Embarking on a healthy hair care journey is a great decision. From the Ayurvedic approach, it will involve adopting holistic practices to achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful hair. Let’s learn ways to help you adjust to your hair care journey:
1. Assess Your Hair Type:
- Determine your hair type (straight, wavy, curly, coily and texture (fine, medium, coarse). This will guide product selection and styling techniques. All hair types do not do well with all products. I do not subscribe to type 2a, 4c, etc. This can be confusing and does not properly describe hair types. Pay attention to how your hair behaves with products you apply to your strands. Does it make your hair clumpy, heavy, dry, oily or does it leave a film or not-so-good feel to it? These are products to discontinue using or lesser the amount applied.
2. Establish a Routine:
- Develop a consistent hair care routine. Washing, conditioning, and styling your hair regularly helps maintain its health and appearance. Consistency provides the care and nourishment it needs to become moisturized, hydrated, thicker, longer, stronger, and healthier.
3. Choose the Right Products:
- Invest in quality, sulfate-free, paraben-free, totally chemical-free shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. Adding a deep conditioning treatment and leave-in conditioner to your routine is helpful. *Be careful about applying protein to your hair. It can be drying. Do your research.
4. Be Mindful of Heat Styling:
- I do not recommend any heat to the hair. I never apply any heat. However, if you apply heat, limit the use of heat styling tools to prevent damage. When using these tools, apply a heat protectant first, and use the lowest effective temperature.
5. Hydrate and Moisturize:
- Keep your hair hydrated by drinking enough water and using moisturizing products. Natural thin oils like extra virgin olive or rosehip oil can assist in adding moisture by being thin enough to enter the strand delivering moisture with water. This can be done by spritzing your hair with light water then applying oil using the praying hands method to press the oil into the strands.
6. Protective Styling:
- Incorporate protective hairstyles to minimize manipulation and reduce breakage. Braids, twists, bantu knots, plaits, or loose buns can be stylish and beneficial for maintaining hair health.
7. Dusting The Ends:
- Schedule times to dust your ends to prevent split ends and maintain the overall health of your hair. This helps your hair grow stronger and reduces the need for drastic cuts later. Dusting is a light trim that takes off a very small amount of the ends.
8. Healthy Food Choices:
- Ensure your diet includes nutrient-dense foods essential for hair health. Eat a colorful diet of fruits and vegetables. In addition, protein-rich foods include nuts, legumes, and flaxseed. Ground flaxseed sprinkled over foods or added to smoothies is a great source of protein that contributes to strong, healthy hair.
9. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
- Some will say, “Minimize the use of harsh chemicals, such as dyes and relaxers, as they can damage your hair.” I say, “Do not use harsh chemicals.” If you choose to use them, do so sparingly and follow up with proper care. I want to note that harsh chemicals can cause lasting side effects that can prompt serious health issues.
10. Listen to Your Hair:
- Pay attention to how your hair responds to different products and treatments. Adjust your routine based on its needs and any changes in seasons or lifestyle. For instance, for the winter months, you may need to use products that address the changes that occur due to the cold weather or if you incorporate exercise, sweat can mean you incorporate a product/ingredient that rid the scalp of salt and dirt buildup on the scalp. I work out regularly, therefore, vinegar is a part of my routine to thoroughly wash the sweat off my scalp. I mix water and vinegar, spritz my scalp, let it sit for a few minutes, and proceed to wash my hair and scalp. Another approach is to mix water and vinegar, lightly spritz the scalp, and gently rub the sweat off the scalp with a microfiber towel or 100% cotton fabric. An end note: Mix (3) parts water and (1) part water. Do not use hard water.
11. Patience is Key:
- Hair care is a journey that requires time and patience. Results may not be immediate, but with consistent care, improvements, and progress will take place. Isn’t your hair worth your patience?
Remember, everyone's hair is unique, so make adjustments based on what works best for your hair. Enjoy your hair care journey, and celebrate the progress along the way!
Don’t forget to be good to yourself and others and drink plenty of water.
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