Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is very popular and very preferred as hair oil worldwide. Let us find out why.

 

• Lauric Acid: One of the most responsible reasons behind hair fall and hair loss is microbial action bonds. This monolaurin has excellent antimicrobial properties. on the scalp and hair roots. So, to protect hair against them, what we need is an antimicrobial agent. Lauric Acid present in Coconut Oil is one of them. It is basically a triglyceride which yields a monoglyceride called Monolaurin when acted upon by a species of bacteria which breaks the glycerol

Capric Acid: This is yet another triglyceride present in Coconut oil, which, like Lauric Acid, yields another monoglyceride called Monocaprin due to bacterial action, having antimicrobial properties similar to that of monolaurin.

• Vitamin-E: Almost every aptly educated person knows the importance of vitamin-E for skin and hair. It keeps scalp and skin healthy and hair rejuvenated.

• Moisture Retaining Capacity: Coconut Oil has high moisture retaining capacity, since it is not broken down easily nor evaporated, being very stable. It does not let moisture escape thus keeping hair moistened and soft. This prevents breakage of hair. Coconut Oil is a far better conditioner for hair than any synthetic one available in the market.
• Anti-Dandruff: The various fatty acids present in Coconut Oil serve as very good anti dandruff agents and are way better than any anti dandruff shampoo. A regular application can help you get rid of dandruffs for ever.
• Styling: Coconut oil can be good styling oil for hair too, as it melts on heating and then condenses on cooling. So when you apply it on your hair, it thins and spreads evenly due to heat of the scalp. Soon afterwards, as the hair comes in contact with air, the oil on hair condenses on cooling and thus works as a styling gel or cream.

If you ever visit coastal parts of India, like West Bengal, Kerala, Coastal Tamil Nadu etc, you will be surprised to see lots and lots of old men and women, in their 70s and 80s, still having thick jet black hair. Thanks to the coastal climate, the rice and fish meal and of course, to the pure coconut oil they use on hair.
This article is contributed by Aparup Mukherjee.

Sources of Information: Reports of Coconut Development Board of India, Reports of KERAFED, Text books of various courses of agriculture, Various other reports on internet.

Article Source: http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/coconut-oil-for-hair.html

Sterilizing Your Containers & Instruments

When making your own cosmetic products, protection goes beyond using Preservatives.   You must also use clean and steriize your instruments and storage containers and clean your working area.

How To Sterilize Your Containers & Instruments

• DO NOT use the same pots, spoons, measuring cups, etc as those you prepare food
• Wash hands while preparing products and/or use gloves
• Make sure work area is clean

Sterilization Method 1

• Clean containers, instruments and jars with soap water if removing grim, old product, etc
• Place jars/containers/instruments in room temperature bleach water (use 5% bleach)
• Let sit for 5-10 minutes ( my personal preference)
• Remove containers and lids and place on drying rack
• Once dry, use or store in zip lock bags for later use

Sterilization Method 2

• Clean containers and jars with soap water if removing grim, old product, etc
• Boil Glass Jars and lids (heat safe jars/lids only) in large pot making sure they are covered by water for 10-15 minutes ( Be careful when removing, use tongs, etc)
• Set on drying racks upside down
• Once dry, use or store in zip lock bags for later use

Sterilization Method 3

• Clean containers and jars with soap water if removing grim, old product, etc
• Boil Glass Jars and lids (heat safe jars/lids only) in large pot making sure they are covered by water for 10 minutes ( Be careful when removing, use tongs, etc)
• Pre-heat oven around 280 F, so that the oven is warm, not hot
• Line up jars on cookie sheet with tea towel lining the cookie sheet
• Place heat safe jars/lids in oven for 5-10 minutes
• Remove jars/lids and let cool.
• Use or store in zip lock bags for later use

Sterilization Method 4

• Clean containers, instruments and jars with soap water if removing grim, old product, etc
• Place jars/containers/instruments in room temperature bleach water (use 5% bleach)
• Let sit for 5-10 minutes ( my personal preference)
• Remove containers and lids and place in microwave on lowest setting until dry ( make sure jars/bottles are microwave safe)
• Once dry, use or store in zip lock bags for later use

Sterilization Method 5

• If your containers and utensils are not heat resistant, wipe with alcohol and let dry

Enjoy!

DIY: Recycled T's: Scarf

Scarf Instructions:

1. Take an old T-shirt and lay flat.  ( size XL, seamless jersey shirts works best)
2. Using scissors remove shirt hem
3. Remove top half of T-shirt, cutting around arm area
4. Cut 1/2 -1 inch strips.  I just cut freehand, and don't worry about frayed ends.
5. Take strips and stretch.  ( ends of strips will roll and hide frayed ends!)
6. Take an extra strip of material and tie one end around all the strips and wrap until you reach the end of material
7. Tie a knot

Voila you have a Scarf!

Get creative with your fabric, Tye dye it, bleach it, use fabric paint, use different materials and designs, incorporate pearls, jewelry, brooches, etc.

Enjoy!!

DIY Recycled T: Braided Headband

source

I saw this awesome scarf on a website, but they were charging $68 dollars for it.  Then I remembered that I saw something similar to it on esty, thus realizing I could probably make one myself.

So, I found a couple of blogs that made scarves and headbands out of recycled t-shirts.  I have so many extra t shirts in my house from my college days where every event came with a free t shirt, lol.

While this was my first try and I am not completely enthused, I like it.  My next scarf will be even better!!  I also made a headband out of the sleeve of the shirts, which I like, but need to perfect the closure design. 


Headband

Instructions:

1. Take an old T-shirt and lay flat.  ( size XL, seamless jersey shirts works best)
2. Using scissors remove shirt hem
3. Cut 3, 1/2 -1 inch strips.  I just cut freehand, and don't worry about frayed ends.
4. Take strips and cut one end creating long strips and stretch.  ( ends of strips will roll and hide frayed ends!)
5. Tie knot on one end leaving some material hanging
6. Begin Braiding strips
7. When you reach the bottom, tie a knot leaving some hanging material.
8. Tie each end of headband to wear!

Voila you have a braided headband!

This is a great way to use old t-shirts around the house or buy some thrifted T's and it's GREEN!

Get creative with your fabric, Tye die it using bleach or dye, use fabric paint, use different materials and designs, incorporate elastic, brooches, etc.

Enjoy!!