Hair Care

I have finally mastered the art of hair care… Just like that lion…

You need to do two things – replenish protein levels and deeply condition. Replenishing protein levels in your hair is vital since this is what your hair is made from and all the damaged done to it by heat, chemicals, and everyday wear and tear can strip your hair from its optimum protein levels, and therefore leaving it weak, lifeless, and not in it’s natural state. Deep conditioning is also highly important so you supply your hair with enough moisture to keep it smooth, and sustain it’s elasticity.

Hair Masks

Protein hair mask

I suggest you do this once a week, the ingredients may vary upon the length and thickness of your hair..

1 cup mayonnaise
3 egg yolks
1 spoon apple cider vinegar
4 tbsp olive oil
Mix well and apply to your hair making sure it’s in contact with the hair roots, wrap for 30-45 minutes in a plastic wrap and wash well with lukewarm water.

Deep conditioning hair masks

I suggest you do this 1-2 times a week

1 can coconut milk (use one with less additives and highest percentage of coconut)
2-4 tbsp of organic extra virgin coconut oil
1 spoon of extra virgin olive oil (optional)
1 spoon of caster oil (optional)
Mix well and you can microwave it for only a few seconds so the mixture moulds together better. Dip a cotton pad into the mixture and apply it on your scalp and the rest of your hair. Wrap your hair for 45 minutes in a plastic wrap and then wash.

Or try this avocado hair mask  (you can try the coconut conditioning mask for a few weeks and switch it up with this avocado one!)

Take it to the next level…

If you want to take this to the next level and seriously change your hair in the long term for the better, without the need to use heat to improve the look of your hair, I suggest you let go of commercial shampoos, conditioners, and hair products and switch to natural hair care solutions. Most commercial shampoos contain sulphates, and they strip away oils that occur naturally in your hair, that helps to stop hair falling out, encouraging a healthy scalp and hydrated hair. The best option it to get natural/organic shampoo bars, free from sulphates, and parabans, as well as conditioners free from silicones and all other unnecessary chemicals.

Shampoo

 

I’m currently using this shampoo made with organic coconut oil and I’m loving it, it makes my hair look much more healthier, and hydrates it rather than being a harsh detergent for fragile hair (however it still contains ammonium-laureth sulphate) which is gentler type of sulphate but I’d still recommend using shampoo bars which is what I usually use, and they’re widely available on Amazon, just look for natural, quality ingredients, free from sulphates, parabans, or words that you can’t pronounce!

Conditioner

Apple cider vinegar: Prepare a cup of water, and add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar if you have shoulder length hair, adjust it to your hair length if your hair is longer, add two tablespoons, and so on. You can add your favourite essential oil to make it smell prettier! My favourite is vanilla! Just make sure you add exactly a drop or two because it is extremely concentrated. Pour evenly through your hair, leave it for 20-30 seconds, and rinse it. This is also great to add plenty of shine, as well as to combat dandruff or any scalp-irritation.

Oil conditioner: Mix together organic coconut oil, almond oil, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil and a drop of vanilla essence. Leave it for 5 minutes in the shower and wash. (This conditioner can be a bit too greasy for some hair types!) but it’s what I use for my curly hair.

After Shower Care

Gently squeeze the excess water on your hair with a cotton top as this is much gentler than a towel. Apply pure Moroccan argan oil to the ends of your hair for smoothness and to seal split ends,you may need more if you have thicker hair! Almond oil is also great to use as it’s very moisturising at the same time light weight.

I would also like to note that you may experience a transition period as you go completely natural, because your hair isn’t used to it but be patient because your hair is not designed to go through all the chemicals, and treatments that you may give it on a daily basis and therefore it should be returning back to its original pre-damaged state. If your hair is severely damaged after dedication into restoring it, you may consider getting a keratin treatment which is a bit pricey (I tried it twice, it really improved my hair!). But you have to keep trying and experimenting with your hair because you have to find what works best for you. Try different shampoos, different oils, and don’t give up!

Other hair care tips

• Air dry your hair and look into natural hair styling techniques like natural ways to straighten or curl your hair without heat (comment below if you would like any tutorials on this!) 
• Always use a wide tooth comb while de-tangling your hair
• Give yourself daily head massages as a happy scalp equals happy hair! This is great for growing hair quickly, especially if you apply castor oil or coconut oil on your fingertips and start massaging for 5 minutes, then braiding your hair before bed to keep it frizz-free the next day.
• Essential oils are great to give your hair a yummy scent. There’s vanilla, citrus, lavender, everything! You can mix it with your favourite conditioner or leave-in but be careful as they are extremely concentrated, so a drop or two is enough!
• Don’t trim your hair for the sake of trimming if you’re looking to get longer hair. Only get a trim if your hair has split ends or you have to maintain your hair cut
• Eat lots of protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals to keep your hair growing healthily
• Avoid washing your hair everyday