Essential Oil Diary: How to Make a Regenerating Cedarwood Oil Hair Conditioner ?

BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF HAIR CONDITIONER AND DRY HAIR

Hair conditioner

The term hair conditioner is generally describes as any product used as hair care agent and functioned to improve appearance of hair, the hair feel and to improve the manageability system of hair. The main function of this hair conditioner is to reduce some frictions between hair strands and authorize smoother combing, which in other way could cause scalp damage. Hair conditioner also helps in hair strengthening, hair repair hair reduction in split end.

Conditioners are available in different forms of liquids, creams, gels, lotions and sprays. Hair conditioner mostly and advised to be used after the hair has been washed with shampoo. By considering this guidance, hair conditioner applied and worked well into the hair and bring the positive results. Hair conditioner may either be washed out a short time later, or left in for a time depends with the conditioner itself. For many years, natural oils have been the potential ingredients to condition human hair.

What is dry hair?

Dry hair is a type of hair that has a dry appearance due to the lack of moisture

and oil in it. Because moisture and oil are what strengthen the sheen and texture

 of your hair.

Causes for dry hair

There are a number of factors that can cause hair to dry out. Some of these, to name just a few, include:

Usage of harsh shampoos and conditioners.
Malnutrition
Usage of styling products
Dying and chemical hair treatment
Living in a dry, hot climate
Regularly blow-drying your hair
Using electric curling irons, or curlers
Hormone abnormalities
Washing your hair too often
Usage of hard water

Influence of Hard water to the emergency of dry hair

Hard water is water that contains a high level of mineral such as calcium,

sulfates, as well as magnesium. Minerals of this type, including the ones

I mentioned to a great extent, increase the alkaline pH level in water.

Chemically, water is associated with a 7 pH alkaline level. This level is very

 high in human hair. Due to this alkaline level in the water, or more than that

 level in water, the cuticles of hair swells, rises and opens. Raised cuticles

significantly contribute to the loss of moisture in the hair. It should be noted

that the hardness content of the water is significantly increased depending on

 the level of mineral  in the water.

How to restore balanced pH level to your hair?

The issue of restoring the pH level in the hair is not a sudden exercise, but a

continuous and gradual exercise. To achieve this, there are a number of things

you can focus on. Some of these things include avoiding hard water in your hair.

 The second is to use products that have a good acid level, especially the 4.5

to 5.5 pH level.

Many of the products we use are not the ones we have made ourselves, but the

ones made by commercial companies. Given this situation, there is little challenge

 in classifying and determining the level of acid or alkaline in a particular product.

But there are some companies that are self-aware, they can set such standards in

the labels of their products to help consumers and customers of their products.

What is pH by the way?

pH stands for Potential Hydrogen scale; that measure the acidity or the

alkalinity of a substance. Etymologically, the term originates from the French term ‘pouvoir hydrogene’ or hydrogen power. The pH measured on a scale of 0-14, within a scale numbers, 7 is a neutral solution.

Fluids like blood and water both categorized with neutral or 7 pH levels. Another example is acid from the battery which has pH level 1 (means very acidic) compared to bleach which has pH level 13 (means very basic).

From the pH level scale, each level move either left to right or its reverse, and the movement represents either acidic or basic levels of a substance. The higher the pH level the more alkaline or basic it is, and vice versa.

pH Level Scale

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Acidic Neutral Alkaline

Source: Clishea,B (2017)

From the illustration above, from number 0 to 6 represents acidic level, number 7 represent Neutral level, and from number 8-14 represents alkaline level.

CEDARWOOD OIL HAIR CONDITIONER

Ingredients used

§ Cedarwood Essential Oil (5-7 drops)

§ Olive Oil (½ cup)

§ Comfrey Root (a few pieces)

§ Herbs (try elderflower and dandelion)

§ Water (½ cup)

HOW TO MAKE CEDARWOOD OIL HAIR CONDITIONER

Take boiled water (1/2 cup) and steep the comfrey root in it for 30 minutes. There are after, add herbs of your choice (can be elderflower or dandelion). Strain the infusion and pour all remained ingredients of Cedarwood essential oil (5-7 drops), Olive oil (½ cup) and Comfrey root (a few pieces) into a container. Shake well until combined together.

HOW TO USE CEDARWOOD OIL HAIR CONDITIONER

Stage: 1

Wash your hair in the shower and rinse out all shampoo from the hair.

Stage: 2

Let your hair drying using a free air which God blessed us whenever possible. If you like to use a blow hair dryer, hot rollers, or curling irons, use them as an alternative way to dry your hair, and not prefers it as your main means.

When you apply heat to dry your hair, it means that you attempt to drying out a leaf in sunlight. Things which can leading to hair brittleness. Therefore, when you assigned to use the hair dryer, make sure you use a warm setting and not the hot one.

Stage: 3

Brush the hair ends to remove tangles in the way that you won’t pull and break your hair when you take full strokes with the brush.

After completing brushing your hair ends, take a time for full stroking all parts from the roots of your hair to the ends of hair so as to spread and penetrating the natural hair conditioner into your hair.

Use a natural brush instead of modern brush because plastic bristles generates static electricity, which will turn your hair more brittle.

Stage: 4

For the purpose of external use, and treating hair dryness, take a few drops of cedarwood oil conditioner and lather it onto your hair, let sit for 5 minutes and rinse well.

How to Make a Stimulating Carrot Seed Oil Shampoo to Care Your Natural Hair?

BENEFITS OF CEDARWOOD OIL HAIR CONDITIONER

Cedarwood oil hair conditioner is the one among the strong and potential nutritive ointment for dry hair.

This natural hair conditioner regulates sebum because contained different ingredients which have potential nutrients like vitamin A from olive oil.

Cedarwood oil hair conditioner contained regenerative properties that make it to be preferred as a heavier hair solution, especially for those have very dry hair.

For best use and results, apply this natural hair conditioner regularly. One of its most praised benefits is its ability to tame frizzy hair and wild curls.

BENEFITS OF INGREDIENTS USED TO MAKE CEDARWOOD OIL HAIR CONDITIONER

A: Olive oil

Olive oil adds extra shine and a super silky texture to hair.

Olive oil reduces dandruff and split ends.

It also helps you in managing your hair and reduce fly-aways.

Olive oil contains antioxidants, vitamin E, and vitamin A that protect the keratin in the hair.

Olive oil also makes your hair softer and easily manageable.

B: Comfrey root

Comfrey root treats dry and damaged hair due to its high quantity of Vitamin A, minerals and antioxidants.

It also nourishes your hair with large quantities of

rosmarinic acid, allantoin and mucilage, which help in stimulating hair growth and brighten dull hair.

This herb also has anti-inflammatory and emulsifying properties that can increase the body and texture of your hair.

Comfrey root moisturizes the hair and prevents hair loss challenge because comfrey root is a potent hair leaf.

Comfrey also used as an alternative remedy to treat some conditions like closed wounds, joint and muscle pain. It’s available in many forms of creams, ointments and salves. In case of salve, the comfrey should be mixed with other herbs properties of aloe or goldenseal.

OTHERS HEALTH BENEFITS OF COMFREY

The comfrey leaves and roots started to be used as natural healer in many parts of the world since memorial. Japans used comfrey as traditional medicine beyond 2000 years, and they named it “Knitbone”. For that time, used comfrey to treat some health conditions like burns, muscle sprains, bruises and joint inflammation.

In Europe by the way, comfrey used to treat inflammatory conditions like gout and arthritis. Other traditional healers used comfrey to treat stomach fevers like diarrhea and others alike.

The comfrey roots and leaves contain beneficial chemical properties of Allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Allantoin helps in boosting the development and growth of new skin cells, while rosmarinic acid assists to relieve pain and inflammation. The comfrey herbal extraction process still done through using the roots and leaves of the plant itself. The end products from this extraction process may be ointments, creams, or salves. Actually these products mostly contain a comfrey compounds of 5 to 20 percent.

Some clinical studies supports the claim that comfrey has wound healing properties. For example, the scientific study in the journal named Complementary Therapies in Medicine evidenced some healing power of comfrey plant to aid natural cure of abrasion wounds. The study also highlight that, topical applications of comfrey appear to be safe in use, but a number of study is needed especially in skin and wounds areas.

According to the same research review, results also propose that comfrey can help treat osteoarthritis, as well as some injuries, such as ankle sprains. A study reported in Phytotherapy Research also recommend that creams containing comfrey root help to relieve the upper and the lower back pain.

PRE-CAUTION

Apart of the well known potential and health beneficial of the comfrey, the plant in other side can cause some health risks. Comfrey contains some compounds which can harm the liver. Comfrey can be referred as carcinogenic. That is why most countries banned the sale of oral comfrey preparations. Some experts also advise patient against using topical comfrey on open wounds.

Surprisingly, comfrey can be accepted for a short-term use on your skin and closed wounds only, and not for internal use purpose. Use topical comfrey preparations, that you can purchase from different health stores like Amazon and iHerb. It is very necessary to consult your medical doctor before using comfrey so as to learn more about the potential benefits and risks belongs to this plant herb.

C: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Hair Thicker

In treatment of dry hair, dandelion softens your hair and it makes hair thicker and stronger.

Dandelion strengthening and stimulating the hair

Dandelion is one among the few great hair stimulants. The roots contained high amount of vitamin A which promotes hair growth and some natural that will highlights your hair. The B vitamins facilitating hair strongest. Therefore, you can take one 50-milligram of B-complex supplement twice a day with food so as to strength your hair internally.

Apart of vitamin A and B-complex, dandelion also are rich in vitamins C, and E. the plant also contains beneficial hair minerals which enriching our hair by strengthening and stimulating the hair. The minerals that belonged to dandelion include biotin, sulfur, iron, calcium and magnesium. source

Preventing Thinning Hair, Hair loss and Baldness

Dandelion root help stopping hair thinning and patches which characterized by suddenly missing hair or complete hair loss that is baldness. By using dandelion therefore, you’ll experience the gradual increase of hair growth as well as the continue downfall to scalp inflammation. Source

Dandruff Remover

Dandelion may be used as hair rinse or hair tonic for the functions of removing dandruff, excessive grease and soothe itchy scalp from affected hair. It also removes and prevents the build up of the mild (warmness) from the lengthen hair. For this circumstance, dandelion used as a hair mild or hair warmness clarifying solution. Source

Excess Oil Remover to Greasy Hair

Dandelion is effective in removing the excess oil or sebum which accumulated in the scalp. For those people who have greasy hair, they can soak dandelion leaves or roots for 20 minutes. Strain this mixture and use it on your hair as a final hair rinse. By using this techniques, now you are a winner on the battle of condition your hair on the sense of preventing the loss of hair moisture. Source

OTHERS HEALTH POTENTIAL USES OF DANDELION

Treatment and Preventing Liver Diseases

Since before dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) used frequently to treat and prevent different liver challenges. This is due to its high contents and composition of phytochemicals that shows positive effect against hepatic injuries. source

Improves Food Digestion

dandelion founded to contain high quantity of polyphenolic compounds which improve food digestion, boosting brain functions, and progress the blood sugar levels, as well as to ensure body safeguard against heart disease, blood clots and some cancers. The plant also is rich in vitamins, lecithin, inositol and minerals. Source

Dandelion is an antioxidant

The studies also show that dandelion riches in antioxidant mechanism which removes free radicals emerged in the body cells and other sources. Nevertheless, dandelion also are rich in anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, anti-hyperglycemic and anticoagulant activities which have great power to protect liver against hepatic challenges. Source

Dandelion Is an Nutritional Agent In Some Food Production

Dandelion also used as a potential ingredient in different food products and dietary supplements. This because the leaves and roots of dandelion has high nutritious amounts of iron, phosphorus, potassium and multivitamins, include vitamins A, B, C, and D (Shimer, 1999)

Dandelion plant is the good source of protein supplements through its leaves compared to vegetable and fruits. The amino acid chemical composition of dandelion protein preferred to be better compared with various seed proteins and some animal proteins. Source

CAUTION WHILE USING DANDELION

Do make sure you avoid contact with the eyes when using dandelion conditioner, shampoo or essential oils. Source

D: Elderflowers

Elderflowers contain astringent properties that can soothe your scalp and stimulate the whole process for repairing the dry and damaged hair.

Elderflowers in hair care, help to keep the hair silky, moisture and smoothness (source). The flowers also encourage hair growth through adding some nutrients to your hair and making your hair shining. Source

Elderflowers as Hair Serum

The elderflowers oil is works amazingly on your scalp. For potential benefits of elderflower to your hair, make a mixer of equal amount of elderflower oil and other hair oil of your choice. rub the mixture on your scalp and hair using your fingertips for 15 minutes. Leave it overnight and at the morning wash your hair with any warm shampoo you like, especially an herbal shampoo. This herbal hair serum not only increases the circulation of the blood to your scalp, but also enhance hair growth.

Elderflowers as a natural medicine

Since ancient times, the elderflowers was famous as medicinal uses in the treatment of diuretic and diabetic condition. The flowers also used as antiviral and immune-boosting agent to treat flu, fever and common colds for a long time. Elder elderflowers were prepared in different forms of food includes syrup, tea and beverages.

Promote the production of Nitric Oxide

Elderflower help in the production of Nitric Oxide by macrophages and dendritic cells may have therapeutic value in inflammatory diseases. Nitric oxide is the molecule that our bodies produce them naturally, and it’s very important to different purpose in human health. Nitric oxide has the function of relaxing the blood vessels inner muscles by helping them to expand and increase the circulation. In addition, nitric oxide allows nutrients, oxygen and body fluids such as blood, to travel in different parts of the body effectively and efficiently. However, the inadequate body capacity of producing nitric oxide can facilitate some health problems like heart disease, diabetes and erectile dysfunction.

E: Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood oil or Cedar oil is the essential oil which derived from distilling wood, foliage (plant grasses), roots, as well as from the tree stumps of different types of tree families such as conifers, pine, junifers and cypress botanical families.

BENEFITS OF SEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL TO THE HAIR

According to CliShea,B (2017) cedarwood essential oil increases blood circulation in the scalp.

This oil also promotes hair growth by stimulating the scalp, makes and increase the shining of your hair.

Cedarwood essential oil also strengthen your hair and adds some refreshing fragrance.

OTHERS BENEFITS OF CEDARWOOR ESSENTIAL OIL

Cedarwood essential oil comprises many potential uses in different sectors like art, medicine, perfumery production and many industrial uses. Also cedarwood essential oil used in mostly fragrance applications like household sprays, soap perfumes, insecticides and floor polishes. While in a small content cedarwood oil used in microscope work as a clearing oil. Remember, the uniqueness of the oils derived may vary from one to another due to variation of species used, while all species have some degree of bactericidal and pesticidal effects.

The commerce cedarwood oils contain a group of chemical compounds of cedrol and cedrene. These kinds of natural chemicals have its contribution to the cedarwood oil odor. Also these two compounds increase its value to the chemical industry uses due to its conversational power from its state to other derivatives with aroma applications.

The relative ratio of the cedrol and cedrene compounds depends on the species from which the oil is derived. With this circumstances, the cedarwood essential oil used both directly and as sources of chemical isolates in the chemical industries.

the aromatic properties of the cedarwood essential oil, currently used in multiple uses especially in aromatherapy treatment , used to renew the smell of natural cedar furniture, used as an insect repellent, and also applied to the skin directly and as an ingredient to sprays, candles and other herbal products.

According to Burgess,S (2015) cedarwood essential oil recognized for its insect repelling, calming, purifying and antiseptic properties and is used to benefit the skin and underlying tissues. Harris,L (2015) adds some health properties of cedarwood oil includes antibacterial, Insecticide, ant-fungal, decongestant, astringent (mild) and Sedative.

PRE-CAUTIONS

Avoid using cedarwood internally while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Some sources cite cedarwood as an abortifacient, while others claim it is safe to use in pregnancy. The important issue here is to consult your medical doctor before taking cedarwood properties internally.

REFERENCES

1. Burgess, S (2015) Aromatherapy and Essential Oils for Beginners Au Naturoil A Guide for Stress Relief, Healing Remedies and Natural Cleaners - With Over 100 Essential Oil Recipes.

2. Clishea,B (2017) Homemade Shampoo 25 Easy DIY Recipes to Cleanse and Moisturize Your Natural Hair

3. Clishea,B (2017) A DIY Guide for All Things Natural Hair Discover Homemade Conditioner and Hair Rinse Recipes for Your Crowning Glory

4. Harris, L (2015) DIY Aromatherapy Over 130 Affordable Essential Oils Blends for Health,Beauty, and Home.Rockridge Press.California

5. Hoffman,M & Metcalf,E (2014) 1,801 Home remedies_doctor- approved treatments for everyday health problems. The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. New York

6. Reeves, C (2015) Homemade Natural Hair Care (with Essential Oils) DIY Recipes to Promote Hair Growth, Shine & Repair (Shampoo, Conditioner, Masks, Aromatherapy, Hair Loss Treatment - 100% Cruelty Free)

7. Shimer,P (1999) Healing Secrets of the Native Americans Herbs, Remedies and Practices that Restore the body. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Inc.New York

8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedar_oil

9. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-comfrey#uses

10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_conditioner

11. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-increase-nitric-oxide

12. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314713901_Elderberry_and_Elderflower_Extracts_Phenolic_Compounds_and_Metabolites_and_Their_Effect_on_Complement_RAW_2647_Macrophages_and_Dendritic_Cells

13. https://www.naturesgardencandles.com/blog/tag/elderflower-benefits/

14. https://www.privatelabelskincareflorida.com/blog/2019/11/15/elderflower-and-elderberry-have-many-beauty-benefits-for-hair-and-skin

15. https://www.epainassist.com/articles/beauty-benefits-of-elderflowers

16. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317587036_The_Volatile_Compounds_of_the_Elderflowers_Extract_and_the_Essential_Oil/link/5a54ca3b458515b125af17df/download

17. https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-hair#causes

18. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003245.htm

19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8063808/