| Revised Date: 5/01/07 - Original Publication Date: November 2005 |
November
18, 2005
Shampoo Nose?
Question
Dear Karen,
I
am in my mid-50s and have been using
Rene
Furterer and
Phyto hair care products for many years. Although I
really enjoy the results of the products, I especially enjoy the
aroma of the various shampoo and conditioners. I used to just
love the wonderful aromas of the Rene Furterer Karite deep
conditioner from Furterer and the Phytosesame. Lately the
aromas seems to be subdued and I can't get the intense whiff
that I used to get. I know that you adore both lines and
use them all the time. Have the formulas been changed?
Or is my nose out of whack?
Geena
Answer
Dear Geena,
I know what you mean about the fabulous Rene Furterer and Phyto
aromas. I have to control myself from not licking my fingers
when I use the Rene Furterer Karite deep conditioner. I use it
weekly and it smells really yummy. And I love the aroma of
Phytocitrus and
Phytosesame, which I also still use on a very regular basis.
The answer is no. Neither company has changed any of their
formulas recently.
However, there may be another cause of the decreased aroma that
you are experiencing. Scientists have proven conclusively that
the sense of smell commonly fades with age. The Monell Sense
Center in Philadelphia concluded from their research that
olfactory aging can begin as early as the forties and decrease with
each passing year. Yes, along with your eyes, memory and ears, your
nose will also experience natural loss through aging.
Research indicates that the sense of smell is most intense
between ages 20 to 40. This is why the older humans become,
the less aromas may be sensed.
Aroma-chology® is the study of the intra-relationship of
psychology and the latest in fragrance technology to transmit
through odor a variety of feelings. (To read more on aroma-chology
visit the Sense of Smell
website and check out the
article
about this fascinating study).
The good news? There are ways to retrain your nose and to
recapture those spectacular aromas that you enjoy from your hair
care products. The Sense of Smell website recommends that the
first step to recapturing a sharper sense is to be aware of the
situation. They also provide helpful hints at fine tuning your
nose.
These hints include:
1. Most aromas are detected at an unconscious level.
Scientists recommend that if you wish to experience a specific aroma
that you focus specifically on that targeted scent's recognition.
Just as musicians can train their ears to hear subtle sounds, you
can train your nose to recognize fading or hidden fragrance notes
and aromas.
2. Yes, it's true that your nose can tire from over sniffing,
just as your eyes can get strained and your throat may dry out from
too much talking. Use your nose for sniffing in
moderation. Pause and then sniff again. Yes, like
everything, moderation is key for your nose.
3. Like clearing your palate, you can also clear your nose for
better scent recognition. To refresh your nose for better smell
recognition, blow a small amount of air in and out of your nose
rapidly, stop and then take a deep sniff.
4. Limit your aroma overload. If you are used to taking
a bath or shower with scented candles, soaps or other heavy
fragrance while also washing your hair, accept the fact that your
nose may go into odor overload. This can occur at any age.
5. Focus on similar scents. Some scents are known to be
much more overpowering than others.
6. Start with a fresh scent palate. If you want to enjoy
the aroma of your hair care products, be sure to use them in a
highly ventilated area, if possible. Open a window and let
some fresh air in advance of your scheduled shower or bath.
Remember that heavy scented bathroom cleaners might interfere
with delicate aromas of cocoa butter.
Happy sniffing.
Best wishes,
Karen Shelton
November
18, 2005
Essential Oils For Cuticle Soaking?
Question
Dear Karen,
My former manicurist at the salon I frequent used to put a
few drops of essential oils in the soaking water for my nail.
The new manicurist told me she "doesn't believe" in using
anything in the water and insists that there is no benefit.
Personally, I do notice a difference in my nails. They
generally feel drier than before. Can I insist that the
new manicurist use the old soaking formula?
Mags
Answer
Dear Mags,
Good question. Yes, it's true, some manicure experts swear
by adding a few drops of various essential oils to the water during
the soaking stage to help soften cuticles. Of course each
manicurist will tend to have their own theories and practices for
treating the nails of their clients. Some manicurists swear by
cuticle creams rather than depending on essential oils or special
soaking cuticle soaking solutions.
The question comes back to the ultimate success of the manicure that
you receive. If you love the results, do you really care about
the process?
If you really miss the essential oil treatment of course you should
ask the new manicurist if she can add a few to your soaking water
because you personally enjoy the experience.
There may be a specific reason that the new manicurist does not wish
to use essential oils in the soaking mix. Listen to the
reasons and then make your own decision whether you wish to furnish
your own oil mix or frequent a different nail tech that does use the
oils.
Best wishes,
Karen Shelton
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