3. Bathe your locks in cold water
The jury is still out on this, but we do find a cool rinse not only good for one's energy and alertness, but also for sealing the hair cuticle, resulting in more natural shine.
4. Try heat-free styling & an ionic hair dryer
We get it: It's tough to break the habit of frying your hair into the coveted I-totally-woke-up-like-this beachy waves. Even lowering the heat setting and lessening the number of times per week you sear your strands will make a big difference. Acceptance is the first step.
May we also suggest investing in a quality hair dryer? We, too, had to say goodbye to the $14.99 drugstore dryer — the one with two settings: molten lava and Dante's Inferno. But oh, my. Once you step up the quality of your blow dryer, watch your hair shine.
- Ionic hair dryers use negatively charged ions to break down water molecules. These dryers use lower temps, dry your hair faster, and leave your hair soft and mostly frizz-free.
- Ceramic hair dryers have heat-regulators inside, which automatically temper the heat from warm to cool, taking less time to dry your hair causing less heat-related damage.
5. Try a nourishing oil
Every now and again, set aside an hour for some radical self care for your hair. Warm up some nourishing oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and rub it into your scalp and hair. Wrap your head in a towel, relax for 30 minutes, then shampoo — or just rinse — with warm water for a special treat for your hair and your spirit.
Oils are de rigeur for body, face, and hair, but knowing which ones to use will save you time and money.
- Coconut oil is the holy grail when it comes to multi-use oils, and considering its many uses, it's remarkably affordable. We recommend organic, food-grade, unrefined, virgin coconut oil. It truly penetrates the hair shaft, leaving it soft and moisturized — and thus shiny. Look for coconut oil as an ingredient in natural hair products. It's one you can really trust.
- Argan or Moroccan oil is made from argan trees and is full of vitamin E and other nutrients. Just a few drops go a long way and can be used on your hair daily to revitalize and gloss it up.
Tree to Tub brand has fabulous Argan oil products.
- Jojoba oil is as close to our natural sebum as is possible in nature, so it's wonderful as a scalp and hair conditioner. It's a bit pricey, but you only need a few drops, which you can add to other hair products, too. Try Terra Beauty products, which contain both coconut and jojoba oil, along with lavender. Even their packaging is gorgeous.
- Olive oil is another go-to, so don't relegate it just to pasta. A nourishing, plant-based treat for your hair, organic virgin olive oil contains powerful antioxidants and leaves a protective coating that deeply moisturizes your scalp and hair.