Hair Dye with Henna

Henna is a flowering plant traditionally used as a dye and tattoo since antiquity. Particularly in ancient Egypt, Nefertiti and Cleopatra were known to color their hair with it while Indian aristocratic women adorn their skin with the ink from its leaves.

Application of this dye will stay on the hair for approximately 10-20 days. To use, apply the paste on the hair evenly then wrap with a damp towel. Leave for 30-45 minutes (do not exceed beyond this time) before rinsing. It is advisable to test the product first on the skin using a small amount to check for skin allergy.

Ingredients:                                                   Percent Weight:

Phase A

Distilled water                                        40.80

Food grade glycerin                                   5.00

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) powder              50.00

Phase B

Meadowfoam seed oil                                4.00

Citric acid

Procedure:
Put the henna powder in a glass beaker. Add the distilled water slowly and stir until mixture has the consistency of a paste. Then add glycerin and stir well. Follow with meadowfoam seed oil and citric acid. Test the mixture’s acidity with pH strips; make sure that the acidity level is between three and five. If it is less acidic, add more citric acid. Pour in a sterilized jar.
 

References:
http://www.pinoychem.com/2011/07/hair-dye-with-henna.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna

Hand and Body Mousse

Skin needs extra moisture come winter time. To prevent dryness, apply this delectable mousse. It locks moisture to your body without the greasy feel. This recipe yields approximately 34 ounces.

Ingredients:                                                Amount:
 

Phase A

Olive (Olea europaea) oil                        8.82 oz.

Sweet almond (Prunus dulcis) oil              2.2 oz.

Castor (Ricinius communis) oil                0.75 oz.

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) butter             0.75 oz.

Beeswax                                              3.53 oz.

Phase B

Distilled water                                     15.5 oz.

Borax                                                  0.35 oz.

Food grade glycerin                               0.53 oz.

Phase C

Essential oil/fragrance of choice              1.6 tsp.

Mix all the ingredients of phases A and B in separate bowls. Heat the mixtures separately in 70°C. Put phase A mixture in a bowl and beat with a stick blender while drizzling the phase B mixture. Beat slowly until it thickens for about 10-15 minutes. Then, slightly increase the speed and continue beating until it reaches the consistency of a mousse. Add fragrance and beat to medium speed until smooth. Pour into sterilized jars.

Reference: http://www.soapnuts.com/lb2.html

Jasmine and Musk Bath Salt Recipe

What a great way to relax and relieve your stiff joints after a hard day’s work than to soak yourself in a hot bath! While your time and relish the benefits of minerals in this bath salt recipe. Bath salts are usually inorganic and water soluble bath additives used to improve the cleaning and bathing experience. They are said to mimic the properties of mineral baths or hot springs.

This particular recipe contains Epsom salts to help soothe aching joints and relax sore muscles, and food grade glycerin to provide moisture for the skin. Dyes to be used should be of food, drug, and cosmetic (FD&C) grade to ensure safety and to avoid skin irritation. With the scent of musk and jasmine melding together, you’ll be transported immediately to the decadence of a Turkish hammam or the lushness of
the gardens of the Generalife.

Ingredients:

5 drops FD&C yellow no. 5

4 drops FD&C red no. 3

4 drops musk essential oil

3 drops jasmine essential oil

3 cups Epsom salt

1 cup baking soda

2 teaspoons food grade glycerin

Method:

Mix Epsom salt, baking soda, and food grade glycerin until well blended. Add the essential oils while stirring continuously until mixture is reduced to a fine powder. Make sure no clumps are left. Then, divide the mixture equally into three separate bowls. Add three drops of yellow on the first bowl, add three drops of red on the second bowl, and add two drops of yellow and a drop of red on the third bowl. Stir each bowl until color is well distributed. Air-dry the bowls for a few hours before placing in a bottle. To package, layer the salts: place the red salt on the bottom, then the orange in the middle, and lastly, the yellow on the top.
 

via: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/deserts.html