It’s not only trees and flowers budding this time of year. Spring means we finally get to toss those winter hats aside. Did your hair lose its luster over the chilly months? Here are natural ways to thicken hair and get tresses ready to shine.

While cold weather season may be the root of your problem right now, it’s not the only thing that causes hair to thin and lose its luster. Diet changes, stress, hormonal imbalance, and harsh hair care products can all bring on limp locks too.

7 Natural Ways to Thicken Hair

1. Let’s start on the inside. We already know what we eat shows up on our skin. Same goes for our hair. To keep hair thick and lush, be sure you are consuming adequate essential fatty acids. Studies show that women who eat enough omega 3-s and omega 6-s have greater hair density. Healthy EFAs, like those found in olive oil and avocados, also keep the scalp from becoming dried out, which helps to prevent hair loss. You can even use EFAs topically with Rahua Omega 9 Hair Mask.

2. Get your antioxidants. This means both inside and out. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants helps to fight free radical damage that can lead to hair loss. Another way to reap these benefits is to use hair care made with antioxidant-rich oils. Try Josh Rosebrook Enrich Mask.

3. Honey to the rescue (again!). We know that honey is a superhero ingredient for skin. Not that surprising that it helps with hair too. The sweet substance is softening, antibacterial, and ultra healing. If a healthy scalp means healthy hair, this stuff is the ticket. Add a tablespoon or two to your shampoo before applying to hair.

4. Scalp massage does more than feel good. Okay, it feels great. But a good massage with healthy oils can actually stimulate hair growth. Everyone loves coconut oil for skin, and it works great as a scalp oil too. The best bang for your buck? St. Tropica Organic Coconut Hot Oil Hair Mask. Another healthy oil to try – avocado oil moisturizes dry locks and adds instant body. Warm the oil in your palms and massage into scalp, working through to ends. Wrap in a warm towel and leave for 15 minutes. Wash and style as usual. This is one of my favorite hair therapy tricks.

5. Ditch the chemical hair care. Did you know the ingredients in conventional hair products that make your hair feel smooth are damaging in the long run? Plasticizers and petro-ingredients may make strands seem soft and silky, but they aren’t doing your hair, scalp or health any good. And synthetic surfactants in mainstream shampoos? Drying your hair and scalp out, not getting it squeaky clean. Use products crafted from natural ingredients and let the real you behind those dried out locks shine. Try Rahua Voluminous Shampoo and Conditioner.

6. Be kind to strands. Using a coarse brush or pulling hair back into tight elastics can cause breakage. Use a natural bristle Widu brush that is appropriate for your hair texture. And my favorite way to tie back my hair is with Twistband Hair Ties. So soft, they never break strands or cause the dreaded dent, and are so cute too. Another kind to hair tip…wash less often. Yep, give your hair a break on days it’s not actually dirty by shampooing every 2 or 3 days.

7. Manage stress for better-looking locks. Stress shows up on skin and hair, lowers productivity, and makes you feel crummy. You’ve heard it before but I’ll say it again: A daily meditation practice is so, so helpful in decluttering the mind and getting clear on your shiz. Not a lotus and om kinda person? There are other ways to meditate. Even a walk around the block counts if you are staying in the moment.

Here’s to happier locks and a bouncy spring!

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post 7 Natural Ways to Thicken Hair and De-Winterize Your Locks appeared first on EcoSalon.

Coconut oil is one of Mother Nature’s best inventions. It’s safe to say that from the kitchen to the bedroom–and every room in between–there’s about a million uses for coconut oil.

Whether your interest is culinary, personal care, or home cleaning related, the benefits and uses for coconut oil are many.

Don’t believe me? Read on for this impressive list. While this list isn’t exhaustive by any stretch of the imagination, it does detail some of the simplest and most common uses for coconut oil.

Everyday Uses for Coconut Oil

1. Makeup Remover – Use coconut oil as a makeup remover. I use it to remove even the most stubborn eye makeup. Just dip a cotton ball or wipe in the oil and use smooth sweeps to remove the makeup.
2. Frying and Roasting – Because of its high smoke point, coconut oil is perfect for frying and roasting. I use it to make just perfect tostones, which are twice fried plantains.
3. Smoothie Fat – Coconut oil can be added to protein smoothies to add some satisfying and heavy fat.
4. Hair Conditioner – A weekly conditioning with coconut oil will make your locks stronger, healthier, and softer.
5. Body Lotion – In the dead of winter, there’s nothing better for healing dry skin than a good slathering of coconut oil. Coconut oil is good for helping to heal chapped skin, eczema, hives, and other skin conditions. It is moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and very soothing.
6. Lube – While it’s not ideal for use with condoms (increases the risk of breakage), coconut oil makes a fine personal lubricant. It’s free from parabens, petroleum, glycerin, and other yucky stuff. Plus, it has the bonus of being a natural anti-fungal.
7. Shave Cream – I’m not ideal for face shaving, but coconut oil works great as an alternative for shaving cream on the legs.
8. Coconut Coffee – Some people are even adding coconut oil to their coffee.
9. Lip Balm – To soothe dry, chapped lips, use coconut oil to make your own natural lip balm.
10. Hair Defrizzer – After a blow-dry, I rub a small bit of coconut oil into my ends and to help smooth flyaways. It works like a charm and smells great too.
11. Leather Polish – While you may not need to polish your leather shoes or bag every day, coconut oil can be used to bring life back to dry leather in need of a shine.
12. Wood Polish – It also makes a great wood polish for adding moisture back into wood furniture. Try it first on a corner, though.
13. Swap it for Butter – Use coconut oil in place of butter for a healthier fat and to impart flavor. It’s equally great in brownies, on top of a baked sweet potato, or in place of butter on toast.
14. Fight Flub Rub – Coconut oil can be useful to prevent chafing–especially between thighs.
15. Diaper Cream – Equally it’s also a nice alternative to diaper creams to protect baby’s bottom from moisture.

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The post 15 Excellent Everyday Uses for Coconut Oil appeared first on EcoSalon.

As much as we love oils for winter skin, there are times when they are less than convenient. When traveling, or carrying in your bag or to the gym, a bottle of oil can get messy. That’s where solid oils come in.

The ideal winter skin hydration product should work well on face, hands, lips, and body. And the best way to fend off dryness and cracked skin is to apply such a product multiple times each day. Because if there is one product you absolutely must have for winter, it is a good moisturizer. Once you’ve gone to the dry zone, it is hard to recover.

While oils are amazing at adding extra moisture to skin and revving up glow, they are not exactly tote-able. No one wants to end up with a grease slick inside their purse in the name of supple skin.

The answer to this winter skin dilemma? Solid oils. Same great moisture and softness for skin, convenient take-anywhere formula. Thinner and less greasy than most balms, these combine healthy oils that spread easily and quickly evaporate into skin.

Some cosmetic use oils are solid at room temperature. These include coconut oil, shea butter, cupuacu, mango butter, and babassu oil. Rather than a super thick or waxy feel, a swipe of these oils melt into skin and leave behind no greasy feel.

Solid oils can be used just like regular oils, on their own or over moisturizer. But there are other uses as well. They work great as makeup remover, quickly dissolving foundation and eye makeup. Solid oils also make the perfect product for the oil cleansing step in Korean beauty ritual. A swipe on lips keeps dryness at bay and makes a softening base for lip color. And use to keep hands smooth and cuticles in shape too.

Solid Oils for Winter Skin

RMS Beauty Skin & Lip Balm

SKIN Healing Calendula Salve

Revolution Organics All-Over Balm

Badger Balm Damascus Rose Beauty Balm

Trilogy Everything Balm

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post Save Winter Skin (and Your Hand Bag) With Solid Oils appeared first on EcoSalon.

Step aside Latte and Americano. Bulletproof coffee is the hot new drink on the java block. Have you tried it yet?

The addition of butter to your cuppa joe? Yep, you read that right. Not only is this crazy seeming combo thought to enhance your caffeine experience but, possibly, your health and IQ too.

For those of us who are loyal to our daily grind, messing with our cuppa is not a welcome notion. We look forward to our daily brew and aren’t excited about switching it up. Most coffee drinkers have a signature drink, even if that is the standard black.

Coffee is big business in this country. While the US isn’t even in the top 10 for coffee consumed per capita, we are number one in the coffee retail market. We aren’t in this only for the jolt or because it tastes so darn good. Coffee is a daily ritual for many and also holds real health benefits. It’s a mood booster, memory enhancer, fat burner, and could possibly ward off dementia, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Still, too much of this good thing can lead to trouble. If you’ve ever overdone your caffeine buzz you are familiar with those jittery, scatter-brained, heart-thumping sensations. But what if you could add a more grounded feeling to your coffee drinking experience? What if you could lose weight and add to your healthfulness? What if you could even become smarter?

These are the claims of Dave Asprey, creator of Bulletproof Coffee. While on a mountain climbing expedition in Tibet, Asprey was offered a cup of yak butter tea. The frothy, creamy blend left him so rejuvenated that he set out on a new mission. This one at home to discover what butter could do for coffee.

The result is a blend of toxin-free coffee, unsalted grass-fed butter, and coconut oil extract. Asprey says the combo offers satisfying energy for up to 6 hours, replaces your regular breakfast, and helps your body to burn fat all day long. The current high protein/low carb eating craze backs this last notion. He also says that the drink caused him to lose 100 pounds without exercising, boosted his IQ by 20 points, and enables him to sleep fewer hours while feeling more rested.

All great things, to be sure. But still, butter in your coffee? Asprey claims that butter lends the “benefits of healthy milk fat with none of the damaging denatured casein proteins found in cream”. As for the toxin-free coffee? Obviously toxins are damaging to your health, but the Bulletproof Coffee founder says they also steal your energy and make you weak, where clean coffee contains healthy antioxidants. He recommends unsalted butter or ghee (clarified butter available at most health food stores), calling salted coffee a sin. I’d have to agree there.

Our Editor-in-Chief, Laura Klein, is a Bulletproof backer and drinks the blend every day. Here is what Laura had to say on her BPC practice:

How: “I’ve used both the Brain Octane and the coconut oil. And I add the grass fed butter which adds amazing flavor. I buzz it up in my Vitamix with a little honey and get an awesome frothy head (I love froth!).”

When: “I drink just one cup per day but it’s really a half cup of the coffee and half almond milk. Any more, and the caffeine makes me too jittery. I generally don’t skip breakfast, but maybe I might give it a try! I’m a breakfast eater and feel it’s necessary to keep my blood sugar stable (I stick to protein and stay away from a lot of carbs).”

Why: “I love the flavor and I love that it doesn’t give me a quick caffeine high and then a quick crash (which Is one of the reasons I stopped drinking coffee years ago and switched to tea). It gives me a caffeine buzz that is mellower and lasts longer, several hours (instead of several minutes).”

Note:  Laura has since tried skipping breakfast after drinking BPC and confirmed that it actually was enough to keep her energy up and hunger down until lunch.

An endorsement like Laura’s is hard to dismiss. So, I had to see what’s up with this drink for myself and fixed a cup. In my honest opinion, here are the pros and cons of going Bulletproof:

Pros: Tastes good. Very creamy and the coconut oil adds a slight touch of flavor without being like Whoa, coconut! It also makes each sip seem like you’ve applied a fresh coat of lipgloss. I used ghee and could not taste it at all. A good thing, in my book. And starting the day with a dose of healthy fats did seem to keep me running longer.

Cons: The effort. It takes more than a quick make ‘n pour, but is still fairly simple. Probably my least favorite part of the coffee was that the blending takes away, ever so slightly, the piping hotness that I love so much in my morning cup.

Overall, this coffee drink is palatable and offers a nice awake feel sans jitters. I certainly don’t advocate no exercise or running on 5 hours of sleep per night, as avoiding these two things won’t promote good health. But a tasty cup in the morning, complete with resilient energy…who doesn’t want that?

So what do you say? Are you going to give Bulletproof Coffee a try?

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If you are shunning butter and looking for an oil to use for a variety of different cooking purposes as well as to benefit from healthy fats, the following list will serve you well.

I list three main oils as well as a few others that are incredibly versatile, common and cover all your fatty needs. While I am a personal fan of butter, I find that its cooking temperature is quite low and I have trouble cooking certain dishes in the manner I desire. Oil generally has a higher cooking temperature and thus stretches further than butter in the kitchen. Below are great options that keep you satisfied in the kitchen and still fuel your body with healthy fats.

Oils are generally a better alternative to butter for those trying to avoid saturated fats. However, like anything in life: everything in moderation!

These delicious oils uses stretch far and complement just about any dish you have in mind. Keep your portion sizes reasonable and use just enough oil to get the job done without overdoing it. You’ll know the line when you cross it. With that said, enjoy!

Olive Oil 

Olive oil is one of the most versatile of oils. In its unrefined, raw form, olive oil is rich in mono-unsaturated fats and phytochemicals. When put up against other fats, extra-virgin olive oil also showed to give individuals a higher sense of fullness. Olive oil is best consumed cold-pressed. This process creates little heat and thus maintains the nutritional integrity of the oil. That means you should avoid “pure olive oil,” “light olive oil,” or simple “olive oil” labels for maximum flavor and nutrition, at least when eating it cold. If you are heating the oil, a pure variation is enough, as using a high-quality oil wouldn’t make much of a difference since the heat will biochemically compromise its nutritional composition anyway.

Best when: raw or lightly cooked.

Canola Oil

This oil is a great source of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which your body cannot make on its own. Canola oil is great for cooking and can resist heat very well. Omega-6 fatty acids are harder to come by, and striking a proper balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is a key to keeping health in check.

Best when: cooking with high heat, saving money

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been written about extensively these days, and for good reason. Coconut is high in saturated fat, but not that kind that will clog your arteries and negatively affect your health. In fact, coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides that are shorter than those found in animal fats. Because of this, your body can metabolize them efficiently and not store them in the body. Other benefits are on account of its lauric, caprylic and capric acid content. Lauric acid fights off bacteria and viruses. Caprylic acid contributes to healthy digestion and balances gut bacteria. Capric acid has anti-microbial and anti-viral properties.

Best when: replacing butter, cooking with high heat, raw, looking for a unique aftertaste

Other Oils

Take your cooking to the next level by using any of the following oils: safflower, avocado, sesame, sunflower, grape seed, and almond oil. These alternative vegetable oils are high in polyunsaturated fats, which can lower blood cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease. They may be more expensive, but they are always fun to work with now and then.

Best when: splurging money, looking for a fun alternative

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How many times has it been jammed down your throat that coconut oil is absolutely, positively the most amazing miracle oil to ingest and slather all over your body? More times than you’d care to count, I’m sure. But is it really true? Is coconut oil good for your skin or just a crock of coconut sh… You know where I’m going with this.

It works wonders, they told me. It’s great to use as a facial moisturizer, they said. So now here I am with a face I almost don’t recognize. Who does this skin belong to? Certainly not me. I did everything they said. I followed steps and regimens. But alas, this is my skin… My comedone sprinkled and inflamed skin. It’s pretty upsetting when you’ve gone most of your life having primarily flawless skin. Then it finally dawned on me one day. Nothing else in my beauty regimen had changed except… My moisturizer. I caught myself staring in the mirror, bewildered and perplexed, asking myself: “Is coconut oil good for your skin or have you just made a grave mistake?!”

Upon my frantic internet research, desperate for an answer, I came to terms with the unfortunate fact that not nearly enough websites or blogs acknowledge the negative characteristics or side effects of coconut oil. Instead, too many online sources dedicate their entire existences to worshipping and praising this oil. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m actually a huge fan of the stuff. I use it for cooking and baking, as a replacement for butter on my toast, and as a moisturizer for my hair. I’m not completely bashing it, but I felt largely disappointed that basically only two or three blogs were actively trying to bring to light that coconut oil ain’t all that and a bag o’chips (maybe I should’ve just wiped chips all over my face instead?).

After what I thought was turning out to be a fruitless attempt to find an explanation for my dilemma, I finally stumbled upon a blog for all things coco-related. A post I saw about coconut oil clogging pores sang to me like an angel from above. What I learned completely blew my mind. It turns out coconut oil is not as universal as it’s been made to seem.

After being fed so many pieces of general and misleading information, I read on to find out that using coconut oil on your face is actually person-specific. Meaning, not all of us will have the same reactions. Some of us will see positive results and others (myself included) will have a much less desirable experience to report. It apparently all comes down to what type of skin you have. So if you’re asking, “Is coconut oil good for your skin?,” I recommend thoroughly examining your skin and doing a little detective work online.

Image via Veganbaking.net

Coconut oil is considered a comedogenic. I KNOW. I was just as surprised as you to read something not so nice about this popular oil. A comedogenic substance is one that can possess the ability to clog pores. This is where it’s beneficial to know if you have larger or smaller pores. Larger pores are undeniably more susceptible to clogging. Wait a minute, smaller pores. You’re not in the clear yet, either. Small pores can still get clogged, and when they do, it can be much worse.

The rumors aren’t always true. Yes, coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. No, it is not always the perfect solution for acne prone skin. Coconut oil can actually have a negative tendency to be unconducive to acneic skin. If dirt and oil are getting all up in your pores’ business, coconut oil might decide to join the party and become trapped with everything else, further exacerbating the situation instead of fighting to clear it up. Now cue the painful breakouts and bumpy textured skin.

If your skin is naturally pretty oily or you aren’t a stranger to blackheads that generally means you have larger pores so it may be unwise to go slapping the CO on your face. It’s also been said that overuse of coconut oil on the face is not very successful due to its high fat content which can instead lead to the transpiration of future skin issues. If you’re going to use it, use it in moderation. I also read some suggestions stating that mixing a bit of coco oil in a cleanser is a much better idea than just using it solo. So if you’re hell-bent on continuing to use this stuff, you shouldn’t use it alone!

My final tips to you, fellow readers, coconut oil enthusiasts and critics alike, are to fully research the effects of coconut oil being used topically, study your own skin thoroughly, and don’t believe everything you read or hear. Don’t let the coco get you all cuckoo! Good luck!

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Top image: Just another wretch

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ColumnCraving better orgasms? Or just craving orgasms, period? You’re not alone.

Pleasure is a right, not a privilege, and Matthew Gerson, formerly of Sir Richard’s Condoms, created Foria, a cannabis-infused natural lubricant, on that premise. I chatted with him about the rollout of his breakthrough product, the epidemic of anorgasmic women, and how we can begin to shift the paradigm toward pleasure. (Full disclosure, Matthew is a friend of mine.)

Stefanie Weiss: What inspired the creation of FORIA?

Matthew Gerson:  Foria was inspired by a long walk on the beach. Seriously though, it was during my dawn dog walks that I began to think about the possibility of using cannabis in a way that might address the needs of 50 percent of the adult female population in the U.S.

I spent a few years running the Sir Richard’s Condom Co. and during that time had the opportunity to speak with thousands of people about their intimate lives. During that time it was brought to my attention how unbalanced the FDA has been with regards to putting out safe and effective medicines for female sexual challenges. My personal use of cannabis as a sensual enhancer led me to research its historical use as an aphrodisiac, which dates back thousands of years into Asia. This is a plant that has been identified by countless cultures for its benefits to human sexuality and our quest for heightened pleasure and wellness.

SW: Why do you think that Viagra/Cialis et al. have been approved and on the market for so many years, and nothing exists for women?

MG: One of the books I was reading when developing Foria was “What Women Really Want, The Science of Female Desire.” It takes a deep look at the sexual issues facing women in the U.S. and has a pretty critical assessment of the FDA’s handling of what appears to be a national crisis. There is a great organization that is bringing attention to the disparity and possible latent sexism at the FDA. This is a very charged and complex subject and I recommend checking them out and supporting their efforts. (Eventhescore.org)

I see sexual health and orgasm as a part of the arc of wellness that we are all seeking in our lives. This seems to be the emergent trend within modern medical circles. Historically sexuality was left out of the conversation on basic approaches to health and wellness and was something that had to be hidden from view. This compartmentalizing has created huge obstacles for us as a culture to overcome, ones that we are only now starting to recognize.

SW: Have most of your customers been women who have trouble achieving orgasm rather than people who want to use FORIA recreationally? Have women with sexual imbalances (I prefer this term to “dysfunction”actually) reported that FORIA has helped?

MG: Our test groups included women across the pleasure spectrum between ages 21 and 70. The results that these women were experiencing was the fuel that kept us going through all of the legal and economic challenges that one faces when working in the cannabis industry. As plant medicine seems to work “with” the body as opposed to “on” the body each users experience is quite unique and we have found that the best person to talk to about Foria is a current user! As you know Stefanie, there is so much shaming in the sex space and we strive to not create expectations for what the plant will or will not do for our patients. We strive instead to create an open and safe opportunity for women to try Foria and see how it works with them and their specific needs. So far, this approach really seems to be working as the majority of our patients are referrals from other users.

SW: Do you believe there is an epidemic of anorgasmic women? Can we find a way to have better orgasms? 

MG: Stress, pace of living in the digital era, environmental toxins with unknown effects on human sexual response, sex as a consumer activity, a cultural lack of body-based intelligence, horrendous sexual education standards, did I mention stress? Yes, living in the modern world we are dealing with some intense conditions that don’t make for easy access to orgasms for any of us, men or women.

SW: Do you think that FORIA and products like it will eventually have broader impact on the movement to develop research around women’s sexual imbalance?

MG: This is our desire. We would love to work with a university to get this type of research underway. There is so much we don’t know about cannabis and it’s relationship to female sexual function, there is so much possibility here and it is very exciting.

SW: Have menopausal women been using FORIA? Does it help with lubrication simply because of the coconut oil, or is there a property in the THC/cannabinoids that enhances lubrication?

MG: Yes, menopausal women have been some of our strongest advocates. They are reporting that for many it does help with dryness, loss of sensation as well as access to orgasm. The liquid coconut oil is certainly a great natural lubricant on it’s own. The “entourage effect” of the various cannabinoids might also be a primary factor in this response. Without further research all we have is the feedback from our users so it is not possible to say at this time.

SW: How often can one use FORIA without building up a tolerance?

MG: Foria use should be dictated by the specific needs of the individual. Tolerance would be a based on a multitude of factors such as, historical use of cannabis, strength of dosage for use, consistency of usage, body type, other health conditions, etc. As with other uses of marijuana both as medicine and for recreational purposes, the relationship with your unique body will vary quite dramatically from person to person.

SW: I haven’t smoked weed in a decade —am I likely to be more sensitive to FORIA?

MG: It is a good possibility and it really depends on how you use it. While taking Foria orally brings about a similar result to eating marijuana infused products, the interesting thing with using Foria as a topical application directly onto the vulva is that the overwhelming majority of our users and testers do not report any type of mental “high.” The primary effects are grounded in the body; heightened sensation leading up to and during orgasm as well as a body euphoria and feeling of deep relaxation.

SW: Medical marijuana was just approved in New York State (YAY) —do you have plans to make FORIA available here? Follow up —do you suspect more states will legalize and will you attempt to get it on the market shortly after?

MG: We are all standing on the shoulders of giants. Patient rights’ advocates, activists, historians, lawyers and conscientious law enforcement agents, countless people over the past five decades have committed so much of their lives so that the full potential of cannabis as medicine can be realized.

Personally, when I look at this movement and how rapidly public opinion is changing in favor of legalization, I see a movement that is powered by empathy. One that demands access to a plant that has real potential to mitigate the suffering of countless of Americans with various forms of challenges and serious ailments. A movement fueled by empathy crosses all party, philosophical and religious lines and is pretty much unstoppable. So yes, legalization on the national level will be a reality in our lifetime.

As for Foria, we are looking at other ways in which we might be able to make our medicinal available in as many states as possible. Colorado and Washington are the next two markets that we hope to be entering within the next few months.

SW: Thank you, Matthew!

MG: Thank you, Stefanie.

I’m so thrilled that there is a growing movement intent on providing shame-free pleasure to all. From Foria to orgasmic mediation to scholarship about women’s desire and libido, orgasm is becoming more accessible to those of us that haven’t been able to have it. Foria can be used with a partner or for solo sex — making it even more user-friendly. And that equals better orgasms for all of us — no one should be barred from this peak experience. If you’ve struggled with finding your orgasm, or you’d like to experience deeper, more profound orgasmic peaks, there’s something out there for you, and your biggest O yet.

Got a question for Stefanie? Email stefanie at ecosalon dot com, and she’ll answer it in the next Sexual Healing column.

Keep in touch with Stefanie on Twitter: @ecosexuality

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The post Can this Plant Give You Better Orgasms? Sexual Healing appeared first on EcoSalon.

The team at Ecosalon is excited to announce the following winners in each of the 14 categories in the first ever Ecosalon Beauty Awards.

Public voting was open last week (after our Judges’ panel had narrowed down the results) so these are your choices for best products in each of the below areas. You can check out all the nominees here, as well as which product was picked by which judge.

You’ll notice that raw local honey won in two categories: It was voted the best face mask and also the best “Judges’ Choice” beauty product (an open category in which each judge nominated their fave product that wasn’t covered by our other categories). So this beauty awards will be remembered as naturally sweet!

Congratulations to all the winners!

Best Acne Treatment: Tea Tree Oil 

Best Makeup for the Face: Dr. Hauschka Bronzer

Judges’ Choice: “Local raw honey-such a good multipurpose item for the beauty cabinet. Great face mask, heals wounds, good for immunity.”    —Judge Jessa Blades 

Best Face Mask: Raw honey. “There is nothing better for hydrating and clearing up blemishes.” —Judge Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff

Best Perfume: Pacifica Nerola Orange Blossom Solid Perfume

Best Shampoo:  Acure Organics Pure Mint + Echinacea Volumizing Shampoo

Best Conditioner: John Masters Organics Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner

Best Lip Product: Mineral Fusion Lip Gloss

Best Sun Protection: Organic Coconut Oil

Best Eye Makeup: Zuzu Luxe Mascara in Onyx

Best Eye Cream/Gel: Weleda Pomegranate Firming Eye Cream

Best Body Moisturizer: Acure Organics Lemongrass and Moroccan Argan Oil Moisturizing Lotion

Best Nailpolish: Zoya

Best Facial Cleanser: Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturizing Cleanser

Best Anti-Ager: RMS Raw Coconut Cream

Honey Photo Credit: Flооd; Coconut Oil Photo Credit: Phú Thịnh Co

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Vote Now in the Ecosalon Beauty Awards! 

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The post Announcing the Winners of the 2013 Ecosalon Beauty Awards! appeared first on EcoSalon.

A round-up of what we’re reading right now.

Really? Conspiracy theorists aren’t really skeptics…the fascinating psychology of people who know the real truth about JFK, UFOs, and 9/11. [Via Slate]

Modern farms are struggling to keep a secret. Most of the animals used for food in the United States are raised in giant, bizarre factories, hidden deep in remote areas of the countryside. Speciesism: The Movie director Mark Devries set out to investigate. [Via GirlieGirl Army]

Ikea stylists are at it again, showing us common folk how to style our homes in inspirational ways for the holidays. You don’t need to shop at the Swedish giant in order to have a festive and fun household this season. [Via Apartment Therapy]

Raw, cold-pressed coconut oil right out of the jar has become the most obsessed about natural beauty item. [Via Well + Good]

Why do feminine hygiene products that go you-know-where contain so many toxins? [ Via Naturally Savvy]

Image: ikea

The post Link Love: Conspiracy Theorists, Speciesism + Ikea Hacking for the Holidays appeared first on EcoSalon.

Don’t be swayed by commercials, the best rejuvenating hair treatments for shiny, healthy hair are those you can make at home from kitchen ingredients.  Here are 8 of our favorites that you can make at home!

Let’s be honest, your hair requires a little love from time to time to keep it shiny and healthy. But you don’t have to break the bank and buy a ton of salon-grade products to do so. The best hair treatments are those you can make at home in a few easy steps. Plus, by making your own, you know exactly what goes into the mix. Here are our favorite DIY hair treatments that will instantly rejuvenate your hair.

For each treatment, simply mix together and apply starting at the roots and working your way down. Be sure to cover all your hair. Comb through with wide tooth comb, and leave in for 15 – 20 minutes (the longer the better). Wrap hair in shower cap or warm towel to seal in heat. Then cleanse hair as normal.

Making your own hair treatments is better for the environment (and often your wallet). Enjoy and have fun!

1. Avocado and Coconut Milk

Open avocado and remove seed. Mash avocado with fork and slowly add in coconut milk while whisking, until the mixture reaches a conditioner consistency.

2. Eggs and Olive Oil

Crack open 2 – 3 eggs, and beat together. Add in 3 tablespoons of olive oil and mix together. (You might have to shampoo twice to get the egg out, but it’s incredibly moisturizing.)

3. Avocado, Argan Oil, Honey and Tea Tree Oil

Open one avocado, remove seed and mash together with fork.  Add in 2 – 3 tablespoons of argan oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 4 drops of tea tree essential oil. Mix together until all blended.

4. Potato, Aloe Vera and Honey

Cook one medium size to large potato (depending on the length of your hair) until potato is soft (usually about 45 minutes at 375 degrees). With a fork mash potato in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera (you can use aloe gel or snap some off from your house plants—the fresher the better). Add 1 tablespoon of honey and mix together until all blended.

5.  The Miranda Kerr Special

In an interview with Elle France, Miranda Kerr said she relies on this hair treatment for a healthy shine. “Minimum once a week, I mix both and I leave the mixture on as long as possible. This is a homemade recipe that my mum taught me and I still haven’t found a better one to repair my hair after the shows.” Mix together 1/2 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of lemon juice.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar, Olive Oil and Cool Water

In a sealable bottle, mix together 1/2 cup cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 1/2 cups cool water (the colder the better). Shake together and apply over hair. Don’t fear the smell of this one, the apple cider vinegar vaporizes quickly and doesn’t leave your hair smelling like feet.

7. Rosemary and Olive Oil

Pour 1/2 cup of olive oil and 1/2 cup of dried rosemary into a medium size saucepan and heat until warm. Strain ingredients through a cheesecloth and apply mixture throughout hair.

8. Simply Coconut Oil

This is my tried and true hair care treatment that I use at least once a week. Simply apply virgin coconut oil through hair and comb through. Works like a charm and it’s really simple!

Do you have a secret DIY hair treatment for your hair? Tell us in the comments below!

images: thenailbeautique, JIGGS, boughtbooks, Flооd, mateoruescas, hamad M, Jonathan Cohen, Myra Zafi, Phú Thịnh Co

Related on Ecosalon: 

7 Foods for Shiny, Strong, and Youthful Hair

A Guide to the Most Safe, Eco Friendly Shampoos for All Hair Types

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