Tuesday 25 October 2011

The Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Hair and Skin


NOW AVAILABLE!




BEAUTIFUL EARTH's SCALP STIMULATING PEPPERMINT OIL TREATMENT debuted at the LOCKOLOGY NATURAL HAIR, HEALTH & BEAUTY SHOW on October 29th and what a hit it was! 

This Oil Treatment is a rich infusion of natural oils formulated to stop breakage and thinning and promote healthy hair growth and a healthy scalp. Peppermint is a balancing oil that normalises the scalp's oil production while also treating dry scalp and dandruff. Paired with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Jamaican Virgin Coconut Oil, Peppermint essential oil helps to moisturise the hair shaft while also stimulating the hair follicles and promoting hair growth! And for those with oily hair, note that this  this oil does not leave the scalp oily. This oil works as an astringent which helps in the normalisation of the scalp's oil production and has a neutralising effect on the scalp. This oil also works well as a conditioner. Learn more about peppermint and its wonderful benefits below.


The Peppermint Plant
The Peppermint herb is a well-known herb with many healing properties and is Peppermint is best known for it's minty scent. Peppermint herb has a wide-array of healing applications internally, topically and as an essential oil. It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, B2 and C, potassium, calcium, copper, iron and manganese. The properties of Peppermint make it an effective: antibacterial, antimicrobial, astringent, and antiseptic. 


Those who have used peppermint on their skin or in their hair will know that peppermint has a cool, warming effect that attracts blood to the surface and so  improves circulation. And anyone who's eaten peppermint sweets knows of this tingling cooling effect too!


Why We Love Peppermint for Hair and Scalp
1. As mentioned, peppermint helps with oily scalp: Although peppermint oil has a cooling, tingling effect when massaged onto the scalp, rest assured the oil is hard at work balancing the pH levels of your scalp to help put a stop to oily hair. Peppermint oil is actually an astringent which normalises your scalp's oil production. Peppermint oil eliminates this problem and makes the appearance of greasy, flat hair a thing of the past!

2. Peppermint helps with dry scalp: Because of its pH balancing qualities, peppermint oil can also be used to treat the opposite problem: dry scalp and dandruff. And since the oil will be neutralizing the dryness on the scalp itself, it will take away any itching sensation associated with these conditions!

3. Peppermint is a good moisturiser: Paired with paired with carrier oils such as almond or olive oil,   peppermint oil is used as a moisturiser for the hair shaft. To get the best effects of this you can use our Scalp Stimulating Peppermint Oil Treatment as a hot oil treatment: Distribute a generous amount evenly throughout your hair,wrap your hair up in a shower cap or thin towel and leave for 30 minutes. Wash and rinse thoroughly and reap the benefits of moisture-rich hair!


4. Peppermint promotes hair growth: The tingling sensation of peppermint not only evens the pH balance of your scalp, but it also stimulates your hair follicles and promotes hair growth! Peppermint oil for hair loss treatment is very effective as it binds the hair roots and increases blood circulation.
We also have lovely peppermint shampoos and conditioners that help to moisturise and grow your hair! Available for use and sale at the salon, these lovely products are made with natural ingredients, paired with peppermint essential oils! 


Benefits of Peppermint Oil for the Skin


Not only does peppermint oil promote hair growth, it helps in making your skin healthy and glowing! This is because of the menthol present in the oil, which helps to control excess oil production and thus can be used as a cure for oily skin. It also brightens dull skin and is known to cool the tired skin. Peppermint oil is one of the ingredients used in lip balms and other cosmetics because it makes the lips smooth and supple along with providing nourishment. It is used as a remedy for sunburned and cracked lips. Our Scalp Stimulating Peppermint Oil Treatment can be used just as effectively on skin as on the hair and scalp. Try it out!

Sunday 16 October 2011

Apple Cider Vinegar and Your Hair

About ACV
According to the book Dr. Berkowsky’s At-Home Health And Beauty Spa, apple cider vinegar (ACV), produced through the fermentation of fresh apple cider is a rich source of minerals (particularly potassium), vitamins, enzymes and amino acids. 


ACV  has long been used as a natural haircare product to promote healthy hair in both men and woman. Its acidity is close to that of natural hair, it's a good conditioner and cleaning agent and it's also an effective germ killer. As a result, apple cider vinegar uses and benefits for the hair include:
  • Vinegar hair rinse,
  • Herbal hair rinse,
  • Essential oil vinegar hair rinse,
  • Dandruff and itchy scalp relief,
  • Natural hair loss treatment, and
  • Home remedy for head lice.
Unfiltered ACV can be used as an excellent treatment for both the hair and facial skin. As regards the hair, apple cider vinegar is cleansing, gives the hair more body and lustre, and reduces hair loss. It also reduces itching scalp and dandruff by destroying the bacteria and/or fungi that clog hair follicles.


Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is our favourite!  Clear commercial grade vinegar is created by distilling at high heat, which destroys the vinegar's natural enzymes and it's toxin-neutralising malic acid, and eliminates most of its mineral and vitamin content.

Herbal Hair Rinses
Rinsing with apple cider vinegar will help balance the pH of your hair and remove the buildup that can result from the use of these styling products, shampoos, and conditioners. Rinsing will also close the numerous cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft. This imparts a smoother surface that reflects more light and as a result leaves your hair shinier, smoother and easier to manage. Don't worry about the slight vinegar smell you will notice after rinsing as this disappears completely as your hair dries. 
The vinegar rinse is applied after shampooing. You can rinse out the vinegar or, for extra conditioning, you can leave the rinse on your hair. This natural haircare product can be used once or twice a week or more often as needed.

At BEAUTIFUL EARTH we offer a Rosemary Vinegar Rinse and a Thyme Vinegar Rinse to our clients. Come on down to the salon to do a Vinegar Rinse using raw Apple Cider Vinegar or you can make your own infusion at home! Here are some recommended herbs to use with apple cider vinegar:
  • For dark hair:......Parsley, Rosemary, Sage
  • For light hair:.....Chamomile, Flannel Mullein, Marigold
  • For red hair:.......Henna
  • For oily hair:......Lavender, Thyme, Witch Hazel, Yarrow
  • For dry hair:.......Marigold
  • For brittle hair:...Horsetail