Signature Oil for April: Medusa's Snake Oil

If you remember, last year I talked about how Medusa is one of my favorite mythological characters and Medusa's Snake Oil was an April 1st joke that came with a discount code for Triple Moon Oil.

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This year, well, it still won't turn your hair into snakes, but the oil is real!

Based on herbs and oils used in the cleansing baths of Greece and Rome, this blend has purifying notes of cypress, bergamot, lemongrass, and lime wrapped in the warmer, more relaxing scents of ginger and lavender. The base oils are all vibrant snake-green, too, but don't worry it won't color your hair!

To purchase the 4 ounce version, use this listing:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/250752751


Base Oil: Hemp Oil, Avocado Oil
Secondary Oils: Pumpkin Seed Oil
Essential Oils: Cypress Essential Oil, Bergamot Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Lime Essential Oil, Ginger Essential Oil, Lemongrass Essential Oil

Aroma: Cold flowers and crisp frost.

Application: 1-2 drops of oil in the hands and massage into damp hair.

Detailed Ingredients:

• Hemp seed Oil- Hemp seed oil is made up of 80% essential fatty acid, the highest amount of any other plant. Hemp seed oil prevents moisture loss on a physiological level; it does just not merely "coat" the skin or hair as do other oils. Hemp so closely matches our own skins lipids it is able to penetrate inside our cells and lubricate the surface between. Not only does Hemp seed oil contribute greatly to the barrier function and appearance it also has other skin benefits such as offering relief to acne, minor abrasions, psoriasis and eczema. Hemp is also the only plant oil containing Vitamin D, which is necessary for Calcium absorption, especially useful to vegans. Using Hemp seed oil is a great way to achieve soft, smooth and hydrated skin.

• Avocado Oil- This deep golden oil is an edible oil pressed from the fruit of the Persea americana (avocado). It is used for lubrication and in cosmetics where it is valued for its regenerative and moisturizing properties. Rich in nutrients, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, this nutritional oil is excellent for enhancing hair health. It supplies vitamins A, B, D, and E to nourish both hair follicles and the scalp. Vitamin E also acts as a protective antioxidant. It has natural humectant properties, adding and locking in moisture. The monounsaturated fatty acids will give hair a glossy shine and silky texture. The amino acids will promote the growth of new hair cells.

• Pumpkin Seed Oil- Pumpkin seeds contain fatty oils with linoleic acid and oleic acid, both known to prevent cancer-causing cell production. They are also an excellent source of vitamins A, B6 and C. In addition, the seeds contain beneficial nutrients like zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron. Perhaps most important to those suffering from hair loss, the seeds contain cucurbitin, a unique amino that may be responsible for pumpkin seeds' effects on hair growth. There is conjecture that when consumed internally pumpkin seed oil it is a DHT blocker and can aid in treating baldness or hair loss, though no clinical study has been done.

• Cypress Essential Oil- A fresh, green, evergreen aroma, balsamic undertones, cypress was planted outside Greek and Roman temples and used in purifying baths. A stimulating essential oil, it encourages increased circulation to the scalp and reduces oil production.

• Bergamot Essential Oil- Certain components of the essential oil of Bergamot are antibiotic and disinfectant in nature. They inhibit the growth of germs, virus and fungi. They also effectively prohibit infections, including those of the skin. It has a refreshing and natural scent and is also a tonic, meaning it tones up skin and muscles

• Lavender Essential Oil– Enhances hair growth by stimulating the scalp. The name “lavender” is derived from the Latin lavare, meaning, “to wash” and was known as one of the seven polyvalents (effective against many toxins). Greeks and Romans perfumed their bathwater with lavender, burned lavender incense to appease their wrathful gods, and believed the scent of lavender to be soothing to untamed lions and tigers.

• Lime Peel Essential Oil– A bright scent, lime is antiviral, astringent, and bactericidal. It is at once a cleansing and moisturizing oil, helping with dandruff and scalp buildup.

• Ginger Essential Oil– A spicy, warm, woody, with a deep earthy undertone, ginger is a clarifying and stimulating essential oil.

• Lemongrass Essential Oil- A heavy, lemony, green scent, this oil is widely used as an addition to bug repellents, and for its lemony aroma. Citral is known for its antimicrobial effects, and can help kill or suppress the growth of bacteria and fungi. It's said that lemongrass oil's quality is generally determined by its citral content. For those that suffer from hair loss, oily hair, and other scalp conditions, lemongrass oil may be beneficial, as it can help strengthen hair follicles.

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For information on shipping, international orders, custom orders and other commonly asked questions, please see my Shop Policies!

Keep up to date on specials, product previews and other NightBlooming news with our blog!

http://nightbloominggarden.blogspot.com/

14,000 Sales Discount Code

I'd known the shop was creeping up on 14,000 sales and just remembered to check it this morning, only to find that I'd blown right past it!

As a thank you to all my lovely, supportive, and amazing customers, take 14% off through Sunday, March 27th with the code: 14000

April Reminders

Two things are coming up in April. April 1st, which I am very much looking forward to, and 

April 21st will be NightBlooming's 9th Anniversary!  I have fun things planned for each!

FAQ: Which of your oils is the most moisturizing?

I get this question quite often, and the question itself is a little off because after some querying it is apparent that what the customers are really asking is, "My hair / scalp is so dry. What is your most moisturizing product?"

There's a myth out there that oils are moisturizing, when in reality they aren't in the most true sense of the word. What they do is impart important lipids and fatty acids, which add softness and flexibility to the hair shaft.   Oils are also emollients, more specifically, occlusives, which form a thin, moisture-locking barrier atop the skin and hair cells that reduces the evaporation of moisture.  If your hair is very dry oiling might help a bit by replenishing critical fatty acids and by helping it keep whatever small amount of moisture it has inside of it, but it cannot actually moisturize the hair on its own.

The most effective way to go about moisturizing, then, is to

1. Impart moisture using mositure rich ingredients and humecents
2. Keep moisture inside the hair by using an emollent / occlusive

What, then, does NightBlooming recommend for dry hair and dryer scalps?

NightBlooming has many products that do a great job of getting moisture into the hair and scalp.  Many of these products contain humecents, which are ingredients with properties that either retard moisture loss or draw in moisture.

Hair Salves

Our hair salves (Trinity Sample Pack picture above) contain a blend of herbal infusions, moisture rich ingredients, and butters and oils.  They are the best one-two punch of all our products, imparting moisture with ingredients like aloe, honey, ceteryl alcohol, and herbal infusions, and then locking it in with natural nut butters and oils like shea butter, coconut oil, macadamia seed oil, jojoba oil, and evening primrose oil.

For a deep-moisturizing treatment, soak hair, either in water or in one of the herbal rinses mentioned later in this post. Then, while the hair is still wet, slather it up with salve. As a leave in, you want to use only a little salve, but for this, go nuts. You can work it into your scalp, too, if your scalp is dry and flaky. Those with scalp psorasis have had great results using our hair salves in this way!  Really work it in (gently). Then wrap your hair up atop your head with plastic wrap or a shower cap, then toss on a warm hat for an hour. The heat from your body will open up the cuticle of your hair and the skin cells of your scalp, letting them drink up the moisture.  Once you've soaked, wash your hair with a mild shampoo, condition as normal, and then use a tiny tiny bit more slave as a leave-in on damp hair.

Herbal Rinses

Herbal rinses are full of moisture and conditioning properties, and can also be added to other treatments for an extra moisturizing boost! Our Sunlit Meadow rinse is perfect for hair or scalp in need of moisture and conditioning, while our Forest Glade is ideal for those who want moisture, but need a little astringency to combat oil production. You can add an extra moisturizing boost to either of these rinses by adding 1 TB of honey per cup of rinse.  Either of these rinses also makes an excellent liquid component to our many herbal hair colors and conditioners. 

To use one of the herbal rinses, heat 6 cups distilled water to boiling in a large cup or small bowl. Add honey at this point if you so desire. Add in 1/4 c herbs, cover and allow to cool. You will need 1 large bowl and cup to apply the rinse. Standing in the shower, place the large bowl on the floor and kneel over it. Pour the rinse through your hair, catching the rinse in the bowl. Transfer the rinse to the cup, and then pour back through your hair into the bowl. Repeat several times until you feel your hair is saturated with the rinse. You may delay rinsing until later to allow your hair to drink in the benefits. Herbal rinses should be applied to clean hair.

Selkie Herbal Detangler
Selkie is not only full of fantastic detangling ingredients without employing silicone, vegetable glycerine, or other products that can build up, it is also intensely moisturizing. What this means is that your hair can drink up as much Selkie as it needs, supping on moisture-intense ingredients such as aloe vera and an infusion of marshmallow root, slippery elm, and fenugreek. It also contains small amounts of many light oils (argan, borage, camelina, and vitamin E) which helps keep that moisture in. As a finishing touch, a bit of apple cider vinegar makes this perfectly pH balanced to help the cuticle of the hair close tight, which also keeps moisture within the hair.  You can mist both the scalp and the length of the hair for moisturizing and detangling without the need to wash afterwards! For especially dry hair, consider a Selkie Soak.  Our refill pouches are perfect for this.  You can either squeeze the pouch over your scalp and work it down through the hair, applying more as you go, or use a cup and bowl and follow the directions for the herbal rinses.

Færie Dust Herbal Conditioner
Færie Dust is a blend of beneficial herbs that imparts their own myriad of benefits, as well as lots of moisture!  Mix Færie Dust with water until it forms a thin mud.  Then, blend it and 1 TB of honey into your favorite conditioner.  Work the mixture into damp hair, then wrap it up with either plastic wrap or a shower cap and top with a warm hat.  Rinse everything out after an hour and follow it up with a bit of salve or one of our many oils to keep all that moisture locked inside!

Thriae Scalp Scrub
Obviously geared for scalps, you can use Thriae to remove a buildup of dead skin cells or product.  On its own, the sugar and honey will help hydrate the scalp, while the oils inside will help keep that moisture in place!

Miruvor Tea
Hydration comes from within, and while the length of your hair cannot benefit from additional water in your body, your skin and scalp can for certain! Miruvor is a soothing blend of hair-growth stimulating herbs that makes hitting your target for water consumption both easier, and tastier!

Okay, fine, but which oil!?

To sum: the trick to combating dryness is to impart moisture and then seal it in with either one of our salves or an oil of choice! You can see all of our hair oils here, and can even have a custom blend made just for your needs and preferences. If you're an oil junkie, our Signature Oil Subscription will get each of our monthly oils delivered right to your door. Which oil you use will be dependent on your hair type and preferences in both oils and essential oils.

For those looking for a light oil that won't weigh down fine hair you might want to try Frostfall Flowers or Drudan Traceless. In the middle weight for oils you'll enjoy Samhain Spell and Woodland Thieves. For very thick or hair that isn't easily over-oiled we think you'd like Lavaralda Desire of Rest and Sacred Forest.



How do you use NightBlooming products to save your hair from dryness?  Tell us in the comments!

Bathed in Dragonsblood & Flowershop Violence

Also titled:
I have the best customers in the entire world.

I've been having a bit of a crappy week.  One of our cats ingested part of a 9 inch cable tie and we only narrowly avoided needing surgery for her. The weather is crappy and I'm sick of winter. I overbrewed my tea. I lost one of my gloves.

Today I had not one, but two notes from customers that actually made me laugh and made my day a better place to exist in. This is by far not the first time this has happened, but it was exactly what I needed. 

First up is this review on our Dragonsblood Oil Blend:

"Makes my hair soft and smooth, great for damp bunning. Smells soooo nice I've been using it on my skin. A nice light, comforting incense scent, plus I just feel badass because I walk around bathed in dragons blood and yes I am a dork."

And then this convo about March's Frostfall Flowers blend.

"Nooooooooo! You add this absolutely perfect blend a week after I place an order! D:<

Mostly just kidding. I wanted to let you know that I'm really excited to see this blend. I love flower scents that smell like actual flowers rather than a vague perfume-y haze, and Frostfall sounds perfect. If you ever make a blend titled "A Violent Blow to the Face with a Flower Shop," I'll be the first in line.

Your birthday free sample program is what motivated me to finally stop window shopping and place my first order. I'm going to force myself to wait until May so I can really figure out which [salve] sample is working the best for my hair type, but I'll also be counting down the days."

Lovely customer, your wish is my command.

I'm sorry my handwriting sucks so much! I do try XD

One "Violent Blow to the Face with a Flower Shop" has been dispatched to you. If you read this, I hope the lack of surprise doesn't diminish your happiness any when it arrives. It's a blend of Evening Primrose Oil, Sunflower Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, and the essential oils of China Rose, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, German Chamomile, Neroli, Geranium, and Jasmine.  It does indeed feel like you're being wonderfully assaulted by flowers. 


Thank you, to all my customers, for making me laugh, for making my day better with your convos and reviews, and for making this the best job in the entire world. <3

Frostfall Flowers Custom Blend for March

March's blend has the crisp edge of frost on icy flowers, balancing this oil on the knife's edge between winter and spring.

To purchase the 4 ounce version, use this listing:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/250752751


Base Oil: Jojoba Oil
Secondary Oils: Argan Oil, Evening Primrose Oil
Essential Oils: Jasmine, Rose, Neroli, Vetiver, Frankincense

Aroma: Cold flowers and crisp frost. 

Application: 1-2 drops of oil in the hands and massage into damp hair. 

Detailed Ingredients:

• Jojoba Oil- Jojoba Oil is found to be an ideal moisturizer and conditioner which is derived from a natural plant. Jojoba oil is produced from a desert plant called Simmondsia Chinensis whose oil is highly regarded as an effective conditioner, moisturizer, cleanser and softener for the skin and hair. This deep golden oil is considered to be the closest to the sebum naturally produced by the body, making it a customer favorite. 

• Argan oil, dubbed as Miracle oil; extracted from kernels of Argan fruit by crushing, is swiftly taking the place of other natural oils for hair protection and treatment. Argan oil contains tocopherols (vitamin E), phenols, carotenes, squalene, and fatty acids, making it both light and great for brittle hair. 

• Evening Primrose Oil– This oil comes from the pressed the seeds of the Evening Primrose plant, Oenothera biennis . The yellow flowers only open in the evening, hence their common name. Evening Primrose Seed Oil is a rich source of gamma linoleic acid, an Omega 6 fatty acid and nourishes the scalp, hair, and even your nails. 

• Jasmine Essential Oil- This oil helps to bust stress- which can drain nutrients from the body. Using jasmine oil along with coconut oil has Shown to encourage hair growth. Along with adding to the volume and length, it gives dry hair a radiant lustre.

• Rose Essential Oil- Soothes an irritated or sensitive scalp due to its anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce redness and can relieve a dry, tender scalp. It also has antibacterial properties, helping elmininating fungus and bacteria on the scalp. Packed full of antioxidants, like Geraniol, it can help eliminate any impurities and protect the scalp and hair from oxidative stress.

• Neroli Essential Oil- With its light, citrusy scent, neroli has antibacterial properties that helps keep scalps healthy. Cytophylactic, it promotes the generation of new cells and stimulates the health of those already present.

• Vetiver Essential Oil- An oil with a sweet, heavy, earthy and woody aroma, it is a cicatrisant which speeds up new tissue growth and can speed up the disappearance of scars or other marks from the skin. An anti-inflammatory, vulenerary, and antiseptic, it promotes scalp health. Is aroma has long been lauded for being relaxing and soothing.

• Frankincense Essential Oil- Frankincense Oil is extracted from gum or resin of Frankincense or Olibanum tree. Apart from being used as a cosmetic and as a fragrance, it has numerous other benefits including being an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is also a cicatrisant, helping reduce scars and easing tight skin. 

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For information on shipping, international orders, custom orders and other commonly asked questions, please see my Shop Policies!

Keep up to date on specials, product previews and other NightBlooming news with our blog!

http://nightbloominggarden.blogspot.com/