Product Haul: Oils, Vitamins & Shea Butter! *Long & Pic Heavy*

One of my main goals for the last quarter of 2009 was to purchase some Multi-Vitamins and Fish Oils to implement into my day-to-day lifestyle, not for my hair, but for my overall health.

I didn't want a single, "one a day" style multi-vitamin tablet. I wanted something that would protect & nourish me throughout the whole day and something that's specific to my gender and age.

I paid a visit to Planet Organics Grocery Store (Toronto ladies, Hwy 7 & Bayview, Richmond Hill) and picked up a bottle of Progressive Women Multi-Vitamins for $29.

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This vitamin is specific for adult women and it's loaded with great stuff, here's a little rundown of what it contains:

1. Free Radical Defence - a unique combination of antioxidants including beta carotene, vitamin E, coenzyme Q-10, selenium, zinc, glutathione, and green tea extract help to protect us from ongoing exposure to free radicals.
2. Cardiovascular Protection - hawthorn berries, ginkgo biloba extract, coenzyme Q10, niacin and vitamin E promote and protect proper heart and cardiovascular function.
3. Enhanced Digestion - betaine hydrochloride and the plant based enzymes protease, amylase, lipase and cellulase assist in the digestion and utilization of both the nutrients contained in this formula as well as in the food we consume.
4. Balanced PH - highly alkaline green food concentrates such as spirulina, chlorella, alfalfa, kelp, green tea and broccoli extracts have been added to help balance and restore a healthy ph level.

I will start taking the Multi-Vitamins this week and keep you all updated. In addition to the vitamins, I wanted more EFA's in my diet, although I eat an adequate amount of fish, I needed something more. I picked up some Udo's Oil 3,6,9 Blend.

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For those that don't know, essential fats serve many functions in the human body. If taken in the right amounts/ratios & sources, EFA's can help establish and maintain good health. The benefits of EFA's are as follows:

• Increase energy, performance, and stamina.
  
• Strengthen the immune system.
• Lower most risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• Improve brain function: mood, intelligence , behavior, and vision.
  
• Aid in weight reduction. EFAs help keep mood and energy up and suppress appetite, thereby aiding in weight loss.
• Regulate organs and glands.
• Speed recovery and healing. EFAs are necessary for cell growth and division. They form all cell membranes and regulate vital cell activity;
• Support healthy child development.
• Improve digestion.
• Decrease infection. EFAs have anti-fungal, anti-yeast, and anti-microbial properties, helping to protect against infections.
• Keep bones strong. EFAs aid in the transport of minerals that keep bones and teeth strong, helping to prevent osteoporosis;
• Protect genetic material.
• Ease PMS.
• Produce beautiful skin, hair, and nails. Some of the first signs of EFA deficiency are dry, flaky skin, dull hair, and brittle nails.

There you have it! EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids) are so essential. I purchased the Oil blend for $14.99. I will start taking it this week and provide you all with updates in a few weeks.

Moving on...

I stocked up on some Coconut oil for my Deep conditioners and Pre-poo Treatments. I bought 2 because one is specifically for my hair (Omega Nutrition Organic Coconut Oil), one is for my skin (Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil).

While at the Beauty Supply Store this weekend, I picked up some 100% Natural African Shea Butter for $7. I've always been curious about it but I never had the guts to purchase it since I don't know the best method or place to use it. So far I must say, I love the way it feels, it's EXTREMELY soft and moisturizing on my skin. Here are some pics I took:


















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If you have any creamy delicious Shea butter recipes for your hair or skin, please feel free to share them!!

♥ Sunshyne

Hair Question: Is Lanolin Good For The Hair?

Question:

"I am curious about the lanolin oil in the hollywood beauty castor oil. I've been reading that lanolin is a bad ingredient to have in any of your hair care products, so what about the hollywood beauty castor oil with mink oil? Is that ok to use ?"

Advice:

Lanolin is a very greasy material produced by the sebaceous glands of sheep. Lanolin is a mixture of fatty acids, wax esters, and a complex mixture of other organic compounds. In its natural state, lanolin contains about 25-30% water by weight. When applied to skin or hair, it is very effective at penetrating the surface and enhancing moisture retention. Lanolin is also beneficial because it continues to absorb moisture from the air, and can thus act as a humectant for the skin or hair.

Lanolin is sometimes considered to be too thick and greasy to be used liberally on curly hair, as it can really weigh down the curls and create frizz, but this is really dependent upon the degree of curl. A person with extremely curly hair would find it very beneficial to their hair. Its unique and complex chemical composition should make it very easily removed from the hair with a gentle shampoo or conditioner wash.

In summary, lanolin is an excellent conditioning agent for hair, but consideration of hair type should be used when selecting products for hair. People with extremely curly hair (such as those with 3C, and the 4’s) can most likely use lanolin-containing products in their regimen and enjoy soft, smooth hair without losing curl or gaining frizz. Those with wavy or slightly curly hair (such as 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B type) may find products containing lanolin to be too heavy.

Source

♥ Sunshyne

Oils Haul: Got My Coconut, Grapeseed & Avocado Oil

I went to Planet Organic food store and found some Avocado oil (finally), Organic virgin coconut oil, and grapeseed oil.

I can't wait to add these oils into my regimen. I'm thinking about adding them to my protein conditioners and using EVOO (Extra virgin olive oil) and Honey strictly for my moisture deep conditioners - we'll see.

Side note, I'm so glad I found non-deodorized virgin coconut oil close to home and for a reasonable price ($11). It's so rare!



♥ Sunshyne

Add These Oils To Your Regimen!

Did You Know That...

Coconut Oil (prevents/stops hair fall and strengthens the hair) can penetrate 90% into the hair's cortex (hairs inner fiber), while olive oil can only penetrate up to 25% in the hair shaft (which is still good). Sunflower oil and sesame oil, they can penetrate 5% into the hair.

As far as I'm concerned, Avocado oil is also an inexpensive oil that penetrates into the hair's cortex very well (up there with Coconut Oil and Olive Oil), truly repairing the hair and not just coating the hair strand like most conditioners (never going past the cuticle).

A good way to incorporate these oils would be in the form of a prepoo (preferably overnight), hot oil treatment, or added in your Deep Conditioner. I would like to try prepooing with these oils all together (Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Olive Oil) to see how my hair responds.

I've been doing a lot of research and these oils seem to be SUPREME in restoring your hair back to a healthy state. So far, I've been prepooing with EVOO overnight this week and I ADORE the results!! I've been eye-ing Avocado oil for some time now. I might just cave in and purchase it =]

♥ Sunshyne

Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil Hair Treatment with Mink Oil

Promises: Use daily to condition, moisturize and restore natural sheen to your hair and scalp. Helps prevent split ends and breakage. Excellent conditioner for natural, pressed, relaxed or color treated hair. Recommended as a conditioner for babies' hair and skin

Directions: Apply daily to wet or dry scalp to keep hair healthy and well conditioned.

Ingredients: Hollywood Beauty Oil Complex (Castor Oil, Mink Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Jojoba Oil, Paraffin Oil, Safflower Oil, Lanolin, Cocoa Butter, Propylparaben, Fragrance.

The Truth: This is a staple sealant for my ends (morning &/or night). I have been using this oil as a sealant since November 2008 (after my big trim alternating with Hot Six Oil). It seals in moisture very well. My ends stay hydrated and even (barely had to trim my ends since using it). This oil spreads easily onto the hair although it's solid. A little goes a long way, so if you over do it, your hair will be weighed down. Sometimes I'll use this on my scalp just before a relaxer. It works great on damp or dry hair.

Price: $4.99 CAD 7.50 OZ

Hairlicious Rating: (5/5) Excellent

♥ Sunshyne

Review: African Royale Hot Six Oil

I've finally got the chance to try this oil. I've tried it on numerous occasions, it's just okay. When I first tried it, I moisturized and then sealed with Hot Six Oil. My hair feel good at first, but I then noticed that my hair felt slightly rough to the touch like the cuticles were raised?! That is something I would never expect from an oil. After that I hated it, but then I thought I'd try it as a prepoo a couple weeks later, still wasn't impressed.

Today I used it to seal in my moisturizer and so far so good...LOL. I know, its weird! I'm going to use it up until its finished, but I don't think I will repurchase. However, it does smell good (kinda fruity) and its very light on your strands. It does have my beloved Safflower oil in it as well.

Click here for African Royale Hot Six Oil Ingredients.

Price: $4.99 CAD

Hairlicious Rating: (3/5) Okay

-----------------UPDATE 9/23/08-----------------------

I've been using Hot Six Oil exclusively for over a month now and I have to admit it's a pretty good product. It does a wonderful job of keeping the moisture in my hair for long periods of time. Its slowly becoming one of my staples. It's also a great addition to your deep conditioners since it has all kinds of good stuff already mixed in it!

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♥ Sunshyne

African Royale Hot Six Oil really that "hot" ?

I saw some Hot Six Oil at the BSS yesterday and remembered that a couple ladies on the forums use this to seal in their moisture. I read the ingredients and it seemed pretty good to me. The PJ within me just had to try "something new" so I purchased it. I'm gonna wash my hair, deep condition, moisturize and then seal with this and see how I like it. By the way, it smells good too!

Here are the Hot Six Oil ingredients:

Olive Oil , Canola Oil , Wheat Germ Oil , Sweet Almond Oil , Safflower Oil , Castor Oil , Sesame Oil , Vitamins E , Vitamins A , Vitamins D , Cyclomethicone , Sheep Sorrell , Yarrow , Wheat Germ , Slippery Elm Bark , Sage , Henna , Comfrey , Burdock Root , Goldenseal , Cherry Bark , Black Walnut , Chamomile , Alfalfa , Hyssop , Fragrance.

Click Here for a Review of Hot Six Oil

♥ Sunshyne

Coconut Oil Makes Your Hair Stronger!

After you've applied some Coconut Oil to your hair, have you ever noticed that your hair feels stronger ? more durable? you get less breakage?

Well I've noticed this every time I applied Coconut oil to my scalp and hair, so I did a little research and to my surprised I realized that Coconut oil was the only oil found to reduce the protein loss for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-poo (before washing your hair) and post-wash grooming product. Coconut oil, being a triglyceride of lauric acid (principal fatty acid), has a high affinity for hair proteins and, because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, it is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft. Sunflower and mineral oils do not help at all in reducing the protein loss from hair.

Check out these cool facts about Coconut Oil and your hair:

-Coconut oil reduces protein loss up to 35% if applied on hair before washing

-Coconut oil increases the strength of hair by 13%

-Use of Coconut oil on bleached hair reduces protein loss that occurs during shampooing by up to 50%

-Regular use of Coconut oil on your hair stops shedding by 50% and promotes hair growth

-Unlike a few other vegetable oils which remain on the surface of the hair, Coconut oil penetrates right up to the central core of the hair

-Coconut oil serves as an excellent pre-conditioner and protects hair from day to day damage

(In the pic is my Omega Nutrition Certified Pure Organic Coconut Oil)

♥ Sunshyne

Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been on my mind a lot lately since I've added it to my Hairlicious Humectante Conditioner. I've used it to seal in my moisturizer and it wonderful as a topical hair product. That got me thinking, "What would it be like if I took it internally?" I came across a thread in my favourite forum, Black Hair Media Forum, addressing the benefits of taking 1 tsp of Organic Virgin Coconut Oil daily.

There has been some misconceptions about Coconut Oil circulating prevent many people from indigesting what is actually good for them. The statement that Coconut Oil, a saturated fat, contributes to heart disease is a bad rap given to NATURAL saturated fats by big corps marketing their 'newer' liquid oils. It is the UNSATURATED fats and Hydrogenated oils that are primarily involved in heart disease, not the saturated fats, as you have been led to believe. There are loads of information pertaining to WHY Coconut Oil is The BEST Oil to consume.

Ok so theres no doubt that Coconut Oil is a Saturated Fat, however it is also a Medium Chain Fatty Acid (MCFAs). MCFAs are smaller. They permeate cell membranes easily, and do not require lipoproteins or special enzymes to be utilized effectively by your body. MCFAs are easily digested, thus putting less strain on your digestive system. This is especially important for those with digestive or metabolic concerns. MCFAs are sent directly to your liver, where they are immediately converted into energy rather than being stored as fat so this can actually help stimulate your body's metabolism, leading to weight loss!! In contrast, most common vegetable or seed oils are comprised of long chain fatty acids. Long-chain fatty acids are not as healthy for you as the MCFAs in coconut oil. LCFAs are difficult for the body to break down (they must be packaged with lipoproteins or carrier proteins and require special enzymes for digestion). LCFAs put more strain on the pancreas, the liver and the entire digestive system. LCFAs are predominantly stored in the body as fat (That's why most people buy into the myth that fats are "fattening".) LCFAs can be deposited within arteries in lipid forms such as cholesterol.

So enough of the "myths" lets get into the BENEFITS, which are second to none.
Benefits of Coconut Oil:

• Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
• Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
• Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
• Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
• Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
• Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
• Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
• Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
• Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
• Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
• Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
• Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
• Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
• Helps protect against osteoporosis.
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
• Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
• Improves digestion and bowel function.
• Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Supports tissue healing and repair.
• Supports and aids immune system function.
• Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
• Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
• Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
• Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Functions as a protective antioxidant.
• Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
• Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
• Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
• Reduces epileptic seizures.
• Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
• Dissolves kidney stones.
• Helps prevent liver disease.
• Is lower in calories than all other fats.
• Supports thyroid function.
• Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
• Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
• Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
• Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
• Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
• Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
• Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
• Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
• Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
• Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.
• Helps control dandruff.
• Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
• Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
• Is completely non-toxic to humans.

Many ladies on the hair forum have seen amazing results, for example a better digestive system, better overall skin appearance, scars and pimples virtually gone!! and of course weight loss. If that isn't enough to try it I don't know what is =).

** If your going to be taking it internally, make sure its CERTIFIED ORGANIC, VIRGIN, UNREFINED, NO BLEACHING, NO DEODORIZATION, NO HYDROGENATION **