Easy fixes to revitalize your mane attraction with inexpensive products you probably have on hand.
Make your Mane Attraction all it can be!
Let’s face it, our tresses are what define us. Spiky pink-tipped or long, beachy waves say a lot about who we are. Without ever speaking a word you can make a major image statement and give huge insight to the viewer about your personality. That’s not to say we should be judged by our exterior but it is something that everyone notices within seconds of laying eyes on us.
So we should all strive for healthy looking hair whether you wear yours in a short layered bob or with long luscious locks. Dry, brittle, over-processed hair ages us and over styling, sun damage and poor quality products can all reek havoc on even the healthiest locks. Here’s some tips on how to regain bouncy, beautiful hair and bring back the shine and lustre of youth with products you probably already have at home.
If you haven’t heard this by now it’s time you try it. Coconut oil is amazing! This stuff is wonderful, inexpensive (at least compared to some pricey hair products) and it’s all you need to revitalize dull hair. Depending on the texture of your hair is how you’ll use it. Coconut oil is heavy so I’ve created several recipes you can use depending on your hair type. If you have an oily scalp you may fear that this will only exacerbate the problem. Quite the opposite is true. It will actually help control the sebum production by removing excess product build-up and dead skin cells balancing the skin’s natural oil production.
Recipe for happy scalp if you have thin, fine hair with an oily scalp
2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil available here
4-5 drops of essential grapefruit or lemon oil available here and here
Melt the coconut oil. This can be done bit by bit with small amounts warmed in your hands then adding a couple of drops of essential oil of your choice. Rub this mixture on your scalp paying attention to distribute evenly and then pull through to ends of hair. Now massage your scalp for a few minutes. Not only does this feel remarkable it also increases circulation promoting hair growth and removal of excess sebum. If time allows let it saturate for a minimum of 15 minutes but longer is more beneficial. This recipe is best used during the day as the grapefruit and lemon are invigorating and do not promote sleep.
Recipe for healthy scalp free of dryness and flaking and luxurious shiny strands for course, thick hair
2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon baking soda
3 drops tea tree oil (optional) available here
Melt the coconut oil and mix in the baking soda and tea tree oil, if using, creating a paste which you’ll then apply to your scalp. It’s okay if some of it gets in your hair but you want to focus the solution on the scalp. This recipe works because the coconut oil sooths the scalp by creating a moisture barrier and the baking soda exfoliates the scalp of product build up and eases dandruff by killing the yeast and fungi that cause the itch. For added effectiveness add a few drops of tea tree oil which is a natural anti-fungal.
Why dry shampoo may not be your best friend after all.
If you reach for dry shampoo more than once a week you may want to reconsider. Many of us have come to rely on dry shampoo as a stand-in to daily shampooing thinking it’s perfectly healthy and convenient. The latter being true, the sad fact is that it’s not so good for your scalp. How healthy your scalp is sets the tone for how healthy your hair is since that’s where it originates. Diet and genetics play a role too but that’s a topic for another blog. By using a dry shampoo regularly you are suffocating the hair follicle which over time can completely clog the follicle leading to thinning and slowing of hair growth. If you shampoo less, every other day is optimal for most people, your hair will eventually quit overproducing oil in an attempt to compensate for your daily stripping with shampoo and harsh chemicals. There will be an adjustment period but it may just be a matter of getting used to yourself with your own“natural” hair product rather than squeaky clean hair.
These days most of us have limited time for beauty regimens. I think you’ll find these hair tips beneficial and easy to do just in minutes by keeping the products on hand and easily accessible.
Enjoy!
Paula Mayer is a makeup artist and hairstylist and founder of AirPro Makeup. She’s shares a studio with photographer, husband and business partner Seth Mayer in San Diego, CA.
