Alchemy Oils

Hair and Beard oil specialists creating natural effective haircare solutions          Self Care + Great Hair

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Clean up your routine and achieve full, nourished facial hair

Growing a full healthy beard to be envied can prove to be challenging for some men. Often we put up with thinning and patchiness that requires regular trimming and too much time wasting maintenance. Improper skincare routines, unhealthy diets and harsh environmental factors can lead to lacklustre thinning and weak facial hair. We’ve come up with a few simple, fuss-free and achievable ways to boost our skincare routine and promote a full, nourished and healthy looking beard in a matter of months.

DIET

Adding in healthy fats both inside and out is incredibly important here. Avocado, nuts, seeds, berries and proteins are all loaded with beneficial vitamins that help to promote hair growth. Your hair is a protein, so the more protein-rich foods you’re consuming the healthier your beard will look. Drinking enough water daily is also important to help flush out toxins from your body. This in turn will hydrate your skin, with healthier skin meaning a healthier and thicker beard.

EXCERCISE

It’s been said that high-intensity exercise such as cardio workouts, brisk walking, running and cycling help hair growth. Movement increases testosterone, which in turn promotes healthy follicles and therefore encourages a full thick beard. The exercise also increases blood circulation which provides all the nutrients the hair needs to grow thicker and stronger. So with that said, dust off your running shoes and get moving!

SKINCARE

A regular skincare plan is key if we want a full and even beard. Often the skin beneath gets abandoned and therefore lacks important nourishment and hydration. Cleaning and washing your face regularly will encourage circulation, exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells that are causing ingrown hairs, and open up your pores. A proper deep cleanse primes the skin, creating the perfect foundation for either one of our beard oil remedies. 

Our Hourglass Timer can be used to make sure we’re giving ourselves the time we need to properly massage the oils into our skin, for maximum absorption. Our 100% natural, cold-pressed and vegan Peppermint Beard Remedy is the perfect balance of stimulating plant oils. A unique blend of invigorating and strengthening oils work in synergy to stimulate speedy growth and help tackle your everyday beard frustrations. Moisturising avocado, strengthening coconut, softening argan and smoothing rosehip have been topped off with a splash of Peppermint Oil to stimulate the hair follicles to work a little harder. With a natural, minty scent that will keep you smelling fresh from dusk till dawn.

AVOID STRESS

It’s safe to say stress is a killer! It’s been proven that stress increases the cortisol levels in your body. This in turn has a negative impact on testosterone development. Most of us suffer from stress in one way or another and this can also disrupt our sleep pattern and quality. Not getting enough  shut eye directly affects hair growth, making it more challenging to grow the beard of your dreams!

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How to seal, heal and achieve enviable, swish-able holiday hair this summer

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Silicones, you can’t sit with us…

The hot topic we’re chatting about today is silicones.

Silicones are an interesting ingredient that you’ll often find in hair ‘oils’ and ‘serums’, BUT dig a little deeper and you’ll find that this is certainly an ingredient you want to avoid like the plague! We pride ourselves in using only natural ingredients in our hair and beard remedies and our recipes are a carefully curated to have the ultimate impact on your hair and skin. We’re not saying that all man-made chemicals should be avoided; there are definitely some that have positive effects on skin and hair, but silicones are absolutely not one of them!

“Silicones are a large class of materials—not one item. They can usually be recognized by names ending in ‘cone.’ In hair care, they are primarily used to lubricate/condition and to add shine.” —Eric Spengler, Chief Commercialization Officer & SVP Research & Development, Living Proof

Silicones are at the most basic level, a sealant, so this shine and lubrication comes at a cost. They provide a superficial coating to the hair, which prevents anything from sinking in. This will provide a temporary, immediate shine and smoothness to hair, which fools us into thinking that the oil or serum containing these ingredients is working. I mean, we’re all after that shiny, swoosh-worthy hair, BUT long-term use of products containing silicones mean that it’s difficult for actual good ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft. Silicones themselves don’t contain anything nourishing to make your hair naturally shine, so you’ll become reliant on whichever product to provide it. Is that really worth it, when you can get the same results from hair and scalp health?

Silicones will build up in your hair and scalp and cause damage – if they’re not penetrating your hair, they’re just sitting there, aren’t they?

As silicones are a large class of materials, they can have several different names and that’s what you need to look out for on an ingredient label. Things ending in ‘cone’ are usually the main culprits however you can get a sneaky ‘cyclopentasiloxane’ thrown into the mix. When you see an ingredient you don’t recognise, Google is your bestie.

Now, when you purchase a product that has a silicone in its ingredients list (sometimes there are more than one in a product), especially if it’s particularly high on the list, know you’re paying for a very temporary fix. This is so annoying when you’re paying for a seemingly luxe product. It’s so important to have ingredients that will nurture your hair and – like any good relationship – works from the inside out. We don’t need that ‘just for Instagram hair’, on-the-surface hot hair; we need that ‘oh I just washed it and it looks this good’ hair.

For further, and in-depth reading on silicones, there is a fab article over on the Coveteur .

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The Importance of Men’s Grooming

Men’s grooming has seen quite a boom, recently. Girls have been taught this stuff for years, but for a man today, it can feel a bit as though you’ve been thrown in the deep end, and the sheer number of grooming options can be intimidating.

Rather than give you a list of simple tips that are anything but, we’ll look at the ways you can make the most of our products, and how they’ll help kick-start your grooming routine. And lucky for you, our beard oils are fantastic multitaskers, ideal for any man’s bathroom kit!

Cleansing & Exfoliating

Just like your hair, your beard needs regular washing and maintenance, and a well-groomed beard is a sign of general hygiene. While we’ve mentioned before about the incredible way that our hair and beard oils use oil to break down grease and grime, our Earl Grey beard oil contains Bergamot and Coconut oils, both rich in natural cleansing and antibacterial properties.

Keeping your beard area clean is also crucial for healthy growth: regular cleansing and exfoliating helps to stimulate skin cells and encourage growth! You can add a small amount of brown sugar to a few drops of our oils for a gentle exfoliator (salt scrubs are great, but the crystals are too harsh on sensitive skin, so stick to softer brown sugar for anything you use on your face).

Moisturising

We couldn’t talk about our oils without mentioning their moisturising properties! The ‘itchy beard phase’ that affects most men with stubble is caused by dry skin cells needing more sebum as your beard follicles get longer. Each of our oils is packed with intense moisturising ingredients (for example, our Peppermint beard remedylooks after dry skin with rosehip oil).

Styling

If any of you are sporting wild yeti-beards, or are struggling to tame that frizz, look no further than our oils: our Earl Grey remedy contains cold-pressed bergamot essential oil, a natural serum for out-of-control beards, while our Peppermint Beard Oil softens hair with miracle ingredient argan oil. A couple of drops of either, and you’re good to go!

Stimulating

Finally, to give your beard a bit of an extra boost, try our Peppermint beard oil: formulated to stimulate your hair follicles, it’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to fill in patchy beards.

The best thing about our oils is that, with consistent use, your beard will become more manageable over time. They’re easy to use, tackle 5 grooming steps in one, and – with their incredible scents and calming properties – can form a simple, effective, and enjoyable nighttime routine!

Exfoliating (face – especially beard)

Other things you can do for a healthy skin & beard is to exfoliate regularly:

Sam Norsworthy:”Exfoliation is almost always a good thing, especially for men with beards. It doesn’t take off any of the healthy skin, it gets rid of the dead skin. What is crucial is to choose a good, natural exfoliator. Good ones use sand, natural grit or stone. Bad ones essentially face wash with plastic beads in.”

Hair growth (beard and scalp)

Massage for hair loss: “The only thing that has been proven as far as I’m aware to help aid hair loss is head massage and that is down to promoting blood flow into the scalp to give hair the nutrients it needs.”

Castor oil in Grapefruit and Peppermint hair oils improve circulation. Our beard oils both contain ingredients that promote blood flow: peppermint is ideal to supercharge hair growth, while bergamot in our earl grey blend is perfect for those who are looking to maintain a healthy growth.

Styling

Simple is always best, a couple of drops of our oils (pick your favourite) to the ends of your hair and you’re good to go!

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International Orangutan Day

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International Orangutan Day

This International Orangutan Day we will be celebrating our closet relatives, the oldest man of the forest- sharing 97% of our DNA with them.

Orangutans are known as the gardeners of the forest. This is because of the role they play in seed dispersion and maintaining a strong ecosystem. Orangutans were mainly distributed widely across the South East of Asia but due to habitat loss are now only found in the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. It is clear to see the decrease in Orangutan population; in Borneo, there are approximately  104,000 Orangutans left and in Sumatra, we are left with even less, with only around 14,000 left.  

Another crucial factor of Orangutan extinction is the manufacturing of palm oil. Although the products that you eat and use may be organic or free-range, they may not be Palm oil free. Palm oil flourishes in tropical conditions and is an edible oil used to make products that we eat and use. Certain types of Palm oil can be certified as sustainable, however, much of the palm oil manufacturing results in the clearing of the Borneo rainforests- the Orangutans main habitat. This deforestation which is often illegal is a major threat to the irreplaceable rainforest environments which is home to some of the world’s most critically endangered animals including the Orangutan. Over 50,000 Orangutans have died due to palm oil deforestation. This needs to stop.

Here at Alchemy Oils, we are passionate about using all sustainable, natural products. All products are vegan and cruelty-free so you can celebrate International Orangutan day knowing you are truly supporting a conscious and sustainably sourced brand!

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Self Care at 30,000 Feet

Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, follow our guide to arrive in style and feeling refreshed…

The air on aeroplanes is incredibly dry: around 10% humidity, compared to the 30-40% we are comfortable in. In response to the dry air, the skin and scalp produce oil, giving the standard oily, dull skin and flat post-plane hair we all know and hate. Follow flight attendants’ advice and use a deep-conditioning hair mask the night before flying. Our oil ensures you start the journey with perfectly moisturised hair, with cuticles sealed against toxins circulating through the cabin.

At the beginning of the flight, run a couple of drops of oil through the midlengths and ends of your hair, to lock in moisture – our Amla, Grapefruit and Peppermint hair remedies come in handy travel-sizes that are perfect for the plane. Then tie your hair in a bun to keep it off your face and away from the static-inducing aeroplane seats. Buns and plaits are ideal for long journeys, since they can sometimes look even better when they are messy, or your hair is a little dirty.

It may be tempting to wear lots of makeup to combat the early-morning flyer look, but with the ultra-dry environment, it’s best to avoid makeup on the plane (especially foundation). Inflight mascara and eyeshadow can go clumpy and end up smeared down your face, so it’s easiest to avoid it altogether. You can either embrace the au naturel look at the airport, or take your makeup off in an aeroplane bathroom and reapply before landing. If washing your face in an aeroplane bathroom, you might want to avoid using the water, since it’s treated with some fairly strong chemicals (hint: if it’s not ok for drinking, it’s probably harsh on your skin). Micellar water is great here, because it removes makeup and can be used without rinsing. We love this one by Madara.

Leave your water misting sprays at home. They may feel refreshing, but will dry out your skin more in the long run. Instead, double up on the moisturiser…

Moisturise your face before, during and after the flight. Intensely moisturising night creams are perfect for flying, since you can put one on, kick back and relax while your face is rejuvenated. If you’re worried about strange looks from your fellow passengers, Tata Harper’s moisturising mask and Alexandra Soveral’s Angel Balm are absolutely amazing, and look relatively clear on, allowing you to pamper in public.

In such a dry environment, you can easily become dehydrated, which is a big contributor to post-travel tiredness and headaches. Aeroplane food and drink definitely doesn’t help. Taste is affected while in the air, so in-flight meals are often loaded with salt, and are served with caffeine and alcohol, which will dehydrate you even more. Flight attendants recommend drinking one litre of water every four to six hours, and avoiding any other kind of drink. As a double benefit to drinking water, you will need to get up to use the bathroom, giving you an opportunity to stretch your legs. If you don’t like the idea of being charged for water at the airport, you can take empty bottles through security, and fill them before you board.

Flying can be stressful for jetsetters and aerophobes alike, which can compromise the immune system and cause skin complaints. Eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender essential oils are all antibacterial as well as stress-relieving, perfect for calming you down on the plane! We love this Altitude Oil by De Mamiel, with its blend of oils. Put some on your flight pillow or temples for an instant calm.

With your hair and skin hydrated, and your plane anxiety calmed, you can now watch a film, listen to music or try to sleep. Not everyone can sleep on planes, but even a few minutes of zoning out can help … and combat jet lag later.

About 45 minutes before the plane lands, brush your teeth and put on a little makeup. Dry shampoo can add volume to your hair and hide any grease built up on the flight. You can also put a little more hair oil on the ends of your hair, to smooth any static and add shine.

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Happy to announce that our Amla Oil has been voted the best hair oil for afro hair by @the.independant 🙌🏼

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We LOVE coconuts! They have so many health and beautifying benefits. How could we not include them in out precious oils. 🥥🌴

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😍 @pinterest

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Our Peppermint Oil helps to control sebum-production, and contains menthol, for a cool and refreshing sensation – perfect for a hot day!

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We know they can't talk and thats why we stand up for them and are proudly against any form of animal testing. We love animals so we are active members of the Beauty without Bunnies program and also certified by Peta as cruelty-free. 🐰🌸🌱 image: pinterest

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Things to do whilst you sit with your hair oils in: 1. Text a friend you haven't spoken to in ages. 2. Read a book. 3. Search YouTube for a yoga class. #selfcare (at London, United Kingdom)

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Meet Barfi!

Since today is ‘Bring Your Dog to Work’ Day, we thought it was about time that you were properly introduced to our resident mascot and puppy-heartthrob Barfi! He’s a lilac Frenchie and is totally irresistible.

Barfi is named after the delicious Indian sweet treat, which suits him perfectly since he’s short and sweet himself!

He’s a big part of the Alchemy family and of course, is a welcome resident at Alchemy HQ!

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We’re Just Here For The Savasana

Looking for a way to connect with your mind and care for yourself both on an outer and an inner level? Practising yoga could be the perfect addition to your self-care routine, alongside those bubble baths and face masks.

Regularly taking the time to practice yoga can bring a variety of benefits and provides relief from a long and hectic day. Not only does it boost your mood, its been shown to lower levels of stress, not to mention all the physical benefits like better flexibility and balance too – it really is a win-win (or yin!) . There’s a multitude of studies that have been carried out to investigate just how yoga can bring positive mental changes, and the results have been promising!

Here are a few of our favourite reasons why yoga is one of the best self-care methods you can try out:

1. Yoga promotes concentration on your breath and keeps you connected to your body and mind, which is what makes it such a great way to relieve your worries and let go of any tension or stress you might have been holding onto.

2. If you’ve recently been suffering from anxiety or depression, yoga’s ability to lower both blood pressure and heart rate, as well as improving respiration through your body, it may be a means to resolve or at least begin to deal with these problems without having to turn to expensive forms of treatment right away. This is thanks to the boost of serotonin levels in your blood from yoga practice.

3. In addition, you’ve no doubt heard of yoga’s ability to ‘bring you to the present’ and help you to live ‘in the moment’. This element of yoga is what helps you to escape the distraction of random thoughts which can help to improve problem-solving skills and memory in the long term.

Still not convinced? Try it out and discover the benefits of yoga for yourself! We’ve been hitting the mats at Tri Yoga London, plus there’s the added bonus of being able to pick up a bottle of your favourite Alchemy Oils in the studio shop!

There’s a vast world of yoga out there, where you can find which type suits you best, whether it’s Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, or if you’re already interested in the Ayurvedic roots of our hair oil, why not find out more and have a go at Ayurvedic yoga!

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Just a reminder... ♡