Priti Nail Polish (Review and Giveaway)—-Closed

A nail polish that gives you that glam look that every pretty girl desires. I am here today with one of the top brand called Priti NYC.

Priti NYC are all completely non-toxic and free of formaldehyde, dibutyl phathalate (DBP), toluene, and camphor, vegan and cruelty free. These luxury polishes contain UV inhibitor, and are fast drying. They go smooth and look very bright and glossy. Here are the 2 colors I got to try:

Flame of the Forest

Lovely coral with shimmer. It gives you the perfect orange color and is perfect for Spring season

Swan River Daisy

A bright navy color

Now the giveaway details: If you want to win Priti polishes then write me an email at rubybeautyorganics@hotmail.com with Priti in the subject line, and include your name, your address and telephone number. A winner will be selected randomly. Send this to me by the end of the day Thursday 7th, 2013.

Note: This contest is only open for my US and Canadian followers.

Sponsored by:

Hair color: A tangled issue for natural-leaning types

By Well+Good NYC

Like moisturizing and mani-pedis, hair dyeing is a standard beauty ritual for many women. Yet, while natural skin-care and non-toxic nail polish brands have flourished, the world of hair color clings to its chemical roots.

Concerns about the contents of hair color date back to the ’70s, when news outlets alerted consumers to the dangers of widely-used ingredients like coal tar and benzidine, which are known carcinogens. Most manufacturers took these out and replaced them with less toxic chemicals.

But that didn’t silence the alarms. Many of the substitute ingredients still used in today’s hair dyes, like ammonia and parabens, have been linked to cancer in several research studies. The most prevalent, p-phenylenediamine (PPD) is a known allergen and has been linked to various cancers.

But, according to the American Cancer Society, evidence of hair dye’s carcinogenic effect on people is still lacking. One highly-publicized study concluded that hairstylists “probably are exposed to cancer causing substances.” But it didn’t look at whether they actually developed cancer. Nor did the study address the risk to customers who come into contact with or inhale the noxious fumes (albeit less regularly than the stylists). Still, a lack of consensus about risk doesn’t keep us from worrying.

So what are the natural choices available? Aveda, the face of natural hair color, seems to be the best of the traditional brands. Their plant-based dyes are “97% natural.”

Keep reading…

Henna Demystified – Part 2

By Rebecca Bailey for No More Dirty Looks

Yesterday, I covered some general information about henna.  Today I’m sharing my recipe and some techniques that work well for me. For more info, check out Henna For Hair.  If you start with a kit, like one of these, it comes with dyes, instructions, a funnel-shaped plastic bag for applying the henna, and gloves (definitely use gloves!).  Each kit covers collar length hair.

These days I’m using 2:1 henna to indigo.  My grey ends up quite red, so my naturally medium brown hair ends up a rich auburn with redder highlights.  This is my current process for doing my roots (more hair to cover needs more mix):

1.  In a pyrex measuring cup, mix ½ cup henna with a half and half mix of lemon juice and filtered water, stirring with a silicone spatula (don’t use metal).  The liquid can be anything acidic, but don’t use vinegar – I made that mistake the first time and it’s horribly stinky.  I don’t measure the liquid, just pour a bit at a time and mix, adding more liquid as needed, until it’s mashed potato consistency. Cover with plastic wrap, touching the plastic wrap to the surface to keep air out.  I leave it for about 12 hours for the dye to release, but if you keep it somewhere warm, say 95 degrees, it would only take a couple of hours.

2.  When the henna is ready, mix ¼ cup indigo with a tiny scoop (~ 1/8 tsp) of salt, add filtered water and stir until it’s a yogurt consistency.  Then scoop the indigo in with the henna, and mix well.  I use the funnel from a kit to get the henna/indigo mix into a plastic hair dye bottle from the beauty supply store.  I cut the tip to make a 6mm opening, perfect for root application.  You can also put the henna on with the funnel or your fingers.

3.  I part my hair in the middle and start there, squeezing a line of henna mix down to my scalp, as far back on my head as I can.  Then I use a comb to make the next part about ¼ inch away and squeeze another line.  With my gloved fingers I make sure the hair is pushed into the line of henna.  I can get most of my head done like this, then flip my head over to get the rest of the back.  That part is not perfect, I just let the tip of my applicator part the hair for me and it’s fine, though not as precise as using a comb.  I check to make sure I’m covered, especially at the hairline.  If I were going to do all of my hair, at this point I’d keep adding henna in sections and massaging it into my hair.

Keep reading…

Henna Demystified – Part 1

By Rebecca Bailey for No More Dirty Looks

The last dirty product I ditched was hair dye.  I loved the fun of coloring, but more than that I am very emotional about covering my grey.  One day I hope to rock an edgy silver bob, but that’s a decade or two off still.

If you are one of those who embrace your natural aging process—and your grays—more power to you.  But if, like me, you want to cover them and stay clean, henna is a great way to do it. It’s also a fun way to play with color, and easy too.

Almost everything I know about henna I learned from Henna For Hair and from experimenting on my own.  I highly recommend checking out that site for recipes, techniques, and the chemistry of henna.  They cover everything.  And they sell the body art quality henna I have used for over a year.

Here are seven things you should know.

1.  Henna, in combination with other plants known as cassia and indigo, can do any color from strawberry blonde, through the reds/auburns and browns to black.  It cannot do a true blonde, and it cannot make your hair lighter.

2.  High quality henna covers grey beautifully, and is permanent.  You will need to do your roots as often as you would if you were using conventional dyes.  Every so often you will probably want to pull the color throughout your hair, since, just like your natural color, exposure to the elements can fade color.

3.  Real, pure henna will not damage your hair and is non-toxic.  Sometimes there are boxes at the store that say henna on them, and it might be some version of henna mixed with other chemicals. I’ve never seen pure henna at any store.

4.  Transitioning from conventional dye to henna is not as hard or scary as it seems.  You can henna over conventional dye.  There is a learning curve with henna, but once you get your routine down it is easy.  Gorgeous, healthy hair is well worth it to me.

Keep reading…

What Vitamins are Good For Hair Growth?

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

As we all know, our hair is our crowning glory. Oh how we envy Rapunzel for her long, lustrous and golden hair! Such beautiful hair can also be ours, if we only have an idea of what vitamins are good for hair growth.

So what vitamins can actually make our hair grow shiny and beautiful and where can we possibly get them?  Here are some of the most important vitamins good for hair that we should be aware of:

• The B complex —The B complex vitamins usually refer to Vitamins B6 and B12. Aside from promoting healthy hair and nails, they also keep the blood, nerves, and the immune system functioning properly. The recommended dietary allowance for every person is 1.3 milligrams for B6 and 2.4 micrograms for B12. In order to eat enough of these vitamins, one must have one cup of plain yogurt and a banana, one ounce of sunflower seeds, and three ounces of roast beef daily. Vegans should take note that B12 can only be found in animal products, so they should take supplements.

• Biotin—This vitamin helps promote hair and nail growth. Biotin can be found in brown rice, oats, and sunflower seeds.

• Vitamin C—Vitamin C promotes blood flow to the scalp and follicles, which can hasten hair growth. It is also an antioxidant that has been proven to fight DNA-damaging free radicals. Just eating an orange can get you your recommended dietary allowance. However, remember to eat five servings of fruits (such as citrus fruits and strawberries) and vegetables (red and green peppers, brussel sprouts, kale, spinach, broccoli, and collard greens) daily to get you enough Vitamin C.

• Vitamin E—This antioxidant promotes better eye health and less risks of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as increased circulation in the scalp. It is fairly easy to get the recommended dietary allowance with food such as avocados and vegetable oil (safflower, sunflower, canola, olive and cottonseed). Dietitians recommend just one cup of broccoli and two ounces of almonds or sunflower seeds daily to give you enough of this super vitamin.

• Folic Acid—or Folate allows cell development and good blood circulation in the scalp. The best food sources of folic acid are strawberries, wheat germ, leafy vegetables, asparagus, broccoli, whole grains, beans, and folate-fortified foods such as breads and cereals.

Now that we know what vitamins are good for hair growth, we should be more discriminating of the food we eat and choose only the best ones that would give us great health and greater hair!

100% Argan Oil is Great for Hair

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

For centuries men and women have been using natural oils for hair. Oil can help moisturize, soothe and protect the hair. Natural oils tend to offer the most benefits, more than chemical shampoos or conditioners can provide. Of course many synthetic hair products can be helpful, but they will never replace the natural benefits that only nature can provide. Olive oil is a well known and beloved oil that can help nourish the hair. Additionally, argan hair oil products and treatments are used more frequently. 100% argan oil is the best kind of course because it is entirely natural with no additives.

Argan oil is ultimately better than olive oil when compared due to its higher quantities of omega acids and vitamin E. Both oils are excellent moisturizers as well as jojoba oil which also should be noted for its good properties.Of course, hair oil is a personal choice and one’s preference is the most important thing when choosing a hair oil.

Argan oil has a long history of being used by people, Moroccans in particular. The argan nut is the source from which the oil is derived and requires a long intensive process to press out the oil efficiently. Moroccans have been pleased with their oil for generations and only recently has this oil been traded to broader regions.

Argan oil can make a great natural scalp treatment. What one should do if they want to make a scalp treatment at home is to coat the oil throughout the scalp and then wrap a moistened, warm towel around the head and let sit for at least 20 minutes. Then wash the hair and you will notice the difference that argan oil can make.

Additionally, this oil is great for nourishing the ends of the hair that may be prone to damage and splitting. After washing your hair, gently massage a tiny dollop into the ends of your hair. Be careful not to use to much or it will weigh down your hair and make the hair unnecessarily oily. This is a great natural way to help prevent split ends and will lead to longer hair growth because the hair will not need a trim. This is a good tip for people who are looking to grow out their hair as quick as possible.

Argan hair oil products may be difficult to find. Select beauty supply stores may carry the product, even natural food stores with a beauty section, but the best bet for the widest selection and best price is to shop online. Make sure that you are buying a 100% argan oil so you get the most of your money.

What Are Biotin Side Effects?

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

The loss of hair can come about because of many reasons. Genetic disorders, unbalanced diets, stressful situations, the use of prescribed/unprescribed drugs and more. For more than 90% of the world’s population though it is passed down through the genes. In America alone, this issue affects nearly 60% of all men age fifty and beyond. There are hair supplements that can help though. There have been many studies done on hair supplements that can assist in hair loss and many have been found very beneficial. One in particular that has shown great results is biotin for hair, and though biotin side effects can come about in certain cases, it has proven still to be the top homeopathic vitamin of choice for people looking to solve their hair loss problems.

Using biotin for hair is not a synthetic treatment. Biotin naturally occurs in the world and is found present in the human body and is even produced by the healthy bacteria inside our lower intestines. Scientists are still gathering more data on the total capability and effects of biotin, but using biotin for hair has already proven to be a powerful way to prevent the graying of hair, stop hair loss, and promote the healthy growth of new hair. It has also been proven that people lacking sufficient quantities of the vitamin in their bodies suffer from symptoms such as decreased energy, premature aging, and loss of hair. Biotin is able to to supply more hair, increases the strength of your current hair follicles, and grows your hair longer. When striving to take measures to grow longer, healthier hair by using biotin for hair, be sure to clean your hair regularly in order to create a great environment for new hair production. When picking a shampoo, be sure to look for one that has a good track record supported by many testimonials.
In order to avoid undesirable biotin side effects, be sure to purchase your supply from a reputable manufacturer/distributor, follow the instructions carefully as directed.

Biotin is about the best, but  is just one of many vitamins for thinning hair and hair growth. Other important vitamins that can assist you along the way are: vitamin A, B (6, 12, 5, 3), inositol, and vitamin E. Vitamin E increases circulation in the head and scalp (in addition to the overall body), and vitamin A assists in the development of healthy cells and body tissues, including those of the of the scalp which are essential for a perfect hair growing environment.To maximize the effects of these vitamins, be sure to eat a well balanced diet high in fiber and protein & low in fat and sugars. Foods such as eggs, vegetables and chicken are great foods that meet such dietary needs.

Best frizz fixer: This easy coconut oil hair treatment

By Well+GoodNYC

Hot summer rays can wreak havoc on hair (as can a lot of shampoos and dyes). A simple solution? Coconut oil, the hardest working condiment in your kitchen, makes an amazing leave-in hair-conditioning treatment, says natural makeup artist, Kat Feldhouse.

Coconut oil hydrates really parched beach hair—and is great for women with really fried ombre-dyed ends, says the beauty savant. (She likes Whole Foods 356 brand, but any will do.) “Water-based conditioners just can’t compare. Pure coconut oil gives your hair great shine, moisture, and texture thanks to its rich fatty acids and proteins,” explains Feldhouse.

And great news: No blow-dryer, shower cap, or sleeping with a towel under your head is needed to help it penetrate. This is a hair treatment you can wear out—around the city, to the beach, or to brunch.

Here’s how to use coconut oil as a leave-in hair treatment:

1. Scoop half a teaspoon of coconut oil, and really heat it up in your palms. Then grab sections of your hair, and drag the coconut oil through evenly. “A little goes a long way,” says Feldhouse. (You don’t need to apply it to your scalp unless you’re dealing with dandruff or a sunburn or your hair really needs the added nourishment.)

2. Then go over your hair with a wide-toothed comb.

Keep reading…

About Hair Skin Nails Vitamins

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

Our hair, skin and nails are composed of many of the same elements and because of this they share many common hair, skin and nail vitamins and nutrients.

Unhealthy, easy to break nails, and nails with fungus can all be signs of nutritional imbalances in our bodies. Sometimes, problems with our nails can even be signs of extreme health issues, and if you believe you are experiencing severe symptoms with your nails, it is best to consult a physician. For most people though, there are vitamins for nails that we should be sure to get enough of so that our nails can be healthy and nourished. The most common vitamins for nails are A, B, C and biotin, and they are all very important for the health of our nails. If we make sure to consume adequate amounts of these nutrients in our daily diets, we can also be sure that our bodies will have the resources needed to grow healthy nails.

Just as biotin is an important nutrient for our nails, biotin is also a key factor in the healthy growth of our hair. People that are biotin deficient will probably find that their hair is shedding as well. When we use biotin for hair, it metabolizes a white crystalline amino acid found in proteins called, leucine. Individuals lacking in leucine will find that the hair loss they experience goes far beyond just losing hair on ones head. Eyelashes and eyebrows also begin to shed, but it has been found that individuals who take biotin vitamin hair supplements, in addition to MSM supplements, are not only able to strengthen their remaining hair, but even generate new hair, thus replacing the hair which they once lost.

And speaking of MSM, for hair and nails, MSM is another good general supplement that supplies the vitamins for skin, hair and nails as needed. Our skin renews itself about once a month when we are in our 20′s to our 40′s, about once every fifteen days for teenagers and a little about a month and a half when we hit the age of 50. As we age though, not only does the process of skin renewal slows down, but the the things necessary to even produce the new skin become rare in our bodies’ resources. This is why we must take an active part in making sure that our skin’s health does not suffer. MSM is a natural form of organic sulfur that exists in all living matter. It’s also found in many of the food we consume such as milks, java and herbal leaf drink such as tea. It is a nutritional supplement essential in the production of collagen and keratin, two indispensable nutrients for skin growth. Collagen loss leads to wrinkles, indents and lines in the skin, but if we replenish our bodies’ supply of collagen, our skin becomes more vibrant and youthful looking. MSM is ideal for stimulating collagen production and in general is a super hair, skin, nails vitamin.

Try Biotin for Hair Growth

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

Anyone that has ever experienced hair loss and has used biotin to solve their problem knows that using biotin for hair growth is extremely essential for regenerating hair. One of the symptoms of biotin-deficient people is their loss of hair. Biotin is a vitamin B complex, that also goes by the names vitamin B-7 and vitamin H. It is of great significance and value to the functioning of our metabolism. It is important to the growth of our cells, the synthesis of acids and the breaking down of leucine, a white crystalline amino acid found in proteins and important for our nutrition.

Most people have need for supplements of biotin because it is readily contained in a healthy diet. It has been found that people lacking in biotin also typically suffer from hair loss and this hair loss extends to more place of the body than just the scalp. The hair loss includes the eyelashes as well as even the eyebrows in people badly lacking in biotin. There are solutions in restoring lost hair and reducing further hair loss.

Taking biotin pills for hair and biotin hair growth shampoos have been tested and proven to be effective, through testimonial and clinical studies, to grow and strengthen hair while preventing the loss of the remaining strands. Those who consume supplements of biotin must know the prescribed amounts for daily use. For adults, the maximum recommended daily supplement should be between 20 to 90 mg per day.

Biotin pills for hair work by producing a chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber and causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structures. This stimulates the hair follicle and begins the production of hair. Biotin hair growth shampoos are not the best option it seems though because biotin is not able to be absorbed through the skin. Therefore, biotin hair growth shampoo will probably do absolutely nothing when it comes to receiving health benefits from biotin. It is necessary to ingest the substance to receive an actual effect from using it.

Biotin vitamin side effects are few, if any. Studies have reported that humans can high amounts of biotin in their systems with no adverse side effects. Even over long term use, biotin has shown no reported issues, with one exception. Contact your physician if you are taking vitamin B5 in conjunction with it and if you are pregnant, also consult your physician before taking biotin regularly. Overall, using biotin for hair growth as a dietary supplement is a wonderful way to strengthening, replenishing or even maintaining your hair.