Avoid Formaldehyde Exposure in Hair Care Products

Don’t Get Sucked in by ‘Glamorous Advertising’ –Avoid Formaldehyde Exposure

We’ve seen the ads. Women with seemingly unmanageable tangled, curly hair, appearing frustrated and ashamed…uh, that is…until they try the latest ‘flavor-of-the-month’ hair smoothing products that contain ‘all-natural’ and supposedly harmless ingredients that almost miraculously changes the composition of the model’s hair to a radiant, bone-straight mane that is now the envy all who look upon her.

Who wouldn’t want that kind of a miracle? Sadly, the truth is: many of these hair-smoothing, blowout products contain cancer-causing formaldehyde^1,2,3. Application releases this chemical into the air and affects -not only the customer and hair stylist -but everyone around them.

Recently, a national USA television program featuring a famous doctor⁴, warned women about the dangers of hair care products containing formaldehyde and other hazardous chemicals proven to cause cancer. The products featured included chemical-filled, hair smoothing blowout products, as well as caustic hair relaxers. He also invited a guest reviewer who is a natural hair blogger. She did a great job in promoting the need for women to embrace their natural hair and to learn to care for their hair -naturally.

Choose Natural Hair Care –Avoid Formaldehyde Exposure

This writer now avoids formaldehyde exposure and I choose natural hair care. As a former user of these harmful hair-smoothing treatments, I seriously damaged my hair and scalp. Yes, I did. I fell for the TV advertising and even products promoted by my former hair stylists.  Fortunately, my current natural hair care routine has helped my hair to become healthier and my hair loss has stopped. I rarely use heat on my hair; when I do, I take proper precautions, using natural products to protect my locks.

I can honestly say that the natural products from Saba Botanical of USA have not disappointed me. These are the products that helped me to transition from chemical relaxers and chemical hair dye to all natural hair care. I’m not the only one who has experienced superior hair care. The testimonial page on their website, as well as a number of blog posts contain true experiences of many happy and satisfied men and women, who sing the praises of these ancient botanicals.

By switching to all natural plant-based hair care products, you can avoid formaldehyde exposure and a host of other dangerous chemicals in conventional hair products. The following sources links can further help you make the wise decision to get started on a natural hair care regime.

Source links:
¹OSHA. US Department of Labor. Hair Salons: Facts About Formaldehyde in Hair Products.
²OSHA fact sheet: Formaldehyde in Hair Care Products Presents Health Risks to Employees.
³Women’s Voices for the Earth: Hair Straightening Products Containing Formaldehyde.
⁴Dr. Mehmet Oz Video. Salon Hair Treatments: What You Need to Know

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

Thank You FACEBOOK FRIENDS for

SHARING OUR SECRET, SHARING OUR JOY and SPREADING OUR LOVE.

Go to our FRIEND page "Saba Botanical of USA". (Become our friend).

'LIKE' US on Facebook, FOLLOW US on Twitter

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Clear Up Eczema with Natural Treatment Reminders

Clear Up Eczema -from Babyhood to Adulthood

Modern medical eczema treatment aims to control the symptoms by reducing inflammation and relieving itching. In contrast, ancient traditional methods have provided an effective natural remedy for allergic reactions with this troublesome condition for many sufferers for centuries. To prevent or reduce allergic reactions, there are no “quick fixes”, even for mild cases. However, real natural healing can be achieved with earnest effort and time. Try the following reminders to clear away eczema naturally.

Clear Up Eczema -Take Care of the Inner Body

Since eczema in an infirmity that starts within the body, it is essential to treat the inner body in an attempt to control the condition at the roots and stop allergic reactions. Thus the mind and vital organs need to proper care.
Eliminate or lessen causes of stress: Reduce anxiety and anger by using relaxation exercises found in yoga, meditation and walking.
Maintain a balance, healthy diet:  Low fat foods are very helpful. Turmeric is known to soothe the skin, therefore adding it to food dishes and see if it’s helpful.
Hydrate from the inside: DRINK WATER!

Eliminate trigger foods:  There are varying opinions on what foods to eliminate from the diet. Therefore, try eliminating one well-known “eczema-flaring” food at a time, week-by-week, to find out what your trigger foods are. Then completely eliminate them from your diet to avoid further allergic reactions. The following foods and spices have been suggested as possible eczema trigger foods: cashew and other nuts, cucumbers, radishes, pickles, curds, mustard, oranges, papaya, watermelon, ice cream. Reduce the use of: salt, onion, okra, ginger, certain oils and spice (trial and error).

Clear Up Eczema –Protect Your Skin

Keep skin properly hydrated:  Pure Reetha Powder Organic Wash.  Reetha Fruit is an ancient botanical used for full body bath soaks or pastes applied to affected area.  Oatmeal baths have also been known to provide some relief.
Bathe in warm water instead of hot water: Adding olive oil to the bath water is known to bring relief to some sufferers.  Before drying off, apply castor oil or other emollient to affected areas (avoiding eyes). Use a soft towel to lightly and gently dry your skin.
Avoid wearing wool against the skin or any fabric that causes the skin to itch and become irritated.
Use natural oils and butters known for their emollient and skin protection abilities: Olive oil, shea butter, hemp oil, castor oil (very thick; use at night, if heaviness is an issue)

Clear Up Eczema -Protect Yourself from the Environment

If you live in a cold or dry climate, it’s very important to use the given suggestions to protect your skin from the elements: sun, heat, cold weather, etc.
Wear clothing, hats, gloves and shoes that won’t aggravate your skin.
This article is only a brief review of natural eczema treatment associated with mild to moderate cases of eczema or atopic dermatitis. For more complete care on eliminating allergic reactions from eczema naturally, please see a physician or therapist, well trained in ancient natural medicinal treatment.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

Thank You FACEBOOK FRIENDS for

SHARING OUR SECRET, SHARING OUR JOY and SPREADING OUR LOVE.

Go to our FRIEND page "Saba Botanical of USA". (Become our friend).

'LIKE' US on Facebook, FOLLOW US on Twitter

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Black Henna is Risky. Lustrous Henna is Healthy and All-Natural.

First Reminder: ‘Black Henna’ is Risky.

When thinking of the product commonly imported and sold as ‘Black Henna’, please don’t confuse it with Lustrous Henna in Soft Black. These are two totally different products, one is potentially dangerous; the other is actually beneficial and healthy.

The 'Black Henna' name is misused for skin (tattoo) and hair dye products, are not only derived from the plant, but a combination of chemical dye mixed with natural, usually low-grade plants made into a black powder or liquid dye.

Facts About the Product Called: ‘Black Henna’

• 'Black Henna' Hair Dye is a Misnomer
• 'Black Henna' hair dye is not pure, nor is it pure henna. Pure henna is not black. If pure henna is mixed with para-phenylenediamine (PPD), 'coal tar', it is no longer pure henna, but is a harmful chemical hair dye that can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis and even be deadly.
• 'Black Henna' hair dye is usually composed of poor quality henna mixed with dangerous chemicals; some proven to be quite toxic, such as: para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and more.
• 'Black Henna' Hair Dye is advertised as being high quality, beneficial and safe; this can be confusing to the unaware consumer.
• 'Black Henna' hair dye can ruin your hair and skin permanently.
• 'Black Henna' is not pure indigo or 'black indigo'; the indigo plant is not black. If indigo is mixed with chemicals dyes, or even henna that has been compromised by chemicals, including PPD, then it is not pure indigo or the so-called, 'black henna'. It is a harmful chemical hair dye.

Second Reminder: Lustrous Henna is Healthy and All-Natural.

Pure henna is a green plant (Lawsonia inermis)and the green leaves are dried, crushed and powdered. When used alone it will turn the hair an orange-red color. Pure indigo is a green plant (Indigofera tinctoria) and the green leaves are dried, crushed and powdered. When used properly with pure henna, it will turn hair to a black color.

Facts About Lustrous Henna®

• Lustrous Henna® Soft Black shade is derived from mixing pure henna (from the henna plant) with the extracts of pure indigo and other natural botanicals found in nature.
• Lustrous Henna® is completely para-phenylenediamine-free (PPD-free hair dye); also, ammonia-free, peroxide-free.
• Lustrous Henna® remains in its natural herbal form (a powder). 
• Lustrous Henna® Hair color is NOT the so-called, “Black Henna”. 
• Lustrous Henna® hair color is the brainchild of creator, Syed Abbas of Saba Botanical of USA, a company dedicated to the promotion of using natural plants and herbs for healthy hair and skin care. (Syed formerly suffered terrible consequences of using the so-called ‘Black Henna’.) 
• Lustrous Henna® needs no chemicals whatsoever to color the hair.

FINAL REMINDER: When deciding on what natural products to buy, get to know the company that you’re dealing with and its reputation; as well as the reputation of its products. It’s far better to be safe, than to suffer by being misinformed.

Learn more about Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) dangers

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
“One Man’s Successful Quest: Find An All-Natural Hair Dye for Men and Women. Leads to Invention.”  

*See Wikipedia: Henna, p-Phenylenediamine

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

Thank You FACEBOOK FRIENDS for

SHARING OUR SECRET, SHARING OUR JOY and SPREADING OUR LOVE.

Go to our FRIEND page "Lustrous Henna on Facebook". (Become our friend).

"LIKE" US on Facebook, FOLLOW US on Twitter

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Hair Color -Show Us Before and After Lustrous Henna Photos!

Lustrous Henna® Hair Color Before Photos
-Why Not?

I’ve often wonder why Saba Botanical of USA receives many AFTER photos, but not so many BEFORE photos of their very happy customers. I pondered and pondered and realized there are several reasons for this:

• If you have gray hair, you might be very shy about taking a pic, since that may be the main reason you color your hair with Lustrous Henna®!
• You’re not shy about taking a pic, but doing so requires advance preparation and by the time you think about taking a photo, you’re finished! 
• You don’t have any gray hair, but you love the natural highlights that Lustrous Henna® brings out… then you’re so happy with the results that taking a photo and –sending it to Saba Botanical of USA- is the furthest thing from your mind!
• The way you get your fabulous hair color is your secret and you love keeping this secret from all of your envious friends and associates.
• You don’t mind sharing, but you don’t want your photo posted ‘everywhere’ (or multiple times).
• You don’t have a camera. Seriously?! No cell phone?! (OK, I’m just joking here).

Lustrous Henna® Hair Color – Superior Benefits

Saba Botanical of USA often receives praises for the their fabulous henna dye, Lustrous Henna®. It’s no wonder, because Lustrous Henna® hair color provides more than just beautiful hair color. Note the following benefits:

Using Lustrous Henna® natural hair dye has a speedier application process than just using plain henna. Lustrous Henna® natural hair dye is semi-permanent. It’s a mixture of pure, highly sifted herbal henna, indigo leaf powder and other herbal extracts and powders. Dark hair colors are naturally achieved resulting in excellent black hair color, dark brown hair color, brown hair color and more, along with excellent gray hair coverage.

Other Benefits of Lustrous Henna®

• blocks UV sun damage • protects against split ends • adheres to hair beautifully • looks like your natural hair shade • color fades gradually and doesn’t create ugly white/gray lines with growth • naturally conditions and protects hair, instead of stripping hair from the natural protein it needs to stay healthy and grow • promotes hair growth • contain herbs that have therapeutic values, will heal not harm hair like chemical dye • does not penetrate in the hair shaft to cause dry brittle, hair • makes hair glossy, shiny and of course, lustrous.

Saba Botanical of USA Loves Customer Photos

When Saba Botanical of USA receives customer photos, it’s very exciting. Why? Everyone loves praises and it’s a very satisfying thing to know just how much the products are appreciated.

This is one of the reasons why Saba Botanical loves posting your photos on the blog, website and Facebook pages. They want to show you off! You make the company very proud, mainly because you’re so proud of the results. So, have no fear and send in your ‘before and after’ photos.

If you’d rather that the images be posted only in one area, let Saba Botanical know and your request will be honored. For example, your photos can be posted on the blog, but not on Facebook; or on Facebook but not on website; or post on the blog and website, but not on Facebook.

So, no worries. Saba Botanical would love to hear from you, but more importantly: see you!

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

Thank You FACEBOOK FRIENDS for

SHARING OUR SECRET, SHARING OUR JOY and SPREADING OUR LOVE.

Go to our FRIEND page "Lustrous Henna on Facebook". (Become our friend).

"LIKE" US on Facebook, FOLLOW US on Twitter

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Hair Dye Risks in the News

Have You Read about Chemical Hair Dye Risks in the News?

The Health Effects of Hair Coloring

“Coloring your hair may be dangerous to your health. The health effects of hair coloring are, to a certain extent, unknown. And the link between hair coloring and cancer is controversial and, to date, inconclusive. But many of the chemicals contained in frequently used hair dyes have been shown to be dangerous. Such chemicals can cause allergic reactions and perhaps even neurological problems.

There are alternatives to such hair dyes, such as plant-based henna and infrared techniques that open up hair shafts to allow coloring. Such "green" solutions are advisable for anyone who wants to avoid the risks associated with many hair-coloring products.

Potentially Dangerous Chemicals in Hair Coloring Products

Chemicals in hair coloring products include PPD, or para-phenylenediamine, which can cause allergic reactions such as burning and headaches and is also a potential carcinogen; coal tar, which is in 70 percent of hair coloring products and can cause allergic reactions; lead acetate, which has been banned in European countries as a possible carcinogen and, as with, other lead products, may cause potentially serious neurological problems; DMDM hydantoin, a preservative that has been linked to immune system problems; ammonia, which can be toxic and corrosive and may cause respiratory problems; and resorcinol, which can be an irritant and is a potential carcinogen.”¹

What’s Wrong with Hair Dye?Most Dyes Contain a Chemical that Can Cause Dangerous Reactions.

“Salons and home color kits make it easy to say goodbye to grey hairs and roots, but sudden serious allergic reactions to hair dye are on the rise-even among those who have been using the same hair coloring product for years. 
“You can develop an allergy to a product at any point in time,” says Dr. Rajani Katta, professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. “One allergic reaction we’re seeing commonly is to hair dyes.”

Dye Disasters
In recent years, severe or even fatal allergic reactions to para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical used in 99% of all hair dyes, have been reported. The chemical is stronger in dark hair dyes than in light shades. In mild cases of hair dye allergies, scalp burning or tightness can occur. With more severe allergic reations, a red rash may erupt or the entire face may drastically swell-as was the case with one teenage boy this past February, whose head swelled to twice its normal size after he dyed his hair black. Pictures of the head swelling were posted on the website Reddit, and they soon became a viral sensation with nearly two million views. A similar reaction after applying hair dye was reported by teenager, Lois Queen, whose face ballooned after using L’Oreal Casting Crème Gloss in chocolate brown. Queen was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed a severe allergic reaction and gave her steroids and antihistamines.”^2
1 Read more: Jim Thomas, Livestrong² Read more: Lindsay Blomberg, Emagazine.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous HennaÆ user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. OíNeal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

Thank You FACEBOOK FRIENDS for

SHARING OUR SECRET, SHARING OUR JOY and SPREADING OUR LOVE.

Go to our FRIEND page "Lustrous Henna on Facebook". (Become our friend).

"LIKE" US on Facebook, FOLLOW US on Twitter

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Natural Hair Defined -the Root of the Matter

Natural Hair Defined

Natural hair is an important biomaterial primarily composed of protein, notably keratin. Keratin assembles into rope-like intermediate filaments. The structure of these filaments provides strength to the hair shaft.

Natural hair growth begins under the skin in a hair follicle. The only "living" portion of the hair is found in the follicle. The hair that is visible is the hair shaft, which exhibits no biochemical activity and is considered dead. The base of the root is called the bulb, which contains the cells that produce the hair shaft. Other structures of the hair follicle include the oil producing sebaceous gland which lubricates the hair.

If Hair is ‘Dead’, Does it Really Matter What I Do to it?

Absolutely. If we care about our hair, it doesn’t have to be dull, dry and lifeless. We can choose to have naturally beautiful and healthy natural hair. Caring for and protecting our scalp is essential for hair growth and beauty. Therefore, avoiding synthetic chemical dyes will prevent potential skin irritation and severe allergic reaction.

According to Wikipedia: “Hair is a filamentous biomaterial, that grows from follicles found in the dermis. The human body, apart from the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, is covered in follicles, which produce thick terminal and fine vellus hair. Most common interest in hair is focused on hair growth, hair types and hair care.”*

Natural Hair Amplified
A Single Strand: Each strand of natural hair is made up of the medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The innermost region, the medulla, is not always present and is an open, unstructured region. The highly structured and organized cortex, or middle layer of the hair, is the primary source of mechanical strength, water uptake. The cortex contains melanin, which colors the fiber based on the number, distribution and types of melanin granules.

The shape of the follicle determines the shape of the cortex, and the shape of the fiber is related to how straight or curly the hair is. Asian hair typically has a round fiber and is quite straight. Oval and irregularly shaped fibers are generally wavier or even curly. The cuticle is the outer covering. Its complex structure slides as the hair swells and is covered with a single molecular layer of lipid that makes the hair repel water.
The diameter of human hair varies from 17 to 180 µm (0.00067 to 0.0071 in), depending on the color. Flaxen hair is the thinnest and black hair is the thickest.*

Hair Color and Pigment

All natural hair color is the result of two types of hair pigment. Both these pigments are types of melanin produced inside the hair follicle and packed into granules found in the fibres. Eumelanin is the dominant pigment in dark-blond, brown and black hair, while pheomelanin is increased amounts in red hair. Blond hair is the result of having little pigmentation in the hair strand. Gray hair occurs when melanin decreases or disappears.*
Covering gray is no longer something to fret over. Lustrous Henna® hair color covers gray and brings back the natural highlights. It is a plant-based completely natural hair color, free of harmful chemicals. Lustrous Henna® defines hair beautifully.

*Source: Wikipedia,Hair.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous HennaÆ user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. OíNeal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

Thank You FACEBOOK FRIENDS for

SHARING OUR SECRET, SHARING OUR JOY and SPREADING OUR LOVE.

Go to our FRIEND page "Lustrous Henna on Facebook". (Become our friend).

"LIKE" US on Facebook, FOLLOW US on Twitter

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.