Is anyone else having a hard time believing we are more than halfway through July? I know summer usually flies by, but this one feels like it's going extremely fast. Hoping these next few weekends feel slower, and hoping even more that these beautiful summer days last far into September!
Anyway - let's get into the fun (or not so fun) topic of haircare. I have never been the girl with perfect put-together hair or an everyday signature long-locks-and-curls look. I know how to use a blowdryer for it's simplest use: to dry my hair. I have no idea how to use a round brush to style or induce volume, which is something my flat hair desperately needs. Perhaps my lack of styling knowledge dates back to when I was in middle school and asked my mom to blow dry my hair for me each night, which she reluctantly did (thank you mom!). Needless to say, the only tool I've successfully been able to use is a straightening iron - I recently tried using a curling wand and somehow made my natural waves look like a case of extreme bedhead.
I think it would be helpful to describe my hair type to set the scene. I was lucky (due to my lack of hair styling skills) to be born with hair that looks presentable naturally. My hair is fine, sheds a lot, and becomes greasy after two days. I rarely have frizz and I have a subtle natural wave when I air dry. My hair is a dirty blonde color and I have never highlighted or colored it. I owe a lot of my "good hair" qualities to my food choices and lifestyle - I eat a diet filled with lots of greens, healthy fats, vitamins and nutrients (including collagen), and I do not smoke or drink alcohol. Beauty truly comes from within, but there is always room for natural product to enhance what you have or don't have :)
Although I am no hair expert, there are a few of these aforementioned products that have helped keep my hair in check in the most low-maintenance way. They are made with simple ingredients and free of toxins, parabens, and anything else you wouldn't want sinking into your scalp and bloodstream. They each solve a different hair issue for me and I use them on the regular!
One word: lifesaver. This hair powder (aka dry shampoo) is an absolute must for me. Because of the fineness and greasiness of my hair, this stuff prevents me from having to wash my hair every day. I've tried many dry shampoos and always come back to this one. It's made with only five simple organic ingredients: corn starch, white halloysite clay, baking soda, rice powder and horsetail, which helps absorb the oil and strengthen your strands. An added plus - it has a lovely light scent that freshens up your hair without a wash involved.
A major dry shampoo tip: put a generous amount in your hair before you go to sleep and don't brush it out. You will totally look like a granny with gray hair, but have no fear - when you wake up, your hair will look better than it did the day before!
Although my hair tends to be on the greasier side, my ends do get dry (especially in cold winter months). And when I do decide to use a blow-dryer or straightening iron, I like to make sure my strands are protected from heat damage. Enter this pure argan oil: a light, hydrating, scentless oil packed with vitamin a, vitamin e, antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids. I love a good product that I can use on my face, body and hair - this one makes the top of my list! Just a couple drops makes my hair so shiny and nourished.
When I use this oil, I apply one to two drops only to the ends of my damp hair - I avoid the scalp as I have greasy hair to begin with. Play around with the amount and see what works best with your hair. And if you overdo it, use a clarifying shampoo and some apple cider vinegar. That'll do this trick to get the oil out (yes, I learned this the hard way).
3. Yarok Feed Your Volume Shampoo
One thing my hair majorly lacks is VOLUME. When I get my hair done, the stylist has to leave huge rollers in throughout the entire appointment just to give it some body. Because of this, any natural product with volume in the name will instantly grab my attention. I love this shampoo by Yarok - it's made with seaweed extract (antioxidants, vitamin a), slippery elm (promotes healthy hair growth and volume), calendula (healing and antibacterial properties, increases collagen production) and rosemary (helps decrease hair thinning).
My hair doesn't instantly blow up with bounce after use, but I have noticed an improvement! This shampoo works best for me when I first use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any build-up I may have and follow-up with this one.
(Note that my hair was professionally done here - I could never style it this well!)
I'd love to hear what your favorite natural haircare products are (especially if you have the same hair type as me). If you have any hair tips and tricks, I am all ears!
In good health and good hair,
xx
This post was written in collaboration with Follain and all opinions are my own. I am so grateful to be able to work with brands that I love!