Tuesday, February 9, 2010

The Natural Alternative to Serums & Hair Polishers

One of my FAVORITE products to use in my hair was Rusk Smoothing and Shining Polisher. Now I can't even bring myself to look at the half-empty bottle glaring at me from the confines of my medicine cabinet! It wasn't until recently that I discovered that most of my shine serums and hair polishers were comprised of nothing more than silicones. 

Once I decided to give up my once-beloved polisher, I began to source more natural ingredients to achieve the same look. After a ton of trial and error, I came across two ingredients that gave me effects similar to those of commercial polishers and serums.
  • Squalene - I use Squalene in place of a serum, I either apply a dime size amount to wet hair prior to blow-drying (if wearing it straight) - OR Apply a dime size amount to dry hair after doing a braid-out, twist-out, curly fro, or your style of choice.  
  • I haven't been able to find Squalene on-ground in Los Angeles, however my source Texas Natural Supply, has lightning fast shipping [Squalene runs about $11.50 per 1.5oz]. As an added bonus, you can use this as a facial serum (Squalene is found in a lot of high-end facial creams and serums) and to clear up skin issues like eczema. Here is a small excerpt from their site about the benefits of Squalene Oil:
Boosts Cell Regeneration and Oxygenation
Helps prevent formation of “age spots”
Heals chapped /cracked Skin
Antibacterial Properties
Helps prevent UV damage to skin
Helps skin to retain moisture
Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles
Imparts relief to dehydrated and ultra-sensitive skin
Softens the most rough-textured skin and leaves no oily residue
Helpful in counteracting conditions of eczema, psoriasis, and post-operative skin.
It can be applied throughout the day to soften dry, scaly spots.
It can be used under make-up for a flawless application and as a base to maximize the effects of moisturizers.
Squalane is also an ideal addition to nighttime facial treatments or other formulations.
  •  Fractionated Coconut Oil - I use Fractionated Coconut Oil in place of using a commercial sheen spray. Fractionated Coconut Oil is different from regular coconut oil, as it is odorless, colorless, and has a much lighter texture than regular coconut oil [A plus for those who don't like the greasy texture of regular coconut oil].  
  • Fill a spray bottle with Fractionated Coconut Oil, and have this at the ready for adding sheen to locks, pressed hair, and natural styles. This also doubles as a nice body spray after baths/showers, it leaves your skin feeling smooth and velvety with absolutely zero residue. An added bonus is the price: $6 for 8oz can't be beat, especially when it has dual purposes. I also order this from Texas Naturals as well!

7 comments:

  1. im going to try squalene on my skin, i have eczema and have been using a really hardcore prescription cream that will likely be recalled 20 years from now for causing cancer...thanks for that advice!! i love your blog by the way! you have beautiful hair and give really good tips :)

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  2. Im so happy you did this, now I dont have to ask you a hundred times... "whats that called again" lol.. yeah this is perfect for grade school hair care idiots like myself....lol. (did I just say that on a blog?) lol...

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  3. @Raven thank you soo much! & YES!! XX-NAY on the prescription cream, and try the Squalene! I will do a post really soon about some other more natural products to help with eczema - There are a ton of them out there!

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  4. @Tina You are a mess!! But yesssss! This will eliminate that last minute frantic phone call at 4:45PM looking for some random hair care product, or ingredient.

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  5. How does silicone negatively effect hair?

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  6. @Anonymous silicone sometimes acts as a barrier keeping moisture out of the hair shaft & scalp. When moisture is locked out of the hair shaft hair tends to get dry, brittle, and will eventually break. A scalp that is not properly nourished leads to issues with dandruff etc.

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  7. I love your site. Many thanks for sharing this information.

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