Overnight Kate Gosselin ruined a beloved hair trend with long locks and an extension bill large enough to bail us out of national debt. But many women started to ponder, hmmm, what if I added eight inches, would it look natural? While adding hair extensions is as inconspicuous as a baby at a bar, the hair itself can still be natural and green. Yes Goldilocks, hair can be eco-friendly.

We all, for the most part, are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, so why not start with our hair? Salons all over the world are embracing the “green” movement.  But most salon efforts range from hair recycling programs to chemical-free hair products. The list goes on, just ask Susy Borlido, director of the government funded business greening program for Sustainable Works in Santa Monica, California. Here are just a few “green”steps salons are taking:

Hair Recycling Program. Did you know hair naturally absorbs oil? Matter of Trust is a non-profit organization that accepts hair clippings from hair salons and creates mesh hair mats with them. These mats are then used to soak up oil spills in the ocean. Getting a haircut never felt so good. www.matteroftrust.org

Hair Extensions. Enjoy long locks without jeopardizing the environment. Pure Extensions is an eco-friendly hair extension company that uses a cold bond application that is completely free of heat, wax, chemicals and glue. However, salons that do extensions are still being eco-conscious if they are recycling the hair.

Recycling. Salons can recycle everything from the foils that are placed on your head to the plastic cap that covers your hair during a deep-conditioning treatment. Color tubes and the packaging they come in, along with any plastic or cardboard that makes its way into the salon can also be recycled.

Hair Color. You can still be a natural beauty and color your hair. Eco Colors is a non-toxic permanent haircolor. It’s sulfite free, paraben free, propylene glycol free and ethanolamine free. www.ecocolors.net

Remember, do your research and ask your stylist how they are contributing to making the planet a better place. And don’t worry, Kate might return to her roots any day now.

– Nicole Leal

Global Hair Expert, Philanthropist and Eco-Blogger, Nicole Leal has enriched the careers of hairstylists all over the world. You can find her working at Celebrity hotspot salon Nine Zero One in West Hollywood or blogging away on Greenmeetsgirl.com . Nicole’s biggest goal is making the world a beautiful place from the inside out and she has a Certificate of Recognition from California Senator Fran Pavley to prove it.

It’s the middle of winter and you’re wearing lilac to the office. Fashion statement? Nope. It’s to prevent your little white flakes from clogging up the janitor’s vacuum at the office. But before you shave your head, did you know there’s plenty of natural ways to make it stop snowing on your shoulder?

What is Dandruff?Dandruff is an irritating hair problem caused by a fungal infection. Dead skin cells accumulate to form thick white scales on the scalp, which shed randomly. Dandruff is aggravated by exposure to sun, chemical build-up in your hair, and excessive dryness. If you can manage to keep your hair clean and nourished, dandruff can be eliminated.

Try these natural remedies:

MOST POPULAR: Apple Cider Vinegar. One effective method is using apple cider vinegar to massage your scalp. Leave it in for a few minutes, shampoo, and rinse your hair.

Lemon Remedy. Buy a bottle of pure lemon juice and massage your scalp with it. Leave the lemon juice in to soak your scalp and hair for atleast 5 minutes, making sure to wash it well. After about two or three treatments, you will be able to see the difference.

Baby Oil. Apply baby oil to your head and let it soak in overnight. In the morning, wash with warm water and a mild shampoo. You can do this on a regular basis, cry baby.

Aloe Vera. About 10 to 15 minutes before you jump in the shower, rub a glob of aloe vera gel into your scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes. Scrub your hair with a mild shampoo. Repeat until you start seeing a difference. This has proven to be an effective treatment for dandruff.

Garlic and Lime Juice. Create a paste using one teaspoon lime juice, and equal parts crushed garlic. Massage the scalp thoroughly, leave on for 10 minutes, and rinse. Your head may stink for a day or two, but it’s better than white shit all over your pillowcase, right?

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

- Julie C.

It’s not your fault. The deodorant you bought bragged about its all-natural ingredients. You read the label expecting your aloe-filled pit pores to smell like a lavender field in Provence. So, how come you smell like a plumber in 90-degree heat?

Deodorants and anti-perspirants are very different. Anti-perspirants actually stop the body’s natural process of sweating and prevent your pores from releasing toxins.
 Your underarms are the gateway to your lymphatic system and their job is to fight infections. So taking small steps, such as using a deodorant, can help protect you from any potential health risks. But, most deodorants on the market (even natural touting products we all love) have looming chemicals that are not really talked about.

The two biggest culprits are:

Aluminum. Some studies have found a link between Alzheimer’s disease and aluminum. A 1993 World Health Organization “Public Health Report” cited autopsies that found high concentrations of aluminum in the brains of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a memory you might want to hold onto.

Propylene Glycol. Commonly found in our cosmetics and hair care products, it’s a form of mineral oil used in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid, and industrial antifreeze. Nice. It serves as a humectant, helping retain moisture content to preventing things from drying out. The Material Safety Data Sheet warns users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. Honey, you’re rubbing it all over your pits.

Just like other beauty products, all deodorants are not created equal. Some help mask odor and soothe while others are duds like that guy you found on yourfuturegroom.com.

So what to buy? No worries. The gals at Healthy Bitch Daily sweated it out for you, and guess who came up smelling like a bed of roses? These picks are aluminum, paraben and propylene glycol free:

SMASHING. LaVanila Healthy Deodorant.It’s 100-percent natural and fights odor with powerful antioxidants, antibacterial agents, active botanicals and essential oils. It’s a bit on the pricier end, but your pits are worth the extra pocket change. Go Vanilla nutso with Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Lavender, Vanilla Grapefruit and, of course, Pure Vanilla. $18,www.sephora.com.

SERENE. Hugo Natural Dual-Action Formula. Not as glamorous as LaVanila, but definitely kept us dry and happy much longer than expected. Hey, he even called the next day. Do know, the stick glides on a bit chalky-like but you’ll smell like a flower garden. For some, you might have to apply twice a day. $5.26, iherb.com.

SMELLY. Nature’s Gate Lavender & Aloe Deodorant Stick. This pretty stick actually has organic essences fresh from a field locally grown in California. It boasts baking soda to help neutralize odor. We didn’t omit any bad body odors, but strange ones? Why, yes. Nature’s Gate left our armpits with a weird aroma-from-my-freshly-washed-bathroom-floor. Probably best for those who don’t sweat during a status meeting. $4.89, Whole Foods retailer or www.wholefoods.com

SIMPLE. Make your own natural deodorant: Mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a glass jar. Pat on with a washcloth. Like a spray deodorant? Try combining 1/4 cup witch hazel, 1 tablespoon glycerin and a few drops of essential oil into a small spray bottle. Works like a charm.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. You got it figured out.

– Julie C.

They say we sometimes start to look like our pets. While endearing for a fleeting moment, how can that ever be a compliment? Then comes the day when you take a good look in the mirror and realize there is a striking resemblance. Shit. We both have spots.

No, your dog has spots. You, my dear, have a pigmentation problem. Pigmentation on the body is due to different forms of melanin that are blended into body cells (melanocytes), mostly from the amino acidtyrosine. They absorb the energy of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays in order to protect your skin from overexposure. Usually, this results in tanning of the skin. Age spots appear when sun damage throws off the patterns of pigment-producing melanocytes. But sometimes you don’t see the damage until years later. Like, when Benji curls up to you.

 First, let’s discuss prevention. (But you knew this already)

• Broad spectrum sunscreen- SPF 30 does the trick. An SPF 30 blocks 97-percent of incoming rays while an SPF 50 or more blocks 99-percent. According to doctors, you can save more dough by sticking with an SPF 30, which doesn’t offer much less protection than an SPF 70. Make sure to reapply throughout the day.
• Long-sleeved shirts trump tanks in the sun
• Hats
• Big ass UV-protected sunglasses
• UV protection on car windows to help protect your hands, arms and damage on the left side of your face

Three Natural Treatments for Age Spots

Lime Juice and Turmeric Bleaching. Squeeze the juice from half a lime into a bowl and mix in 1 teaspoon turmeric powder. Stir for three minutes to blend well. If the mixture needs to be thinner to spread onto your skin, simply add more lime juice as needed. Lime juice contains natural bleaching properties that can lighten, exfoliate and tone skin to reduce the overall appearance of dark spots.

Apply the mixture to the dark skin spots with a cotton ball. Dab the areas lightly to avoid irritating the skin. Let the mixture soak on the spots for approximately 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Repeat this treatment once daily for three to four weeks for best results.

Orange Peel Bleaching.Apply an orange peel mixture to the discolored areas. Orange peels contain natural acids which can help lighten the skin. Add 1 to 2 cups of orange peels into a blender and blend until it turns into a paste. Add one cup of water into mixture and puree for about 10 seconds. Apply the paste on the discolored areas and let dry for 30 minutes once daily. Rinse off completely and pat dry.

Potato Bleaching. Apply potato paste to the discolored skin. Potatoes include high amounts of catecholase, a potent skin lightening substance found in many skin bleaching products. They also have brightening ingredients like phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur that enhance the skin’s appearance by exfoliating dead skin (thus lightening the skin’s overall pigment). Add one potato (include the peel) into a blender and blend until it turns into a paste. Gently rub the paste on the discolored skin and leave on for 30 minutes to one hour. Rinse well and pat dry. Apply potato paste once a day.

For a few days each month, our moods swing faster than Pink at the Grammy’s.  Either you’re bashing yourself for buying those hideous bath towels or yelling at your man for not calling you on his lunch break.  Honey, he doesn’t take lunch.  But before you lock yourself in a room with a cheap bottle of Chard and reruns of Full House, please know there are natural ways to ease the suffering.

But first, here’s some big No No’s:

Don’t Consume…

Salty foods. Sodium can drastically increase bloating before or during your period. Nothing less fun than having someone ask you when you are due…when you’re not.

Sugar and Dairy.  The most notable symptom sugar causes is mood swings. Dairy products and refined sugar can increase magnesium excretion, which can lead to cramping, nervousness and backaches.  Oh, and ice cream can pack on the calories.  Is that a better reason?

Caffeine and Alcohol.  Both can cause dehydration, which can lead to a myriad of issues. Caffeine can increase estrogen levels making symptoms like breast tenderness worse. Alcohol, too, can enhance symptoms, such as depression and headaches. Best of all, you’ll remember being a bitch last night.

Even if you’re a narcoleptic with no social life, dark, under-eye circles can still hunt you down.  Get out of town! Yep, dark, under-eye circles (a.k.a. “oxidizing hemoglobin”) can make you feel older than an Incan ruin.

If there is one word girls would happily omit from the English language, it would be aging.  Without a doubt. We want to be Forever 21, doing Jello shots off the bartender’s chest on the bar, or 25, sleeping in until 1 p.m. on Sundays. Then, we heard about antioxidants and the whole world just shined a little brighter.

For those unfamiliar with the magical word, antioxidants are reducing agents, and limit oxidative damage to biological structures by neutralizing free radicals, oxidative stress, regular stress, ultraviolet radiation, and photo-aging. Con permiso? In layman’s terms, these are all four-letter words for premature aging. Antioxidants are among the most popular anti-aging “cosmeceuticals” in the marketplace and have become the worldwide skincare anti-aging leaders.

Let’s chat about the natural forms, which come from plants, fruits, and veggies. The natural guys have built up unique antioxidant cellular defenses against free radicals (premature aging) because they are literally “stuck there in the sun,” lacking the mobility to relocate to less toxic environmental stress when needed. These super rich defense compounds are called polyphenols or lycopene and produce the plant or berry’s protective dark color.

 It’s been shown that a diet rich in antioxidants is not the only way to go. Direct topical application makes your skin go wild, too. Great topical antioxidants are found from vitamins A and C, lipoic acid, blueberries, green tea and coffee berry.

You should eat about five servings of antioxidant-rich foods a day to reep the benefits. So … what’ll it be, cookie? 

Polyphenols (a.k.a flavonoids) – A plant defense from solar radiation damage. They are located in berries, tea, beer, grapes, red wine, olive oil chocolate/cocoa, coffee berry, walnuts, peanuts, borojo, pomegranates, and yerba mate.

Resveratrol (a.k.a phytoalexin) Antibacterial and anti-fungal chemicals produced by plants as a defense against infection by pathogens. Found in the skins of dark-colored grapes, and concentrated in red wine.

Vitamin A (a.k.a. retinol) Also synthesized by the body from beta-carotene, vitamin A protects dark green, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits from solar radiation damage – It is thought to play a similar role in the human body. Found in carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

Vitamin C (a.k.a. ascorbic acid) A water-soluble compound that fulfills several roles in living systems. Important sources include citrus fruits (such as oranges, sweet lime, etc.), green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, black currants, strawberries, blueberries, raw cabbage and tomatoes.

Vitamin E (a.k.a. tocopherol) fat-soluble and protects lipids. Sources include wheat germ, nuts, seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, kiwi fruit, vegetable oil. Alpha-tocopherol is the main form in which vitamin E is consumed.

Bitchworthy: Priori’s all-natural coffee berry-infused cosmecutical skin care line. Eco-conscious and earth friendly, Priori delivers superb anti-aging benefits, including: a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and a dramatic reduction and evening of irregular skin tones. www.prioriskincare.com

-Sara Elizabeth, HBD Beauty Expert and Owner of Sara Elizabeth Skincare.

It’s popping up in food, fabrics, paper and fuel.

It reminds you of the days your mama only believed in sex, love and rock ‘n’ roll

It’s the aroma coming from your little bro’s Mustang.

My bad. Scratch the last one … Wrong seed!

While it suspiciously looks like the plant your Granny makes extra trips to the “special” pharmacy for, don’t judge a weed by its cousin. Hemp is actually a nifty natural resource just brimming with super healing powers. And, now this shy, unassuming seed is popping up in your beauty products.

Lather, rinse and repeat with The Healing Seed – a line of hair, face and body products that offer all the healing benefits in products that smell like heaven, feel amazing and are free of the usual suspects, phthalates, parabens and sulphates. Made from virgin (oh my!) hempseed oil, this stuff is jam-packed with Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids, gamma linolenic acids (GLA) and poly-unsaturated fatty acids.

We tried some of the products on for size and the verdict is in – they not only work … they work beautifully.

HAIR

The Results. Scented with orange oil, the color-safe shampoo and conditioner duo moisturized the heck out of my tresses, while leaving hair smooth and soft. For those of us (me) who engage in a running argument with the fuzz coalition, these hair products add shine and manageability without flat-lining your diva style. A dime-sized dollop run through towel-dried hair (like a styling product) reduced my fuzz while adding texture and bounce. I’m just sayin’ …

How? The key is in the hempseed oil’s ability to penetrate the scalp and infuse it with the nutrients it needs to turn you into Rapunzel.

FACE

The Results. The facial cleanser felt like a detoxifier – easily lifted dirt and makeup, and relieved redness and noticeable signs of inflammation. The facial cream proved true in reducing fine lines after a few days, and didn’t make me break out in the beginning stages of use like many products on the shelves. That is worth its weight in organic chocolate.

How? The gamma-linolenic acid helps stimulate new skin growth and, when the three omegas react with one another, they positively impact inflammation and maintain hormonal balance. Omega 3’s also work to fight acne.

Hmm … all this from a relative of former Public Enemy #1. You learn a new lesson every day.

The Healing Seed product line ranges from $13 to $14. Visit www.healingseed.com/onlinestore to purchase.

– Julie H.

Glued to your TV on New Year’s, you watched in amazement as people suffered through cold, chapping wind for a crystal ball to drop.  The countdown began and all you could think about was yourself in that square, shivering, skin cracking – then you heard the name … Seeeaaaacrest.  With eight seconds to go, you started daydreaming about the ocean.  Oh the grainy sand between your toes, the warm Goddess-like sun on your face and a tanned boy named Ryan applying salt scrub to remove all the layers of ’09 away…

Snap back to reality missy.  Your natural, sea-based skin therapies are at bay with H2O Plus’ s Sea Pure Line.  Offering 100-percent natural products all from the sea, H2O Plus’s products exfoliate and hydrate to tackle your winter crackle.  We dove into the line and here are our top H2o Plus picks:

Sea Pure Reviving Body Buffer

For sure, our fave out of the line.  Buff away ex-boyfriend memories with this sea mixture containing antioxidant Tocopheral, lemon oil and sea salts. Our skin was even-toned, supple and hydrated like we just jumped out of a bath.  We got all tingly with its essential oils: clove leaf, sandalwood, tangerine and bergamot.  $27

Sea Pure Replenishing Body Cream

Another heavy hitter: the body cream is purely indulgent with its rich and smooth main ingredients like coconut oil, Shea butter and lavender oil.  You’ll be in love with your skin again. XOXO. $26

Sea Pure Finishing Body Silk

Now to up your game, you can mix in the Finishing Body Silk with the Body Cream for an extra boost of moisturizing.  Sensory soothing ingredients like lavender, geranium, rosemary and eucalyptus oils melt into your skin. The Body Silk also contains Tocopheral, a brilliant antioxidant and lipid barrier protector. $22

Sea Pure Sheer Lotion SPF 15

After you’re done scrubbing yourself to death, it’s time to face the mirror.  This lotion is a no brainer.  The lotion’s key ingredients help stimulate new skin cell renewal, and a natural broad spectrum SPF 15 helps prevent visible signs of aging.  The antioxidant rich “sea mayweed” (sister flower to chamomile with a fresh clean scent) visibly smoothed and firmed our skin to give our complexions a gentle boost.  $40

2010 is glowing already.

H20 Plus carries skincare and body products, along with advice from skincare experts. Visit www.h20plus.com to view their product line.

– Sara Elizabeth

Sara Elizabeth has blended eastern traditions with western technology to focus on tailored skin regimens for celebrity elite and skin junkies since the early 90s. Her passion for amazing skin led her to New York City where she studied esthetics under skin guru Ling Chan in New York City, and Japanese Kobido massage under skincare sensei Master Shogo Mochizuki in the Rocky Mountains - a 500-year-old muscle reconstruction technique that she learned Kill Bill-style. Sara is the owner of Sara Elizabeth Skincare & Nail Boutique in San Diego, California, which has earned several prestigious awards and acknowledgments in W Magazine, San Diego Magazine and 944 Magazine since its inception in 2006. For more information, visit saraelizabethskincare.com.

We love mascara. Plain and simple. If you stuck us on a deserted island and we could only take one item, we’d kiss lip gloss adiós in a heartbeat. Which leads me to the question, Who’s the brilliant one that decided we could only take one? Okay, back to mascara …

Because we’re a bit fed up with caking our eyelashes with toxic ingredients like mica, mercury, talc, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), film formers, wax thickeners, dyes and nerve-damaging preservatives, we decided to put our beauty expert, Sara Kuite, owner of Sarah Elizabeth Skin Care, to the task of testing out some of the best naturals on the market.

“While it is difficult to find all-natural mascaras that don’t contain one bad thing or another, anyone buying it should always strive to buy something that is as pure as possible,” says Kuite.

The downside? Kuite has yet to find a healthy mascara that is waterproof. But, it is winter, and for the sake of your lashes and health, it’s a small thing to sacrifice, pretty lady.  The upside? HBD chose three mascaras that are paraben-free and contain high-quality plant oils for clump-free, quick-drying, beautiful lashes. They’re not perfect, but who is?

Now, let’s get this show on the road. After all, the eyes are the window to the soul, and we’re phening for another coat already.

The Best. Suncoat Natural Mascara

Avoiding synthetic chemicals as the binder in commercial mascara, Suncoat uses sugar-based biopolymer, kaolin clay and earth pigments. This baby is vegan, and stands the test as a fragrance- and paraben-free product line. Suncoat proved to have g-r-e-a-t wear ability, increased lash volume and length and resisted smudging. Good for the earth with biodegradable ingredients. Available in Black, Brown and Navy Blue. $14.99, suncoatproducts.com.

The Runner-Up. ZuZu Luxe Mascara

Luxurious, natural and formulated to be long-lasting and clump-free, Zuzu makes us go Vroom, Vroom, Vroom. The gentle and non-irritating mascara is chock-full of vitamins and herbal extracts that encourage maximum growth. Available in Onyx, Espresso, Navy and Clear. $16.70, gabrielcosmetics.com.

Third Prize. Miessence Mascara

Natural and organic, Miessence is made with essential oils and nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter to strengthen lashes. Builds thick, supple lashes while mineral pigments add color. Gluten-free formula. * For our vegans, this product contains beeswax. $22.95, buygreen.com.

Consolation Prizes.

Gabriel Mascara. Natural plant waxes and vitamin B5 are added for superior conditioning and protection for long, full, hot, healthy lashes. $15.20, gabrielcosmetics.com.

Dr. Hauschka. 100-percent natural, free of synthetic preservatives, colors and artificial fragrances. Botanical ingredients serve as preservatives. * For our vegans, this product contains beeswax. $29.95, store.drhauschka.com.

Sara Elizabeth Kuite has blended eastern traditions with western technology to focus on tailored skin regimens for celebrity elite and skin junkies since the early 90s. Her passion for amazing skin led her to New York City where she studied esthetics under skin guru Ling Chan in New York City, and Japanese Kobido massage under skincare sensei Master Shogo Mochizuki in the Rocky Mountains - a 500-year-old muscle reconstruction technique that she learned Kill Bill-style. Sara is the owner of Sara Elizabeth Skincare & Nail Boutique in Mission Hills, a suburb of  San Diego, California, which has earned several prestigious awards and acknowledgments in W Magazine, San Diego Magazine and Modern Luxury since its inception in 2006. For more information, visit saraelizabethskincare.com.

- Sara Elizabeth