The Ayurvedic Way: Nupur Mehendi

One of the first ayurvedic treatments I decided to use for my 2012 Healthy Hair Challenge , was this one called Nupur that I found at my local Indian supermarket. This conditioning treatment is  a mixture of Brahmi, Shikakai, Aloe Vera, Methi, Bhringraj, Amla, Neem, Hibiscus, and Jatamansi. Each ingredient helps in the overall strength, condition, nourishment and shine of your hair.

This particular treatment is basically an enriched henna (Mehendi). So the actual processing application and time is just as long as if you were to do an actual henna treatment. I added enough water (no real measurement) to the Nupur powder to make a thick paste. I then added Amla and Vatika oil (which I also found at the Indian Supermarket) for extra softness and conditioning. I allowed the mixture to sit over night so that the properties of the ingredients could release.

 

The next morning. I washed my hair with a castile soap, then applied the treatment evenly from root to tip of my hair. I then twisted my hair in chunky two strand twists and let it sit in my hair for 3 hours. 

I made sure to rinse the product out VERY well. When the product was all removed I could instantly feel a difference in my hair. It was super soft and my twist actually looked...better. For experimentation sake, all I added was a bit more of the Vatika oil to my ends and I let the twists air dry that entire day.

That night I went to a party so I did a half pinned up twist out. Let me tell you! When your hair feels great it will look great too. I was really pleased with the results of the Nupur treatment and will definitely be using it regularly within this 6 month challenge. It was only $2 and definitely worth every penny.

The Ayurvedic way

Over the past year I've been impressed with the growth of my hair. But honestly I think there is still a lot I can do to take my overall hair health to the next level. Now that I've done a lot of experimenting with products, trying to discover what works well with my hair and what doesn't, I realize that my hair tends to thrive when I incorporate natural ingredients.

With that said starting at the beginning of January I plan on doing a strict 6 month challenge of using just (mostly) natural ingredients to care for my hair. One of the easiest (yet most complex) ways of doing this is by adopting an Ayurvedic Hair Care Regimen.

Ayurvedic practices are a system unique to India where natural ingredients found in that region are used as an alternative means for medicine, treatments and hygiene. Many of the ingredients that are used in ayurvedic regimens can be found at most Indian markets and stores in the states. Also some ingredients used commonly in western culture (many you find in teas and herbal infusions)  can be found at your local health food store or Co-op.

Using ayurveda methods is beneficial not only because it's easy to mix ingredients specific to your hair needs but also the ingredients are NOT expensive. (They are considerably cheaper than the "all natural" products that you find in drug/beauty supply stores and online.)

Here are a list of ingredients that are commonly used in ayurvedic regimens. I'll definitely be seeing if I can get my hands on a good variety of the following:

Amla Powder | Stimulates hair growth, has wonderful conditioning properties, strengthens hair at the roots


Hibiscus Petal Powder| Conditions hair, Rejuvenates hair making it shiny


Mehndi Powder (Henna)| Mixture of multiple ingredients,   Not only used for hair coloring, works  as an excellent hair conditioner, imparts silkiness and shine


Kalpi Tone | Promotes hair growth, prevents pre mature balding, light conditioning properties, imparts shine 

Brahmi Powder | Strengthens hair at the roots, helps relieve dandruff, also purported to thicken hair  


Aloe Vera Juice | Balance PH level, heal scalp, imparts sheen, light conditioning properties, nourishes and moisturizes hair 


Neem | Helps fight scalp infections, works against dry and flaky scalp which causes dandruff

Shikakai | Acts as a natural cleanser, and mild conditioner, whilst promoting hair growth

Marshmallow Root Powder | Nourishes hair follicles and scalp, conditioning properties, imparts shine 


Vatika Oil | Mixture of Ayuerveda herbs into a coconut oil base, seals moisture, conditioning properties, imparts shine

As we get closer to the new year I'll share more ingredients,  recipes and techniques I'll be incorporating in my new hair challenge.

Face it!!

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A great alternative to buying high end products that are showering the beauty market, is to use simple ingredients that you can find in your local grocery store and even your kitchen cabinets.

Of course this philosophy is not just restricted to your hair. Using more natural ingredients in your over all health/beauty routine will be kind to your body as well as your pockets.

Recently my face has been less than lack luster. I've had a bunch of acne flare ups, some color distortion from acne scaring and incredibly dry and flaky skin. I can blame this on two things.

1. My sampling of commercial face products for a fall/winter regimen.

2. The beating my face has taken from the recent cold weather.

I wanted to share with you some simple recipes that can replace those expensive face products and also give your face a healthier and more radiant glow.

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Cleansing:

Oil cleansing is a gentle and affordable way to remove dirt, bacteria, make-up and dead skin cells from your face daily. Because most of us already have oils in our arsenal it's much more convenient than buying a separate facial cleanser. By using oil to cleanse your face you are also eliminating the abrasive properties of sulfates and other ingredients within certain cleansers.

The great thing about oil cleansing is you can literally use which ever type of oil is more convenient to you. It's all about mixing and experimenting.

In my personal oil cleansing mix I use:

A small bottle of any type

50% Castor oil (helps draw out toxins and dead skin cells from skin)

25% Grapeseed oil (acts as a natural moisturizer and helps prevent acne)

25: Extra Virgin Olive oil ( also acts as a natural moisturizer)

6 drops of Lemon essential oil (helps with brightness in complexion)

3 drops of Tee Tree essential oil (helps combat dry skin and works as an anti-fungal ingredient)

1. Gently message a quarter size amount of the mixture all over face.

2. Place a hot, damp towel over your face until it cools. (allows the oils to penetrate your skin and steam out all toxins and dirt.)

3. remove hand towel and wipe away any excess oil off.

4. rinse your face with cold water to close the pores.

Toneing:

Toners are used to keep your skin tone even and bright. It is also used as a defense against acne and dry skin.

My Toner recipe:

A new/clean spray bottle

60% Chamomile Tea (used against flare ups, redness and therapeutic/calming properties)

20% Apple Cider Vinegar ( cleansing properties and ph balance)

20%:Aloe Vera Juice (acts as a moisturizer and ph balance)

6 drops of Lemon essential oil/ or juice (helps with consistent brightness in complexion )

1. With your spray bottle a tleast 8 inches from your face spray in a "X" and then "T" formation over your face.

2. Allow the mist to dry on your face before moving on to moisturizing.

(A lot of people also use witch hazel instead of Apple Cider Vinegar in their recipes. Feel free to use your own variation on the recipe.)

Moisturizing:

The price of moisturizers on the market these days can be out of control (especially for the amount you receive).Using a dime size amount of either hazelnut, jojoba or grapeseed oil will be more than sufficient when it comes to a daily moisturize. Even for those with oily skin the lightness of each of these oils allows for the skin to absorb it easy and fast without the oily/ greasy feeling it can leave on your face.

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Hopefully with a little tweaking to fit your personal needs, you'll be able to fit these cost-effective and healthier alternatives into your skin-care regimen.

Mixology 101: Honey

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Now that summer is officially over and the cold breeze of the autumn is here its important now more than ever to make sure your hair is moisturized, to keep from being dry. Things like deep conditioners, moisturizing spritz and leave-ins are all ways of keeping your strands moist.

One agent that can be used to help with added moisture is something that you can find in your own pantry. Honey is considered one of nature’s well kept secrets. Honey serves as a natural humectant. In other words, when honey is exposed to air it naturally absorbs water molecules from the air. This makes it an ideal ingredient in your hair care regimen. It traps and seals in the moisture leaving your hair shiny, moisturized and healthy.

Like oils, the brands of honey that you will find the most beneficial are the brands that have not altered the honey's properties. So like Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Cold Pressedcastor oil, try to find Raw honey so you will get all the nutrients and properties that could be lost from over processing and heating.

Of course adding honey directly to your hair can be an extremely sticky situation but it isn’t as hard to deal with as you may think. Here are some ideas that can help you incorporate honey into your routine.

Hot Oil/Honey Treatment: (video)

Honey Infused Deep Conditioner: (recipe)

What you will need:

• Conditioner of choice (I used Aussie Moist)
• 2 Tbp Favorite oil (consider using olive, coconut, castor, jojoba, or sweet almond)
• 2 Tbps Raw honey
• Bowl and spoon for mixing

Mix all the ingredients into the bowl with your spoon. Apply mixture to wet hair. Cover your hair with a plastic cap. Leave hair covered for at least an hour (sometimes I do it over night and my hair feels FANTASTIC the next day). Feel free to sit under a hooded dryer or a steamer. Rinse the mixture out of your hair and continue with your usual styling.

*Happy Hair Days*