Eco-friendly sleep cap

Some of us have to cover our tresses at night before falling asleep to ensure the health of our hair.  

Eco-Exquisite, an Atlanta-based company, makes an eco-friendly sleep cap made from natural fibers deriving from plants. They absorb the same amount of carbon dioxide they emit as well as biodegrade. 

Another beauty product that never crossed my mind to be eco-friendly, but it's good to realize there is a green version. 

Even the packaging is made from a plastic called biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) that doesn't contain chemicals and is recyclable.

Neutrogena, Garnier release eco-friendly lines

Today, I started noticing commercials for Neutrogena's new eco-friendly line of facial cleansers sans sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. 

Neutrogena Naturals has more vitamins and minerals, amino and fatty acids, and antioxidants. Even the folding cartons are made from 100% recycled paper and  65% post-consumer recyclable content. 

Last week, while doing research for my eco-beauty salon article, I found Garnier recently released its "greenest" line of products with shampoos and conditioners without silicone, parabens, and dyes and infused with acerola berry antioxidant. 

The bottle also uses 50% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. And their commercials are coming to a television near you soon.

These new lines add to the number of widely available and relatively affordable products that use natural ingredients and show environmental support.

Straightening hair becomes dangerous with Brazilian blowout

Image: stylelist.com. Actress Mary-Louise
Parker said the Brazilian blowout led to hair
loss. The treatment is being investigated for
involving dangerous chemicals.

News of the dangers associated with the Brazilian blowout hair straightening treatment has come under fire for containing formaldehyde, an EPA-classified carcinogen.

Women with curly, frizzy, or seemingly untameable hair seek ways to better straighten their hair with the constant ushering of new products and treatments on the market, so as the Brazilian blowout reached popularity in the past few years, some experienced symptoms like nosebleeds, eye irritation, and respiratory problems, according to a lawyer blog.

Earlier this week, 'Weeds' star Mary-Louise Parker, known for her waves, said the Brazilian blowout straightened her locks like never before but also made them fall out.

On another note, for black women, perms are still considered safe, but this week CNN reported braid extensions and weaves are leading to hair loss and making women more susceptible to diabetes. The extensions and weaves tightly set in pull the hair at its root, and sometimes the damage is irreversible.

Changing shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, hairsprays, and other products to more natural choices can help repair damage. Look for ingredients you are familiar with like oils from fruits and flowers. 

Try taking vitamins B and C supplements and eating foods rich in those vitamins to fuel hair growth. 

Vitamins for your hair

To keep your hair nice and shiny, don't just depend on the products promising growth. Just take the right vitamins. 

Vitamins for Your Hair