Vitamins
Vitamin A - help skin glands produce sebum on scalp, which moisturizes scalp/hair to keep it healhty
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) - increases elasticity in hair, increases blood flow to scalp, strengthen hair follicles
Vitamin B12 - produces oxygen rich blood cells, which feeds hair follicles
Vitamin C - produces collagen, making it easier for the body to absorb iron from your diet, prevents breakage
Vitamin D3- creates new hair follicles
Vitamin E - contains antioxidants that boosts scalp health and increases hair strength , reduces cell damage
Biotin (Vitamin B) - stimulates hair growth/strengthens, essential for production of hair protein called keratin
Omega 3- counteracts inflammation that causes shedding
Folate (Folic Acid) - responsible for healthy cell growth, speeds up the body cell production process
Iron - provides RBC to carry oxygen to the roots
Protein - makes up each hair strand/building block of hair
Selenium - kills fungus/dandruff on scalp, regulate hair growth
Zinc - repair hair tissue, ensures oil glands around follicles are working properly
Diet
Protein- Asparagus, avocado, beans, broccoli, edamame, eggs, green veggies, lentils, nuts, potatoes, quinoa
Citrus fruits- Vitamin C
Whole grains- Biotin, iron, zinc
Lean poultry-protein = thicker strands
Cheese- Vitamin D
Leafy vegetables- Folate, iron, vitamin A & C (spinach)
Eggs- Biotin, protein, selenium, zinc
Carrots- Vitamin A
Oats- Iron, omegas, & zinc
Mushrooms- Vitamin D
Egg yolk- Vitamin D
Shrimp- Iron, protein, Vitamin B & D, zinc
Lowfat dairy products
Berries- Antioxidants, vitamin B & C
Nuts- Fatty Acids, vitamin B & E, zinc
Beans- Zinc
Seeds- Selenium, vitamin E, zinc
Fatty fish - omega 3 fatty acids, protein, selenium, Vitamin B & D3
Sweet potatoes- Beta carotene that converts into vitamin A
Avocados- Healthy fats, vitamin E
Greek yogurt- Protein filled, Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Guava- vitamin C
Important Vocabulary
Antioxidants- maintain collagen in the body, protects follicles against damage/free radicals
Chlorophyll- has Vitamin B, D, E, Calcium & Potassium, produces melanin in pigment cells in hair follicles
Collagen- build hair proteins
Free radicals- harmful molecules that damage cells, causes frizz/tangles/lack of luster & diminished curl retention
Keratin – hair protein that stimulates follicles that are dormant
Sebum- lubricant produces in hair follicle that helps moisturize scalp
Silica- component of collagen which we need for strong hair
Sulfate- rips natural oil from scalp & hair resulting in breakage and dryness
Sulfur- promotes collagen production
Bad Alcohols
Isopropyl alcohol
Ethanol
Ethyl alcohol
Propanol alcohol
Alcohol denatured
Propyl alcohol
SD alcohol 40
Benzoyl alcohol
Good Alcohols
Cetyl alcohol
Cetearyl alcohol
Stearyl alcohol
Lauryl alcohol
Behenyl alcohol
Lanolin Alcohol
Hair Tips
1. Take care of your scalp- this is where healthy hair begins, abandoning the scalp will cause buildup and no growth
2. Moisturize your ends- this is where shedding occurs and where knots will appear- tending to these will ensure no unnecessary breakage happens further up the hair shaft
3. Keep hair strands moisturized- lack of moisture & damage from the environment can affect how long your hair will get
4. Detangle after softening hair (focus on ends FIRST)- begin with fingers and then use a detangling tool
5. Shampoos- NO sulfates/their derivatives, use hydrating shampoo, Use clarifying shampoo only if you use a lot of product on your hair or if you haven’t used one in a while (to remove buildup from over time), Ayurvedic shampoos
6. Using the Greenhouse effect- boost your hair growth by encouraging your follicles to open up, used to help retain moisture in dry hair by using a plastic cap to create a warm and moist atmosphere, like in a greenhouse. The heat and moisture on the scalp help stimulate sebum production (our hair's natural oil) and helps penetrate each strand
Experiencing Thinning or Hair loss
"What could it be?"
Mental/physical stress “telogen effluvium” (do yoga, breathing exercises, physical exercise)
Nutritional deficiencies
Systemic diseases (thyroid, lupus, etc.)
Hormonal changes/imbalances (menopause, following childbirth, etc.)
Alopecia-traction- pulling force of hair at the roots for styling (keep hair loose and avoid constricting styles for
long periods of time, be gentler, put less tension on hairs at the front)
DHT- stress hormone (hair follicles respond to this)
Genetically disposed to hair thinning -gradual progressive reduction in hair volume, hair follicles are sensitive to
male hormones causing follicles to shrink/produce slightly finer and shorter hairs with each hair growth cycle
Thyroid disorder (hypo-system moving slower, hyper- body depletes resources faster)
Hair Maintenance
Silk pillowcases/satin lined hats & head wraps - cotton strips natural oils/moisture out causing dryness & breakage
Protective styling - refrain from manipulating your hair everyday, single braids or twists once a month
Use a microfiber towel - less friction on hair strands, maintains moisture, prevents snags, traps more dirt, limits frizz
Weekly deep conditions - maintains product absorption, moisture & softness
Protein - ALWAYS follow up with a deep condition or moisturizer to balance out the pH, look out for hydrolyzed wheat & soy protein as they are small enough to enter the hair shaft and get blow the surface instead of coating the strands
Use indirect heat - hot oil treatments, hot head cap, steamer, plastic cap + hooded drier
Shampoos - Know when to use a clarifying shampoo v a hydrating/moisturizing shampoo
Hair Masks & Rinses - Aztec clay or rhassoul clay + rosewater or ACV, rice water rinse, green tea/black tea rinse
Water - Warm water opens cuticles, remove buildup, creates frizz/dryness while Cool water seals in moisture & increases shine
Consistency - Create a hair routine/hair day, use leave in conditioners, moisturize daily, do daily scalp massages, seal your hair with oil, trim every 3-4 months
Use a water based moisturizer
Know the difference between moisture based and protein based products
