1. Massage your hair and scalp with oil. Massaging your hair and scalp with oil not only nourishes the cells and rejuvenates dry hair, but it also stimulates circulation, promoting hair growth. Slightly warm the oil if you’d like, and put it in a small bowl. Start at the top of your head, parting the hair and applying the oil. Continue this process until you've covered the whole head and the length of the hair in oil. Then take a few minutes to massage your scalp using your fingertips in small circular motions. Leave the oil in for 30 minutes (or overnight, if you desire), and wash it out in the shower. Apply shampoo to your scalp and hair BEFORE getting wet in the shower to remove the oil sufficiently. You can use this treatment once a week for shiny, soft hair. 2. Apply Amalaki paste to your hair and scalp. Amalaki is used traditionally to keep the hair’s natural color and to keep it from falling out, especially as we age. An easy treatment is to make an Amalaki paste, a paste of medium thickness works well and can be applied with a brush or the hands just as we did with the oil in #1. If you find this method difficult, you can make a thinner paste and put it in a squeeze bottle, then apply to sections of the scalp. Once you've applied it to the scalp, also apply it to the remaining hair. Cover with a shower cap to prevent making a mess, and let sit for about 30 minutes. Then rinse with lukewarm water. If you want a more conditioning treatment, try this same Amalaki powder mixed with plain yogurt, and then wash with a gentle shampoo 3. Avoid heat to your head. This includes in the shower and with appliances. Extremely hot water will leave your hair dehydrated and brittle. Out of the shower, minimize the use of heating appliances such as blow dryers and hair irons. While heat is not recommended, gently combing or brushing your hair daily in different directions is recommended to stimulate circulation at the root of the hair. 4. Eat foods that contribute to healthy hair. In Ayurveda, as hair is considered a by-product of the formation of bone tissue, the foods that nourish healthy bones will also nourish healthy hair. Try fresh dairy products such as organic, non-homogenized milk, fresh unfermented cheese (like paneer), and fresh non-sour yogurt. Coconut is also recommended, as is coconut water, to keep the hair growing strong and healthy. As for vegetables, load up on your fresh greens, such as kale and spinach, as well as some white daikon radish. Round out your diet with healthy oils, fats, and proteins from foods such as clarified butter, walnuts and sesame seeds. Hydration is key, so drink plenty of water to keep the cells happy and functioning optimally. In general, if you're really focusing on your hair’s health, avoid spicy, sour, excessively salty, and fermented foods. 5. Take Ayurvedic herbs that support the health of your hair. Taking herbs supports your healthy dietary habits and gives your hair a strong boost. Four of the top herbs that support thick, lustrous, and shiny with natural color are Bhringraj, which is known as the “king of the hair;” Amalaki; Brahmi (or Gotu Kola); and hibiscus flower. You can take these herbs as a tea, steeping the powder in hot water for 5-10 minutes, or you can take them in tablet form. And if you aren’t having regular bowel movements, you aren’t cleansing the toxins from your system. For occasional constipation, try Triphala, the Ayurvedic rejuvenator that is known to cleanse the tissues and provide antioxidants and nourishment. So if you're looking for a great way to support your hair, to promote your natural thickness, color, and shine, start with any one of these Ayurvedic tips, and keep adding as you are able. You’ll find the wisdom of these ancient techniques is just what you need! Step 1: Start with loose hair. Step 2: Section off the amount of hair you'll need for your braid and clip the rest of your hair back so it's out of the way. Step 3: Start French braiding your hair. With a dutch braid, instead of gathering hair and placing strands over each other, you place strands under each other. Step 4: Continue to braid across the front of the head where your bangs should be until you reach the other side. Step 5: Finish the braid off normally and secure with an elastic. Then, take a bobby pin and secure the hanging braid behind your ear. Most pregnant women know that what they put (or don't put) in their bodies is important to the well-being of their growing baby, whether it's the right kind of protein, too much caffeine, or certain types of fish. But many pregnant women might not know that what they put on their bodies is just as important. Most of us slather on oceans of lotions every day, but we don't think about what might be passing the skin barrier and being absorbed into our bodies. With a developing baby in your belly, this is a vital concern. "Everything you eat, apply, or come into contact with may affect not only you but also your baby," says Sandra Marchese Johnson, a dermatologist with Johnson Dermatology in Fort Smith, Arkansas. "Because some topical ingredients get absorbed into the bloodstream, there are some you want to avoid," adds Leslie Baumann, a professor of dermatology at the University of Miami and author of The Skin Type Solution (Bantam, 2006). The more powerful and targeted products get, the more we need to be careful about what we have in our skin-care regimens during pregnancy. While most commonly used products are completely safe, there's a handful of ingredients considered potentially harmful to a growing baby. Below, see our guide to what to look for when shopping the beauty aisle. If you plan to breastfeed, adds Johnson, continue following the guidelines noted below until you stop nursing. Retinoids These powerful substances, found in some antiaging moisturizers, are lauded for helping reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone. Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that speeds up cell division (quickening your skin's renewal) and prevent skin collagen from breaking down. But retinoids are one of the skin-care ingredients that experts, including Baumann, recommend that expectant moms stay away from. Some studies have shown that high doses of vitamin A during pregnancy can be harmful to an unborn child. And oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin (Accutane, an acne treatment), are known to cause birth defects. If you've been using a skin cream that contains a retinoid, don't panic. Retinoids have not been shown to cause problems in their topical form in pregnant women. "There is no data to show these retinoids ingredients are harmful when used on the skin — doctors are just being extra cautious," explains Baumann. On the label: Differin (adapelene) Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin) Retinoic acid Retinol Retinyl linoleate Retinyl palmitate Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene) Bottom line: Best to avoid Salicylic acid This mild acid is used to treat certain skin disorders, including acne, and you can find it in a number of skin products, such as cleansers and toners. It can penetrate facial oils to get deep into pores and clean out dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is in the aspirin family, so it can also help reduce inflammation or redness. BHA, or beta hydroxy acid, is a form of salicylic acid and is used in some topical exfoliants to reverse signs of aging. But salicylic acid is another no-no for pregnant women. High doses of the acid in its oral form have been shown in studies to cause birth defects and various pregnancy complications. Again, doctors are being cautious by recommending that pregnant women avoid the topical use of salicylic acid. Small amounts applied to the skin — such as a salicylic acid-containing toner used once or twice a day — are considered safe, says Johnson. But the concern is stronger about face and body peels containing salicylic acid. "This kind of 'soaking' in the ingredient is similar to taking one or more aspirin when pregnant," she explains. "More product used equals more absorption into the bloodstream," adds Baumann. Always check with your doctor before having a peel treatment. Better yet, she advises, if you must have a peel, have it done professionally at your dermatologist's office. A dermatologist will know how to do it safely during pregnancy. On the label: Salicylic acid Beta hydroxy acid BHA Note: Alpha hydroxy acids, sometimes listed as AHAs, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, are safe. Bottom line: Best to avoid Soy Some moms-to-be seek out natural ingredients such as soy in their skin-care products, thinking that they're free from harmful effects. But that's not necessarily the case, says Baumann. While soy-based lotions and facial products are generally safe to use, "Soy can make the 'mask of pregnancy' (dark splotches on facial skin) worse, as can oil of bergamot, which is in many organic products," she says. Soy has estrogenic effects, which can make those dark patches, also known as melasma or chloasma, worse, Baumann explains. "The 'active soy' found in some product lines is okay, however, because the estrogenic components have been taken out." On the label: Lethicin Phosphatidylcholine Soy Textured vegetable protein (TVP) Bottom line: If you have dark skin or melasma, avoid these products, or choose 'active soy' products instead. Otherwise it's safe to use. Acne products Many women have breakouts in the first trimester because of changing estrogen levels, even if they've always had clear skin. If you're dealing with pregnancy-induced acne, a dermatologist can likely give you a safe topical antibiotic, advises Baumann. You can find a dermatologist in your area through your health insurance company or at the American Academy of Dermatology Web site. But if you prefer to avoid yet another doctor appointment, Baumann recommends using a facial wash that contains no more than 2 percent salicylic acid (look for the percentage on the product label). This small amount is considered safe. If you want to be doubly sure, ask your obstetrician or midwife before use. As for what to avoid when it comes to treating acne, stay away from leave-on acne lotions, gels, and creams, as well as at-home peels, which can contain salicylic acid or retinoids, says Baumann. And, of course, steer clear of the oral form of the retinoid Accutane. On the label: Beta hydroxy acid BHA Differin (adapelene) Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin) Retinoic acid Retinol Retinyl linoleate Retinyl palmitate Salicylic acid Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene) Tretinoin Note: Glycolic acid is an AHA, and safe to use. Bottom line: Consult your dermatologist, or use mild over-the-counter cleansers only. Hair removers & minimizers Lotions that remove your hair chemically (depilatories) or that minimize hair between shaves sound like a dream come true when you can barely reach — not to mention see — your legs. The good news is that these products are considered risk-free. "There are no specific ingredients to avoid when it comes to these types of products," says Baumann. "The only risk is an allergy." Catherine Lynch, director of the division of general obstetrics and gynecology at the University of South Florida, says, "As long as you use [chemical hair removers] as directed, they shouldn't be a problem. It's a topical solution that isn't absorbed into your bloodstream, so it can't have any effect on the baby." If you've had an allergic skin reaction to hair minimizers or removal creams in the past, then you should avoid these products during pregnancy as well. Also, some women's skin gets extra sensitive during pregnancy, so you may have a reaction to these ingredients even if you haven't before. Before slathering your whole leg, do a patch test on a small piece of skin behind your knee and wait 24 hours to see if you react. On the label: Potassium Thioglycolate (depilatory) Calcium Thioglycolate (depilatory) Sodium Hydroxide (minimizer) Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract (minimizer) Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (minimizer) Bottom line: Safe to use Sunscreens Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't hit the beach. In fact, feeling the sand between your toes and that warm breeze in your hair may provide that perfect "relaxation point" your Lamaze instructor has been talking about. And as your mom always told you: Don't forget the sunscreen. Sunscreens, including those with ingredients that penetrate the skin, are perfectly safe when you've got your own bun in the oven, says Baumann. "[Ingredients] that do go deep into the skin do so in such small concentrations" that they're not worth worrying about, says Johnson. "I personally prefer titanium dioxide and zinc oxide — they are powerful physical sunscreens and do not penetrate the skin." She adds, "In addition to sunscreen, we advise sun-smart behaviors — avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; using a sun hat, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing; and reapplying your sunscreen every two hours." And if you have melasma, adds Baumann, you can try a UV protector with a skin lightener. On the label: Titanium dioxide Zinc oxide Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) Oxybenzone Dioxybenzone Benzophenone Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) Octocrylene Bottom line: Safe to use Makeup You may not give a second thought to the kind of makeup you use, but even cosmetics are something to consider when pregnant, says dermatologist Johnson. Many makeup products are marked "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" — meaning they're oil-free and don't clog pores. These are safe and will not affect the health of your baby. Avoid cosmetics that contain retinol or salicylic acid (found in some makeup for acne-prone skin). If you want to be super careful during pregnancy, try some of the minerals-only makeup lines. These products use ingredients that primarily sit on top of the skin and don't cause irritation for most people. On the label: Differin (adapelene) Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin) Retinoic acid Retinol Retinyl linoleate Retinyl palmitate Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene) Tretinoin Bottom line: Avoid cosmetics that contain retinoids or salicylic acids. Otherwise, safe to use. The final word When you're pregnant, Baumann says, it's important to discuss any product you use on your skin with your healthcare provider. But if you realize you have used a product that contains one of the potentially harmful ingredients noted above, don't panic, says Johnson. Simply stop using the product now and pick one with known-to-be-safe ingredients. "Most over-the-counter products by reputable brands are safe," she says. "And if you are applying these products to less than 10 percent of your total skin surface, the risks of systemic effects are very low." Step 1: Start with brushed-through hair. Then Tease your hair at the crown. Step 2: Separate your hair into three parts. Separate one of the sections into 3 parts, and braid one of the parts. Then you will braid the 3 parts together and secure with a clear elastic. Repeat on all sections of the hair. Step 3: Roll each braid up into a bun and secure with bobby pins. It may take a few bobby pins to secure each bun. And you're done!
Braided Bun This look combines the classic prom hairstyle of the bun with the braided style that's super popular right now. Natasha Sunshine from Byu-ti Salon in Brentwood, Calif. tells us how to get the look: 1. For this style, it's best to use dirty/day-old hair. Spray hair with a shine and texturizing product, like Pureology Colour Stylist Cuticle Polisher, $28, and create a side part. 2. Using hair from the larger side of your part, take a 2-inch section of hair from where your part begins. Begin French braiding your hair along the side of your head until the braid reaches the nape of your neck. 3. Repeat with a similar braid on the other side of your head. 4. At the nape of your neck, braid the hair from both sides into one loose braid. 5. Wrap the braid into a bun at the nape of your neck, and secure with an elastic and bobby pins. 6. Gently loosen the braids on the sides using your fingers. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray. Messy Braid Bun This look is the antithesis of overdone updos. The messier and more undone the braid gets, the more ethereal and beautiful the end result is. Get the look: 1. Blow dry your hair using a round brush. Lift at the roots to create subtle volume. Then run a light texturizing cream throughout, using your fingers to distribute it through your roots in an upward motion. 2. Create a deep side part, then start a wide French braid along the side of your head, down to the nape of your neck. Secure the braid with bobby pins and pull it and the remainder of your hair into a ponytail using a clear elastic. 3. Use your fingers to go back through your braid and loosen it to create volume. 4. Next, take small sections of your ponytail and curl them in various directions and pin them to create a messy bun or twist at the nape of your neck. 5. Finish the look with a workable hairspray. |
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