I am very often asked about how to properly and competently maintain hair in a healthy state. And especially how to care for your hair at home. To answer this question, I asked for professional advice from Victoria Plotnikova, the creator and inspirer of BeautyEssential LAB and the author of the blog of the same name.
Vika is currently studying at the London School of Organic Cosmetics “Formula Botany” (AdvansedDiplomainOrganicScincareScience) and has a FacialMasqueTherapy certificate. And her team produces vegetarian cosmetics. According to Vicki, our cosmetics, like our food, should consist only of natural, safe ingredients and at the same time cannot be stored for a long time.
Here are some tips from Vicky that I’ve already started to apply – and I’m happy with the result.
Surely you have tried natural shampoos, but you have a negative impression: a) they do not lather and foam well, b) they are quickly consumed, c) they leave the feeling of unwashed hair, d) they do not facilitate the process of combing the curls. Let’s try to figure it out, because the use of natural cosmetics should bring both pleasure and an undeniable effect.
1. First of all: wash your hair properly.
Frequent shampooing can degrease your hair, dry it out and make it brittle. Dry hair should be washed less frequently.
But how to properly care for your hair, cleanse it of dust and skin secretions (especially abundant on the head)?
Before washing your hair, lubricate your hair with light vegetable oil (for this purpose, acadamia oil, olive oil is perfect) or kefir. This will help create a protective film on the hair that will not allow the beneficial substances to be washed off, but will get rid of dust, and rinse the scalp well.
The night before washing your hair can be lubricated with more oily, unrefined oils. My favorite is coconut. Coconut oil nourishes the hair, making it shinier and heavier, smoothing out any bumps and flakes.
In general, coconut oil is one of the main secrets of hair care. This is the first natural remedy that every girl should have. It fills the hair, gives it shine and strength.
Comb through your hair thoroughly, spreading the oil over the entire length. Do not apply it to the roots, as prolonged contact with the sensitive scalp is not desirable. Do not use any caps or caps – let the skin breathe freely. Just don’t forget the towel: place it on the pillow so as not to leave greasy marks.
If after such a night procedure, the hair is not rinsed well and the feeling of oily remains, use natural shampoos for oily hair.
2. Rinse your hair.
After each wash, rinse your hair with mineral water, water with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. This will leave your hair soft and shiny. This is the first tip when it comes to how to care for natural hair.
3. Moisturize and nourish hair with non-rinse products.
After shampooing, I recommend applying flower water to the hair roots. Choose hydrolates depending on the type and color of your hair. For dry and light hair, chamomile and neroli hydrolates are suitable. For dark and dry – hydrolates of rose, lavender, sage, neroli.
I also advise you to lubricate your hair daily with life-giving light oils, which are immediately absorbed and do not leave an oily sheen. Macadamia oil is ideal for all hair types and is especially effective for dry and damaged hair. Apply the required amount of regenerating oil to damp or dry hair, distribute evenly over the entire length and leave until completely absorbed.
Apply natural wax or oily oils to dry ends. Wax creates a thin protective film, oils nourish the hair shaft, prevent tangling and breakage.
4. Take care of your hair throughout the day.
Keep in mind that you need to take care of your hair throughout the day. Our curls need moisture constantly. Regular spraying of hair with mineral or structured water will help to compensate for the moisture deficit.
5. Choose gentle natural hair products.
If the shampoo lathers well, then it rinses the hair well. We are so used to this fact that we consider it a rule that is not disputed a priori.
However, we forget that this also suggests that in the composition of the coveted jar with the remedy, you can find the entire periodic table. But we all know that “chemistry” dries, damages hair and creates a suffocating film on its surface.
Use natural hair care products. And remember that proper hair care involves more than just liquid and solid natural shampoos.
You can also use sour milk to wash your hair! This is done this way: the hair and scalp are abundantly lubricated with sour milk or yogurt, and after 5-10 minutes it is thoroughly washed with warm water. From washing with fermented milk products, the hair becomes soft, silky and shiny.
6. Let your hair and scalp get used to the herbal shampoo.
When using natural shampoos, it may feel like the hair has not been rinsed. Were you going to send the packaging to the trash bin? Don’t rush to do it!
Firstly, such a situation is an indicator that the scalp and hair are left without a chemical film, which creates a “clean to squeak” effect. But under this self-film, the hair and scalp do not breathe, wither and require more frequent washing. Secondly, it takes time for the scalp to get used to natural washing. Therefore, endure this period — 2-4 weeks of “adaptation” will fly by quickly. To smooth out this “side” effect, use a natural shampoo for oily hair and rinse with acidified water.
7. Eat right!
You will probably be surprised, but the basic rules of hair care are not only a “menu” of all kinds of natural remedies for curls. Healthy hair requires not only proper care, but also a balanced diet. So, to restore normal oiliness of your hair, you should get enough fatty acids, vitamins A and E, which are abundant in fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables. And drink more water!