Question from a Sistah?

FunkyCurlGurl whom I met on NC.com asked the question "I need a new stocking cap as my other one ripped. Do you think a regular satin cap would work under the wig, or should I try to find another stocking cap? I only ask because finding a new one might be difficult as the beauty supply store where I got the old one is no longer open for business."

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As far as the cap, I'd be worrying about the wig sliding if the satin side is up. satin side down sounds like a great idea because that will allow your natural hair to retain the moist moisture. if both sides are satin you'd have to be very creative with some bobby pins to to keep it from slipping. If there is are combs int he front and back of the hairpeice, it will assist with the hold but, you'll probably want to pin the sides so you'd need to be able to get pins through the wig cap. if you don't mind pinning the satin, go for it because satin would offer the most protection for your natural hair.

Types of Hair Conditioners

Conditioning treatments come in a variety of basic formulas, and each of these serves to treat specific needs:

Rinse-through Conditioners are finishing rinses or cream rinses that are rinsed out after they are worked through the hair for detangling. This type of conditioner includes the basic conditioner formulas found with their companion shampoo formula by countless brands and makers. Rinse-through conditioners usually have a one-to-three minute application time and primarily affect the outer layer of the hair shaft, smoothing the cuticle and making the hair feel silkier and easier to comb. They are also used to protect the hair from potential damage during heat-styling processes.

Rinse-through Conditioners are the most commonly found and - being formulated for oily, normal and dry hair types - are great for use in your regular hair care regimen after shampooing for long-term healthy hair maintenance.

Treatment or Repair Conditioners are the more deeply penetrating formulas that are left on the hair from ten to twenty minutes (sometimes being capped and placed under the heat of a dryer to speed penetration). These conditioning formulas often include ingredients to restore proteins and moisture to the hair. Hair moisturizing masques and protein packs fall into this category. Moisture-rich versions of these deep conditioners are especially good for chronically dry hair because of the full penetration of the moisture agents in the product, as well as ingredients to then smooth the cuticle and seal in the moisture that has been added. The high-protein versions of this product are designed to gently swell the hair, allowing it to pass through the cuticle of the hair shaft and replenish the proteins in the cortex, restoring the strength and elasticity of the hair. Protein packs are especially good for use prior to wet set styling to give better, longer- lasting results.

Hair treatments and repair conditioners are best used to treat specific hair issues. If you have severely dry hair, a deep conditioner can restore softness and moisture. If your problem is brittle, weak hair, then a high-protein repair conditioner can strengthen and revitalize the damaged hair. These deep-care treatments should be used no more than once a week, and are great in conjunction with your normal rinse-through conditioning agent and even leave-in preparations used for added protection.

Leave-In Conditioners are designed for just that - to be applied and left in the hair with no rinsing. They are generally light, moisture-rich formulas designed to prevent dryness and smooth tangles without weighing down the hair. These formulas can be designed for application after shampooing, but before towel-drying the hair, or can be found in spray-on formulas to allow more-controlled application or give extra protection as needed.

Leave-in formulas can be particularly useful in situations of combination hair. If you have trouble with dry, fly-away hair caused by daily shampooing, but daily conditioning causes your hair to be flat and appear oily at the scalp, a spray-on leave-in conditioner will allow you to target the ends of the hair where the dryness occurs.

Let's not forget that conditioning treatments are always designed to add to the hair and scalp. There are also toners and astringents designed to remove excess scalp oils and balance out the levels of natural oil in the hair. So, if your problem is very oily hair and scalp, a good astringent and a light spray-on conditioner can be just the combination you need to get the results you want.

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Can Nettle Extract Combat Hair Loss?

Author: Christiana Roberts

The nettle plant, also known as Stinging Nettle, or under its botanical names Urtica dioica and Urtica urens, has been used as a traditional medicinal herb for many centuries. A mental stimulant, it was found useful in ancient schools. Teachers applied stinging sprigs of fresh nettle to the bare backs of their students, to help them memorize their lessons better…

Both nettle roots and leafs were traditionally used to treat asthma, diabetes, kidney infections, arthritis, coughs, colds, and even enlarged prostates. They were believed to improve digestion, heal wounds, and lower blood pressure. An interesting action of nettle root is in its testosterone and estrogen-enhancing qualities, with makes this herb a praised aphrodisiac. However, the most famous application of nettle infusions is in treating alopecia areata. A gentle irritant, this herb is able to improve scalp circulation, stimulate hair roots, facilitate the flow of oxygen and nutrients into hair follicles, and promote overall hair growth. Clinical trials have confirmed the effectiveness of nettle root extracts in treatments of hair loss, including genetic male-pattern baldness and alopecia areata.

Nettle root extracts, infusions, oils, and alcohol preparations have been praised in many societies for their unique skin-smoothing, bacteria-killing, and hair-restoring properties. They found applications in numerous traditional hair care products - those ancients shampoos, soaps, rinses, and conditioners. Recently, both modern science and cosmetic industry have rediscovered many wonderful qualities of nettle, and incorporated its extracts into a vast variety of treatments and beauty products. Nettle root preparations are now being used in many health care items to enhance their cleaning and healing properties. One of the most important applications for nettle root extract is found in herbal hair care products. Due to their superb hair-growing properties, nettle preparations are included in modern hair massage oils, shampoos, conditioners, and hair loss treatments. Nettle is especially known for its capacity to improve the health of skin, scalp, and hair, remove dandruff, stimulate hair growth, and strengthen weakened hair follicles.

Nettle oil is, probably, the most powerful of nettle infusions. It is usually manufactured by mixing extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil with nettle root extracts. For centuries, this powerful herbal oil has been proven very effective in restoring dull, thinning hair. An anti-inflammatory remedy, nettle oil should be massaged into the scalp and hair at least once a week, to combat dandruff, dry hair, and an itchy, irritated scalp. Apply gently warmed nettle oil onto your scalp about one hour before shampooing, massage vigorously into the leather and especially inflamed areas, and leave there for more effective absorption. Nettle oil can also be left on the scalp and hair overnight. Long-term nettle applications are known to improve scalp psoriasis, eczema, and various types of dermatitis - the conditions which often result in the fall of hair. A hypersensitive skin reacts to nettle root oil especially well: weekly scalp massages are a great treatment that helps reduce inflammation, heal irritated areas, and reverse related hair loss.

What makes nettle so unique is its chemical composition featuring a wide array of healing components. It contains vitamins C and E, serotonin, formic acid, choline, chlorophyll, flavonoids, carotenoids, lecithin, caffeic acids, and beneficial minerals. Some chemical agents of nettle root are able to block the enzyme 5a-reductase, which is responsible for the formation of DHT from testosterone - the main villain involved in the development of male-pattern hair loss.

To enhance the healing effect of nettle oil on the scalp and hair, it is often mixed with other herbal remedies, such as Burdock root oil, Saw Palmetto extracts, or Plantain oil. Combined action of these traditional hair-restoring herbs is particularly beneficial for over-sensitive, reddish, dry, and irritated scalp. It is also a great strengthening remedy to rejuvenate and give a boost to hair follicles that have entered telogen - their “resting phase”, during which hair falls out. In addition, personal care products with nettle root can feature facial masks and skin lotions designed to smooth the skin, combat inflammation, and remove wrinkles.

Nettle root and leaf extracts, usually mixed with other herbal elixirs, can also be found in dietary supplements formulated to purify the blood, stop hair loss, improve various scalp conditions, and stimulate the growth of healthy hair.

How Rosemary Can Help Your Hair Grow

by Christiana Roberts

Rosemary is a lovely aromatic herb that has been extensively used in traditional societies as a folk remedy against hair loss. It has needle-like, dark green leaves and delicate blue flowers. The name “rosemary” is believed to be derived from the Latin language, meaning “dew of the sea”. Since the herb is native to the Mediterranean region, it indeed thrives in the salty, calcium-rich soils of dry costal areas.

Due to its strong, pungent, but undeniably pleasant flavour, rosemary is famous for its hair-conditioning properties. People of Italy, France, and Northern Europe often use this herb in refreshing hair rinses and even put several dry sprigs under the pillow to have pleasant night’s dreams and promote the growth of new, healthy hair!

Rosemary is used to combat the fall of hair, stimulate the growth of new locks, strengthen hair roots, support hair follicles, eliminate dandruff, and clean the scalp and hair of impurities. Both fresh and dry plants can be utilized successfully to make hair-friendly water or spirit infusions to use as aromatic hair conditioners, splitz, or beneficial rinses. In addition, home-made rosemary vinegar, as well as rosemary oil, can be applied to the hair roots or used in different other ways to stop hair loss.

When you buy or harvest rosemary, refrigerate fresh sprigs for several days in a plastic bag, or just place their stem ends in water. To dry, hang fresh herbs in a warm, dry, and preferably slightly windy place, before transferring into cotton bags for a long-term storage.

Both fresh and dry rosemary is very effective for making various herbal infusions that can be used to benefit your hair. To make a very simple, yet healthful water infusion, just put several handfuls of rosemary into a water-filled pot, bring to boil, and gently simmer for about five to 15 minutes. Allow to cool, strain into a clean container, and pour throughout your hair just after shampooing. Due to a very pleasant aroma and strengthening effects of this rosemary rinse, you do not need to wash it off with additional fresh water. The procedure can be repeated every time you wash your hair (we recommend that you do it only one or twice a week, since more frequent shampooing is damaging for your natural hair oils).

Rosemary oil is even more effective to fight hair loss and especially eliminate dry dandruff, than water-based rosemary infusions. In season, when rosemary is inexpensive and plentiful, make several bottles of this wonderful oil to use throughout the year. Extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil is extremely helpful as a scalp and hair-nourishing substance; it also lends itself most naturally to a rosemary infusion. Fresh herbs are the best to use in the preparation of rosemary oil, but dry rosemary can do the work, too. To make the oil at home, wash and dry a handful or two of fresh rosemary sprigs, rub them lightly between your palms to release the flavour, and place them in a clean bottle (you can also add several slices of fresh ginger to intensify the flavour and medicinal qualities of rosemary). Pour extra-virgin olive oil to cover the herbs, seal tightly, and leave in a dark cupboard for at least two weeks. To use, massage some rosemary oil into your scalp and hair and leave overnight for the beneficial particles of olive oil, rosemary, and optional ginger to penetrate deep into your hair roots and shafts. Repeat weekly and watch your hair quickly regaining its strength and vitality!

Another way to use rosemary for topical hair applications is to make rosemary vinegar. It is advisable to infuse rosemary only in raw and, preferably, organic apple cider vinegar of the highest quality you can find. Apple cider vinegar has long been praised for its hair-rejuvenating properties. Combined with rosemary, this vinegar makes a super-remedy for dull, weak, and shedding hair. To prepare, fill a clean jar or bottle with fresh or dry rosemary sprigs and pour raw, unheated apple cider vinegar over the herbs to cover them completely. Seal and leave to infuse for at least a fortnight in a dark place, shaking the jar occasionally. You can store ready rosemary vinegar in a dark cool cabinet or a cellar to undergo further beneficial fermentation. Use weekly to make a hair rinse by mixing several tablespoons of rosemary vinegar with lukewarm water and pouring the mixture onto your scalp and hair. This rosemary remedy has a power to completely rejuvenate weakening hair just within a few months!

Sage - a Versatile Medicinal Herb Used in Traditional Hair Treatments

Author: Christiana Roberts

Sage, also known under its botanical names Salvia officinalis or Salvia salvatrix, is a universal flavouring and medicinal herb, a native of the Northern Mediterranean coast and the American continent. For many centuries, it has been used as a powerful folk medicine to treat a number of health and cosmetic conditions, including hair loss and greying hair. A stimulant and an anti-bacterial plant, it has been traditionally applied to treat indigestion, ulcers, dandruff, bleeding gums, sore throat, fever, and a number of nervous diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine values sage as an herb able to combat liver, kidney, lung, blood, and stomach diseases. Sage infusions are known to cure joint pains, wounds, nervous headaches, excessive perspiration, lethargy, and even measles!


Long ago, miraculous healing qualities of sage were noticed by ancient Greeks, Romans, Native Americans, Arabs, and Asians. Sage was believed to have healing, strengthening, and purifying qualities. Spiritual ceremonies of American aboriginals still include burning sage to “clean” the spirit before it enters supernatural realms. Ancient Arabs praised sage for its curative powers, as a general tonic, and as a medicine for snakebites; Arab women used it extensively to keep their hair dark, thick, and healthy. Smoking sage was believed to cure coughs, chest colds, and asthma. In the Middle Ages, sage was even considered a “cure-all”.

In many cultures, sage has gained a reputation of a miraculous hair medicine. Sage applications were considered the most effective natural therapies to reverse baldness and restore the dark colour of greying hair. In “The Book of Natural Remedies for Ancient Ills” by classical English physician Nicolas Culpepper, we can read that sage preparations were extensively used in antiquity to combat the fall of hair.

Ancient Greek doctor and botanist Pedanius Dioscorides in his famous book “De Materia Medica” mentioned that drinking sage tea could make greying hair restore its black colour, while topical applications of fresh sage juice were able to treat baldness.

According to the book “Sage: The Genus Salvia” by Anthony C. Dweck, common sage is a great hair-toning aid. In order to prepare a toning hair infusion, fresh sage leaves should be brewed in water and then applied to the scalp and hair. To treat alopecia, Anthony C. Dweck recommends to use freshly-made sage infusions as a hair lotion, massaging the brew into the scalp three times a week. These treatments are also said to promote the health of hair and ensure its shiny glow.

The Dweck’s book mentions that sage preparations are particularly good to strengthen the hair roots, stimulate hair growth, and deepen the rich colour of naturally black hair. Historically, elderly African Americans used to make sage tonics for hair applications to maintain their hair strong, black ,and shiny, he writes.

Naturally-occurring volatile oil in sage is, probably, the main ingredient that does miracles to support the strength of hair.

Sage preparations work especially good when combined with rosemary - another traditional hair remedy. A very beneficial hair lotion can be made from equal parts of sage and rosemary leaves slowly simmered in water for several minutes and then steeped, covered, for a few hours. The brew should be rubbed into the scalp and hair every night as a wonderful strengthening medicine to fight hair loss, rejuvenate the hair follicles, maintain the colour, and ensure the growth of thick, healthy locks.

The Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been around for a very long time, since about the 1800's, but has recently found its way into many hair products. It is one of the most beneficial ingredients used in hair care today. This extract is a derivative of the melaleuca tree in Australia. It is superb for cleaning out the hair follicle and promoting hair growth, more so than many of the other products on the market today. Occasionally people have an irritated scalp caused by bacteria or other irritants and this product can assist with healing the effects of harmful bacteria or hair products.

In terms of hair product tea tree oil can prevent and help with bacterial and fungal infections to the scalp. This has a direct benefit to hair, especially ethnic hair since many harmful products may have been previously applied. A solution to this is to apply the tea tree product which is perfect for restoring dry or damaged hair. Tea tree mixed with a combination of other oils can prevent scalp infection and dandruff as well. One must think of the extract like medicine. There are different concentrations of this chemical found in various products.

What you generally see in industry are hair products that contain approximately two percent concentration tea tree oil. It is particularly useful in shampoo form and since it can be applied to hair on a regular basis for healthy hair. It generally makes ethnic hair more durable, thicker and robust. The product "Proclaim Tea Tree Shampoo" also has great effect on someone who is losing their hair. In general scalp irritation will be reduced, the follicles cleansed and the hair will be strengthened and become more durable. This function of relieving scalp irritation greatly helps with ethnic hair because often times harsh products can be used that may damage hair.

However, if this oil product is used it will maintain healthy hair. By nature, it is a potent antiseptic. It is also good to note that it is not irritating to the skin like chemicals found in other products. It is also known for cleaning out the sebaceous glands on the scalp. This is desirable to most people. The net result is healthy hair, irritation free, and can be more easily worked with. And when you are styling ethnic hair, it certainly helps. Other hair products that contain tea tree oil are root stimulator, conditioner, shampoo, wax, and oils, as well as other ethnic hair products. All of which contribute to overall ethnic beauty. In summary through the usage of the tea tree oil in the right proportion you can achieve superb hair results and maintain the overall health of your hair.

Hair products containing tea tree oil are generally not too much more expensive than that of the normal variety. Only about forty percent more cost, but the benefit to your hair is fantastic. When you invest in these products and apply it to your hair it is an investment that is well worth it.

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