Essential Oils for damaged hair

Oiliness is next to ugliness, a saying that applies to the face. But applying oily ingredients on the hair may not technically be considered unpretty, especially if your hair is thick, dull and damaged like mine.

I am guilty of using various chemicals on my hair. When I tried to color it ombre', I applied 3 coating of bleach instead of only one.  Also, I am a bummer when it comes to skipping shampoo. I shampoo my hair every waking day, because if I don't, my head will turn very itchy. Not only that I shampoo it everyday, I also comb and tie it on a knot even if it's still soaking wet. So imagine all the wrong things I do to my helpless hair, all the chemicals I put on it. Result is: a poofy and frizzy crown. Worst of it all, is that I am born with a natural wavy hair.

But not for long,  silver lining came shining by. Literally in oily entourage,  and rescued my already dying hair. Yes, oil was my saviour. Which oils? What can these oils do? and How to apply? Read more...

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Which oils?
The edible oils:

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil provides lots of natural energy. Being a natural antioxidant, it also contains folic acid, which helps the body manufacture new cells.  

Macadamia Oil

Among all the nuts, macadamia's fatty acid is unparalleled. This fact makes macadamia oil rich, cushiony, and skinfeel. 

Olive Oil

Since ancient times olive oil has been used as a way to moisturise and help rejuvenate damaged skin. Olive oil has a large proportion of vitamins A, D, and K, as well as vitamin E. 

What can these oils do? 

They help nourish the hair and prevent breakage. 

They absorb onto the hair easily and eliminate frizzy hair.  

They can help cure dandruff by infusing moisture 

onto the scalp giving the hair a healthy dose of shine. 

How to apply? 
Simple. After you drizzle it on your salad, put a couple of drops on your palm. 
Rub your hands together and scrunch the ends of your hair in your hands. 
The ends are usually the most damaged part and need the most care. 
Re-apply the oil to your hands, and gently run your hands down the length of your hair. 
Repeat this step as often as necessary. Leave it for 1 hour then shampoo as usual.

Choose the oils that you can also use on your food. It's important that they are organic and free of chemicals. Remember the purpose of applying oil on your hair is to calm down frizziness and moisturise damaged ends. 

You can buy these oils at most grocery stores, or look for them online. 

Winning against the Big "C"

This is a special Mother's day post and a story of resolve and faith by a strong woman who overcame the odds and survived cancer.

Allan's sickness and Luisa converting into a Christian

Maria Luisa Torres, 35 years old, is a working mother to Yna and a loving wife to Allan. Luisa grew up as a Catholic until her husband got sick. She found herself surrendering to God that night, "Pakayapan ye i Allan and akit yu kung agad keng bale yu" (Heal Allan, and you will see me serving in your house) were her exact prayers to God. She said that after her heartfelt prayer, she saw a big recovery in her husband's health. "Itang bengi megpray ku, kinabukasan talaga mesalese ya" (that night I prayed and the following day, Allan was well). From that time being, Luisa said "Bigla namu, bala mu itang "calling" amanwan da" ( It was just abrupt, like what they say "calling") that made her convert to Christian faith after Allan recovered. Luisa has been serving the Central Assembly of God for 10 years now. According to her, it was her own will to serve the Christian community and was never forced by her husband who was already a Christian even before they got married. 

Overcoming miscarriages and giving birth to Yna

Luisa came from 3 miscarriages. She had two miscarriages in 2001, and the third was in 2003. Going through one miscarriage is bad enough, but for it to happen repeatedly is really depressing. Luisa admitted she felt insecure and disheartened at one point. But because of her supportive husband, she was able to fight it through.  Then, two years after her last miscarriage,  she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.  She named her Marial Bettina; "Marial" is the combination of her name "Maria" and her husband "Allan", while "Bettina" is a name she got from the Bible which means "My God is my Vow". Being a mother to a sweet baby girl is probably the best gift for Luisa who had gone through three hurtful miscarriages. She couldn't explain her gratefulness and happiness to see her child, but in a short span of time, her smiles were washed away by the shocking news that broke her and her entire family in tears.

A heart-breaking mother's day gift

The day before Mother's day, May 12th of 2006, was the day when Luisa found out that the lump in her breast was malignant. She and her husband waited together at the hospital to get the result of her breast biopsy. Allan got hold of the paper first, but Luisa grabbed and read "malignancy". She spiraled in horror and mouthed to Allan "Mate na ku" (i am going to die). Tears started falling down her eyes, and in a split second, Luisa's thoughts travelled in panic. She couldn't stop crying. The first person that broke her in so much tears was her baby girl, Yna. "Makananu ya i Yna?" ( What will happen to Yna")

My inspiration and strength

They went to their Pastor that day to seek some peace away from the whirling stress in the hospital. It was not easy to cure cancer. There has to be many people involved to help you financially, emotionally, and spiritually. At that time, the couple were the only ones who knew about it. Until they reached home and  told the news to their family. Luisa went straight to her room and let pass her parents' face who were waiting for them that day. Then, they followed her inside and saw her crying. Her dad hugged her tight and started crying. Her mother started crying too. There were no words left to say, only tears ebbing with tremor and despair. 

Keeping herself away from Yna

Luisa admitted that during the time she was fighting cancer, she developed an invisible wall between herself and her child. It was her way of coping. Her way to keep Yna from missing her mother. She said that, if ever she will not make it, it will not be too hard for both of them. This must be the hardest battle for any mother, to see her child in someone else's arms, while she stands from afar and waits for cancer to be gone. There was not a day that she doesn't miss her child. She admitted that she regretted those days of not being there "to be a mom" to Yna, especially when she needed her the most. It was like telling her child, "Wait for Mommy, while she fights cancer for you" 

With Yna after the 2nd chemo session

Yna wearing Mama's wig with dada (Allan)

Surviving life with a big smile

It must be God's hands moving in mysterious ways, when their relatives, friends and close family members started pouring their love and support for her. It was a joy in Luisa's eyes to see how supportive her family were to ease her sadness. "Blessed ku king family" (I am blessed with my family), Luisa said. "Ila talaga ing meging sandalan ku". (They were really the people who became my source of strength).  She added, "Kapag pin akakit dakung malungkut, lulungkut la din kanu" (Whenever they see me being sad, they also start to be sad).  Luisa being a jolly person at work and at home, admitted that she had to fake her smile sometimes to hide her sadness. She knew that she has to be strong and fight, just like how her family wants her to fight the Big "C".

Moving on with life. Luisa and her officemates

Friends in sickness and in health. Luisa after her first chemo session

I survived the Big "C"

After 6 sessions of chemotherapy, from June to September, and radiation from October to December,   the doctor officially declared Luisa as a cancer survivor. 

So blessed!

According to Luisa, her favorite inspirational quote in fighting cancer was from Marcia Smith, "Cancer is not a death sentence, but rather it is a life sentence; it pushes one to live"  Today, Luisa believes that her fight and victory over cancer had all been possible because of God. She said, never a day goes by that she doesn't thank God for giving her a second chance in life.