Cedar nut flakes – a seemingly simple product left over after pressing cedar nut oil – is a real treasure trove for hair health and beauty, containing trace elements that are rarely found in conventional cosmetics.
Cedar nut flakes are a valuable natural product for hair care. It is rich in substances that strengthen hair and improve the condition of the scalp. This product can be used both internally and as an ingredient in homemade hair masks and scrubs.
Zinc: An invisible shield for your hair
When it comes to hair health, zinc is often overshadowed by more well-known vitamins. However, zinc deficiency is one of the common causes of hair loss. Zinc is involved in the synthesis of protein, which is the main building block of hair – keratin. It also helps regulate the sebaceous glands, preventing both excessive oiliness and dryness of the scalp, which directly affects hair growth and condition.
About 30% of women and 20% of men experience zinc deficiency in the body, which can manifest itself in the form of thinning hair and slow hair growth. Cedar nut flakes can be an excellent natural source of this important element. 100 grams of cedar nut flakes contains an average of 5 to 7 mg of zinc, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily allowance (about 8-11 mg for adults).
Selenium: Antioxidant protection and growth stimulation
Selenium is involved in iodine metabolism, which is necessary for normal thyroid function, and thyroid dysfunction often leads to hair problems. What's more, selenium promotes hair growth by stimulating it from within.
According to the World Health Organization, selenium deficiency is common in regions with low levels of this element in the soil, which can affect the selenium content in food. Cedar nut flakes grown in ecologically clean areas can be a valuable source of selenium. One hundred grams of cedar nut flakes contains an average of 30 to 50 mcg of selenium, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily allowance (about 55 mcg for adults).
How to use cedar nut flakes for hair?
The most important and reliable way to obtain microelements from cedar nut flakes for healthy hair is to consume it internally, either on its own or in combination with food (e.g., porridge or smoothies).
However, external application of cedar nut flakes in the form of masks and scrubs will enhance its effect on hair beauty. For example, you can make a mask with cedar nut flakes (ground in a coffee grinder to a flour consistency) by mixing it with your everyday hair conditioner in a 1:1 ratio. Apply the mask to your hair for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Or prepare a scrub with cedar nut flakes for the scalp by mixing 80% ground cedar nut flakes, sea salt, and aloe balm in a 1:1 ratio. Apply this scrub to the wet scalp and massage gently in circular motions for 2-3 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.
