Balayage is a French word that means “to sweep.” In hair styling, it refers to a freehand highlighting technique that creates a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect.
Balayage is applied by hand, with the colorist using a brush to paint the lightener onto the hair in a sweeping motion. This creates a more gradual and blended look than traditional foil highlights, which can sometimes look too harsh or artificial.
Balayage is a great option for those who want to add dimension and depth to their hair without making a drastic change. It’s also a low-maintenance look that can grow out gracefully. If you’re thinking about getting balayage, be sure to consult with a qualified hair stylist to find the right technique for your hair type and desired look.
Here are some of the benefits of balayage:
• It creates a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect.
• It’s a low-maintenance look that can grow out gracefully.
• It’s a great option for those who want to add dimension and depth to their hair.
• It can be customised to suit any hair type and color.
If you’re looking for a new hair color trend that is both stylish and low-maintenance, balayage is a great option.
Congratulations to Diane Shawe for becoming one of the 2023 Start Up Awards Finalists for her Shoppers Discount Club Business.
Dudley based startup Shoppers Discount Club has been named a finalist ahead of the Midland Final of the StartUp Awards.
The StartUp Awards has been launched to recognise the booming startup scene across the UK which has accelerated since the 2019 pandemic. Over 800,000 new businesses were founded in the UK since 2021, a 4.3% increase from the year before.
A record number of businesses applied to this year’s StartUp Awards, with 1,100 firms shortlisted across ten UK nations and regions. The contribution of these firms – all of which were started in the last three years – is significant, having created over 5,000 new jobs since they were established and generating annual sales of £584 million.
The Shoppers Discount Club is a using AI Conversational Chatbots and QR codes to help bricks and mortar retailers offer live discounts to shopper via their mobile phones in real time, helping retailers attract more footfall into their businesses founded by Diane Shawe in 2022. The business has been nominated for the Mobile and Emerging Technology StartUp of the Year.
Diane Shawe, founder of Shoppers Discount Club, said: “This is amazing. I have a business on the High Street and the idea came to me when I was trying to think of a way that us the retailers could compete with online discounts and offers in real time to attract more footfall. I focused on a solution using Artificial Intelligence Technology Chatbots and QR codes that could instantly engage passer-by in real time and entice them to claim their instant discount via their mobile phone and would not cost a fortune for retailers to use. Its been working for my business as customers are surprised that they can claim an instant discount on certain treatments. ”
Supported nationally by Starling Bank, British Business Bank, BT, Creative Ideaz, GS1 UK, Jeeves, Join Talent, ScoreApp and The Purposeful Project, the programme will celebrate the achievements of the amazing individuals who have turned an idea into an opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.
The cohort of finalists will be considered for the regional prizes by a panel of seasoned judges with experience founding or supporting entrepreneurial ventures.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the StartUp Awards, said:
“ Start-up businesses are the lifeblood of any economy, being responsible for new jobs, innovation and in supporting communities in every nation and region across the UK.
All of the finalists this year represent the best of those entrepreneurs who have spotted an opportunity and through their sheer hard work, talent and perseverance, have created an amazing new business that is creating real impact in its sector.”
The StartUp Awards was created in collaboration with the team behind the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, one of the most successful awards programmes in the UK. The StartUp Awards are running for the second year after launching in 2022.
This year’s StartUp Awards finalists can be found online at
The StartUp Awards is a collaboration between the founders of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards – an established programme nationally receiving thousands applications annually – and the Wales Start-Up Awards, the only regional awards currently celebrating new businesses in the UK.
The StartUp Awards will recognise the achievements of those amazing individuals who have had a great idea, spotted the opportunity and taken the risks to launch a new product or service.
Already established and thriving in Wales, the StartUp Awards is now taking the passion and drive to celebrate new business and extending across the whole of the United Kingdom.
As the word recession is on the lips of so many economists and financial institutions, businesses are beginning to explore new and innovative ways to stay afloat. One of the most trending methods used in recent years is artificial intelligence chatbots. These chatbots allow customers to interact with a computer system that can mimic human conversation, providing them with real-time discounts on products and services.
There are many benefits of using AI chatbots for business owners. Some of these include:
1) Increased Sales: Chatbots can help businesses increase their sales and footfall by up to 30%. This is because they provide customers with instant access to discounts on products and services.
2) Greater Customer Engagement: Chatbots keep customers engaged by allowing them to actually talk to a computer system that mimics human conversation. This creates a more personal connection between customer and business owner, which can result in increased loyalty and repeat business.
3) Reduced Costs: The use of chatbots helps reduce costs for businesses by automating routine tasks such as customer service inquiries or sales enquiries. This allows business owners to focus on more important tasks while still providing great customer service.
4) Update offers, run promotions in real time without spending huge sums of investment in paper and ppc adverts
The Launch of the Shoppers Discount Club 
After a significant period of closures during lockdown with many customers opting for online retailers to meet their needs, retailers have struggled to incentivise those shoppers back in-store.
Diane Shawe founder of the Shoppers Discount club App was inspired by the use of QR code technology in the hospitality sector, so the company set out to deliver a benefit to retailers using the same technology people had become so accustomed to. Diane was delighted to bring her background in technology and retail together to be able to offer retailers something which will truly make a difference and provide the much needed solution stores need to increase footfall again.”
The app provides bespoke, QR codes and POS material for shoppers to display intheir store fronts. These QR codes host live discounts which shoppers can redeem in-store and are fully-customisable to retailers, allowing them to discount certain products to yield increased profits.
“With the rising cost of living, everyone is looking for a deal” states Diane.
Additional benefits for retailers include the ability to personalise discounts to different target audiences, including pensioners, students, traders, local residents, or government workers, making offers as targeted and relevant as possible. Retailers also keep 100% of their profits compared to other online discount offerings.

Overall, conversational chatbots offer many benefits for businesses looking to survive the recession and thrive in today’s economy. They allow businesses to offer greater value to their customers while reducing costs, making them an essential tool for any company looking to stay competitive in today’s market .
Recent survey showed that 90% of ecommerce websites generally looked the same. And played little to no role in a customer’s decision to chose who they will purchase from. This means that thousands of pounds spent per month on traditional advertising has little to no contribution on over all profits.
But despite these setbacks, some businesses are earning more profits than ever while spending less time and resources then their competitors. No matter where your business is located, and no matter what condition its in, you can attract high paying customers in droves using little to known but effective techniques I’ll introduce just a couple of them to you now.
Did you know that many of your customers are willing to pay you more and buy more of your products if you simply presented it in the right way to them. You can also acquire more customers by simply marketing smarter and more efficiently as well.
One way to immediately increase your front end sales is to improve your sales letter offering.
Take control of your headline
You donʼt need to test and tweak a million different things until you start to doubt your own offerings, in order to bump up your conversions the first thing you want to do is just test and tweak the headline. Leave everything the same …just start changing the headline and see what happens.
You test your headline first or in some cases your email subject heading and you do that simply by just making a more powerful, more compelling headline that in my opinion should solve a problem for the reader. Once you have control over your headline then you can start testing the body of your content.
Use A.I technology by introducing conversational marketing
Start engaging with your social media followers especially if you have thousand of followers across your social media platforms?
Did you you can have a conversation, pass on details, resolve problems, show videos, get visitors to schedule appointment themselves, buy from your store, register on your courses, competition or events and much much more without you lifting a finger. A.I online virtual assistant can help you to:-
➢ Qualify your website visitors and direct them to what they want
➢ Increase your website or social media conversions
➢ Build a bigger email subscriber list
➢ Collect valuable feedback data to improve visitor experience
➢ Give them quick answer to questions
➢ Present a more streamlined buying experience
➢ Resolve complaint or problem in real time
➢ To get a more detailed answer to a query
➢ Link to calenders, videos, courses seamlessley
➢ Reduce your online admin time by 50%
Test your offering
The Key To It All. By testing your offer I mean you might want to, say, instead of selling an eBook for £12.99 – you might want to offer a physical version of your package for £27.00 + shipping and handling. You could offer three easy payments of £9.00 by a paypal subscription to a persons credit card. See?
Thatʼs actually £14.00 in total …over double the price …using a risk reversal offer that seems cheaper at first glance.
In fact, that offer would probably convert better. So it’s important to tweak your offer a lot. In the words of Dan Kennedy, “ITʼS THE OFFER, STUPID.” Iʼll give you another one.
Trial offers are another fantastic way to persuade potential customers to register, use your services and you can then up sell them afterwards (no spamming)
Testing your offer structure.
Instead of offering a trial, you could ask for a fair sum upfront £99.99 …and then gave them the big box of stuff as a bonus. They get the same thing but you simply structured the offer differently. Just imagine if you got 100 people to take your service there and then online, fees right up front. No trial, no launch, no affiliates you could see just how profitable and structured your offering truly is.
The number 1 complaint about launching and running a online #business or posting links is generating enough enquiries to make a #sale! and capturing contact details to respond
There are many different statistics that suggest why franchises are such a popular option in the UK for aspiring entrepreneurs and have higher success rates than running your own independent business. In fact, according to What-Franchise 80% of new franchise businesses are still running after their first five years. However, with so many to choose from, how do you know which one will be right for you? You can learn more about why franchises have much higher success rates below and also where you can find the best franchises for sale in the UK.
Why are franchises more successful than other business opportunities?
Buying a franchise is one of the safest ways to run a business. There are many reasons why franchises are more successful than other business opportunities, such as buying a company for sale or starting up your own business from scratch, but today in this article, we will list the five main reasons franchises tend to have such high success rates in the UK.
Franchises are supported by a proven system.
When you buy a franchise, you’re buying into someone else’s proven system. Franchises are tried and true, which means they already know what works and what doesn’t—so that can save you a lot of time and money. For example, when buying a franchise, don’t try to reinvent any wheels; accept what is working for them and change only things that won’t disrupt their growth. It might seem obvious, but many entrepreneurs try to do things their own way—which means it can take twice as long to get going, or the chance of failure can dramatically increase when you buy a franchise. You don’t have to worry about this since all you need to do is successfully replicate the proven system to get customers through your door as early as possible.
Some franchises offer pre-built marketing tools.
Franchises give you access to brand-name products that may already be market-tested. In some cases, like Subway or McDonald’s, these brands are easy to recognize and well known by consumers. You’ll also have access to a company-branded marketing kit that can get you started with your advertising efforts immediately. To help ensure franchise success, many franchisors take a hands-on approach with new owners and offer lots of training and support during the first year of business. This is in addition to any experience you may gain while working at a franchise location part-time before purchasing it full-time.
Franchises are usually cheaper to start than independent businesses.
Starting a new business costs a lot of money, and most small businesses operate on thin margins. Franchises can offer their start-up packages at relatively low prices because they already have equipment and employees. This doesn’t mean that franchising is cheap; however, it can help you save money when compared to starting your own operation from scratch. The average franchise for sale in the UK usually costs around £10,000 to £55,000. However, every franchise is different, and you need to remember not all franchises are created equal each one is different. For example, some franchises might be very expensive depending on their brand recognition and location, but there are some low-cost franchise investment opportunities that usually cost £1,000 to £10,000. The bottom line is every franchise is different. This is why it’s crucial to do research before investing.
Franchises save time and money upfront.
You’re not on your own when you buy a franchise. The company that owns it will help you get started, offering training, business planning, and marketing support. All of those things cost money—and require time—but when you buy a franchise, you don’t need to worry about spending either. That gives you more time and money to focus on building your business into something profitable. In many cases, a franchise can also help new owners land their first customers since they already have brand recognition in their community or market segment.
It’s easier to get access to funding with a franchise.
You’ll be able to get access to funding easier with a franchise, mainly because there are support networks behind your franchisor. Also, banks are more likely to provide loans to someone who has invested in a proven system rather than starting their own business from scratch. Many franchises will provide you with advice on applying for financing and give you tips on what types of businesses work best with their brands. And if things don’t go as planned, many will offer help in finding investors or other capital sources should you need it down the road. In short, franchise owners are somewhat protected from market fluctuations and competition—and can focus more on doing what they do best: making money for themselves and their franchise brand.
Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions & Hairloss Specialist Salons celebrates winning the coveted prize at the annual Salon Awards for Best hair Extensions Salon West Midlands 2022
Winners Best Hair Extensions Salon West Midlands
After being announced as finalist in six categories for the Salon Awards 2021
Best Salon Best Customer Experience Best Salon for Hair Extensions Best Refurbished Salon Best creative Image Best Colourist
The awards ceremony took place in November 2021 in London.
Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions and Hairloss Specialist Salon impressed the judge’s thanks to its commitment to meeting customer needs, making their mark as an established business locally, providing an exceptional range of hair extensions and disguising hairloss techniques to clients and for their exception salon design and interiors.
Commenting on the result, Diane, the owner said; “To be named as a winner and nominated in not just one but six categories for the third year highlights how hardworking and commitment can pay off. With hundreds of entries for each category and a panel of judges that excel at looking for 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.”
Award Winning Salon
The Salon Awards celebrate and acknowledge the success of the most creative, dynamic and innovative hair salons, hairdressers, and barbers across the country through county awards events. http://www.needahairmakeoverfranchise.co.uk-
I think you will be interested in this business for sale. Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions and Hairloss Franchise is looking for entrepreneurs who want to start a profitable business in the Hair & beauty sector. We will train you, Establish your Outlet, Help you raise finance, Help with Business Planning and Cashflow Projections, Promote you and Support your Business Enterprise under our Brand with a variety of packages to choose from.
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
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.
What I did not know about Jamaican Bammy for instance it can help with weightloss and Migraines!
What is Jamaican Bammy?
I have found myself looking back at some of the specially prepared dishes my granma and mum use to prepare to find out if there was any nutritional benefits to them or just trandition.
One of the dishes I remember was fried fish served with Bammy, I found it hard to chew but my grandad and dad seemed to enjoy it immencely.
So what is Bammy?
I found out that it is made from Cassava flour which is made from a root vegitable.
Cassava also call Manihot esculenta
Cassava or scientifically called Manihot esculenta is a type of vegetable root or tubers. Cassava is a food source that is rich in nutrients. Although there are not many devotees.
The carbohydrate content in the tuber is so high that it is third, after rice and corn. Because it has health benefits, cassava is a staple food in various developing countries.
A warning about the process
However, the wrong processing of cassava can reduce its nutritional value because vitamins, minerals, fiber, and starch tend to disappear when cooking.
Cassava in it’s raw state must be cooked properly before consumption, otherwise cassava can cause acute poisoning because of the naturally occurring cyanide content in the raw state.
If not prepared properly, tubers that are rich in carbohydrates can even cause paralysis or death.
With that said, I recommend it is better to buy the flour or flat bread instead of trying to make your own!
Nutrient content in cassava
The most effective way to maintain the health benefits of cassava and the nutritional value of cassava is to boil it.
The nutritional value of cassava for a dose of 100 grams of tuber contains 160 calories of energy, 0.3 g of fat, thiamine 0.087 mg, riboflavin 0.048 ml, niacin 0.854 mg, vitamin B6 0.088 mg, iron 0.27 mg, and zinc 0 , 34 mg
Other nutrients in cassava are as follows: 38.1g carbohydrates, 1.7g sugar, 1.8g food fiber, 1.4g protein, 60g water 27mcg folate 20.6mg vitamin C 16mg calcium 21mg magnesium 27mg phosphorus 271 potassium 14mg sodium.
10 Health Benefits Obtained
The health benefits of cassava are rich in calories, carbohydrates and iron as a good source of energy.
Incorporating cassava into a controlled healthy diet menu has turned out to have many positive effects on health.
1. Cassava loses Your weight
Cassava which is rich in dietary fiber is the right choice if you can’t wait to lose weight.
Cassava can make you feel full for a longer period of time. Thus reducing the need to constantly snack on food so as to suppress weight gain.
2. Cassava cures migraines
The presence of vitamin B2 and riboflavin in tubers is useful for curing headaches and migraines. Eating cassava can help reduce constant migraine attacks.
The trick is to take 60 grams of roots or cassava leaves and soak them in water for 2 hours then make the juice. This will reduce the severity of your migraine.
3. Cassava improves digestive health
As mentioned above, cassava is rich in dietary fiber which is very beneficial for the body and its function.
Insoluble fiber helps in improving your digestive system by absorbing all the poisons stored in your intestine, and also by reducing inflammation in your digestive tract.
4. Cassava treats diarrhea
The antioxidant properties of the roots can help overcome flaccid stools.
If you suffer from diarrhea, boil the roots in water for one hour and consume them.
This will help to get rid of bacteria that cause stomach problems and reduce the symptoms of diarrhea as well.
5. Cassava improves vision
One of the other main benefits of cassava is that it is beneficial to your eye health.
Consumption of controlled cassava can help your body with the vitamins and minerals needed.
Filled with vitamin A content, cassava can help improve your vision, it can also prevent blindness or poor vision.
6. Cassava heals wounds
The whole cassava plant, namely the stems, leaves and roots are all useful in treating wounds.
Roots can help prevent wounds from becoming infected and speed healing.
7. Cassava cures fever
Cassava can be used to treat mild fever.
When boiled together with cassava leaves, it increases the ability to relieve fever. You can make potions from both of them and drink them to reduce your body temperature.
8. Cassava cleanses worms
Eating cassava can help relieve nematode lice in your stomach and intestines. Cassava roots help remove worms in your intestines and provide assistance.
9. Cassava increases appetite
Carbohydrates and fiber in cassava play an important role in regaining your appetite.
If you feel weak and have no appetite, maybe for emotional or physical reasons, try putting a few pieces of cassava into your menu.
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10. Cassava increases energy
Because cassava is rich in carbohydrates, edible tubers are very useful in instantly increasing your energy.
This helps improve the functioning of your brain and supplies energy.
How to cook Jamaican Bammy
Visit cooklikeajamican.com for more info
Preparation time 15m
Cooking time 15m
1 or 2 Packs of Jamaican Bammy
Jamaican Bammy is best described as a flat bread. It is traditionally eaten with Ackee and Saltfish, Calaloo, steamed or fried fish.
There are two quick and easy ways to prepare bammy: Toasted in an oven or fried in hot oil. It’s a delicious gluten-free substitute for bread with your meal.
Instructions
1. Soaking: In a shallow dish soak 2 bammy in 1/2 cup of coconut milk or salted water. Pour half the liquid over bammy; flip bammy and pour the rest of the liquid; let stand for about 5 minutes. Note if you are using canned coconut milk dilute milk 50:50 with water
2. Toasting: Broil both sides of bammy until toasted. Cut open and spread inside with butter while still hot
3. Frying: Fry both sides of bammy in hot oil until golden brown. Cut in quarters
Great for Vegitarians
Vegetarian Recipe
• 1 packet(s) Grace Coconut Milk Powder
• 2 1/2 cup(s) water
• 2 stalk(s) escallion
• 3 clove(s) garlic
• 2 medium carrots
• 3 whole bammies
• 6 large okras
• 2 sprig(s) thyme
• 6 whole pimento berries
• 1 small green scotch bonnet pepper
• 1 packet(s) Grace Cock Soup Mix
Vegetarian Steamed Bammy Directions
• Rehydrate Grace Coconut Milk Powder with water and bring to a boil.
• Beat escallion, chop garlic, dice carrot, cut each bammy into 4 pieces and okras in halves.
• Add seasoning and carrots and steam for about 5 minutes then add bammies and okra.
• Sift in seasoning from the Grace Cock Soup Mix.
• Stir well, cover and steam for a further 10 minutes.
Where to buy online
This is what the pack looks like. There are 2 flatbreaded in each pack
Throughout this Lock-down it could be said that some people have made the most out of the lock-down by resting and doing things around the home, whilst others have found it really stressful, distressing and mentally painful.
Throughout this Lock-down it could be said that some people have made the most out of the lock-down by resting and doing things around the home, whilst others have found it really stressful, distressing and mentally painful.
Now it is said that the state of your hair can give an overview of how your health is, you can even get an idea of someone’s health by their nails.
article by Diane Shawe Author of GettingStarted in the hair extensions business
But lets take a look at some of the reasons that could be causing your hair to look or become unhealthy, thin or start to fall out. There is no single explanation for hair loss butreasons can include:
Natural ageing process
Poor nutrition
Nervous disorders
Hormonal imbalances
Serious illness
Certain medications
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Hereditary/genetic factors
Damaging Hair by over-processing using chemicals
Hair loss can have a devastating effect. It’s important to know that the earlier a hair loss problem is diagnosed, the better the chances are of treating it. We always recommend seeing a qualified hair specialist to diagnose conditions.
Common hair loss conditions include:
Androgenic Alopecia (‘Pattern Baldness’)
This is one of the most common forms of hair loss. It affects both men and women and occurs in distinct patterns. In men, this form of hair loss is very obvious. At the end of the process – which can take from 15-25yrs – the only hair remaining is at the sides and the back of the head. Roughly one third of all women are affected by this type of hair loss normally on the vertex (top of the head) with the front hairline often intact. The process of shedding is on average 50-100 hairs a day.
Alopecia Areata
This condition manifests itself in patchy hair loss, usually starting with a small spot that can spread. It is an auto-immune disease where the body attacks itself, killing off the hair. In general, the onset of alopecia can be caused by illness and raised temperature, shock, viruses, inoculations, medication or a period of extreme stress 2-6 months before a bald patch appears. It’s important to remember that early diagnosis and treatment can minimise the effects of the condition. Following diagnosis, many patients are extremely anxious which can also exacerbate the problem. It is advisable to seek specialist advice on how relieve stress and help hair growth to resume.
Alopecia Totalis
Alopecia Totalis is condition in which total loss of scalp hair occurs and can follow on from unchecked alopecia areata.
Alopecia Universalis
The result is a loss of all body hair including eyebrows and eyelashes. This form of hair loss is very distressing.
Telogen Effluvium or ‘Diffuse Hair Loss’
This condition manifests itself in shedding from all parts of the scalp. A great deal of hair is shed before the effects become noticeable. Telogen Effluvium can be caused by high fever, thyroid, postnatal depression, anaemia, surgery, medication, emotional stress, shock, dental treatment, surgery or dieting. During pregnancy, high levels of female hormones generate healthy hair. Some women can experience diffuse hair loss after childbirth.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy hair loss
Chemotherapy or radiotherapy drugs work by attacking rapidly-growing cancer cells in the body. Because hair follicle cells also multiply very quickly – like cancer cells – chemotherapy drugs have difficulty in discerning the difference. This means that cancer treatment also destroys fast-growing hair cells and the hair falls out. Damage is not irreparable however and hair usually grows back 6-8 weeks after chemotherapy treatment has ended.
Trichotillomania
A rare form of Alopecia that is extremely stressful and caused by a patient self-harming i.e. pulling his or her own hair out. Given the psychology surrounding this condition, sufferers may not initially admit to pulling their hair out. Although young children can be particularly prone to Trichotillomania, it normally affects adolescent age groups.
Scarring Conditions
Several scarring conditions may includeLichen Planus, Lupus Erythematosus, Folliculitis Decalvans and Pseudo Pelade. These conditions can be slowly progressive and scarring of the scalp causes permanent hair loss.
Traction Alopecia
A condition often caused by hair extensions or hair styles that cause physical trauma to the scalp e.g. cornrows, tight braiding which causes patchy to total hair loss prodominately around the hairline becomes weak and stops growing.
In addition to hair loss problems, scalp disorders can include:
Dandruff (Pityriasis capitis) – This condition is all too familiar and about half of all Caucasians will have had dandruff to some degree before they are 20. In most people, it disappears after the age of 50 or so. Dandruff is associated with a tiny yeast called pityrosporum ovale, which is normally permanently present on the scalp. In dandruff, there is an increase in the regular loss of cells from the skin surface and they are lost more quickly. As more cells are lost, the yeast grows more rapidly. These cells may clump together to produce the all-too-familiar flakes of dandruff.
Eczema and Dermatitis
Psoriasis – Chronic skin condition affecting 3% of the population. It appears as raised, inflamed skin topped with silvery white scales. In severe cases the whole of the scalp may be covered by scales and there may well be some hair loss. Severe cases are extremely uncomfortable and distressing.
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis – Scaling condition characterised by yellow, branny scales on the scalp and red, irritated skin. It is sometimes associated by an unusually greasy scalp. In babies, the condition is known as ‘Cradle Cap’. It can also affect the nose, eyebrows and ears. In severe cases, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis may lead to hair loss.
Infections
Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis) – Infestation of parasites living off human hosts. The hosts are 6-legged creatures, 2 – 4 mm in size and grey in colour. They are found near the hairline, at the nape of the neck and around the ears. This condition is highly infectious (ova hatch within 5-8 days). Lice can live off the human scalp for up to 48 hours in scarves, hats, chair backs, combs, brushes etc.
Impetigo – Bacterial infection of the skin that results in weeping, crusted sores and produces itching. It is often seen in young children and is highly contagious.
Ringworm – Fungal infection which appears as pink, scaly patches on the skin. It is more likely to be caught from animals than from humans.
Chemical & Heat Damage
Throughout the Lock-down most people attempted to resolve their outgrown roots by purchasing do it yourself home kits for colouring or relaxing hair. Not using the right product or leaving it on to long can cause hair breaking, split ends and visibly unhealthy hair. The causes of chemically damaged hair can usually be attributed to hair colouring, perms and hair relaxants. … In order for this to happen the chemicals break down the disulphide bonds in your hair. The causes of heat damaged hair can usually be attributed to hair being daily subjected to very high temperatures using straighteners or hot combs with no hair protector. This burns the hair cuticles which can often leave the ends split or frayed looking.
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