Healthy hair in every season: beauty from inside and out
Healthy, shiny hair is not only a sign of beauty, but also of good health. In this article, we delve deep into the world of hair care, offering specific tips for different hair types, introducing natural recipes, discussing the right diet for healthy hair, and explaining the importance of scalp detoxification. Particular attention is paid to the use of zeolite and healing clay, among other natural remedies.
The basics of healthy hair
Nutrition for healthy hair
A balanced diet is key to strong and healthy hair. Certain nutrients, such as proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, vitamin A, B vitamins (especially biotin), and vitamin E, are essential for hair growth and health. Foods such as fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains should be regularly included in your diet.
In our blog article 11 Power Anti-Aging Foods you will find many good and healthy foods for beauty from within and recipes using them.
Importance of scalp detox
Detoxifying the scalp is crucial for healthy hair growth. Product buildup, sweat, and environmental pollution can clog pores and inhibit hair growth. Natural remedies like zeolite and healing clay are excellent for cleansing and revitalizing the scalp.
Care for different hair types
1. Dry hair
• Moisturizing masks: A mask made from avocado, honey, and olive oil, used once a week, can work wonders. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and apply them to the lengths and ends of your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes or even hours under a shower cap, and then rinse thoroughly.
• Gentle cleansing: Avoid frequent washing and shampoos with harsh surfactants. Be sure to turn your shampoo bottle upside down. The most common surfactants used in conventional shampoos are sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, or sodium coco sulfate. While all three surfactants are deep cleansing, they are also very harsh, and dry, sensitive scalps in particular react with irritation. We sincerely hope the industry will soon rethink its approach, as there are also gentle surfactants available, such as sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) or coco glucoside.
2. Oily hair
• Regulating rinses: A rinse made from apple cider vinegar and water helps to balance the pH of the scalp, tightens the pores of the scalp, has an antibacterial effect, and even brings extra shine to the hair, as it not only closes the cuticle but also counteracts limescale deposits on the cuticle of the hair caused by hard water, thus removing the dullness caused by limescale.
• Healing clay masks: Healing clay absorbs excess oil and cleanses pores. Used as a mask once or twice a week, this mask can help degrease the scalp. You can find great mask recipes, including those for your hair, in our blog post "Beauty with Zeolite – 12 Uses of Zeolite for Skin and Hair" and "5 Recipes for Masks with Zeolite and Healing Clay."
• Greasy soaps: A stark contrast is the tip some people swear by, although it's not statistically proven: fight grease with grease. There are hair soaps that have a high fat content and thus over-oil the scalp. This is supposed to cause the scalp to regulate its own oil production and require washing less often. However, you need a lot of patience and a high "pain threshold" in the first few weeks, because a stringy hair look is inevitable in the early stages. In the end, the reward is supposedly that your hair only needs to be washed once a week and no longer looks stringy, but quite the opposite: airy, light, and beautifully shiny. So feel free to give it a try if you're not going to be around people (much) for the next few weeks!
3. Normal hair
• Balanced care: Regularly treating your hair with natural oils like coconut or argan oil keeps it healthy. However, be careful not to use too much oil to prevent it from becoming stringy. Rubbing 1-2 drops in your palms and smoothing them over the lengths and/or ends of your hair is perfectly sufficient. Avoid your scalp!
• Gentle styling: Avoid excessive heat and chemical treatments. Often, setting your hairdryer to the medium or coldest setting is sufficient if your hair isn't particularly thick. Also, use heat-protecting sprays, which not only smooth your hair and add condition and shine, but also protect it from excessive heat damage.
4. Curly hair
• Intensive moisture: Curly hair needs different care than straight hair. It benefits from deep hydration, such as masks with shea butter and aloe vera. There's the so-called "Curly Girl Method" (just google it!), which helps transform limp, tired, tangled, unruly, or barely visible curls into beautiful, shiny, well-groomed corkscrew curls.
• Gentle detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb and detangle your hair while it's still wet. Applying oil is also recommended here. This not only defines the curls but also nourishes the often very dry curls, leaving them beautifully smooth.
Surfactants in hair cleansing: A crucial factor for healthy hair
When choosing the right hair care products, it's important to understand the type of surfactants used. Surfactants are the cleansing agents in shampoos that help remove dirt and oils from the hair. However, they can vary in strength and therefore have different effects on the hair and scalp.
Aggressive surfactants
Harsh surfactants are known for their effective cleansing properties, but they can also dry out the scalp and strip hair of its natural oils. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and even hair damage. Common harsh surfactants include:
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A powerful surfactant often used in cleaning products and known for its foaming properties.
2. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Similar to SLS, but slightly milder. However, it can still cause irritation on sensitive scalps. This is the most commonly used surfactant in conventional shampoos. Check your shampoo bottle.
3. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS): An alternative to SLS and SLES, but still relatively strong and potentially irritating.
Controversial and moderately aggressive surfactants
These moderately aggressive surfactants are somewhat milder than the aggressive surfactants, but can by no means be described as mild and can therefore lead to reactions such as dryness or itching, especially on sensitive scalps.
1. Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS): A surfactant that is frequently used in natural cosmetics. Unfortunately, it is by no means gentle!
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA): Although it sounds similar to the aggressive SLS, SLSA is a subtly gentler surfactant, but can still cause irritation on sensitive scalps.
3. Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Derived from coconut oil, this surfactant is mild and non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive scalps.
Gentle surfactants
Gentle surfactants are a better choice for people with sensitive scalps or those prone to dryness and irritation. They cleanse hair without disturbing its natural oil balance. These surfactants include:
1. Decyl Glucoside: A gentle, biodegradable surfactant derived from plant-based raw materials such as corn and coconut.
2. Lauryl Glucoside: Also a mild surfactant known for its skin-friendly properties.
3. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI): This is an excellent choice for those looking for a mild yet effective surfactant. It is derived from coconut oil and is biodegradable. Despite its mildness, it foams well.
Why are the right surfactants important for our scalp?
Choosing the right surfactant in your shampoo can make a significant difference in the health of your scalp and hair. People with sensitive scalps or dry hair should opt for products with mild surfactants, while those with normal scalps may tolerate stronger surfactants. Keep in mind that individual tolerance can vary, so experiment if necessary to find the best product for your specific hair needs.
Use of zeolite and healing clay in hair care
Zeolite
• Detoxifying scalp pack: Mix zeolite powder with water to form a paste and apply it to the scalp. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. The water should not be too hot. Lukewarm water is always better than hot water.
• Hair conditioner: A rinse made from zeolite powder and water helps detoxify hair and remove residue. You can also add a dash of apple cider vinegar to close the cuticle and promote extra shine. Don't worry, the typical and sometimes quite strong apple cider vinegar smell will dissipate once your hair dries.
Healing clay
• Cleansing hair scrub: Healing clay mixed with water and a few drops of essential oil makes an excellent gentle scalp scrub. When choosing an essential oil, make sure it's allergen-free. Anything made from citrus fruits, for example, can potentially trigger allergic reactions. Lavender, for example, is mild and soothing.
• Deep cleansing shampoo: Healing clay can be mixed into your regular shampoo to increase its cleansing power. It acts like a sponge or magnet for dirt, sweeping it away when rinsed out.
Natural hair care recipes
1. Nourishing hair mask
• Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey
• Application: Mix ingredients into a smooth paste, apply to hair, leave on for 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
• Benefits: Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins A, E, and C, as well as zinc and iron, carbohydrates, and natural oils known for their moisturizing properties. They help hydrate hair, leaving it soft and manageable. Bananas can also help smooth the hair's surface and reduce frizz, making hair more manageable overall. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, especially oleic acid. It penetrates deep into the hair shaft and provides intense moisture. Applying olive oil to the scalp can promote circulation and potentially stimulate hair growth. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture in the hair. This helps keep hair hydrated for a long time. Honey has antioxidant properties that can help keep the scalp healthy and prevent free radical damage.
2. Strengthening hair oil
• Ingredients: 50 ml coconut oil, 10 drops rosemary oil
• Application: Blend the oils and massage the mixture into your scalp before bedtime. Leave on overnight and rinse out the next morning.
• Benefits: Coconut oil is known for its excellent moisturizing properties. It penetrates deep into the hair shaft, hydrating the hair from within, which is especially beneficial for dry and damaged hair. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can contribute to scalp health by helping to combat problems like dandruff and fungal infections. Rosemary oil is often associated with promoting hair growth. Studies have shown that, with regular use, it can help increase hair density. Rosemary oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat dandruff and other scalp problems. It can also help strengthen hair structure and reduce hair loss.
Tips for daily hair care
• Gentle brushing: Use a natural bristle brush to gently detangle hair and distribute natural oils.
• Head massage: Regular head massages promote blood circulation and support hair growth. Using rosemary and/or basil oil, for example, can even promote hair growth.
• Protection: Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from cold and sun.
• Stress reduction: Stress can cause hair loss. Try reducing stress through yoga, meditation, or other relaxing activities.
Healthy hair is the result of a combination of proper care, good nutrition, and the use of natural products. By addressing the needs of your hair type, regularly detoxifying your scalp , and utilizing natural ingredients like zeolite and healing clay, you can nourish and strengthen your hair. Remember, caring from within is just as important as caring from the outside. A holistic approach is the key to beautiful, healthy hair.
We believe in materialized energy concentrated in the zeolite volcanic mineral. Fire, earth, water, air: everything nature has created supports us in unfolding our full potential.
Zeolite carries with it the ancient wisdom of nature regarding the process of renewal. Happy Renewal!
