewers probably have textured hair).

I understand that the primary ingredient in this product is clay so I honestly don't expect soft manageable hair. In fact, I expect some drying as a result. Ultimately, I do see a wonderful benefit to removing toxins and chemical build up from the hair and scalp. Especially for those of us who relax. The creator of the product, Anthony Morrocco even states that those of us who wash our hair with hard water (like me) can also benefit from this detox process. I imagine this detox process to be much like an internal detox, you may experience a low point as the chemicals are released but afterwards the results are magnificent. That is just my opinion. I have no idea how this product will work.

I'll know in a few weeks though, cause I just ordered it!

Review coming soon!

Bring health to your hair and scalp with Apple Cider Vinegar

About a week and a half ago I rediscovered a miracle. This product has done more to improve my beauty concerns than any other products I have combined! Best of all, these wonderful concoction is all natural. What I speak of, my friends, is Apple Cider Vinegar.

I am amazed.....amazed at the number of ailments I was able to address with one simple all-natural liquid. It all started when I finally figured out that the $10 bottle of medicine I purchased for my toenail fungus was not cutting it. A quick search online led me to try ACV (apple cider vinegar). Within days, I noticed a wonderful improvement in the overall look and feel of my toenails.

It didn't take me long to realize that this stuff was extremely effective. Next I thought about a stubborn dermatitis issue I had been dealing with for a while. The skin on my face would peel and cause discoloration as it healed. My solution was to rub a little ACV on a cotton ball and swab the affected areas with it. That practice soon evolved to using ACV over my entire face. Let me just tell you all that my skin looks emaculate! Acne scars have started fading away leaving behind a smoother more even-toned texture. Best off all, my dematitis was gone...is gone. I even used to experience flakiness and peeling in my ear....not no more! I decided to begin dabbing a Q-tip into the ACV before I use it, the flakiness in my inner ear...gone!

Next I decided to attack my dry, itchy, flaky, scalp. Dermatitis causes unbelievable dandruff issues. It's like dandruff on crack. I wanted to relax my hair this past weekend but I knew that if I didn't wash first and address the itchy scalp issues, I'd suffer greatly at the hands of the relaxer. Several days before I relaxed I created a solution of apple cider vinegar and water and poured it in my nifty applicator bottle.

After washing I applied the ACV water, along with Keracare's dry itch scalp and allowed it to sit for several minutes. The word I can use to describe my experience afterwards was simply relief. I know longer felt like my scalp was infested with microscopic itch creators.

Days later I relaxed without a care in the world. I felt like I had more time to smooth out the new growth 'cause my scalp wasn't feeling like it was being eaten away by the relaxer. I rinsed as normal, washed, deep conditioned, and once again used that Apple cider vinegar water as a final neutralizer to help manage the PH balance of my hair and scalp.
I'm just going to take a minute to stand up on this chair and shout from the roof tops

"My Scalp is NOT burned and Scabbing!!!"
(Not to mention the benefits of shiner hair I experienced due to the ACV rinse.)

This is the first time in a long while that I am not having to deal with scabs after chemical burns. Best of all, I can massage my scalp without dealing with all the crazy dandruff. I knew that I had experienced victory when I attended an event this week. I sat next to a friend of mine who also has dermatitis. I shared the good news of ACV to her and secretly hoped she would heed my words as I watched her scratch her scalp, pick her ears, and brush her shoulders throughout most of the meeting. "I no longer have to concern my self with embarassing scalp problems" I thought to myself "I am a person with a healthy scalp."



So as I shared the good news with my friend, so I share the good news with you....my friends. I am overjoyed at the numerous benefits I've experienced in such a short period of time. I drink it, I use it topically, I love it!

Six stimulating strategies that supply circulation to the scalp

I can remember it like yesterday. Sitting in sixth grade history class trying desperately to pay attention. I remember little of what I was taught that year but for some reason I could never forget the story of the Nile River. No I don't remember how long the Nile river is or how many countries it flows through. The one thing I do remember is how fertile the land was along the River. Why was the land so fertile? The reason why so many people have been able to enjoy the richness of the soil for so many centuries is due to the fact that the Nile would routinely overflow producing the right environment for vegetation to grow along the river banks.

The reason I took us back to sixth grade history was to make a comparison between how the flooding of Nile river promoted the growth of countless varieties of vegetation and how adequate blood flow to the scalp will promote healthy (and perhaps faster) hair growth.

A scalp that doesn't get stimulated is like a receding river. Our hair follicles rely on an adequate supply of blood flow constantly bringing with it precious nutrients the hair desperately needs. In fact, a study was done measuring the blood flow amount to the hair follicles of men with baldness and those with without the condition. Unsurprisingly, scientists found the group of normal-haired subjects measured higher in the amount of blood flow to the scalp than the other group.

I feel that as a part of a healthy hair regimen, healthy blood flow to the scalp and/or scalp stimulation should be a given. Let's talk about some options we have to help us grow the flow.

*Exercise*
What better way to increase blood flow to the entire body faster than by exercising. Something as simple as a walk around the block will bring more blood flow to the body than being sedentary. Think about it, a person who's donating blood may be given a ball to squeeze as a way of increasing flow. This simple act quickly increases blood flow which causes the vein to suddenly become apparent. If you are not yet accustomed to a physical lifestyle, no worries, why not start off with something light like yoga or daily stretching. Stretching involves little physical stress on the body but still works to help increase the level of blood flow to the body overall.




*Massage*
Stimulation to a certain part of the body via massage is a sure fire way to increase blood flow. In this case you want to make sure to focus on your scalp for the hair's direct benefit. Scalp massages are key. Especially for those of us who are always protective styling in an attempt to leave the hair alone. Scalps massages also feel wonderful, there is no reason why you shouldn't be doing them regularly.








*Stimulating products*
You know how you get that little bit of tingle on your scalp when you use certain shampoos and conditioners. Enjoy that feeling because you are experiencing scalp stimulation. I've used a spray once with cayenne pepper and other stimulating ingredients that worked together to promote hair growth. Not only was it beneficial to my scalp, it felt great! Best of all I could use it on dry hair anytime my scalp felt like it needed a little kick. For those of us too lazy for consistent scalp massages, why not get some stimulating products that do all the work for you?





*Foods*
If you like it hot, than Cayenne pepper is perfect for you. That stuff increases blood circulation in the body like nobody's business. For those of you how've done the lemonade cleanse, you know that one sip of the cayenne pepper water and your whole entire body began to feel alive! Increased blood flow in an instant. Taking cayenne pepper also benefits the heart and the digestive system. Some have even used it directly on the scalp during the wash. I did it once and got a little bit in my eye. I didn't appreciate feeling like I just got maced in my shower. Not a keeper for me. I prefer to use it as an internal stimulator.





*Cold showers*
Speaking of showers, some of you may already know that I am a believer in cold shower therapy. This is were one takes cold showers in the morning both as an act of courage and to enjoy the myriad of benefits from deciding to do. Warm temperatures does increase blood flow but cold water therapy causes the body to increase capillary size in an attempt to warm you up. Your skin glows afterwards from the increase in blood flow. You also get this wonderful rush as the water hits you. Taking a cold shower isn't a chore, it's an experience!









*Belly breathing*
One thing taking a cold shower does is cause you to breathe deeper. But you don't have to jump into icy waters to get the blood-flow increasing benefits of belly breathing. Belly breathing is simple the act of taking deep full breaths way into the belly as opposed to the shallow chest breaths we normally take. As we take in large breaths we allow the oxygen we breathe in to reach all the way down to the lower parts of the lungs. More blood is pumped into the body when we take deeper breaths hence increased circulation. Belly breathing is beneficial to the entire body. Every cell within you will gladly reap the benefits of this breathing method. Start belly-breathing today!

Increased blood circulation is not just about healthy hair its about a healthier you. Each one of these methods described above will benefit you entirely. May your cells to be as rich and nourished as the banks of the Great Nile.