Hair Detergents - What is ACTUALLY in your WEN products??

This post was inspired by my cousin, who means well by her hair but is sadly paying WAY to much for basically... "hair detergent". Love you cuz!!!

This is the actual ingredients list from the website. The product is Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner - 16 oz. Here is the link: http://chazdean.com/p-23-cucumber-aloe-cleansing-conditioner-16-oz.aspx

 

Water, Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Chamomile Extract, Marigold Flower Extract, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Menthol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Amodimethicone, Polysorbate 60, Witch Hazel, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Avocado Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B-5), Citric Acid, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Essential Oils.

Cetyl Alcohol – fatty oil derived from whale oil

Cetearyl Alcohol – Fatty oil, is used as an emulsion stabilizer 

Behentrimonium Methosulfate - Antistatic Agent; hair conditioning Agent

Menthol – Derived from mint, used as an anesthetic

Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine - emulsifier made from vegetable sources

Amodimethicone - gives hair a smooth feel, can cause an allergic reaction.

Polysorbate 60 - used to solubilize essential oils into products with a water base, can cause detrimental reproductive effects, organ toxicity and cancer in high doses.

Dicetyldimonium Chloride (aka Quaternium-15) - a quaternary ammonium salt used as a preservative in many cosmetics and industrial substances. It acts as a formaldehyde releaser. ***It can cause contact dermatitis, a symptom of an allergic reaction, especially in those with sensitive skin, on an infant's skin, or on sensitive areas such as the genitals.*** (SCARY!!) It can be found under a variety of names, including: Dowicil 75; Dowicil 100; Dowco 184; Dowicide Q; 1-(3-Chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride; N-(3-chloroallyl) hexaminium chloride; hexamethylenetetramine chloroallyl chloride; 3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane; 1-(3-chloroallyl)-chloride.

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride - a quaternary ammonium derivative of guar gum. Guar gum is ground endosperm of guar beans.

Methylisothiazolinone - a widely-used preservative; has been associated with allergic reactions. Lab studies on the brain cells of mammals also suggest that it may be neurotoxic.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone - a widely-used preservative; has been associated with allergic reactions.

There are some great natural oils in this product but,it looks like a lot of unnecessary chemicals as well!! Always read and UNDERSTAND the label. Don't take any one's word for face value unless you know for a FACT the product is handmade with no chemical additives!! Best way to know is to do it yourself. :)

!!Coming soon>>>How to make your own shampoo and conditioner with no chemicals!!!

How to Eat for Healthy Long Hair

Great hair begins on the inside, so having a balanced diet is essential for hair growth and strength. Here are foods that are great for your hair: 

             *Salmon - Vitamin B-12, iron, and loaded with omega-3 fatty acids to support scalp health. Vegetarians can use one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats.

             * Dark Green Veggies - Vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. Sebum is the oily substance secreted by your hair follicles. This is the body's natural hair conditioner!

             * Beans - Provide protein to promote hair growth, iron, zinc, and biotin. Biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.

             * Nuts - Another way to get Omega-3 fatty Acids and zinc.

             * Beef and Poultry - Provides high quality protein your hair will love!

             *Eggs - Biotin and B12

             * Whole grains - zinc, iron, and B vitamins.

             * Oysters -  Provide zinc which is a powerful antioxidant. They are also an aphrodisiac! Wink wink.

             * Low-fat dairy - Provide calcium

             * Carrots - Provide vitamin A

             *  Sweet and white potatoes, bananas, tomatoes, citrus, are also high in vitamin B12, B6 and folic acid.

You can also take a supplement. A supplement should contain Vitamins A, B2, B6, Niacin(B3), Folic Acid(B9), Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. If you are experiencing hair loss you should add a Biotin supplement as well.

Of course it is always good to drink plenty of water, and avoid caffeine whenever possible. If you plan on dieting make sure you continue to eat a balanced diet. Starving your body of nutrients also starves your hair of nutrients it needs to grow strong and beautiful. Not getting enough nutrition could lead to dry brittle hair or even hair loss. YIKES! So, please love your bodies as much as you love those long locks!!

Cuchie cream to grow hair?!?! (Monistat 7)

Is it true that you can grow your hair longer and faster by applying Miconazole Nitrate (MN), more commonly known as Monistat 7, to your scalp? Well, I am doing a test on this theory to see wether or not this will work for me. In the process I will share some healthy hair tips and hopefully grow my hair back to it's lengthy glory.

Here is a link to explain how to use the product on your scalp: http://www.ehow.com/how_6742443_using-monistat-7-hair-growth.html

I personally do not use oil, but instead make the mixture with warm water and apply with a spray bottle.

There are other products I use in my hair and as I test the MN I will also continue my normal hair regime. 

Products from left to right:
1. Conditioner (the brand does not matter, but you can see I'm using VO5 right now) with 10 drops of tea tree oil and 4 capsuls Vitamin E mixed into it.
2.Baby shampoo (the brand does not matter, but you can see I'm using Baby Magic right now) with 10 drops of tea tree oil mixed into it. Note: I only use baby shampoo so I don't strip my hair of its natural oil.
3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil  used once monthly as a hot oil treatment.
4. Africa's Best Herbal Oil used after washing and towel drying my hair. Note: I only wash my hair 2 or 3 times a week as washing strips the hair of natural oil.
5. Tea tree oil
6. Vitamin E in capsul form which I take orally as well as using it in my conditioner. You have to take care  of your hair from the inside out as well!!
7. Boar bristle brush used 3 times a week at 100 strokes to promote scalp blood flow and to more evenly the natural sebum oil made by my body.
8. Wide toothed comb used daily.

As you can see I do not use any heat, harsh chemicals, or brushes that could damage my hair. Below is a close up of what my hair looks like the day after a wash and after being brushed:

So, day one of the experiment was January 13, 2012 and below are the pictures of the length of my hair from front the front and back view. After 30 days I will take more pics and see if my hair has grown longer, then again after 60 days. I just got out of the shower so plz excuse my lack of makeup. :P