What is Cetyl Alcohol?

So I was in Boots the chemist today when I spotted some Ultra  Moisturising Conditioner, (Boots Botanics Brand) as it was reduced in price I thought I would try it. So I scanned the ingredients and came across an ingredient called Cetyl Alcohol! What! alcohol is bad for your hair right?

But the added rice bran protein and honey will soften my hair and cancel out the drying affects of alcohol?

I was not a happy bunny, so I googled Cetyl Alcohol and this is what I found;

Cetyl alcohol is a lubricant and thickening agent used in a variety of products. Also referred to as palmityl alcohol, it is a synthetic fatty substance made from oils that reduces the surface tension of a liquid. It is most commonly found in shampoos and conditioners, since it can make hair feel smooth and soft. It's also used to thicken lotions and other cosmetics, as well as for lubricating industrial machine parts, like bolts and fasteners. (1)

So its a lubricating agent for machine parts! Right glad I cleared that one up!

 It is made out of coconut and palm oils and has nothing to do with Alcohol in the conventional sense. I will also make your hair soft and not dry, so Cetyl Alcohol is ok to use in hair products.

Alcohol In Hair Products

A lot of your favourite hair products will have Alcohol in them to act as a preservative this will protect them from microbes, act as thickening agent ( hair gels) and keep your products fresh for a year or two.

Using a product containing alcohol will evaporate instantly when applying to your hair taking your hairs natural moisture levels with it,  continued use will lead to dry 'crunchy' hair.

 Each strand of your hair is protected by a cuticle, (this is the outside layer which protects the inner layers). When your cuticle becomes dry it causes the inner hair fibres to dry out making your hair dull and frizzy.

This is not good for your long hair goals so it is best to avoid using hairspray's and gels. if you must use them use sparingly and always give your hair a rest and a deep condition your hair . Using Aloe vera gel as an alternative will tame down any frizzy hairs and add moisture to your locks.

When choosing a product look at the label for these words, then you know that the product contains alcohol (then avoid your hair will thank you); 

1. Alcohol denat 

 2. Alcohol denatured

3. Menthanol

4. Isopropyl

Split Ends

So how many of you have split ends? lots of them? a few? Well here is how to minimize the causes of split hair. Split hair or ends is called Trichoptilosis, this is when the protective cuticle is destroyed at the end of the hair. One of the main causes of this is excessive use of heat tools, other factors include;

1. over use of styling products that contain alcohol, (alcohol denat), this dehydrates your hair
2. Too many chemical treatments (bleaching or perming)
3. Environmental damage, from hot or cold climate issues
4. Not getting regular trims.
5. Using cheap hair styling tools ,cheap combs and brushes that snag your hair
6. Sea water and chlorine and UV rays
7. Over washing your hair this will strip out the natural oils.
8. Back-combing hair

 Once the hair follicle splits the only way to remove it is to cut it. Cut your hair with proper hairdressing scissors a 1/4 of an inch above the split end. You can do a search and destroy mission on your hair . This is where you take a section of hair and look for any splits then destroy! (trim). This is a good method if you are growing out long hair. Do a deep conditioning treatment once a week and use coconut oil to keep the hair hydrated preventing dry split ends.

coconut oil

 If used correctly this amazing oil will have a significant impact on achieving your long hair goals. It will also make your nails stronger and keep your skin hydrated.

The best coconut oil is extra virgin coconut oil , this contains the essential fatty acids which maintain the moisture levels in your hair and scalp. Hair that is properly moisturised will be less prone to split ends and breakage. Regular use of coconut oil will make your hair become strong as the oil has the ability to penetrate deep into the cortex of your hair shaft maintaining softness and strength .

Packed with vitamin E Coconut oil also promotes a healthy scalp keeping it hydrated as it contains natural antibacterial, anti- fungal properties and anti- parasitic properties. This will promote a healthy scalp and faster hair growth.

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, to use coconut oil take a small amount and rub into the palm of your hands till its melted. Stroke into the mid lengths and ends and then massage into the scalp, use sparingly to avoid the greasy hair look! Use as a pre-wash conditioning treatment to maintain the protein levels in your hair, this can happen due to styling and hair products stripping natural oils

A link is posted below on where to buy extra virgin coconut oil

http://www.coconoil.co.uk/?gclid=CNqp5tTd0LICFcfKtAodgTQATQ

Welcome

So where do you start? Where do I start!!

Well a good place to start is to say hello. I am currently growing out my hair to well as long as it wants to get. As I was researching I began to become obsessed with facts and tips to make your hair grow.

Some ideas were well, lets just say strange, (for example I won't be putting anti fungal cream on my scalp to promote hair growth? ) to experimental.

Anyway there will be photos of my hair progressing over the months (watch out Rapunzel) and lots of tips and advice so keep watching and keep growing your hair.

See you soon
Amber