FLORENS

Hair is a non-essential tissue, but it has very high nutritional requirements to be healthy and to grow.  Among the highest in the body, in fact.  In other words, hair receives last priority for nutrients and bioactive compounds, even though, it has the greatest need for them.  Hair cells are the second fastest growing cells in the body, second only to intestinal cells, and so there is a lot of competition for the strands on one’s head.  Your body must prioritize the critical organs, such as heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, etc.

As hair grows from stem cells, the quantity and availability of stem cells is also determinative of hair growth.  We know that all manner of input that stresses the body and mind, ages and decreases our stem cells, further complicating hair health.

Additionally, over 1200 genes govern hair growth, cycling and communications.  If this complex mechanism breaks down, one experiences hair loss and/or alopecia areata where hair falls in a balding patches.

Beautiful scalp means beautiful hair.  Collagen makes up 70% of your dermis, the middle layer of your skin that contains the follicle and root of each individual hair.  Ensuring optimal collagen production contributes to healthier dermis and hair.  Vitamin C is essential for the body to produce collagen, however, your body cannot make Vitamin C on its own, nor can it store it.  Vitamin C needs to be supplied daily.

Vitamin C is needed for a wide range of bodily functions, including wound healing, tissue support, bone health, collagen production and protection from free radical damage. In terms of your hair, Vitamin C is vital for the absorption of iron – a deficiency of which can cause chronic hair loss and hair not growing past a certain length.  Vitamin C deficiency usually occurs when there is lack of Vitamin C in someone's daily diet.  However, smoking, alcohol abuse, chronic illness and eating disorders can also deplete the body of Vitamin C, and lead to vitamin deficiency anaemia.

Vitamin C, as well as collagen, also act as antioxidants and fight damage caused by free radicals, which develop in your body due to stress, pollutants, chemicals, toxins, buildup, smoking, poor diet, alcohol and other environmental influences. Too many free radicals can harm your cells, proteins and DNA, causing hair loss and damage.

Our active botanical scalp & hair mask is rich source of absorbable Vitamin C, including in Baobab, Amla, Moringa, Papaya, Peppermint, Bitter Orange, Lemongrass, Geranium and others, is an essential nutrient in tissue and cellular repair and regeneration, collagen production and potent antioxidant activity.

To ensure its vitality and longevity, it is absolutely necessary to nurture and nourish your scalp & hair on a regular, frequent basis with products designed to target cellular health.

M F L O R E N S performance-driven blend of the finest concentrated tree, plant, herb, spice, vegetable, fruit and flower oils deliver the full-spectrum nutrients your scalp & hair need to thrive. Owing to the molecular and biological symbiosis between your body and M F L O R E N S formulations, your scalp & hair will easily absorb these key nutrients. Ensuring healthy levels of certain minerals in particular will encourage hair growth and help prevent breakage.

Also consider foods rich In Vitamin C
Oranges
Lemons
Guava
Strawberries
Blackcurrants
Prunes
Kiwi Fruit
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Kale
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Red and Green Peppers
Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes

Ricinus Communis (CASTOR) Seed Oil is composed of 80 – 90% ricinoleic acid (if cold pressed), which is what makes it unique from other plant oils.  A recent study found that ricinoleic acid obstructs prostaglandin d2, a type of fatty acid that is believed to contribute to hair loss.  By slowing down prostaglandin d2, hair loss decreases.

M F L O R E N S has scoured the globe to bring you the finest CASTOR seed oil available: naturally grown, cold-pressed and cold-processed.  To extract the richest, most therapeutic oil from the CASTOR seed is a delicate and laborious undertaking, which a rare few undertake.  We partner and work only with those whom we trust to deliver exceedingly superior ingredients for each M F L O R E N S bottle.

Owing to the incomparably high fatty acid content of the CASTOR seed, it is imperative to cold press and cold process it to derive the oil.  Otherwise, it is denatured and  harmful to use.  If your CASTOR oil does not specify both, it is neither.

M F L O R E N S CASTOR is perfect in its integrity and active therapeutic continent: cold-pressed and cold-processed. We hold ourselves to the most demanding technical, qualitative and ethical standards. And our defining, performance-driven products show that.

M F L O R E N S' castor seed is oil is highly prized and rare for being both cold pressed and cold processed, which is essential for castor seed oil to retain its therapeutic and revitalizing properties.  Most castor oil, including high-end varieties, are not cold-pressed and cold-processed.  Our castor seed oil is sought after because it is further undiluted and purely enhanced during our proprietary production process.  

True to its revered status in the herbal medicinal world, castor oil is commonly referred to as the palm of Christ or Palma Christi.  Books can be written on its amazing reparative, restorative and nutritive properties.

Here is how castor seed oil, sourced and prepared the M F L O R E N S way, can exfoliate, detoxify, nourish and regenerate at the cellular level for healthy, full scalp & hair:

• Saturated with over 100 compounds, including essential and non-essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, proteins, alkaloids, flavonoids and perpenoids, that contribute to its immensely rich therapeutic and revitalizing properties.  Their molecular structure permits them to permeate the layers of the skin to transform and enhance from the cellular level on up.
• Relieves and prevents hair loss: If cold-pressed, castor seed oil is the best source of ricinoleic acid, which is what makes it unique from other plant oils.  Ricinoleic acid has excellent skin permeability, reaching deep into the dermis.  Recent studies have found that ricinoleic acid can relieve and prevent hair loss.
• Promotes follicle growth and regeneration: If cold-pressed, the castor seed oil is a rich source of linoleic acid, which is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid and is one of two essential fatty acids for humans that the body cannot produce on its own.  Linoleic acid too has excellent skin permeability, reaching deep into the dermis.  Linoelic acid restores dry follicles, adds shine and promotes follicle growth.
• Intensely hydrates and moisturizes: If cold-pressed, castor seed oil is an excellent source of oleic acid, which is classified as a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid.  It acts as a humectant to retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin, and deeply hydrates and moisturizes, preventing dry, brittle scalp & hair.  By reducing dryness and irritation, coupled with its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, prevents buildup of dead cells and increases cellular vitality for a healthier head of hair.
• Deeply conditions: Castor seed oil delivers conditioning that improves the flexibility of the hair fiber.  It lubricates the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and decreasing the chance of breakage.
• Promotes the production of elastin and collagen for stronger, thicker strands.
• Eliminates bacterial, viral, fungal and microbial growth on the scalp & hair: Undecyclenic acid is largely responsible for castor oil’s antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antimicrobial attributes.  They eliminate mild to acute growth on the scalp & hair that can lead to serious skin and hair damage, inflammation, irritation, itchiness, dandruff, cellular and follicular death and hair loss.
• Powerfully relieves and eases inflammation: The plethora of rich nutrients and actives in castor seed oil powerfully soothe and ease inflammation caused by microbial infection, toxins, chemicals, dirt, pollution, stress, diet and excessive dying and styling.  Inflammation of the scalp constricts blood flow to the hair follicle, reducing the levels of necessary nutrients and leading to cellular death and hair loss.
• Targets free radicals to prevent premature cellular aging and death: Castor seed oil’s antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging abilities are second to none.  The actives penetrate to work alongside your body’s natural defense to repair cellular damage and revitalize for healthier scalp and growing hair.
• Strongly stimulates blood flow and circulation to the scalp for stronger, thicker strands: Alongside its anti-inflammatory properties, the actives in castor seed oil boost circulation to nourish, rejuvenate, revitalize and reawaken hair follicles.  Better nourishment produces stronger, thicker strands.
• Exfoliates and revitalizes for hair growth and volume: Castor seed oil’s gentle but thorough and powerful exfoliating actives breakup stubborn buildup and gunk to clear the scalp and clogged pores of dirt, pollution, toxins, dead skin, chemicals and other harmful particles.  Greater blood flow and oxygenation result in healthier follicles for growing, voluminous hair.  It also reduces flaky scalp and conditions associated with it.
• Penetrates quickly through scar tissue and stimulates the growth of healthy tissue, including hair follicles.

Throughout the summer, the sun and a more active lifestyles take a cumulative toll on the health of scalp & hair. You might notice this in the form of drier, flatter, breakage-prone hair, dry or itchy scalp, or increased shedding of hair. The sun can also strip your strands of protein, making them more frizzy and brittle.

M F L O R E N S active botanical ingredients, formulated with optimal ratios of nutrients will deliver deep soothing hydration and healing moisturization, as well powerful free radical-fighting antioxidants to protect against pollution, chemicals, sun damage and other toxins. Restorative powerhouses linoleic and oleic acids, which are fatty acids, aid in tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation.

For incomparable volume and texture, M F L O R E N S serum masks are a rich a source of essential and other fatty acids. Essential fatty acids like GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and linoleic acid and ricinoleic acid help to repair and revitalize the hair follicle and rejuvenate the dermal bed from which hair grows. Anti-inflammatories in the fatty acids support and boost the body’s natural mechanisms to achieve strong, flexible, shiny and voluminous hair fibers.

Evening primrose helps to detoxify the dermis, while sesame boosts collagen production and lavender helps regenerate sun damaged skin cells. Ylang Ylang offers anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits, while key ceramides help keep the hair cuticle flat, helping to smooth hair, enhance shine and allow hair to endure wear and tear over time. They promote elasticity and moisture retention, and aid in strengthening hair.

You needn't carry the ravages of the summer on your scalp & hair into autumn, only the sweet memories.

Scalp & hair care is skincare, that beautiful living organ that extends all over the body, even if unseen beneath one’s hair. Designed through the prism of skincare (targeting living cells and tissue within the scalp), our formulations target scalp & hair care at the core. The scalp & hair are subject to the same damaging and destructive factors as the skin: premature aging, free radicals, inflammation, imbalances, sun, internal and external stressors, environmental pollution, toxins, chemicals, sebum/oil, sweat, dirt, microbes, etc.

In your skincare and fitness routines there are undoubtedly essentials to achieve great results. Your scalp, which is skin, requires the same. M F L O R E N S has developed an active botanical scalp & hair treatment mask suitable for the needs of your scalp & hair. It is a powerful, nutrient-dense formula to address the main culprits behind: hair loss and thinning, including alopecia areata, dull and damaged hair, itchy, flaky, dry or oily scalp.

 Our active botanical scalp & hair mask is a multi-correctional, performance-driven formula, which marries clean beauty and science, to restore scalp & hair health from the cellular level. Its all-natural nutrient-rich ingredients will exfoliate, cleanse and balance, while repairing, rejuvenating and regenerating at the cellular level for naturally lush, shiny hair. 

Frequent, regular use - like for the face and body - is necessary for long-lasting results. It will become an absolute must in your scalp & hair routine once you experience the deep cleansing, rejuvenating and reparative effects of this intensive treatment mask which goes to work from the cellular level to eliminate toxins, fortify, regrow and soothe your scalp & hair. Results are cumulative and amplify over time.

The sun is constantly working against your scalp & hair, whether on summer holidays, outdoor workouts or events, or the cumulative exposure from daily life. Photo-aging from sun damage is among the leading causes of cellular breakdown and premature aging in the scalp & hair, much like the rest of the face and body, and leads to hair loss, thinning, flakiness, sensitivity, and other scalp conditions. Sun exposure denatures the proteins in your hair leading to protein loss and dry, frizzy and breakage-prone hair. Over time, the cumulative impact on the way your scalp & hair looks, feels and regenerates is tremendously harmful.

Short of avoiding the sun, you are not defenseless. Fortunately, there are effective ways to protect, repair and rejuvenate your scalp & hair (think skincare, don’t stop at the forehead). Both No. 1 and No. 2 are high in natural SPF, derived from plants, which have evolved their own ingenious ways of warding off the sun. Post-sun exposure, treat your scalp & hair to gentle, enzymatic exfoliants, healing anti-inflammatories and soothing hydration. Rejuvenating phytonutrients and balancing actives repair and reverse the effects of sun damage, leaving scalp & hair revitalized and more shiny, voluminous and strong no matter what your age.

When the time comes to bask in the sun, don’t leave home without M F L O R E N S. We have harnessed the reparative, protective and shielding powers of the botanical world against the sun, using nature’s ingenious ways of doing so developed over millennia. For your most youthful, vibrant scalp & hair, borrow from nature as formulated in our masks.

Cananga Odorata Genuina (Complete Ylang Ylang) Oil

M F L O R E N S sources its ylang ylang oil from France, where we are able to obtain the highest quality, “complete” oil.  We only use “complete” ylang ylang oil, which means it is produced by uninterrupted fresh water steam-distillation for 20 to 24 hours.

With its highly penetrative molecular composition, ylang ylang oil works on the scalp and hair, but also penetrates to the roots and follicles, to powerfully cleanse, detoxify and eliminate stubborn buildup and stale oils around your hair follicles.  As it clears and unclogs pores and follicles, it thereby dramatically improves blood flow and delivery of vital nutrients and oxygenation to hair follicles and roots.  Previously compromised and weakening follicles regain their strength and dormant ones may be revived, if intervention occurs in time.

Ylang ylang oil acts as a powerful antiseptic, i.e. disinfectant and antimicrobial to target pernicious bacterial, fungal and viral growth on the scalp.  If left unaddressed, these organisms are silent killers of hair follicles and roots, and a leading cause of hair loss.  They also cause dandruff, itchiness and general discomfort on the scalp.

As it delivers antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and rich nutrients to unclogged pores, it reverses and prevents cellular damage and premature aging, which is a leading cause of weak and thinning hair.  Relief from oxidative stress and chronic inflammation means healthier cellular function.

The increased blood circulation to the scalp stimulates and revives dormant hair follicles to restart functioning and produce hair growth.

Ylang ylang oil also balances the sebaceous glands and sebum production in your scalp to reduce wet and greasy sensations (for those with oily scalp and/or hair).  By balancing the sebaceous glands, it regulates oil production and combats dry scalp to prevent itchiness, flakiness and brittle hair, while helping your hair to retain moisture.

Additional Facts:

• Ylang Ylang comes from the Tagalog (Filipino) term ilang-ilang—ilang means wilderness.
• It is an essential oil used in aromatherapy for its relaxing and de-stressing propensities.
• It is a fast-growing tree of the custard apple family.
• The scent has beautiful hints of jasmine and neroli.
• It’s famously used in Chanel’s iconic No. 5 perfume.

There are at least three ways M F L O R E N S recommends using the active botanical scalp & hair masks for maximum impact and results.

For use as multi-correctional scalp & hair treatment masks to exfoliate, cleanse, stimulate, condition, moisturize, nourish, rejuvenate and impart shine. Working in sections, liberally drop oil directly on the scalp and roots. Gently work the oil in and tap to stimulate the scalp. Apply to hair ends as desired. For deeper-mask penetration, warm treated scalp briefly with hairdryer to quickly activate the mask. Hold the blowdryer 15cm from the hair for optimal heat performance. Thoroughly shampoo scalp & hair with warm water, finish with a cold rinse.

• Overnight treatment mask—Apply the mask as suggested above before bedtime. To avoid transferring the mask onto your pillowcase, you may use a head-wrap or place a towel on your pillow. As you unwind and fall asleep to relaxing French lavender and West African baobab, the mask will work to exfoliate, nourish and rejuvenate scalp and roots. Wash the following day.  It is generally safe to leave the mask on for up to 12 hours or more. Each individual should assess their own sensitivities and tolerances.
  

• Hot oil treatment—Apply  mask as suggested above whenever it is most suitable for you, allowing it to stay on for at least 30 minutes. Used in this way, it is imperative to apply heat via a blowdryer or head-wrap. Hold the blowdryer 15cm from the hair for optimal heat performance. This method can as easily be used at a salon treatment or on the go during the day, pre-workout, pre-errands, pre-job. Wash afterwards.

• Dry scalp treatment — For those with excessively dry, itchy and sensitive scalp, dab a little bit on your fingertips and gently tap on your scalp. The rich, nutrient-dense formulations will soothe and balance your skin for a glowing scalp.

• Final grooming aid on wet hair— For hair that is very difficult to brush and tame après-shampooing, warm a few drops between hands and very lightly running hands through the hair. A little goes a long way to help protect the hair from breakage and protein loss due to harsh combing/brushing.

Lastly, consistency of use determines outcome and satisfaction.  With repeated twice weekly use, cumulative results will begin to grow. We cannot stress regular use enough — akin to brushing one's teeth, bathing, exercising.

In light of the above, we invite you to modify and adapt the mask to your needs and constraints.  What is most important is that you use the mask with regularity. 

Note to alopecia areata clients: In addition to the above, apply lightly to the bald area every day. Please refrain from touching the affected area at any other time.