Hair hygiene is a very important step for your beauty and health. Although washing hair is a simple task that many do on a daily basis, sometimes some habits can be harmful without you noticing.
Knowing your hair is essential to understand its needs. In the case of scalp diseases, it is important to consult a dermatologist so that he can recommend specific treatment.
Water temperature, the amount of shampoo and conditioner, or how water excess is removed after cleaning can have a positive or negative influence on the appearance and health of hair.
The frequency with which you wash your hair can also influence. The different hair textures directly influence the number of times it must be washed. For some types, such as curly or greasy ones, for example, it is not recommended to wash them too often.
We share some tips and techniques on how to wash your hair effectively, step by step, so you can take advantage of all the nutrients in the products you use:
Moisturizing, nutrition and reconstruction are also very important in the hair care process. Therefore, applying a hydrating hair mask, at least once a week, or also the famous coconut oil, usually helps to have healthier, shiny and lively hair.
We know that there is no universal way to wash your hair. It is important to try different shapes and products to find out which ones work best for you.
The needs of each hair can be different, but in general, with this step by step and using hair products with quality ingredients, such as low poo shampoos, you will notice a great result.
After reading the article by Catarina Alves on the 'Ellas Hablan' (‘Women Talk’) website, we wanted to share all aspects of the "witch hunt" against ingredients prohibited in modern cosmetics with you. We are fascinated by this topic, and decided to discuss and explain it in a simple and understandable way. If you want to take a look at the original post (in Spanish), click here.
The increase in demand for paraben-free cosmetics indicates that people nowadays have more knowledge and pay more attention to health. However, few people know exactly why they want to avoid these ingredients. The general established idea is that they are bad for us, but why are they bad?
We will tell you all about parabens, their bad reputation and the reasons why many experts warn of the risk of searching for alternatives in brands that attempt to take advantage of this marketing frenzy.
Parabens are a compound consisting of acid and alcohol derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid. There are several types of parabens according to their composition, and the most commonly used forms in the cosmetics industry are methylparaben, propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben. Despite their complicated scientific names, these compounds are nothing more than preservatives.
They are commonly found in personal care products such as soaps, moisturizers and deodorants, and can also be included in many makeup products.
Due to their composition based on acids and alcohol, parabens prevent the growth and spread of bacteria, microbes and mold in these products – which is very important if we consider the fact that they are usually stored in humid environments (such as the bathroom) and often are exposed to germs through direct contact with the skin of our hands. Their purpose is simply to increase the lifespan of these products and retain their properties and qualities for longer.
Despite their widespread use in the cosmetics industry, today, parabens have fallen out of favor as a result of several scientific studies that have raised questions regarding their safety.
In 2004, traces of parabens were discovered in breast cancer patients. Although it was not proven whether these were the cause, the first doubts were raised against their use.
The European Union declared in 2008 that parabens ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate and methylparaben were safe, but also recognized that further studies were required into the possible side effects caused by propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben use. In 2015, the EU introduced a regulation to reduce the amounts and use of propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben in cosmetics products, such as moisturizers, intended for children under the age of 3.
The general conclusion of all studies on parabens is that yes, they may have contraindications and further detailed studies are necessary, particularly regarding their possible role in the development of cancer. However, they are also some of the most controlled preservatives in the cosmetics industry and researchers warn of the danger of using their bad reputation as a marketing strategy.
Although researchers are in favor of safer and more natural alternatives, they fear that brands will start using the paraben-free label to attract more consumers, exchanging them for other less-researched types of preservatives with possibly more harmful consequences for the body.
The use of paraben-free cosmetics is a matter of personal preference.
If you do not mind using cosmetic products with parabens, experts recommend avoiding those with propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben and to opt for ethyl paraben and methylparaben, since the latter are better-researched in terms of their consequences and are considered as safe parabens.
How to tell if cosmetics contain parabens:
Paraben-free cosmetics usually declare this by either using a logo or with a small phrase on their labels. However, no legislation obliges them to indicate this on their labels.
If the formula contains parabens, they should be listed in the product ingredients list. Search the list for names like:
In Per Purr, we use another preservative (derived from coconut oil). This choice is NOT because we hate parabens, but because it is a high-quality raw material, which in addition to preserving our products, also provides them with extra soothing properties for skin and hair.
For most of us, a good hair day puts us in a good mood. And why not? Hair is a crown we never take off! When even an occasional bad hair day can seriously put a damper on our mood, imagine how dreadful it is to deal with your precious hair locks beginning to fall off.
You’ve already realized that sometimes your hair falls out a lot, and not just a few hairs a day. There is quite a bit of hair in your hairbrush, on your pillowcase in the morning, and every day in the shower. Especially now, during the Covid-19 pandemic, high-stress levels can also result in premature hair loss.
You may not know this but guess what: hair fall is an annual cycle. Some people experience hair loss sporadically, but for most, the end of summer and the beginning of fall is when hair fall is most likely to happen.
During summer, you had a head full of flowing gorgeous hair, but now it is falling out and losing its sheen? Don’t worry; this is pretty normal! Hair also has cycles. It prepares itself for winter, just like trees changing leaves and getting ready to adapt to the cold chills of the oncoming winter season.
In spring, everything is reborn again, and so is your hair. Your hair grows at a faster rate and might even be a bit difficult to tame. And then summer rolls around, and your mane is in better shape than ever.
Does this annual hair fall cycle sound familiar? "No, I am having more than the usual amount of hair in my hairbrush."
There are many ways you can combat hair fall.
If you think that your hair loss could be due to hormonal changes or medical reasons, please see a professional who can provide testing and treatment.
There are supplements that can help you with your problem – both to prevent and treat it. Use nutritional cosmetics which contain essential vitamins and minerals to care for your hair. A supplement with keratin, biotin, collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, all the alphabetic vitamins, or any combination of the above can help your hair grow back longer and stronger. Remember to be consistent with the pills and commit to them daily.
Vitamins and minerals are the essential components that your hair follicles need for normal functioning of your hair growth cycle. In other words, if your body is deficient of them, you may experience hair loss.
This condition is called ‘Telogen effluvium’ (resting phase of hair growth cycle), which is a temporary hair loss condition. You can successfully resolve it through a balanced diet rich in the necessary nutrients for hair growth.
Vitamins that are good for hair growth:
Essential mineral nutrients that aid hair growth:
Not everyone likes supplements and for some, even a healthy, well-balanced diet, may still fall short of needed nutrients.
"As we get older, our ability to absorb nutrients from food decreases. Also, our energy needs aren't the same, and we tend to eat less", explains Dr. Howard Sesso, an epidemiologist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital.
At Per Purr we have created for you the perfect line of hair care products made with essential oils in its purest forms, natural plant oils and ingredients like silk and oat proteins; sea clay rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids; and sugars derived from fruit and seaweed which helps in preventing moisture loss. All Per Purr products are organic, 100% natural, biodegradable, and are free of parabens, sulfates, artificial colouring and synthetic fragrances.
Try this easy to apply home-treatment that works like a charm:
In conclusion, we remind you that hair fall is normal. We want to emphasize that while these above tips work well, if your hair fall issue is not solved or keeps coming back, please consult a Dermatologist or a Trichologist for treatment. Let us know in the comments below if you have any other tested and tried tips to control hair fall.
Also, if you are looking for safe and organic hair products to promote hair health naturally, you can check out the everyday haircare range by Per Purr Cosmetics.
