My Long, Healthy Hair Routine (& Tips!)

I've been getting some questions about my hair lately (it's the longest it has been in a while, maybe even ever...?). I've liked having long hair all my life, but this is probably the best I have ever felt about my hair.  I've always received kind compliments about the same qualities that make me mad at my hair (haha): My hair is very straight, very soft and very fine. However, I have always wanted thick, wavy hair. I've had this conversation with ladies so many times: they want my hair, and I want theirs! Lately though, I have really been embracing my hair type and giving it the support it needs to be the best it can be, instead of trying to fight it.

Although I have fine, straight hair (oily roots, dry ends)… the tips and tricks I am sharing here would be great for the health of pretty much all hair types. Sort of like "Hair Care 101".
So let's jump right in with a quick list of healthy hair commandments:

• Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods
• Don't over-process your hair (be gentle!)
• Stay away from heat styling as much as possible
• Care for your scalp
• No sulfates, parabens, silicones 
• Find the right shampoo/conditioner
• Wood bristle brushes are your friend
• Protect your hair (like an investment!)

You want to grow long, healthy hair? Continue reading.

If you just want to see a list of the products I currently use and love, scroll to the bottom 

1. EAT LIKE YOU MEAN IT. 

This is the first commandment in the book of healthy hair. Think of the condition of your hair as an outward indication of inner health. Your hair needs Protein (it is essentially made of protein), vitamins and minerals. If you are not consuming enough protein, your hair is more likely to become brittle and weak. Protein sources: lean meat, fish, dairy, eggs, nuts/legumes. Iron is an essential mineral for full hair. I love to stuff my face with all the leafy greens. Spinach is my #1. I add it to smoothies, eggs, beans, sandwiches, salads, etc., etc. Vitamin C is a key player on Team Iron Absorption and boosts your collagen production which will help strengthen your hair. I eat lots of berries, citrus fruits, broccoli and my beloved sweet potatoes (aka the real MVP). Your hair and scalp health need the support of Omega 3 fattys to keep your tresses hydrated. I love avocado and salmon, but you can also snack on some walnuts and supplement some cod liver oil. I would make cod liver oil my last resort because it is not a treat by any means.

These are my four nutrition-based must-haves for hair health. 

(For more info on check out this link: Good Food)

2. Treat your hair like you treat your friends (this only applies if you're a good friend)
Your relationship with your hair is important to its overall health. If you are always beating it up and treating it like crap, it's going to leave you in the dust. Literally. It will break off just to get away from you. So be nice. Don't overprocess your hair, especially if it is fine like mine. In highschool, I used to use a drugstore lightening treatment on my hair (smh) at least once a month. Now I get Baylage highlights done professionally (shoutout to Nicole at Mane!!) maybe twice a year and I get trims in between.

3. Break up with your hot tools (or save them for special occasions)
I've never been big on curling irons or hair dryers, and I definitely don't need a straightener, so maybe this is easier said than done for some. However, applying high heat directly to your strands damages them. That's the truth and there's no way around that. I let my hair air dry as a rule (also I'm always running late so this will happen regardless), and I only curl my hair a handful of times a year. When I do, I use the lowest heat and I like to apply a heat protecting product.

4. Scalp care/health
If you don't have a healthy, happy, balanced scalp, you are not going to have healthy, happy hair. Period. If you slather masks, serums, lotions and potions on your face (or at least I do), but neglect your scalp it just doesn't make sense. I love the Innate Life Scalp Treatment and Fig & Yarrow Hair and Scalp Serum. I give my scalp a full pamper session before each wash by applying a scalp treatment or oil the night before and work it in with a scalp massage. Scalp massage really helps with circulation and promotes hair growth (it also feels real nice). I like to let my scalp and hair absorb the treatment overnight, and I follow up with a good washing and conditioning. Once in a while, I will also do an apple cider vinegar rinse in between washes (1 part ACV to 3 parts water). This will help remove buildup, balance your scalp PH and make your hair shiny.

5. Avoid sulfates, parabens, silicones and heavy synthetic fragrances like the plague 
Late last year, I started to make the switch to natural, non-toxic hair products. I have sensitive skin, and my scalp is no exception. It's a very delicate balance. If a shampoo and/or conditioner is too harsh, my scalp will itch like crazy. The same goes for a shampoo and/or conditioner that is full of crappy ingredients. Finding the right natural shampoo/conditioner can be daunting/exhausting/frustrating at first, but when you find the one it is so worth it. You will never go back to other shampoos/conditioners. When you first make the switch, your hair and scalp will need a little time to adjust. It might seem a little to greasy or a little too drying at first, but once your hair is "detoxed" it will feel better than ever. 

6. Mixing & Matching Shampoo/Conditioner 
One of the most hair-life changing discoveries I have made is using a different shampoo and conditioner for my scalp and for the length of my hair. I use a volumizing, balancing shampoo and conditioner for my scalp, and a moisturizing conditioner for the lengths of my hair where it tends to be more dry. I don't even wash the ends of my hair unless I've used a styling product or it somehow got really icky.

7. Three words: Wood. Bristle. Brushes.
Wood bristle brushes help to distribute your hairs natural oils from the scalp down the hair shaft. This will help to keep drier ends moisturized and as a bonus your scalp will stay less greasy for longer in between washes. Plastic bristle brushes only strip your hair of its natural oils, and nobody wants that.
I purchased mine from Whole Foods and Sprouts. Both were under $20.

8. Protective hair styles
I always sleep with my hair in a loose braid or braids. If you have long hair, this will help to keep it from becoming a tangled mess while you sleep. A tangled mess = breakage.


Hair products I currently use and love:

ACURE Organics Peppermint & Echinacea Shampoo
ACURE Organics Peppermint & Echinacea Conditioner
Nature's Gate Dry Hair Conditioner
Fig + Yarrow Hair & Scalp Tonic
Innate Life Scalp Treatment
Spa Sister Wood Bristle Brush
Bass Bamboo Bristle Brush
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Trader Joe's or Braggs)
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (Trader Joe's cold pressed/unrefined)

Mad Hippie Review

A few months ago, I made the full transition into non-toxic, cruelty free skincare. After doing a lot (A LOT) of research, I purchased nearly every Mad Hippie product and gave it a go. I have been using their products (along with a few Ursa Major products, which will be another review), and I am so-so-so pleased with how happy my skin has been! Read my full, honest review on the products I purchased below:

I feel that it is important to start with a background on my skin. Some products work better on certain skin types than others.

About my skin: I have a fair complexion (meaning I will burn fairly quickly without sunscreen) that will tan slightly in the summer. I have combination skin (oily in some places, dry in others) and my skin is very sensitive (my skin reacts to harsh chemicals and strong fragrances). I have the occasional breakout (I'm human!), I have larger pores around my nose and occasional redness. I don't wear a lot of makeup and typically use a tinted moisturizer and spot conceal where needed.

Cream Cleanser (with Jojoba, Green Tea, Macadamia Oil, & Orchid Extract) - I read a lot of mixed reviews about this cleanser. I was a bit skeptical because I enjoy a foaming cleanser, and this is a non-foaming cream cleanser... but it is amazing! This is probably my favorite product from the line. I read some reviews that said this was not very good at removing your makeup, but I think it does an amazing job removing makeup! Like I mentioned above, I don't wear a lot of makeup, but this easily removes even my mascara (I wear a natural, non-waterproof mascara). The best point is that this cleanser does not sting your eyes. Like, AT ALL. Every cleanser I have ever used has stung my eyes (even the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, which drives a main selling point of not burning your eyes)! It feels cooling and luxurious on the skin. The fact that it has green tea SOLD ME HARD. My skin loves green tea. Super refreshing!

Vitamin C Serum (with Konjac Root, Ferulic & Hyaluronic Acid )- I was looking for a serum to even out and brighten my complexion. At, first I wasn't sure this delivered but I found that it does amazing, glowy things when I pair it with an exfoliant. I use this a few times a week with the Pixi Overnight Glow Serum. (Mad Hippie has their own exfoliating serum, but I have not tried it because at the time of purchase they recommended one or the other.) The vitamin C serum is a cloudy, orange-ish serum (reminds me of diluted OJ with pulp) which makes me feel like it's made from fresh citrus fruit (I'm not complaining). It is a light-weight serum with a lovely smell. It's not super moisturizing on it's own, so use as a treatment in conjunction with a moisturizer.

Antioxidant Facial Oil (with Argan Oil, Goji & Camu Camu) - This oil smells AMAZING. So good. I don't usually like scented products, but this smells delicious and does not smell synthetic. I bought this to replace my much loved Kiehls Midnight Recovery Oil, and although it does not perform the same, I am happy to be putting something more natural and safe on my skin. I don't use this serum everyday, it is very thick so I save it for evenings when my skin feels like it could use some extra moisture. It is sort of sticky, like honey, which isn't bad, just know that it doesn't spread well on dry skin. Spritz on a little rosewater first, and apply to dewy skin.

Face Cream (with Peptides, Acai, Argan Oil & Reservatrol) - I bought this to replace my loved Mary Kay Timewise Facial Moisturizer. This moisturizer is formulated for all skin types and is safe to put all over your face, the delicate eye area included. Even the eyelids. That was a major selling point for me. I don't want to have to worry about avoiding the eye area when applying a moisturizer. This feels a little heavy when first applied, but that may just be because I am used to a more gel-cream type moisturizer. The only thing I am not crazy about is the scent. Not to imply that it smells bad, it actually smells great! I just prefer an unscented moisturizer, especially when I am applying it to the eye area. If they made an unscented version, that would be golden in my book.

Eye Cream (with Peptides, Ceramides, Pomegranate & White Tea) - I was super excited to try this. I am constantly on the prowl for that "holy grail" eye cream. One that is moisturizing, but not too heavy and does not leave me with puffy, irritated eyes. I was so into the fact that this has white tea in it, and was hoping it would help brighten the eye area. This checks all the boxes, however, the formula is a little grainy. Not grainy in the sense that it feels like sand or anything crazy, but it takes a lot of rubbing to get it to settle into the skin (which is not a good thing for the delicate eye area). I've tried gently patting it into the skin, but I am always left with these little grainy balls of product. It is possible that I just got an off bottle, so I may purchase again and see.

Have you tried any of the Mad Hippie Line? Which is your favorite? Which would you most like to try?

*This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own, and the products were purchased with my own hard-earned money from Lucky Vitamin.

My Current Natural Skin Care Routine

I have always been what you could call a "skincare junkie", trying every new "holy grail" product out there. I had never really considered that many of these "miracle" products could actually be doing more harm than good, in the long (and short) run. I don't know how many times a product has made me break out, given me a rash, or itchy, puffy eyes (even the ones specifically formulated for sensitive skin) Not only do many of these products contain toxic ingredients, many of them also test on animals! For these (and many other positive) reasons, I started to research products before I buy. First of all, I read the labels and look for a few key words on the packaging: non-toxic, cruelty free, no parabens, no pthalates and free of perfumes and dyes (organic ingredients are a plus!). I also check the toxicity rating on the EWG website. Lastly, I read reviews. I like to get the opinion of REAL people who have used the product before I take the plunge. I am happy to say that I am well on my way to a completely non-toxic skincare routine. Here is my review, in the order that I use them:

TULA Probiotic Purifying Face Cleanser - This is the newest addition to my non-toxic skincare routine... and so far I love it! It is described as " a probiotic-based gel cleanser that deep cleans pores and removes impurities and makeup without stripping the skin"... and this is exactly what it does! I double cleanse (once with my hands to quickly remove any makeup, and lastly with a facial brush to exfoliate), and my skin still feels dewy and moisturized! It's also a foaming cleanser, which I prefer. There are two sizes, so you can try before you buy. The bottles are very generous. I purchased the larger size, and because I only wash my face once a day (at night), I feel like this cleanser will last a loooong, long time.

Thayers Alcohol Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner - I have to admit, I was scared to try this. I had used witch hazel as a toner years ago and it was not a pleasant experience. However, my pores were calling out for a hero, and this got excellent reviews. First of all, it's alcohol free! This was the main reason I decided to give it a go. It also has aloe vera, which is super soothing for skin. Finally, it smells really pleasant. Not like any other toner I have used in the past, and my skin loves it! I feel like it really preps my skin for facial oil and moisturizer.

Heritage Store Rosewater and Glycerine Spray- I love this stuff! Super refreshing any time of day. I like to spritz this on after toner and apply my facial oil while my skin is still damp. It has a very light rose scent. It's inexpensive, but so essential to my skincare routine! You can pick this up at any Whole Foods or Sprouts, too!

Aura Cacia Sweet Almond Oil - I have used some pretty high end and expensive facial oils, but none have worked as well with my skin as this simple oil! It's not scented, and only has two ingredients: almond oil and vitamin e. I also have a bottle in my shower and use it as a full body moisturizer. It works great in place of shaving cream, too!

Rose Hip Oil - After reading about the wonderful anti-aging benefits of this oil, I added it to my regimen. It's rich in Omega 6 fatty acids and helps aid in antioxidant protection. I mix a little with my sweet almond oil, or just pat a few drops on top. My skin soaks it up and looks instantly dewy and happy.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - This is the only part of my routine that may have some questionable ingredients. For this reason, I don't use it everyday, but I have found that it really helps to fade spots overnight. It also seems to have had a positive effect on my eyebrows! They have never been so full. However, it is fairly expensive. I will probably be phasing this one out of my routine in the near future, so if you know of a good non-toxic dupe let me know!!

What are your favorite non-toxic skincare products?