How do I keep my hair healthy and shiny?
Our hair is the crown we wear on our heads at all times, and even if we're not out at a nice restaurant or strolling down the street showing off to the world, we want that crown to be as healthy and well-cultivated as possible.
Yes, I said "cultivate," because that's basically what happens with our hair: it grows, we cut it, we water it, and again and again. They're sort of like the gardens of our heads. And while the concept is so similar, there are quite a few things we can learn from our own hair by seeing how a gardener tends a bed of roses. But let's ground this metaphor a bit to continue.
Our diet greatly influences the rate and quality of our hair growth. Our food is the "seed" (so to speak) of our hair. But once it's grown, what happens to it? There are no veins or blood vessels running through each individual hair to supply it with nutrients. Therefore, we must actively address this issue: "fertilizing" our hair.
Shampoos and conditioners can meet the most basic needs of follicular health, but even the most expensive and extravagant brands can contain chemicals that one would be better off avoiding. For some reason, we're not recommended to use shampoo every day, not even conditioner. These chemicals destroy the hair's natural oils, eventually leaving the scalp dull, lackluster, and devoid of nourishment. Luckily, we're the experts when it comes to natural oils.
We wash our hair when it's dirty, sweaty, and generally smelly, yes. But what do we nourish it with? The concept is basic, easy to implement, and open to customization. The point is that, eventually, you'll be able to put together your own hair mask with the scents and textures you like best. We all have our own unique hair, so we should get intimate with it and experiment a little to find what works best for it.
We're going to use three leave-in mask recipes with different textures to help you get familiar with the concept. These are for applying from root to tip and leaving on all day, no bathing necessary. Whether you're planning to stay home or are about to go out and need that extra shine, these recipes are for you.
RECENT HAIR MASK
OPTION 1
We will start with
- 40g of aloe vera smoothies with
- 10ml of jojoba oil
- 30ml of water
- A teaspoon of avocado oil .
For a week, this emulsified water-based mask can rest in your refrigerator for daily use. But let's review: aloe vera is the miracle cactus that everyone should have, either in gel form or directly from the plant itself; it's a fantastic moisturizer that cleanses the skin of impurities. Jojoba oil and water are our base, acting as the natural components that sustain miracle products. And finally, avocado oil is the hair's guardian angel, providing amino acids that strengthen the scalp and proteins that nourish the follicle, the root of each hair. With such a super agent in the mix, this recipe is ideal for people with hair loss problems.
OPTION 2
Now let's move on to something creamier:
- 30g of shea butter
- 10ml of argan oil
(our new base)
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 2 to 3 drops of your favorite essential oil (I suggest lavender for its relaxing aroma and hair growth properties).
This thicker consistency sometimes requires mixing and heating in a double boiler, placing a bowl over a pot of boiling water. In cold climates, it may even become too thick to be applied comfortably, so consider your location and take the necessary measurements when preparing your recipe.
OPTION 3
Finally:
- 60g of shea butter melted
- 2 teaspoons of avocado oil and
- 6 drops of essential oil
make up our oily mask, in case the scalp isn't producing its own oil properly. This time, I'm using rosemary oil as an experimental example, another product that gives shine and strength to the hair fiber.
With this knowledge, we encourage everyone to experiment and find the right blend for them. Straight hair may prefer water-based foundations, while creamy ones are best for thicker, wavier hair. Which one is best for you? It doesn't hurt to try, since either way you're giving your crown the nourishment it needs to make you look like royalty.