DIY Summer Hair Rescue with Nourishing Coconut and Macadamia Oil

Summer is the most beautiful time of the year with lots of sun, going on the beach and enjoying outdoor activities. However it is also the time when our hair needs the most attention to prevent them from drying out. Sun, wind, chlorine/sea water and harsh chemicals may cause your hair to become dry, losing its elasticity and becoming less manageable.

This summer recipe will not only ensure that your hair will become visibly healthier but also it will help your hair to retain its moisture from inside out bringing out a sleek and shiny appearance.

Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) is one of the most popular ingredients used in the food and cosmetic industry in Asia and it is still used traditionally with accordance to Ayurvedic medicine to nourish, cool and restore the body in a number of conditions such as: eczema, psoriasis, weight loss, respiratory conditions, tooth decay and hair loss.
Coconut oil has remarkable properties to moisturize, nourish and restore hair by preventing loss of proteins from the hair shaft, increasing circulation to the scalp which ensures better delivery of nutrients and because of its low molecular weight it penetrates hair cuticle cortex, reducing damage through combing (damage to the cuticle cells). Furthermore coconut oil reduces swelling of the hair shaft (present on bleached and UV treated hair). Rich in lauric and caprylic acid it has antimicrobial and antifungal properties but also it acts as an emollient which restores, moisturizes and prevent hair from drying out.  

Macadamia oil (Macadamia intergrifolia) has both very good applications for the skin and hair, rich in 60% of oleic acid, 19% palmitoleic acid, 1-3% linoleic and roughly equal ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty plus omega-7 acids makes it a perfect combination to moisturize and improve skin and hair elasticity. Macadamia not only prevents hair from drying out but it also nourishes them from inside out.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has long traditional history in hair care and recent studies have shown that Rosemary extract may prevent hair loss through inhibition of 5α-reductase and binding of dihydrotestosterone to androgen receptors  which is the main cause of androgenic alopecia (hairloss). Due to phenolic compounds presented in Rosmarinus officinalis (caffeic and rosmarinic acids derivatives) it may also prevent cell damage from oxidative stress thus having free radical scavenging abilities.

Hops (Humulus lupulus) have been also used traditionally in hair care as beer rinse rather than on its own however some sources point out that hops may have an oestrogenic effect thus preventing androgens accumulation in the body.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) has been used traditionally to darken, tone, bring shine and stimulate  the re-growth of hair which is thought to be attributed to volatile oils present in Salvia leaves and because Sage leaves have a balancing action on glands function it is particularly beneficial to reduce sebum production in oily hair.     

Burdock root (Arctium lappa) traditionally was used to induce hair growth, to strengthen hair and regulate sebaceous production. It is thought that hair re growth may be due to the growth hormones presented in the burdock root thus having stimulating action when applied to the scalp.

For this recipe you will need:

• 5 heaped tbs of natural unfractionated, organic coconut oil (available in any natural food stores)
• 1 tbs cold pressed Macadamia oil
• 2 heaped tbs of dry rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis),
• 2tbs Sage (Saliva officinalis)
• 2tbs Hops flowers (Hummulus lupulus) (optional)
• 2tbs of Burdock root (Arctium lappa) (optional)
• 10 drops of Rosemary essential oil
• 10 drops of Sage
• Sauce pan
• Metal bowl and a spoon
• A clean container with a screw
  
  Method
• Put your sauce pan on the heat with boiled water and place your metal bowl inside it. 
• Put 5 heaped tablespoons of coconut oil and melt it
• Put 1 tablespoon of macadamia oil 
• Once all the oils are in liquid state place 2 heaped tbs of Rosemary, 2 tbs of Sage
• You can also add 2 tbs of Hops flowers and 2tbs of Burdock root
• Heat the mixture gently for approximately 30 min 
• Once the herbs have been extracted through a sieve, add 10 drops of Rosemary essential oil and 10 drops of Sage essential oil
• Cool it down and place the oil into clean container 

Application method:
Once the oil has cooled down you can use on your hair straight away. Usually it is best to take a small amount and massage into your scalp and then using a wide toothed brush spread the oil along your hair and leave it for minimum of 30 minutes, then wash it off with a gentle shampoo.
For best results I leave it on my hair overnight and simply plat my hair so it does not spread on my pillow. Only minimal amounts are needed, as it could be very hard to wash it off.
You can put your oil on your hair and wrap it in hot towel to maximize oil absorption into your hair, so the longer you leave it the better for your hair.
If you have blond hair consider removing Rosemary and Sage from your oil as they are used give brunettes tones, consider Chamomile and Jasmine flowers instead.  
Source: 
http://journal.scconline.org/pdf/cc2003/cc054n02/p00175-p00192.pdf
http://www.slideshare.net/zaracollins42/hair-loss-treatment-coconut-oil-as-hair-growth-stimulant
http://www.growyouthful.com/remedy/coconut-oil.php
http://easyayurveda.com/2011/02/10/coconut-oil-bad-or-good-benefits-ayurvedic-and-contemporary-views/
http://www.treatt.com/images/News/technical/Macadamia.pdf
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.4712/abstract
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bjce/v25n1/a08v25n1
http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue87/article3559.html?
ts=1404594852&signature=d1c5d95765e88a35928b8f021f8b3023&ts=1404664349&signatur
e=bf39e3abf291f10ca1da54f64d663d25
http://www.dweckdata.com/Published_papers/Salvia.pdf
http://www.selfhealdistributing.com/pdf/sundew-moonwort-volume-3-sample-burdock.pdf
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