** 2014/2015 Ceramides Challenge **

DominicanBrazilian82

Well-Known Member
2014 CERAMIDES CHALLENGE

New Year, New You...​

Want improved moisture/protein balance? Manage porosity? Shinier hair? Stronger more manageable hair? Fortify you hair against heat/chemical services?

TRY CERAMIDES!

Whether you are relaxed, texlaxed, permed, natural, use diect heat, indirect heat, low heat, no heat, color treated, highlighted, no color; Everyone can benefit from ceramides.

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are fatty molecules that naturally occur in the hair fiber. They are the "glue' of the hair fiber that hold all of the layers together.

How do ceramides benefit hair?

Ceramides form a seal on the cuticle layer, limiting the loss of protein molecules from the hair shaft; protecting the fiber against normal wear and tear from manipulation (washing & styling), UV rays, heat and chemical services; like dye, relaxers etc. This seal also helps to keep the cuticle flat and tightly packed; they fill in gaps in the cuticle, giving shine and keeping porosity low. Over time, hair loses ceramide molecules. From heat and chemical but also just from the hair istself aging. Older and/or damaged hair contains less ceramide than newer/healthier hair. So it makes sense to incorporate ceramides to maintain hair health.

*Note: Ceramides help limit the loss of protein and help strengthen the hair fiber. However they are not proteins, nor can they replace protein in your reggie. (Some people have found they need less protein though)

Where can I find ceramides?

There are plant oils and extracts that contain plant ceramides. They function much the same as those found in our own hair. Many hair products also contain natural and synthetic ceramides.

The Challenge will run in four parts:

Part 1: January 1st –March 31st
Part 2: April 1st – June 30th
Part 3: July 1st – September 30th
Part 4: October 1st - December 31st


Challenge Rules:

1. To join this challenge, like this post and mention me in your first post.

2. Use a ceramide containing product at least once a week; once per session if you are really looking to reap the benefits of ceramides (session = m/s, DC'ing, pre-pooing, etc).

3. Check in and let us know how its going for you. Share your ceramide-rich products with us as you use them. We can inspire those who aren't using ceramides to finally use that leave-in all the way in the back of their stash because of the ceramide benefit.

a. What ceramide oil(s)/product(s) did you use?
b. How did you use it? (pre-poo, poo, DC, leave-in, sealing etc)
c. What benefits are you experiencing by including ceramides into your regi? Shine? Softness? Manageability?

4. Share your reviews on products you have tried, as well as any ceramide info you may stumble upon.
 
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DominicanBrazilian82

Well-Known Member
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

Oils/extracts containing ceramides:

Eucalyptus extract
Hemp seed oil
Kukui Nut oil
Sunflower oil
Rice Bran oil
Walnut oil
Wheat Germ oil

Oils containing high amounts of linoleic acid; which suggests ceramide benefit:

Safflower oil
Grape seed oil
Poppyseed oil
Corn oil
Cottonseed oil
Soybean oil
Sesame oil

Synthetic Ceramides
2-Oleamido
1-3 Octadecanedio

PRODUCTS CONTAINING CERAMIDES:

African Pride Olive Miracle Growth Oil
Alterna Thickening Compound
Aphogee Pro-Vitamin
Aubrey Organics Products
Aveeno nourish and Shine leave-in treatment
Aveeno nourish and Shine style cream
BPT Wheat Germ Conditioner
Burts Bees Baby Bee Baby Oil
Curl Junkie Repair Me
Claudie's Hair Revitalizer Growth Elixir
Claudie's Hair Revitalizer Ends Insurance
Cream & Coco Eucalyptus Honey Treatment
Cream & Coco Moisturizer
Crece Pelo Leave-In
Creme of Nature (Green Bottle/Old Formula)
Curly Kinks Curlycue Renew
Curly Kinks Polished
Curly Kinks Satin Roots
Essential Nutrients Oil
Garnier Fructis Instant Melting Strength and Repair Masque
Giovanni Vitapro Fusion Leave In Moisture Treatment Leave In
Gleau Oil
Gro Aut-Mahabhringeraj
HTGE Featherweight (Hair Trigger Growth Elixir)
Hask Cerafix
HB Castor Oil Treatment/Grease
Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil
Honey Chile Hair Love
Ion Moisturizing Treatment
Jane Carter's Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner
Jason's Long & Strong Jojoba Shampoo
Joico K-Pak Reconstructor
Kan Kanechomn Ceramide Deep Conditioning Cream
Kerapro Intense Treatment
Kerapro Restorative Anti-Frizz Elixir
L'Oreal Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Restoring Conditioner
L'Oreal Elvive Nutri-Ceramide Deep Repair Concentrate
L'Oreal Eversleek Reparative Smoothing Conditioner
L'Oreal Serle Expert Liss Starter Ionene G + Ceramide Pre-Smoothing Treatment
Lustrasilk Cholesterol
Lustrasilk Shea Butter
Lustrasilk Mango
Marie Dean Seaweed & Rice Deep Conditioner
Marie Dean Whipped Avocado Murumuru Hair Butter
Marie Dean Honey & Soy Hair Buttercream
Marie Dean Vanilla Lemon Hair Mousse
Marie Dean Green Hemp Conditioner PROLESS
Matrix Biolage Cera-Repair
Matrix Biolage Fortifying conditioner
Matrix Biolage Cera-Repair Hydratherapie
Miss Key 10 en 1 Conditioner
Mizani Therma Smooth
Motions Nourishing leave-in
Natural by Design (NBD) Sunflower Hair Mask
Naturelle Grow Sweet Honey Nectar Balm
Nexxus Aloe Rid
Nexxus Botanic Oil Shampoo
Nexxus Headdress
Nexxus Humectress
Nexxus Keraphix
Nexxus Therappe
Optimum Care Anti-Breakage Therapy Stay Strong Shampoo
Optimum Care Anti-Breakage Therapy Stay Strong Conditioner
Optimum Care Anti-Breakage Therapy Leave-in Ultimate Strengthener
Optimum Care Anti-Breakage Therapy Split End Reconstructor
Optimum Care Anti-Breakage Therapy Cream Hairdress
Optimum Care Anti-Breakage Therapy Featherlight Hairdress
ORS Hair Mayonaise (New Formula *WGO)
Phyto PhytoKeratine' Reparative Serum Leave In
Proclaim Aloe Hot Oil
Proclaim Natural 7 Oil
Proclaim Natural Olive Oil
Redken Extreme Conditioner
Redken Extreme Rescue Force
Redken Extreme Anti-Snap
Redken 07
Salerm Wheat Germ Conditioner
Satinique Products
Sedal Products
Shalmi Vadhera Coconut Alma Revitalizing Hair Treatment
Shea Moisture Baby Rub Oil
Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Mask
Shea Moisture Extra Moisture Transitioning Milk
SheScentIt Avocado Conditioner
SheScentIt Carrot and Pumpkin Seed Defrizzer Leave In
SheScentIt Honey Rinse Conditioner
SheScentIt Jojoba Hemp Shampoo
Shey Butter Oil
Siamese Twists-Essential Butter
Silicon Mix Proteina de Perla (Pearl Protein) Leave-In
Silicon Mix Conditioner
Silicon Mix Leave-in
Silk Dreams Shea What
Silk Dreams Wheat Germ Conditioner
Silk Elements Leave-In
Silk Elements MegaSilk Moisture Treatment
Skala Ceramide 3 Conditioner
Softsheen Carson Breakthru Anti-Breakage - Protecting Foam
Softsheen Carson Breakthru Anti-Breakage - Fortifying Moisturizing Shampoo
Taliah Waajid Enhancing Herbal Conditioner
Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier
TIGI Serious Conditioner

Will update as you post the products you are using!
 
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DominicanBrazilian82

Well-Known Member
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

Safflower oil 78%
Grape seed oil 73%
Poppyseed oil 70%
Sunflower oil 68%
Hemp oil 60%
Corn oil 59%
Wheat germ oil 55%
Cottonseed oil 54%
Soybean oil 51%
Walnut oil 51%
Sesame oil 45%
Rice bran oil 39%
Pistachio oil 32.7%
Peanut oil 32% [17]
Canola oil 21%
Egg yolk 16%
Linseed oil 15%
Lard 10%
Olive oil 10%
Palm oil 10%
Cocoa butter 3%
Macadamia oil 2%
Butter 2%
Coconut oil 2%

When you really start doing your research on the benefits of ceramide oils, you may come across this list. The percentages in the list suggest a high amount of Linoleic Acid; which can suggest ceramide benefit.

Keep in mind that no oil is a "ceramide" oil. Ceramides may be found (naturally) within these oils (if you broke down the oil, and compared its components). The percentages above represent the amount of ceramide content. Similar to if you broke down your hair strand. There are many elements that comprise its makeup; however, without ceramides, structural components would not cohesively work together within the shaft (proteins would not behave as proteins, so forth and so on).

Linoleic Acid has been found to boost the natural production of ceramides in the hair so oils high in LA are good to use to increase natural ceramide production. Ceramide rich oils are good to use to replace natural ceramides that are missing from the hair.

Ceramides are different from fatty acids (Linoleic Acid). The total amounts of these 2 compounds as well as their proportions to each other are all very important in healthy function of the hair/skin.

Linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that must be provided in the diet, is especially important in the synthesis of ceramides. Essential fatty acids are found in the omega-3 and the omega-6 group, found in cold-water fish (salmon, herring, and mackerel) and in nuts, avocados, flax seed oil.

"Ceramides are moisture-capturing lipids..." (www.elizabetharden.com)

"... [Ceramides] prevent dehydration..." (www.dermaviduals.com)

"...Once you stop using ceramide products, however, the benefits
diminish and your hair will again be vulnerable to damage..." (http://www.amway2u.com/satinique/en_US/faq.jsp)

Linoleic Acid comes from the Greek word Linon, meaning "flax"
Ceramide comes from the Greek word Cera, meaning "wax"
 
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DominicanBrazilian82

Well-Known Member
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

a. What ceramide oil(s)/product(s) did you use?


  • I lurve SFO, SaFO, GSO and Pumpkin Defrizzer (SSI)
  • I shampoo with Loreal Sulfate Free (Synthetic Ceramides)
  • I am an avid SheScentIt (SSI) User. Most of her products are full of ceramides.
  • A lot of products I use have natural/synthetic ceramides.

b. How did you use it? (pre-poo, poo, DC, leave-in, sealing etc)


  • Pre-poo (Oil Under Conditioner)
  • Poo (Loreal)
  • DC - So many products with Ceramides
  • Leave In - Especially my Coco Crème Leave In (SSI)
  • I'm not huge on sealing, but I do love a butter after I take down my rollersets or as I am wrapping my hair for the night.
c. What benefits are you experiencing by including ceramides into your regi? Shine? Softness? Manageability?


  • Ceramides have truly contributed to my softness and shine. My hair has always been pretty manageable. But ceramides, I hope, will continue to be what I need to keep my hair blinging!
 
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EnExitStageLeft

Well-Known Member
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

DominicanBrazilian82

My hair thrives off of cermide usage, so I'm definitely down.

a. What ceramide oil(s)/product(s) did you use?

To many to name :yep:

b. How did you use it? (pre-poo, poo, DC, leave-in, sealing etc)

Sealing, Prepoo, Leave In, Moisturize and ETC.

c. What benefits are you experiencing by including ceramides into your regi? Shine? Softness? Manageability?

Shine, manageability, softness, smoothness, strength, you name it ceramides got it :yep:.
 

MayaNatural

Well-Known Member
DominicanBrazilian82

I recently joined the 2013 ceramide challenge and love it so far..

a. What ceramide oil(s)/product(s) did you use?
Grape Seed Oil, Sesame, Hemp and Safflower.
JBCO Hair Food, Curls Whipped Cream and Paul Mitchell Color Protect Conditioner.

b.How did you use it? (pre-poo, poo, DC, leave-in, sealing etc) I used it for Sealing, Leave In and Moisturizing.

c. What benefits are you experiencing by including ceramides into your regi? Shine? Softness? Manageability? Shine and softness.. Strength with Sesame oil, my hair felt stronger. My hair absorbs ceramide oils very well. I never experienced anything like it.

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF
 

NaturallyATLPCH

Well-Known Member
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

Thanks for the tag! I am ready!

A) What ceramides/products am I using?
I am using anything with Hempseed oil/butter, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, soybean oil, or wheat germ oil.
My shampoo, rinse out, deep treatment, and sealer all contain these ingredients of some sort. As of now, I have been protective styling and refreshing with LACE Naturals Ayurvedic Spritz (it has wheat germ oil)

B) How did I use it? (See above)

C) Benefits-super soft moisturized hair. My hair loves anything with Hemp in it.

I will be continuing this through protective styling and beyond. :yep:
 

MayaNatural

Well-Known Member
NaturallyATLPCH I found Hemp seed milk at my local health food store.. I thought I might add that to my DT. I hope it mixes well like coconut milk. I also bought some hemp seed butter from Vitacost and you can mix a tbsp with water to make milk.. I was thinking of mixing it with AVJ and add that to my DT when I'm out of the milk. Have you ever tried the milk? Sent from my iPhone using LHCF
 

NaturallyATLPCH

Well-Known Member
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

NaturallyATLPCH I found Hemp seed milk at my local health food store.. I thought I might add that to my DT. I hope it mixes well like coconut milk. I also bought some hemp seed butter from Vitacost and you can mix a tbsp with water to make milk.. I was thinking of mixing it with AVJ and add that to my DT when I'm out of the milk. Have you ever tried the milk? Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

MayaNatural, I have never tried the milk. I have ordered some Hemp Seed butter and oil to mix with my shea mix that I will be using to seal. Let me know how it works out.
 

NaturallyATLPCH

Well-Known Member
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

Here are some specific products I will be incorporating in my regimen for 2014:

Derm Organics shampoo and conditioner (both contain sunflower, grape seed oils)
Texas Natural Supply Conditioning Cream (DC) (rice bran, safflower, and wheat germ oils)
HH Sticky Honey Hash Conditioner (hempseed butter)
Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter (Hempseed oil, rice bran oil, sesame oil)
Shea Butter Mix (hempseed oil, hempseed butter included)
 

Duchess007

Well-Known Member
[DominicanBrazilian82, count me in!


What ceramide oil(s)/product(s) did you use? Just whole oils- grapeseed and safflower, among others.


How did you use it? (pre-poo, poo, DC, leave-in, sealing etc) Oil rinsing, my moisturizing spray, and as a part of the prepoo process.


What benefits are you experiencing by including ceramides into your regi? Shine? Softness? Manageability? Moisture retention and shine!

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF
 

Froreal3

haulin hard in the paint
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

DominicanBrazilian82 You know I love ceramides. Love the shine they give my hair.


a. What ceramide oil(s)/product(s) did you use?: Grapeseed and Sunflower oil

b. How did you use it? (pre-poo, poo, DC, leave-in, sealing etc) I usually use them to seal throughout the week and sometimes prepoo.

c. What benefits are you experiencing by including ceramides into your regi? Shine? Softness? Manageability? I see increased shine, softness, and strength of my hair.

4. Share your reviews on products you have tried, as well as any ceramide info you may stumble upon. GSO...love this because it is light and gives incredible shine. Does not smell strong. I also like Sunflower oil to prepoo or seal with as it gives great shine and feels more substantial going onto my hair. It does have a nutty smell that will overpower most hair products.
 

Blairx0

Well-Known Member
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

i don't know if I will join officially, but I will certainly check in as plan to baggy bun my ends with grapeseed oil throughout the majority of the winter.
 

sisters248

New Member
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

DominicanBrazilian82
a. What ceramide oil(s)/product(s) did you use?
Sunflower oil, Safflower oil, and Grapeseed oil.
I also use Loreal Sulfate free shampoo
This week I plan on trying out Advanced Haircare Total Repair Ceramide

b. How did you use it? (pre-poo, poo, DC, leave-in, sealing etc)
Sealing with motions moisturizing hair lotion and braiding.
DC- I always put ceramide oils in my DC. It is a must!
Shampoo with Loreal Sulfate free

c. What benefits are you experiencing by including ceramides into your regi? Shine? Softness? Manageability?
I can honestly say that my hair have never looked and felted this good since I have used products that contains ceramides and ceramide oils. My hair now has shine, softness and best of all manageability. Before I used ceramides, it was so hard for me to detangle or even pass a comb through my hair. Ceramides is a great contribute to my regi and I believe that it will aid me in achieving my ultimate hair lenghth goal which is bra-strap length.
 

TraciChanel

Well-Known Member
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

DominicanBrazilian82, count me in!

a. What ceramide oil(s)/product(s) did you use?
My own oil mix containing: grapeseed, jojoba, hemp oils infused with sage and rosemary. The best!
b. How did you use it? (pre-poo, poo, DC, leave-in, sealing etc): I seal with it, add it to my DC, hot oil with it every now and then.
c. What benefits are you experiencing by including ceramides into your regi? Shine? Softness? Manageability? softer hair, stronger hair, more defined curls
 

oneastrocurlie

Well-Known Member
DominicanBrazilian82

I'm in!

a. What ceramide oil(s)/product(s) did you use?

Bobeam Rootz Herbal Hair Oil. It has Hempseed, grapeseed , and rice bran oil.

b. How did you use it? (pre-poo, poo, DC, leave-in, sealing etc)

Going to oil my scalp twice a week

c. What benefits are you experiencing by including ceramides into your regi? Shine? Softness? Manageability?

I'm hoping for a good protein/moisture balance and stronger strands.

4. Share your reviews on products you have tried

I've tried her oil before. I really liked it. It's nice and light. Going to stock up during Black Friday. :)
 
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felic1

Well-Known Member
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

DominicanBrazilian82

Count me In! I want to treat my hair better in 2014! Much Better!
a. I just bought wheat germ oil, grapeseed, and have hempseed on hand to add to my conditioners.

b.I add it to my conditioners or to my strands prior to adding conditioner.
c. I expect softer hair and retained length from better care.
I have some nourish oil from SD I have not cracked open!!:yep:
 

ImanAdero

Well-Known Member
DominicanBrazilian82

I'm in!

I usually use safflower oil and I have the Loreal Ceramide conditioner and Redken extreme (love both.

Use them to deep condition, safflower to seal or as a prepoo.

Just colored my hair so hoping to not lose the protein I repair my hair with AND maintain moisture better.
 

Babygrowth

Well-Known Member
I'm definitely in DominicanBrazilian82

I just recently bought Loreal total repair ceramide DC so I will be using that and a plethora of other thangs!

I use them mostly during the prepoo and DC phase but also to m/s.

My hair is more manageable and stronger thanks to ceramides.
 

Tonto

New Member
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

Put some hemp seed oil as a hot oil treatment in my hair. Gonna sleep with it and keep it as my only oil for hot oil treatments :)
 

yaya24

♥Naija°Texan • Realtor • SPX Options #RichAunty●♡•
Re: **2014 Ceramides Challenge**

DominicanBrazilian82 please add me to the 2014 challenge!!

Wash days- My pre wash scalp mix includes eucalyptus oil
Daily- scalp oil mix includes hempseed oil
 
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