Despite several articles being written on the topic of using natural products, the question we still get asked more than anything is, "What natural beauty brands do you recommend?" It's clear that loads of people — my friends included — are becoming more conscious about what they're putting on their bodies. Recent research reveals that 40 to 50 percent of women buying skincare products actively seek ones that contain natural or organic ingredients. There is a widespread perception that natural beauty products are somehow inherently better than the synthetically made products. And, in lots of cases, that's the truth.
As we are discovering many more tried and- tested natural secrets, we are trying to find our way back to roots and learn to live in tandem with nature. There are many traditions passed on from generation losing a constant battle against consumerism.
While everyone these days is talking about slow fashion and slow food, we wonder why not slow beauty? We shall leave you with that thought while we give out a secret hair oil recipe from Kerala.
Traditionally we had oiled our hair every time before we washed it and oiled after a wash too. And even today, we oil it at least once a week. A gentle oil massage stimulates blood circulation and enhances the quality of the scalp. If face oils are a new beauty must-haves, why shouldn't you oil your hair too? If you're blond, red, or light-haired, you should not use traditional ayurvedic oils such as Brahmi amla and Neelini because they contain Indian gooseberry that makes your hair darker. However, you can use pure apricot, almond, or even extra virgin coconut on your hair.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup virgin coconut oil
- 8-10 hibiscus flowers
- 10 hibiscus leaves(dried)
- 1/2 cup shallots, sliced
- A handful of curry leaves and tulsi
Method:
Traditionally, this oil is made using cookware made with clay, copper, or bronze. If you have a problem finding this, you could use a copper-bottomed pan or a heavy bottom cast iron pan. Bring the oil to a boil on a low flame. Add the shallots, they turn crisp almost instantly(be careful not to burn them) Add, the remaining ingredients. Make sure all the ingredients are clean and dried. Bring it to a boil on low heat for about half an hour. Once cooled, strain this oil using a muslin cloth and transfer to a glass jar.
Onions/Shallots: For decades, onion juice has been recognized as a powerful remedy for preventing hair loss.
- Antifungal properties of onion can help induce better hair growth
- Onion juice provides your hair with extra sulfur to cause better growth
- Antioxidants in onion can help in reversing the effects of premature graying and treat dandruff.
Hibiscus leaves/Flowers: The naturally occurring amino acids in hibiscus flowers provide the hair with the nutrients to help in promoting hair growth.
- Amino acids produce a special kind of structural protein called keratin, which is the building block of hair.
- Hibiscus flowers and leaves contain a high amount of mucilage which acts as a natural conditioner leaving your hair soft
- Hibiscus acts like an astringent and reduces the oil secretion by the glands if you have an oily scalp.
Curry Leaves and Tulsi: Curry leaves and Tulsi are rich in antioxidants that moisturize the scalp while getting rid of dead hair follicles.
- Curry leaves strengthen hair, prevent graying and boost hair growth because of rich antioxidants
- The leaves are also rich in amino acids that help strengthen follicles and keep them healthy.
- Curry leaves, in combination with coconut oil and Tulsi, help provide the hydration and nourishment that your hair requires to heal.
Hibiscus Shampoo: Another great way to use Hibiscus for hair is in the form of shampoos. Because of their lather producing nature, Hibiscus leaves and flowers can be easily formulated into shampoos. Unlike other shampoos, natural shampoos made from Hibiscus cleanse the hair without stripping the scalp from its natural oils.
Elephantrunk's hibiscus shampoo is a mild hair and scalp cleanser with Hibiscus flower as one of its key ingredients. It nourishes and energizes hair to restore its healthy shine. It also has hibiscus extract that clarifies and tones oily scalp without stripping away essential moisture.
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