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GlamourFest 2023 Empowering #Entrepreneurs in the #Hair Industry by Diane Shawe

🌐Hairloss Epedemic: How to become a specialist salon and thrive. Hair extensions, hairloss and treatments”

Join  us in  Birmingham in September or Manchester in October 2023 to learn how you can tap into the services of the future in an evolving industry.

“Did you know that over 15 million people in the UK suffer from hair loss? That’s more than 20% of the population! This is a major problem that can have a significant impact on people’s lives, both physically and emotionally.

If you’re looking for a business opportunity that is both profitable and fulfilling, then becoming a hair loss specialist salon franchisee is a great option. There is a huge demand for hair loss services in the UK, and with the right training and support, you can become a successful business owner and help millions of people regain their confidence and self-esteem.

At our event, we will be sharing everything you need to know about becoming a hair extension and hair loss specialist salon franchisee. We will cover topics such as:

  • The latest trends in hair loss treatment
  • How to provide effective and affordable hair loss services
  • How to build a successful hair loss business
  • How to market your hair loss salon to attract new clients

We will also be sharing the story of our own success as a hair loss specialist salon franchisee. We have been in business for over 20 years and have helped thousands of people regain their confidence and self-esteem. We will share our secrets to success with you so that you can replicate our success in your own region.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a hair loss specialist salon franchisee, then we encourage you to attend our event.  The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and the demand for innovative hair extensions and hair loss solutions is higher than ever.

By joining our franchise, you’ll be at the forefront of industry trends, offering cutting-edge techniques and products that keep you ahead of the competition. Stay ahead of the game!

We’re hosting a new event, and we’d love to see you there. Register for The UK’s Hair Loss Epidemic: How to Become a Specialist Salon and Thrive, 25 September 2023 at 10:30 AM.

Join  us in September to learn how you can tap into the services of the future in an evolving industry.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-uks-hair-loss-epidemic-how-to-become-a-specialist-salon-and-thrive-tickets-699224548447?aff=oddtdtcreator

Register Here //bit.ly/3PkwtkF

Award Winning Salon Need a Hair Makeover Launches Natural Haircare Treatments and Supplements for Thin, Damaged or Falling Hair Online Store

Buy natural products for Hair loss and thin hair treatment. Damaged or fine hair at needahairmakeover
http://online-store.needahairmakeover.co/

Diane Shawe, founder of Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions and Hairloss Specialist Salon has sourced a range of natural products designed specifically for thin, falling, balding or damaged hair. The Great News is that most of these treatments can be done at home and we can send the products on the post to you.

” Every year, more and more people are suffering from hair loss caused by illness, medication, stress, chemical treatments, damaged hair. We help treat and / or disguise thin, short, bald patches, damaged or sensitive scalp on all hair types, gender or age, ” states Diane.

Introducing a sample of our products

1. Dry shampoo with hair growth minerals, great for hair extensions, greasy limp hair, fine hair, cornrows and plaits,

Buy natural products for Hair loss and thin hair treatment. Damaged or fine hair at needahairmakeover

2. Hair conditions bar hand made with natural ingredients,  rub bar over hair after  leave for 10 minutes, wash off. Great for natural hair, coloured, or damaged hair.

Buy natural products for Hair loss and thin hair treatment. Damaged or fine hair at needahairmakeover

3. Real Grow scalp spray, great for thin edges, thin hair, or balding patches, all from natural ingredients that work! None greasy. Spray on do not wash off.

Buy natural products for Hair loss and thin hair treatment. Damaged or fine hair at needahairmakeover

4. Pure vitamins C serum, to rebond and strengthens weak hair. Leave on scalp and hair for 1 hour, then rinse off.

Buy natural products for Hair loss and thin hair treatment. Damaged or fine hair at needahairmakeover

5. Black Castor Oil has long been known for its properties for stimulating hair growth. Often, it is added to other ingredients to prop up other hair growth products. Now, you can purchase it in its purest form. Best to use at night.

Pure black castor oil

6. Zinc tablets. We are all now understanding that difficiencies in the body can affect our hair, nails and skin. Another underestimated supplement is zinc. We now stock easy to swallow strong zinc tablets to help stimulate hair growth

Buy natural products for Hair loss and thin hair treatment. Damaged or fine hair at needahairmakeover

This is just six from our new range and we can post out to you. We offer a variety of effective at home treatments at competitive prices which are normally used at salons. bit.ly/3KFT5HX

Start your own Hair Extensions and Hairloss Specialist Salons Franchise Opportunity

Need a Hair Makeover the world’s first Hair Extensions and Hairloss Specialist Salon Franchise has one key aim. To deliver the highest quality, the most innovative hair extensions techniques, hairloss treatments.

To disguise hair challenges using non invasive techniques, supply specialist hair care products and services to the maximum amount of people around the globe in a convenient, affordable, classy, accessible and professional manner

Visit our website and download a brochure http://www.needahairmakeoverfranchise.co.uk

TRY THESE TOP 10 DISRUPTIVE SME BUSINESS GROWTH STRATEGIES FOR 2022

Every New Year I have always checked for the top business growth tips and trends.

This year I have decided to present my own because we the business community are still living in unprecedented times of uncertainty, fear, transformation, deception, confusion, and outright disruption of the old ways of doing business.

I am Diane Shawe founder of Virtual Speedy Services Ltd (which I gave birth to during the first lockdown) and author of ‘Answer 77 Questions about your business to avoid business failure’ shares her top small business growth strategies for the year ahead.

2021 has been a year of rapid transformation across all industries as the business community has dealt with shifting customer buying activities and economic challenges, as well as mitigating hot-button issues such as the pandemic and people’s changing conception of work life balance. In a year filled with change, there are some trends which are going to be firmly fixed into 2022 that you and your business should seriously build into your growth plans.

To lead your business in the right direction as we head into 2022, here are my humble 10 small business growth strategies.[

1. Prioritise your business culture

Throughout the pandemic, businesses have been dealing with “The Great Resignation” as workers are quitting their jobs at record-high rates. One of the reasons for this is that people are changing their definitions of what they consider a healthy work-life balance and what they want in a company culture.

“The pandemic has shifted the way people incorporate work into their life, whether it’s moving to another county for cheaper housing or not going into the office every day and getting the opportunity to do remote or hybrid work,” Diane states.

Diane goes on further to state that “Not all solutions are made equal, and culture is now a part of that. “A big factor for employees, in addition to salary and benefits, is culture, so have a culture strategy in place.”

2. Consider hiring more freelance workers

The number of gig workers, freelancers and contractors has grown exponentially over the last few years and they make up a large portion of workers within the current market.

“Small business owners will now be able to bring in more specialised freelance workers to carry out tasks without having to deal with the hiring and training costs that are often associated with recruiting a full-time employee,” said Diane. “With the importance of being agile in today’s economic environment … as well as the rise of remote work, … skilled outsource

Peopleperhour.com and fiverr.com are great places to start.

3. Work with micro-influencers

While small businesses may be competing against larger businesses to work with online influencers, collaborating with micro-influencers is an option to consider.

“As influencer marketing is becoming more popular than ever… micro-influencers are going to be the best option for small businesses because they don’t cost as much and they are more open to collaborating with small businesses too,” explained Diane. “With a couple of these small influencers helping [your business] reach specific audiences, growth will not be an impossible feat in 2022.”

4. Leverage the way you supply your products and services.

Distributors and businesses across the country dealt with supply chain issues with the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic disruptions. In 2022, businesses must be aware of scarcities within the supply chain and get ahead of manufacturing and transportation challenges by working collaboratively with their suppliers.

Checkout companies like Amazon who can provide a fulfillment service for your orders. Consider moving to a drop shipping manufacturer or warehouse so as to reduce your cash investment in slow moving stock.

5. Educate client and  partners your new paradigms

It’s important to inform your clients and partners about changes you’re making to better benefit your business across a shifting economic landscape. If the changes don’t land, it may be time to consider other options,

Many businesses are painfully aware how much the talent pool has changed. Working with potential employees, client partners to educate them on the new management styles needed, increased compensation packages and other aspects of recruitment and retention is very important.

6. Prepare for potential contracting opportunities

Almost 80 new businesses were created every hour across the UK in the first half of 2021, according to research by iwoca – one of Europe’s largest small business lenders.

Analysis of Companies House data reveals that 340,534 businesses were registered in the UK between January and June 2021, an increase of 32% from 257,243 over the same time period in 2019.

London dominates list of areas to start a business

iwoca’s Small Business HotSpots UK 2021 reveals that Camden saw the largest number of businesses registered out of all UK local authorities, with 19,755 new companies – a rate of more than four and a half new firms every hour.

The second largest number of new businesses were registered in Hackney (13,646) followed by 10,151 in Westminster. London’s local authorities make up half of the top 10, which also includes Birmingham in 5th with 7,442 new firms and Kent placing 7th with 6,504 businesses.

London saw over one third of the new registrations with 120,338, followed by the South East (37,573) and North West (33,640). The capital city also witnessed the largest increase in new business registration compared to 2019 of 59%, with the West Midlands registering a 49% rise followed by the North East (28%).

Christoph Rieche, iwoca CEO and co-founder, said: “It is fantastic to see the creation of so many businesses during the first half of this year, they are testament to the entrepreneurial spirit which characterises our vibrant economy.

“Many of these businesses will be unnecessarily constrained by cashflow. At iwoca we turn cashflow into a superpower enabling them to grow faster and worry less. We look forward to working with many of them.”-

Why is such a growth happening?

A survey I read stated that 39% of people in current jobs are going to quit within the next 12 months, which is not great for an employer, but suggests a start of a business revolution is happening.

What advice would I give to somebody looking to start a business?

There is never a good time to do it and you just must go for it.  It’s all encompassing and it’s a phenomenon. I just decided to go for it in 2000 and have never looked back. However you can be clever about it though – can you cut down your hours in your current role or could you work part-time initially? Explore your options wisely.

7. Get creative on sales and marketing opportunities

The digital marketing landscape has become increasingly challenging due to congestion and evolving regulations, said Diane Shawe of Virtual Speedy Services Ltd

“This is forcing many traditionally digital companies to explore other sales channels and marketing strategies,” she said.

To mitigate these challenges, Shawe said her company is getting creative by helping other companies engage with A.I. Conversational Marketing Technologies with its engaging methods.

8. Widen your business’s online footprint

Small businesses must adapt and be “practical” when it comes to sales, as consumers continue to favor online and mobile shopping.

“Businesses need to widen their online footprint to gain a significant proportion of customers from the current market,” said Diane. “A simple way to sell products is to have a sellers account on your popular social media or estore platforms.  To sell services, … list [your company] on freelance and contract websites.” Also create a blog and YouTube website for reviewing products, testimonials, advice and tips. Become the expert in your field. Entry competitions, exhibitions, network meetings.

9. Learn video SEO strategies to rank higher on search engines

Video marketing has become an integral part of a successful marketing strategy with the rise of live videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It’s estimated that by 2022, videos will account for 82% of all consumer traffic. That’s why video SEO should be a top priority for businesses in 2022.

“Small businesses that incorporate short-form videos into their website posts will see more organic traffic coming from search engines,” explained Gilmour. “As TikTok continues to grow, search engine algorithms will shift to articles and posts that include short-form videos. Short-form videos from TikTok and YouTube may even become the main point of ‘how to’ searches.”

10. Utilise partnership marketing to reach a broader audience

Partnership marketing is a strategic collaboration that gives you and your partner company a chance to reach a wider audience together, explained Diane Shawe, founder of Virtual Speedy Services Ltd.

“Collaboration with another company can aid in the development of better marketing initiatives that benefit both parties, If your target clients are similar, you may pool your resources to better your marketing techniques, build your brands and expand your audience reach.”

Start to use smart customer acquisition techniques such as collaborating with discount giants such as wowcher, groupon or discount voucher websites to help get your business name, brand or services directly into potential customers mobile.

“Another example, if a consumer purchases a product from you, you can provide a discount coupon that they can use to purchase discounted products from your business partner,” said Diane. “Co-branding of a product or project can also boost both companies’ marketing power.”

get help with your business startup

Virtual Speedy Services Ltd is set up to provide a suite of services for Small and Medium size businesses to help them efficiently and quickly Setup or expand their business. Our core service is A.I technology by designing conversational marketing chatbots to generate quality business leads or engage online visitors in real time.   We populate and generate impressive business plan and 5 years projections for focus, raising finance along with smart eCommerce website, streamlined social media tools and an effective google verified website. We think of ourselves as your Virtual Personal Assistance who will help streamline your business development and growth without all the drama.

Let’s have a chat https://try-chatbots.virtualspeedyservices.uk

Castor Oil: Are There Health Benefits for the Hair & Body? by Diane Shawe

Don’t forget to follow my blog http://www.needahairmakeover.blog

I assist various clients from various backgrounds to overcome or disguise hair loss or damaged hair challenges. Most of them want to learn how to stimulate faster, stronger healthier hair growth. There are many hair growth products in the market place but, I am going to take a look at Castor Oil in particular today, mainly because it is a natural product and not many people understand it’s properties.

Castor oil is a thick, odorless oil made from the seeds of the castor plant. Its use dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was first used as lamp fuel and later for medicinal and beauty treatments — Cleopatra reportedly believed the oil would brighten the whites of her eyes.

Today, most of the world’s castor oil is produced in India. Modern research backs up some of its traditional uses, including laxative effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and the ability to help induce labor. 

While studies continue to investigate other potential health benefits, castor oil is considered safe if used as directed, and can be found in a range of skin and hair care products sold today. Pure castor oil is also available at many specialty health stores. 

You can put the oil directly on your skin and scalp or take it orally in small amounts. Some people also make castor “oil packs.” Castor oil packs are made of cloth that is soaked in castor oil and applied to affected areas. Because of its potency, castor oil is not used in cooking or added to food. 

Firstlys we must outline that there are two types of castor oil available.

• yellow castor oil, made by cold pressing fresh castor beans

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• black castor oil, made by roasting the castor beans and then using heat to extract the oil

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Further on in this article we will outline the differences, uses, benefits and risks.

Nutrition Information

A one-tablespoon serving of castor oil contains: 

• Calories: 120

• Protein: 0 grams

• Fat: 14 grams

• Carbohydrates: 0 grams

• Fiber: 0 grams

• Sugar: 0 grams

Castor oil is a good source of: 

•  Vitamin E

•  Omega-9 f atty a cids

•  Omega-6 f atty a cids

More than 90% of castor oil’s fatty acid content is ricinoleic acid. Research shows that this omega-9 has pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects. When applied to the skin may help relieve issues like joint pain and menstrual cramps.

Potential Health Benefits of Castor Oil

Castor oil is a common ingredient in many beauty products. It’s rich in essential fatty acids that moisturize the skin, and research continues to study how their properties may be effective in treating common skin conditions. 

Castor oil has also been used to help pregnant women with delivery for centuries. In fact, a survey from 1999 found that 93% of midwives in the U.S. used castor oil to induce labor. While further research is needed, one study found that castor oil initiated labor in 91% of women with little to no childbirth complications. 

Other potential health benefits associated with castor oil include: 

Laxative Properties

One of castor oil’s most traditional uses is to stimulate digestion, relieving temporary constipation. Modern research has found that this effect is due to the oil’s high levels of ricinoleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that acts as a natural laxative. 

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Studies show that castor oil’s ricinoleic acid reduces swelling and pain caused by inflammation. Research suggests that, when applied to the skin, castor oil may reduce arthritis symptoms more effectively than prescription topical treatments. More studies are needed to confirm this effect in humans.

May Heal Wounds

Castor oil’s fatty acids are natural humectants, substances used to moisturize the skin by preventing water loss. This effect can promote good skin health, relieve dryness, and soothe skin inflammation.

It may also have the potential to accelerate wound healing. Castor oil is a triglyceride that has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Research shows that, when applied to the skin, it may prevent infection, reduce inflammation, improve localized blood flow, and shed damaged skin cells — all of which help skin’s healing process.

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Treats Some Skin Conditions

Castor oil can benefit overall skin health, but may treat specific skin conditions as well. Though there’s a lack of clinical research, its combination of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects is thought to help treat some causes of acne. One study showed that castor oil also fights fungal infections, which may help relieve hard-to-treat fungal acne. 

Other studies have found castor oil helpful in the treatment of melasma, dandruff, and ringworm. 

Potential Risks of Castor Oil

When applied to the skin, castor oil is considered safe for most people to use. However, its dermatological effects are still being studied, so be sure to follow your doctor’s advice when treating any skin conditions.

If you take it internally, castor oil’s potent fatty acids can pose health risks. Castor oil is a powerful laxative. It is recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a way to relieve temporary constipation, but it isn’t suitable for long-term treatment. Use castor oil in small amounts and be sure to consult with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.    

What is Ricin

Castor beans naturally contain the poison ricin. If you chew and swallow castor beans, ricin can be released and cause injury. Ricin is also in the waste that is produced in the manufacture of castor oil. Castor oil does not contain ricin.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that it is highly unlikely to be intentionally exposed to ricin unless you were to actually eat castor beans. The CDC also indicates that ricin has been the focus of medical experiments to kill cancer cells.

Some health risks associated with castor oil use include:

Allergies

Some people may be allergic to the castor plant and experience itching, swelling, or rashes when using castor oil.

Physical Discomfort

Ingesting too much castor oil can cause nausea, cramps, dizziness, and muscle weakness. Use it as advised by your doctor and don’t take it on an empty stomach. 

Pregnancy Concerns

Because castor oil may help induce labor, pregnant women should avoid it. There is also a lack of research on its effects on infants, children, and breastfeeding women. 

Medication Interactions

If taken with diuretics, adrenal corticosteroids, or licorice root, castor oil may reduce the potassium content in your body to dangerously low levels.

Overdose

Taken orally, large amounts of castor oil can be poisonous. Symptoms of overdose include abdominal cramps, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Use castor oil as directed to avoid unintentional overdose. 

Digestive System Damage

Long-term laxative use can cause damage to your digestive system and can even cause electrolyte abnormalities or dehydration. While castor oil can provide occasional constipation relief, you should talk to your doctor to discuss treatment options before consuming it

Using Castor Oil for Hair Growth

The most popular oil for hair growth is Black castor oil, which is made by roasting the castor beans and then using heat to extract the oil

Read a related blog

Because the method of starting with roasted beans was developed in Jamaica, black castor oil is often referred to as Jamaican black castor oil.

There are, however, many people who, supported primarily by anecdotal evidence, feel that using black castor oil on their hair promotes hair health and hair growth.

One way that proponents of black castor oil support their position is by aligning it with the benefits of other essential oils.

Although there are indications that many oils, such as peppermint oil (according to a 2014 studyTrusted Source) and lavender oil (according to a 2016 studyTrusted Source), have potential as hair growth-promoting agents, there is a lack of qualified studies on black castor oil and its effect on human hair.

• Benefits

• How to Use It

• What to Look For

• Side Effects

• Precautions and Concerns

Castor oil is often praised as a natural solution for hair growth. An age-old remedy long used in traditional medicine, castor oil is said to moisturize the scalp, ease dandruff, and leave your hair smooth, strong, and shiny.

Sourced from the castor bean, castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid—a type of fatty acid known to fight inflammation.1 When applied to the scalp, it is thought to promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss.

This section discusses the benefits of castor oil for your hair along with how to use it. It also covers what to look for when choosing a castor oil product and the possible side effects you may encounter.

Benefits

Some of the claims you may have heard about castor oil’s benefits for hair include:

• Castor oil increases blood flow to the scalp, which promotes healthier hair.

• Applying it just once a month can boost hair growth up to five times the usual rate.

• Castor oil can moisturize a dry, irritated scalp.

• Castor oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties can reduce dandruff.

There is very little evidence to back up the claims that castor oil specifically can improve hair health and growth.

There is, however, evidence that individual nutrients in castor oil, including vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate), increase blood flow to the scalp and promote hair growth. This explains why vitamin E is so commonly used in hair loss products.2

Castor oil is also a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging the body’s healthy cells—a process known as oxidative stress that leads to hair loss.3

Additionally, castor oil contains omega-6 fatty acids—a type of essential fatty acid that promotes hair growth and reduces inflammation in the hair follicle.4

Recap

There is no scientific evidence that applying castor oil to your hair can boost hair health and growth. More research is needed, though, since specific nutrients in castor oil, like antioxidants and vitamin E, are well known to have these effects.

 Learn How and Why Hair Forms and Grows the Way It Does

How to Use It

If you’re interested in using castor oil for hair growth, try rubbing just a few drops of the oil into your scalp. You can also massage a few more drops into your hair’s midsection and ends. This may protect against breakage and improve your hair’s texture.

Castor oil is heavy and very sticky, making it difficult to remove from your hair. It’s best to dilute it with other natural oils like coconut or jojoba. This can also tone down the scent of castor oil, which many people find unpleasant. Simply mix one part castor oil with two parts of another “carrier oil.”

There are no exact guidelines for how long you should leave castor oil on your hair. Leaving it in too long can actually dry out your hair and scalp, though, so it’s best to wash it from your hair after two hours or so.

Many hair care experts recommend using castor oil no more than once a week. Using it more frequently than that can cause buildup and lead to issues like matting.

What to Look For

When shopping for castor oil, you might see some products that say “cold-pressed” on their labels. This means the castor seeds are pressed into oil without the use of heat or harsh chemicals. Many people say that cold-pressed oils are the best quality and more nutrient-rich than those processed with heat.

One of the most popular castor oil products for hair care is Jamaican black castor oil. This variety is made with roasted castor beans and the ash produced by the roasting process. Jamaican black castor oil is said to be especially good for thick, dry, and/or coarse hair.

Like any oil, castor oil has a shelf life. Once opened, it can start to go rancid after about one year, so keep that in mind when choosing a product and storing it at home.

Side Effects

There’s some concern that using castor oil as a hair treatment may lead to acute hair felting—a rare disorder in which the hair becomes tangled into a hard mass. Since the condition is irreversible, the only solution is to cut off the affected hair.5

It should also be noted that consuming large amounts of castor oil can be extremely harmful and trigger a number of adverse effects, including:

• Abdominal cramps

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Hallucinations

• Nausea

• Shortness of breath and chest pain

• Skin rash

• Throat tightness

Applying castor oil to your hair shouldn’t cause these problems, but make sure that you or others don’t accidentally swallow it.

Precautions and Concerns

Castor oil can stain your clothes and towels. Take care to cover your head with a shower cap, an old t-shirt or towel until it’s time to wash your hair. This will prevent the oil from dripping onto your clothes or other items. Keep in mind that your hair may require two applications of shampoo in order to completely remove the castor oil.

If you’re thinking of using castor oil as a remedy for hair loss, remember that hair loss may be a sign of an underlying health problem. Therefore, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you notice unexplained hair loss.

Summary

Castor oil is popular among natural beauty enthusiasts, who claim that applying it to your hair can boost your hair’s health, shine, and growth. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims, although some nutrients in castor oil, like antioxidants and vitamin E, are known to be beneficial for hair health.

A Word From Diane Shawe

Hair loss is not just a symptom of getting older. There are many medical conditions that can lead to hair loss, including thyroid disease and alopecia areata. You can also lose noticeable amounts of hair during periods of severe mental or emotional stress.

If you find yourself losing large clumps of hair or you’re suddenly developing bald spots, get in contact with your doctor. When an underlying health condition is to blame, applying castor oil won’t help.

Types of Castor oil and Uses and

CASTOR OIL seeds

Castor oil, also known as a #1 grade Castor oil for products like soap making and general use- 

Castor oil is a widely used renewable, bio-degradable and eco-friendly product. It is useful in a wide range of D-I-Y applications including: Soap and lotion making, blending of lotions, salves, creams, shampoos, and more. It is  Vegetable Based, has no animal derived products, and there is No Animal Testing on our Castor Oil. It is GLuten free, and contains no Wheat, no Peanuts, no dairy, egg, fish, and is also solvent free .

On popular way to use castor oil is in soapmaking. It is a very useful, beneficial oil in soap making. It is typically used in relatively low percentages depending on the over-formulation and what other oils are used. The addition of the right amount of pure castor oil may enable soap to trace quicker, and make better soap. Plus. castor oil adds the benefit of better and more stable lather. Castor oil is an excellent moisturizer as it attracts and holds moisture to skin. Check your superfatting chart. Sometimes using castor oil will require more sodium hydroxide since it has a high ricinoleic acid content. In softer products, like shampoo bars and skin-care products it is excellent. In the right combination with over vegetable oils, however, it makes a very nice moisturizing and wonderfully emollient, hard bar of soap. Try castor oil in salves, balms, shampoos, hair oils, and other thick emulsions for the skin and hair. It is in all kinds of specialty formulations as a natural emollient and applied to the skin and hair as a softener.(keep away from eyes!)

Many customers tell us they use castor oil as a mole repellant in their yards. They blend it in  hose end yard sprayer  and spray in the mole holes to rid it of those pesky critters. One recipe passed along to us says to blend in 1 tablespoon of pure Decyl Glucoside with 12- 14 Oz of Pure Castor Oil. For a pump type sprayer add 1 Oz of Decyl Glucoside surfactant to every 32 Oz of Castor oil and then the balance of water up to 2 gallons to treat the mole holes. Spray at least half a gallon in and around the holes. Retreat as necessary. * In tougher situations try adding 2 Oz of natural NEEM OIL to the blend. This will also help with other pesky insects too.

Did you know that pure castor oil is a natural product, made from the beans of the castor plant which can be grown in any tropical region?. The world’s largest producer of castor oil is India, with China and Brazil being a far-distant second and third place.

It’s reported that castor Oil is one of the oldest,most versatile ingredients in use. The evidence of the use of castor oil  goes all the way back to ancient Egypt. It  has been found in tombs over 4,000 years old. There are other documented uses of castor oil in India, China and other ancient sites that date back thousands of years. In ancient times in the Netherlands, it was called “Wonder Oil” and was thought to be a cure for a multitude of ailments.

Castor Oil still has many useful applications today,from us as a cosmetic ingredient, to an industrial chemical and a specialty chemical. It is also a popular natural polyol, it is used in an increasing number of specialty applications, replacing traditional petroleum based polyols. Another advantage of Castor Oil is that it is not made from a food source so it is really not subject to the controversies that can arise with other plant based oils that are more traditionally used as a food source.

• CASTOR OIL INCI Name: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil

• CAS no: 8004-79-4

• EINECS no.: 232-293-8

What is SULFATED TURKEY RED CASTOR OIL

Sulfated Castor oil, is also called “Turkey red” castor oil

Sulfated Castor oil CAS 8002-33-3 Formula: C18H32Na2O2S

Sulfated Castor oil, also known as “Turkey Red” has a wide range of uses including: Soap and lotion making, blending of lotions, salves, creams, shampoos, and more. It is the only castor oil that completely disperses in water and will not leave an oily ring around the tub when you use it in your products to emulsify colors, fragrance and essential oils.

Features of Sulfated Castor/ Turkey Red

• Turkey Red Castor oil completely disperses in water.

• Use it to emulsify fragrance and essential oils so they disburse completely in other water-based products

• Use for superfatting liquid soap so it remains transparent

• Excellent humectant & moisturizing properties

• Has a typical sulfated castor oil odor but is easily disguised in formulations using typical fragrance and essential oils.

Sulfated castor oil. also known as Turkey Red oil is very useful since it will completely disperse in water. It contains all of the same humectant and moisturizing properties of Cosmetic Castor Oil but in a water soluble form. Castor Turkey Red is a common addition to bath products, natural soaps, lotions etc. Try using it to formulation balms, shampoos, hair oils, and other thick emulsions for the skin and hair.

Sulfated Castor Oil is also seen in formulations as a natural emollient and applied to the skin and hair as a softener. (keep away from eyes!)

PEG 40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL

PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor oil –  is also a very popular derivative of castor oil

PEG 40 Castor oil, also known as Castor oil ethoxylate (POE 40) is a Multifunctional Oil-in-Water Emulsifier, surfactant, foam booster.

PEG 40 Castor oil is a multifunctional non ionic surfactant used as fragrance builder and fragrance solubilizer, emulsifier. PEG 40 can be incorporated in to a formulation to help solubilize PLUS act as a foam booster, which benefits the formulator by possibly eliminating a secondary surfactant, or lessening the use of a secondary surfactant for example.

In some formulations it is a good replacement for polysorbates used to incorporate fragrances and oils in to water based blends like shampoos and body washes. Whether you are making creams and lotions, floral waters, room and fabric sprays, body washes, shampoos, even bath bombs, and need a good solubilizer for colors, fragrances, give PEG 40 Castor oil a try.

It is a safe, easy to use, vegetable derived non ionic surfactant, and serves a number of useful purposes.

Out side of uses in the personal care formulations, ethoxylated castor oil POE 40 is found in lubricants, specialty formulations that have applications in metals, textiles and other areas too.

Non Ionic – Compatible with non-ionic, anionic, and cationic ingredients and products.

Useful as a surfactant (foam booster.) As an emulsifier, solubilizer, and foam booster.
Miscible in both oils and in water
Use in a heated oil, or in cool down phase at 1% to 10%, although it’s safe to use up to 100% (Neat) on skin.

Cloud Point: 185°F (85.0°C) 

Black Castor oil (Jamaican Black Castor oil)

Cold pressed Black Castor Oil (Jamaican Black Castor oil) also known as JBCO

Jamaican Black Castor Oil, JBCO for short, is a liquid extracted and cold-pressed from roasted seeds of the castor plant, known by the botanical / latin name Ricinus communis Seed

The difference between “regular ” castor oil and Jamaican Black Castor oil are that the seeds are roasted before the liquid castor oil is extracted from the seeds, This roasting process means that the oil has a dark burnt orange to reddish-brown appearance. It also has a different fragrance – it is a roasted nutty fragrance.

Roasting the seeds  also raises the pH level of Black Castor Oil which results in a preferred ingredient for making many hair and cosmetic formulations.

Black Castor Oil, or JBCO is very popular in skin and hair care products and formulations. Many cite that the JBCO improves hair growth, and use it to massage in to the hair. Other sources cite that the black castor oil may improve circulation, to help stimulate follicles. Products made with the black castor oil often advertise that it helps moisturize the hair and eliminates hair  split ends, and it is used as an alternative to, or even in addition to traditional hair conditioners.

Typical Uses: Skin and Hair Care, hair conditioning, personal care products, Medicinal type topical products, Ayurveda

WHERE TO BUY CASTOR OIL 

A Dudley Top Hair Extensions Salon Reaches Finalists for the Inaugural Great British Hair & Beauty Awards 2021

Worthy contenders of the UK get shortlisted in the first ever Great British Hair & Beauty Awards 2021 after the Lockdown

HARD WORK REALLY PAYS OFF STATES DIANE SHAWE

Following the success of The Hair & Beauty Awards in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, Creative Oceanic are proud to present The Great British Hair & Beauty Awards.

The Great British Hair and Beauty Awards 2021 are an exclusive celebration of the hair and beauty gurus that operate in this country. Following the overwhelming response from the public and the phenomenal number of nominations received, the full list with finalists from the South of the UK has now been revealed.

The glamorous ceremony will take place in November 2021 and will celebrate professionals known for their perfection that have gone above and beyond in the salon and made a real difference in the industry with their excellent services.

Diane Shawe owner of Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions & Hairloss Specialist Salon states “To be named as a finalist highlights how hardwork and commitment can pay off. With hundreds of capable candidates for each category and a panel of judges looking at the finer details, just to make the shortlist is an outstanding achievement. What also makes it more important is the fact that we have also had to deal with a pandemic and closure.”

The elegant event seeks to acknowledge and honour the talented individuals, teams and salons, whose sole aim is to provide their customers with innovative services and treatments that really work, improving their appearance and confidence.

Top beauticians, hair extensions consultants, hairstylists, freelancers and barbers amongst others will gather together to celebrate their achievements and their efforts that put in daily to leave their customers with the best of impressions. The black-tie ceremony promises to be one of the most memorable celebrations in the industry’s calendar this year, with many accolades ready to be presented to the deserving winners.

A spokesperson for The Great British Hair and Beauty Awards, said:  “We would like to thank the public for their participation in our nomination process.

The Hair and Beauty Awards have become a stable event over the years and aim to showcase those who have shown great commitment, professionalism, creativity and care for the client. Therefore we are so excited to host the inaugural Great British Hair & Beauty Awards 2021.

Diane goes on further to state that “No matter who you are, your background, culture, age or gender, when you have problems with your hair, you want a non invasive quick solution to the problem which can help with ones own self esteem when you feel at your most vunerable. Even those who just simple want a makeover for a wedding, special occasion, work or for personal reasons can be helped”

The Hair and Beauty Awards state that “We hope to provide a platform to thank and appreciate the work of the professionals who have pushed the boundaries in a difficult time and had the continuous support of their customers.

“We wish all the finalists the best of luck.”

The finalists of The 1st ever Great British Hair and Beauty Awards 2021 – Volume 1 in Hair Extensions Category are:

West Midlands

Mane Goddess (Nuneaton)

Hair Fusion Extensions (Oldbury)

Too Perfect Hair Extensions (Walsall)

Hairs and Graces Extensions (Birmingham)

Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extension (Dudley)

Alexander James Hair and Beauty (Halesowen)

Colabella Unisex Hair Salon.. (Bilston)

Source https://creativeoceanicblog.wordpress.com/2021/09/29/finalists-of-the-inaugural-great-british-hair-beauty-awards-2022-south-are-announced/

https://g.page/needahairmakeover

What Is Our Hair2Hair Integration System and Why it’s an upgrade to the Mesh Integration Technique

We recognise that hair loss can be very upsetting and cause a lack of confidence, affecting your overall self-esteem. We also know that finding the right solution can be confusing, sometimes disappointing and at a time when you are most vunerable. With this in mind,

Need a Hair Makeover hair extensions and hair loss Specialist Salon is one of a very few salon in the country specialising in a new type of hair integration systems which we call ⊙hair2hair.

As an innovative alternative to wigs, the mesh or random hair pieces the Hair2Hair systems are ideal for clients searching for a semi-permanent hair loss solution.

Designed for those who would like to achieve a natural looking head of hair but cannot have hair extensions fitted.

The hair2hair systems are designed bespoke to meet all your requirements. A custom-made silk based solution which is hypoallergenic and breathable which requires no harsh mesh structures, no pulling or threading your hair, no thick cornrows or further hair or scalp irritating products.

What are the optionoptions to mesh integration
Book a consultation today

Why we use silk.

Silk can be woven to appear translucent, it is strong. Silk helps regulates body temperature, and preserves your body heat in the cold. Silk has impressive moisture properties, keeping you dry and comfortable in any climate all year-round. Silk naturally repels mold & mildew and does not irritate the scalp.

So what can we do with our system?


Clients can go with their natural colour or change completely to highlights, balayage  or a ombre looks.  Achieving a seamless, natural appearance. Natural hair, even when thin and sparse, is not further trumatised by pulling or threading so as to encourage stronger growth and continued scalp treatment if applicable.

When finished, will create the clever illusion of your scalp, light and free moving on your scalp. The system will remain comfortable and feel just the same as your natural hair would, can be washed, curled, straighten or in most casesworn up.

How long does the Hair2Hair System last With?

With adequate care, the human hair can last up to 18 months. There are no limitations when having a system fitted; you can continue to embark on your daily routine, including going to the gym and swimming, without any problems. However, it is always recommended to schedule regular maintenance appointments, just as you would do so with hair extensions or roots touch up, to retighten the hair2hair system, ensuring that results remain seamless.

This system is available for Women and men and may vary in terms of how it is fixed.

Do you need help to disguise your thin, bald patches or damaged hair? Book a consultation today and learn about our non invasive techniques. https://bit.ly/3zODFu1



https://www.all-about-hair-extensions.com/disguising-treating-hair-loss

The Stigmatisation of Racism in 8 minutes and 46 Seconds by Diane Shawe

Why are some people on different sides of the isle  stigmatised and do not understand racism? Is Racism really being oppressed or is it oppression?Is racism really oppression

Article by Diane Shawe

8 minutes and 46 seconds struck a match globally and for most people after being in lockdown for 2 months, a time to slow down, digest, rest and reflect, this 8 minutes and 46 seconds removed the pink tinted glasses around the world about race relations, justice and inequality.

Firstly I needed to look up and define the different faces of stigma.

a) Public stigma is the reaction that the general population has to people with mental illness.

b) Self-stigma is the prejudice which people with mental illness turn against themselves.

c) Both public and self-stigma may be understood in terms of three components: stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination

An example of  stigma is the spot on an otherwise blemish-free potato. So when a person maintains they have not experienced racism, or they have black friends or I just don’t get it, they are in some way claiming that in accordance to their blemish free experience it does not exist.  Probably not a fabulous example, but we can all improvise.

I have been impressed and recently stimulated by George Baldwin a author who used his distinct perspective and lyrical writing to shed light on issues of race, homosexuality, and religion in a way that placed him ahead of his time when it came to social commentary. One of his poignant quotes ‘times’ as follows:

“What is it you want me to reconcile myself to? I was born here almost sixty years ago. I’m not going to live another sixty years. You always told me it takes time. It has taken my father’s time, my mother’s time. My uncle’s time. My brother’s and sister’s time. My niece’s and my nephew’s time.

How much time do you want for your…’progress’?”

So I want to try and reframe the argument for racism by describing it as Social Oppression. Maybe this way more individuals might be able to see, feel and put into context the often  intangible experiences of racism which is alien to some.

Social oppression is a concept that describes the relationship between two categories of people in which one benefits from the systematic abuse and exploitation of the other. Because social oppression is something that occurs between categories of people, it should not be confused with the oppressive behaviour of individuals. In cases of social oppression, all members of the dominant and subordinate groups are involved, regardless of individual attitudes or behaviour.

The outcome of social oppression is that groups in society are sorted into different positions within the social hierarchies of race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability. Those in the controlling, or dominant group, benefit from the oppression of other groups through heightened privileges relative to others, greater access to rights and resources, a better quality of life, and overall greater life chances. Those who experience the brunt of oppression have fewer rights, less access to resources, less political power, lower economic potential, worse health and higher mortality rates, and lower overall life chances.

Groups that experience oppression within the United States and other Countries include racial and ethnic minorities, women, poor LGBT people, and the lower classes and the poor. Groups that benefit from oppression in the U.S. include white people (and sometimes light-skinned racial and ethnic minorities), men, heterosexual people, and the middle and upper classes.

One thing we should be able to agree on

All humans belong to the same species (Homo sapiens) and sub-species (Homo sapiens sapiens), but small genetic variations trigger varying physical appearances.

Another prospective for instance – in the sea and rivers around the world it is filled with thousands of different fish’s but they are all still fishes because primarily they can only survive in water. Just imagine a group of fishes deciding that another group of fishes did not deserve or fit the criteria to exist in water? They devised strategies to segregate, disenfranchise, starve, degrade and kill, what do you think would happen?

Though humans often are subdivided into races, the actual morphological variations don’t indicate major differences in DNA.

The DNA of two humans chosen at random generally varies by less than 0.1%. Because racial genetic differences aren’t strong, some scientists describe all humans as belonging to a single race: the human race.

Race vs. Ethnicity

Examples of ethnicity include being labelled as Irish, Jewish, or Cambodian, regardless of race. Ethnicity is considered an anthropological term because it is based on learned behaviours, not biological factors. Many people have mixed cultural backgrounds and can share in more than one ethnicity.

Race and ethnicity can overlap. For example, a Japanese-American would probably consider herself a member of the Japanese or Asian race, but, if she doesn’t engage in any practices or customs of her ancestors, she might not identify with the ethnicity, instead considering herself an American.

Another way to look at the difference is to consider people who share the same ethnicity. Two people might identify their ethnicity as American, yet one is black and the other white. A person born of Asian descent growing up in Britain might identify racially as Asian and ethnically as British.

Race Trumps Ethnicity

New York University sociology professor Dalton Conley spoke to PBS about the difference between race and ethnicity for the program “Race: The Power of an Illusion”: “The fundamental difference is that race is socially imposed and hierarchical. There is an inequality built into the system. Furthermore, you have no control over your race; it’s how you’re perceived by others.”

Conley, like other sociologists, argues that ethnicity is more fluid and crosses racial lines:

“I have a friend who was born in Korea to Korean parents, but as an infant, she was adopted by an Italian family in Italy. Ethnically, she feels Italian: She eats Italian food, she speaks Italian, she knows Italian history and culture. She knows nothing about Korean history and culture. But when she comes to the United States, she’s treated racially as Asian.”

Key Takeaways

Differences between race and ethnicity:

Race is biological, while ethnicity is cultural.

Ethnicity can be displayed or hidden, while race generally cannot be.

Ethnicity can be adopted, ignored, or broadened, while racial characteristics cannot.

Ethnicity has subcategories, while races no longer do.

Both have been used to subjugate or persecute people.

Some sociologists believe that racial divisions are based more on sociological concepts than biological principles.

All groups make up a society, social oppression disenfranchised the interconnect structure.

A lone brick cannot build a house, collective brick can, but it has to be based on a strong foundation.

So what needs to be put right

To start with to put in place procedures and policies with zero tolerance to being misinterpreted to correct the collective failure of any institution or organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their colour, culture, or ethnic origin.

We have seen the rise of diversity employees and training, but this is often window dressing.

When institutions and organisations prepare there risk assessment, there SWOT analysis there ISO 9001 the findings are then written into the DNA of the company or organisation to ensure there survival.

Educational institutions are important because they need to equally inform their students about the truth of history so that it does not keep repeating the warped narrowing that perpetuates ignorance, victimisation, intolerance and oppressive entitlement behaviours.

I finish with scripture

Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and becomes judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?” James 2:2-6

I I can't breath george floyd cried with his last breath

Sources:

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-difference-between-race-and-ethnicity.html

https://www.diffen.com/difference/Ethnicity_vs_Race

https://www.livescience.com/33903-difference-race-ethnicity.html

Your 5 Minutes Daily Program to Stress Management by Diane Shawe

Getting bored of lockdown

Got too much time on your hands

Even though we have all had more time on our hands to effectively rest during lockdown, it would appear that more and more people are actually stressed! Why is this? Stressed if we have no time and stressed if we have to much time. If this is the case then perhaps we’re needed to take a closer look at stress, examine what causes it and holds we can manage it daily.

Stress Man. Businessman suffers from a headache

Stess is created by worrying about things in the future or things that have already happened, both of which you cannot change at the very moment you are worrying about it. Before you read any further do this little test. ‘At this very very moment Whist you are reading this is there a problem affecting you reading this article at this moment in time

Everything seems much faster, urgent and possibly unfilling! Everyone snoops around asking or trying to create a new moment resolution that they all know they won’t keep for the whole twelve days let alone a year.

Living too much into the future or reliving the past are both causes of fear and pain. These are often the questions one is faced with:

• How can you stop the pain?
• How can you switch your mind off,
• how can you stop worrying?
• How can you relax?
• How can I be happy?

Managing stress

30 minutes coffee break ebook available on Amazon and Google Books

Well two words’acceptance‘ and ‘surrender‘ is a good place to start. Become fully present so that the past and future can ceases to have any power over you causing stress, worry and unhappiness.

If only out life was like typing when we can simply undo, delete or Hyperlink to a quick useful reference but alas, lots of things are unavoidable in life. Never before has it become more important to find ways to decrease and prevent stressful incidents and decrease negative reactions to stress, especially as they can lead to short or long term illnesses.

Here are some of the things that can be done instantly by just remembering to be conscious of them.

Managing time

Time management skills can allow you more time with your family and friends and possibly increase your performance and productivity. This will help reduce your stress.

To improve your time management:

• Save time by focusing and concentrating, delegating, and scheduling time for yourself.
• Keep a record of how you spend your time, including work, family, and leisure time.
• Prioritise your time by rating tasks by importance and urgency.
• Redirect your time to those activities that are important and meaningful to you.
• Manage your commitments by not over- or undercommitting. Don’t commit to what is not important to you.
• Deal with procrastination by using a day planner, breaking large projects into smaller ones, and setting short-term deadlines.
• Examine your beliefs to reduce conflict between what you believe and what your life is like.
• Build healthy coping strategies

It is important that you identify your coping strategies. One way to do this is by recording the stressful event, your reaction, and how you cope in a stress journal. With this information, you can work to change unhealthy coping strategies into healthy ones-those that help you focus on the positive and what you can change or control in your life.

Plan how you are going to reduce Stress and Conflict

Lifestyle

Some behaviors and lifestyle choices affect your stress level. They may not cause stress directly, but they can interfere with the ways your body seeks relief from stress. Try to:

• Balance personal, work, and family needs and obligations.
• Have a sense of purpose in life.
• Get enough sleep, since your body recovers from the stresses of the day while you are sleeping.
• Eat a balanced diet for a nutritional defense against stress.
• Get moderate exercise throughout the week.
• Limit your consumption of alcohol.
• Don’t smoke.

Social support

Social support is a major factor in how we experience stress. Social support is the positive support you receive from family, friends, and the community. It is the knowledge that you are cared for, loved, esteemed, and valued. More and more research indicates a strong relationship between social support and better mental and physical health.

Changing your thinking can help change everyone’s mood

Changing thinking

When an event triggers negative thoughts, you may experience fear, insecurity, anxiety, depression, rage, guilt, and a sense of worthlessness or powerlessness. These emotions trigger the body’s stress, just as an actual threat does. Dealing with your negative thoughts and how you see things can help reduce stress.

• Thought-catching helps you stop a negative thought to help eliminate stress.
• Disproving irrational thoughts helps you to avoid exaggerating the negative thought, anticipating the worst, and interpreting an event incorrectly.
• Problem solving helps you identify all aspects of a stressful event and find ways to deal with it.
• Changing your communication style helps you communicate in a way that makes your views known without making others feel put down, hostile, or intimidated.

This reduces the stress that comes from poor communication. Use the assertiveness ladder to improve your communication style.

Courses available now

Continued Personal Development

Life long learning it’s important to you’re continued growth and smiley to core with lives every changing environment, circumstances and economical . Everyday life can often present challenges and like any thing in life if you don’t equip yourself with the right tools trying to fix the problem with the wrong tools can itself be the greater

Six Solutions to help thicken thinning Hair by Diane Shawe

Visit my Amazon page for more info


What can you do to help improve or disguise thin hair

1. Hair Extensions
These have become very popular over the last 15 years, however many of the technique are either too heavy our cause more distress tho the client weak hair.

A technique pioneered by Diane called theHook and Latch uses no glue,  thread or cornrow giving a flat undetectable look, no stress to the clients hair and very suitable for thin hair or patchy hair.

Visit http://www.all-about-hair-extensions.com for more info.

2. Meals
Now, this is easy! Hair thrives
on protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin
B12. Get them from lean meats,
leafy greens, nuts and beans

3. Blood Works
Routine blood work can test your
ferritin (iron stored in the blood)
and vitamin D. Low levels can lead
to hair loss, and the fix may be as
simple as adding an iron or vitamin
supplement.


4. Hormone Help
Some women are genetically predisposed
to female-pattern hair loss,
and birth control pills can suppress
overproduction of male hormones.

5. Stress
Just breathe—seriously, it could help!
Both sudden and chronic stress can
halt hair growth. If you’ve been
through a challenging experience
(divorce, job change, death in the
family or house move), hair should
grow back.

Visit our online store for more info.

https://needahairmakeover.selz.com

6. Your Doctor
Every once in a while, hair loss is
a symptom of something else that’s
going on with your body. Talk with
your doctor about other
possibilities, including:

Hormone irregularities
Thyroid abnormalities
Lupus
Anemia

http://www.bookanappointment.needahairmakeover.com

How Hair Loss Can be Related to Liver Dysfunction by Diane Shawe

THE LIVER AND IT’S ROLE IN HAIR GROWTH

Has there ever been more pressure to have a full and luscious head of hair?

In the randomised study of over 2,000 women in the UK, more than one in five said they are suffering from hair loss or hair thinning. When you add in the number of women who have suffered from this in the past, the figure rises to almost 30 per cent.

A further 25 per cent who did not have the problem themselves knew friends or family who did.

The emotional toll can be devastating: many of those the researchers spoke to described how they had begun to withdraw from everyday activities.

As many as 51 per cent say they now shy away from having photos taken, 47 per cent say they avoid social events and 40 per cent said the same for meeting new people. Anxiety and embarrassment were also common responses to developing the condition.

One of the main reasons we lack an effective way to prevent hair loss is that we still understand very little about the molecular mechanisms that underpin human hair growth and loss.

Each hair follicle on our scalp is a miniature organ, which follows its own rhythmic cycle of growth, regression and rest throughout our lifetimes. With age, some of them become sensitive to hormones on the scalp, most notably dihydro testosterone or DHT, which binds to the follicles and miniaturises them until they no longer produce visible hair. However, we know hardly anything about how this miniaturisation process happens, or how to prevent it.

According to Prof Ralf Paus, a dermatologist at the University of Manchester, this is because hair loss is still viewed largely as a cosmetic problem, rather than a disease. Because of this, in the western world, neither industry nor academic funding bodies have been willing to spend substantial sums of money on hair research.

Despite the scale of patient demand, they have been dissuaded by the knowledge that any drug that hits the market is unlikely to be covered by the NHS or insurance companies.

So how could you self help and what does this have to do with your liver.

Liver disease can impact hair growth and trigger the onset of hair loss. Therefore, improper functioning of the liver affects all metabolic systems including digestion and the uptake of fat soluble vitamins. This is primarily because proper digestion and the uptake of vitamins is crucial for hair growth and cycling.

The liver is responsible for the uptake of fat-soluble vitamins, the detoxification of estrogen and the regulation of blood sugar. All of which are important for normal follicle hair cycling. In addition to normal metabolic function the liver performs hundreds of different functions.

Detoxification of the body takes place via a number of body systems. The principle organ of detoxification is the liver. Life is dependent on the function of the liver as the primary defence against any toxins that enter the blood stream.

The liver can be found on the right on the side of the stomach and weighs about 3 pounds. It is divided into two large sections called the right and the left lobes. The liver sits on top off the gall bladder and alongside parts of the pancreas and intestines.

Liver detoxification has been touted as the perfect route to an efficient liver; but is detoxifying the liver treating the cause or the symptom? Detoxifying our organ of detoxification is a contradiction in terms but certain methods can be employed to aid the liver in its normal detoxification process.

A liver that is not detoxifying efficiently could be the result of an iron deficiency or chronic over consumption of alcohol; medication or certain types of hormonal therapy. Liver disease can also be caused by hypothyroidism or adrenal insufficiency


FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER IN RELATION TO HAIR LOSS

Conversion of ammonia
The conversion of ammonia to urea is essential for normal metabolism. Ammonia is taken up from the blood by hepatocytes (liver cells) and converted to urea through the Krebs-Henseleit cycle. Ammonia is the by product of the break down of amino acids; disorders of the ammonia/urea cycle can lead to iron deficiency. Individuals with hyperammonia (high levels of ammonia in the blood) are likely to develop coarse brittle hair. They may also have brittle hair that breaks easily, a condition known as trichorrhexis nodasa.

Maintenance of blood sugar
Blood sugar  regulation is linked to hair loss and low levels of blood sugar can lead to hair thinning and premature hair fall. Hair follicles require an adequate supply of glucose to remain in anagen (growing phase) and periods of low blood sugar can disturb normal follicle cycling.

Although fatty acids and ketone bodies can be oxidised by the hair follicle, they are poor energetic substitutes for glucose.

Storage of vitamins
Fat soluble vitamins travel through the lymphatic system of the small intestines and into blood stream within your body .

The liver stores fat soluble vitamins: A, D,E and K. The bile secreted during digestion is essential for absorbing them so that the body can use them. If bile production is compromised by liver damage, the proper absorption of these vitamins may be affected. Fat soluble vitamins are essential for norma hair follicle cycling.

Detoxification of the blood
The liver is responsible for filtering bacteria, old red blood cells and toxins (such as alcohol) from the blood. The liver is also the site of biosynthesis hormones such as estrogen. Estrogen is related to hair growth and hair loss. When estrogen levels are sufficient, women have full, thick hair. But when they drop, such as after a pregnancy or during and after menopause, more hair enters the “resting” phase, where it soon falls out and causes thinning and even balding patches .

THE LIVER DETOXIFICATION PATHWAY
The liver removes toxins and metabolic waste by converting them to water soluble compounds that can be excreted in the urine. Substances that are not water soluble are excreted in the bile, the bile is transported into the intestines and excreted in the faeces.

Phase-one detoxification transforms toxins through oxidation, reduction and hydrolysis by utilising a network of around 50 detoxification enzymes collectively known as cytochrome P-450 enzyme system. This transformation process creates free radicals (highly reactive species of oxygen). These free radicals are normally balanced by antioxidants.


Phase I detoxification prepares substances for phase-two detoxification. The liver normally produces a supply of antioxidants to negate any potential damage caused by free radicals. Key nutritional requirements for phase one detoxification include vitamin: A, E and B3. Minerals required include zinc, magnesium; essential fatty acids are also necessary.

Phase II detoxification transforms any toxic agents so they can be excreted in the urine or in the faeces.

If phase-two processing fails to keep up with phase-one free radicals can accumulate, in the form of reactive intermediates. A reactive intermediate is a short-lived, high-energy, highly reactive molecule, when your liver fails to process theses intermediates efficiently they begin to build up. If the liver can not process intermediates; much like a factory line production will slow down considerably

PHASE I INHIBITION
• Vitamin deficiency
• Mineral deficiency
• Oral contraceptive
• Anti-histimines
• Iron overload

PHASE I OVER STIMULATION
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Certain medication

TOXIC OVERLOAD IN THE BODY
If the phase I and II detoxification pathways become overloaded, there will be a build up of toxins in the body. Most of these toxins will fat soluble and incorporate themselves into fatty parts of the body.

The brain and the endocrine (hormonal) glands are fatty organs, and are common sites for storage of fat-soluble toxins. This may result in symptoms of brain dysfunction and hormonal imbalances, such as infertility, breast pain, menstrual disturbances, adrenal gland exhaustion and early menopause.


SECRETION OF BILE AND ITS ROLE IN HAIR LOSS

Bile is a green-yellow fluid that is synthesised by the liver; it is critical for the breakdown of fats and absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Once bile synthesis is compromised essential fatty acid and fat soluble vitamin deficiencies can develop.

Essential fatty acids are essential for hair growth.

Vitamin A;

a lack of vitamin A can cause hypoplasia (dry hair and scalp) or hyperplasia (greasy hair and oily scalp).

Vitamin D;

research shows that a lack of vitamin D in your body can lead to hair loss. When there isn’t enough vitamin D in your system, new hair growth can be stunted.

Vitamin E;

a small trial from 2010 found that vitamin E supplements improved hair growth in people with hair loss. It’s thought that the vitamin’s antioxidant properties helped reduce oxidative stress in the scalp.

Vitamin K;

vitamin K helps regulate calcium deposition in the body; because of this, it helps prevent blood vessel calcification, as seen in pattern hair loss scalp calcification.

NUTRIENT SUPPORT FOR THE LIVER

Vitamin B complex

B vitamins help the body obtain energy from food and is also involved in cholesterol and hormone production.

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace element and necessary for a healthy liver. Selenium increases levels of glutathione peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant required for phase II detoxification.

Manganese

Alcohol consumption can lower content of several trace elements, as iron, zinc, copper, and manganese.

Beta carotene

Low doses of beta carotene have an anti-oxidation role in the liver preventing damage and inflammation.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also important in liver detoxification pathways. It helps protect liver detoxification enzymes, created in phase I and phase II liver detoxification pathways, from oxidative damage.

Vitamin E

Antioxidants such as vitamin E reduce the damage caused by free radicals created in phase I. If antioxidants are lacking and toxin exposure is high, toxic chemicals become far more damaging to the liver.

Copper

Slightly lower than normal levels of copper has been reported as a potential factor in diseases characterised by disrupted fat metabolism such as non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency may manifest itself in many ways: liver disease, poor liver regeneration, slow growing hair, or altered immune function.

LIVER FUNCTION TESTS

Liver function tests help determine the health of the liver by measuring levels of liver enzymes, proteins and bilirubin in the blood. Liver function tests can be used to asses acute and chronic liver disfunction.

Alanine transferase (ALT) ALT is an enzyme made by cells of the liver, an ALT test measures the amount of ALT in your blood. ALT is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in metabolism; it aids in the process that turns food into energy. the hair follicle is energetically expensive and requires high amounts of energy in the growing phase.

When higher than normal amounts of ALT is found outside of the liver it can indicate the liver is damaged or inflamed indicating a problem in phase one/two detoxification.

Damage to the liver causes an increase in ALT; the ALT can assess the amount of liver in the blood but it ca not show how much liver damage is present or how severe liver damage can become. Some drugs may affect the levels of ALT levels in your blood. Most low-normal results for ALT indicate a healthy liver.
Normal range: 0 – 45 U/L Optimal range: 10 – 30 U/L

Aspartate aminitransferase (AST) AST is present in various tissues of the body. This enzyme helps trigger chemical reactions that the body need to function. Only a small amount of AST is normally found in the blood. Higher than normal amounts is associated with liver injury. Liver specialists report that AST is more likely to be related to liver injury than ALT.
Normal range: 0 – 45 U/L Optimal range: 10 – 30 U/L

Albumin Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood. A proper balance of albumin is needed to reduce leakage of fluid from blood vessels and maintain blood volume. Albumin aids in growth and repair of tissues and appendages such as the hair follicle. An abnormal albumin level indicate liver disfunction.
Normal range: 35 to 55 g/L Optimal range: 38 – 40 g/L

Globulin High levels of globulin may indicate infection, inflammatory disease or immune disorders; these disorders can contribute to anaemia of chronic disease. Anaemia of chronic disease is called by iron withholding which disrupts iron metabolism; critical for the function of healthy hair follicles.
Normal range: 20 to 39 g/L Optimal range: 24 – 28 g/L

Bilirubin High levels of bilirubin can indicate haemolytic anaemia; a condition where red blood cells are destroyed too quickly. Hair is dependant on an adequate supply of oxygen, the premature destruction of red blood cells can affect hair follicle cycling.
Normal range: 1.7 – 20.5 umol/L Optimal range: 1.7 – 20.5 umol/L

5 SIGNS YOUR LIVER IS BEING OVERWORKED
(and what to do about it)

  1. You find it difficult to lose weight; the liver is the primary metaboliser of fat in the body. When liver function is below normal, it eventually impacts on your ability to burn fat. In addition to weight gain, it makes losing any extra pounds nearly impossible.
  2. You have trouble digesting fatty foods; If you find you have a fatty or distended stomach after eating fatty foods, you may have a poorly functioning liver. Bile is required to digest and absorb fat, if you are not digesting fats efficiently you are not absorbing adequate amounts of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K- vital for healthy hair, immunity, bones and much more.
  3. You have dry, slow growing hair; the liver is the main metabolic site of the body. It produces enough energy to sustain thousands of necessary functions performed every second by the body’s cells. Your hair follicles are dependant on a constant supply of energy to grow and regenerate.
  4. You get ill often; the liver is responsible for fighting off infections and when the liver is overworked the immune system cannot hands the extra load leaving you more prone to picking up bugs and infections.
  5. You suffer bad PMS; the liver regulates our hormone levels, an overworked liver results in elevated levels of estrogen which can lead to mood swings and irritability. Elevated levels of estrogen leads to estrogen dominance which can lead to high amounts of thyroid binding globulin. Thyroid binding globulin binds thyroid hormones so that they can not be utilised by cells of the body. The hair follicle is dependant on adequate amounts of thyroid hormone to maintain normal growth.
    WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
    The liver has an amazing capacity to regenerate itself. Through diet, nutritional supplementation and exercise most types of liver disfunction can be resolved.
  6. Ditch the caffeine; Caffeine speeds up Phase I detoxification and can increase the burden on an already sluggish liver. Try a Tumeric latte with almond milk instead. Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin that prevents the liver from damage and can help to regenerate new liver cells. Turmeric also helps to stimulate the production of bile, necessary for the breakdown of fats from your food.
  7. Cut back on alcohol; Alcohol increase Phase I detoxification and a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 g /dL will affect the livers capacity to regulate blood sugar and metabolise fats. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 g/dL will typically occur after 4 alcoholic drinks. Heavy alcohol use is defined by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as drinking more than 4 alcholic drinks on 5 or more days in the previous month.
  8. Supplement to support the liver; the liver requires an adequate supply of iron to fully support its detoxification and metabolic processes. Adequate iron storage is essential for intracellular energy output, from which adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) is produced. ATP administration reduces fat in liver cells. To generate sufficient ATP; a ferritin level over 100 ug/L is essential. Evaluating ferritin can be difficult as it is also an acute phase reactant and can be elevated in chronic and acute inflammatory conditions. Ferritin levels must be assessed in a within a broader blood panel. The phase II liver detoxification pathways is dependant on ATP. Supplementation with vitamins A, D, E and K as well as selenium will support and enhance the liver detoxification pathway.
  9. Pump it up; Regular exercise is key to a healthy liver. Exercise decreases stress on the liver and increases energy levels. Aim for at least 4 hours of exercise, such as brisk walking, weight lifting or swimming per week.
  10. Get tested; Even moderately raised amounts of liver enzymes can indicate fatty liver and liver disease. Fatty liver is linked to insulin resistance; insulin resistance is linked to hair loss. Be warned, even fatty livers can result in normal amounts of liver enzymes in the blood

TYPES OF LIVER DISEASE THAT CAN IMPACT HAIR GROWTH:

A WELL BALANCED DETOXIFICATION CAN SUPPORT HAIR REGROWTH
Because the liver is the primary organ that controls detoxification within the body. It plays a vital role in helping achieve optimal health due to its ability to remove toxins from the blood and converting it to non toxic substances that can be eliminated in urine and faeces.

The liver also processes food and is responsible for the uptake of fat soluble vitamins for use within the hair follicle and throughout the body.
When in good health, phase I and phase II of the liver detoxification pathway are well balanced and the process works to protect against harmful toxins generated from the body’s own biological activity or from the environment. Liver function is almost always compromised, when the amount of toxins within the liver itself is greater than it can process. This toxic overload can be caused by poor nutrition and by the absence of nutrients needed for the two separate phases of detoxification or as a consequence of illness or disease.

REFERENCES

  1. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9(1):51–70. doi:10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6
  2. Eshraghian A, Hamidian Jahromi A. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and thyroid dysfunction: a systematic review. World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(25):8102–8109. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i25.8102
  3. Hodges RE, Minich DM. Modulation of Metabolic Detoxification Pathways Using Foods and Food-Derived Components: A Scientific Review with Clinical Application. J Nutr Metab. 2015;2015:760689. doi:10.1155/2015/760689
  4. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2015 Dec;28(6):675-86. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12286. Epub 2014 Dec 18.