Who doesn’t dream of having a mane that radiates health and beauty? Living in a beach town, achieving long, healthy, glowing hair can be quite the challenge. Saltwater, sun exposure, and even a lack of essential superfoods can take a toll.
This situation led me to dive deeper into what a healthy hair routine could look like, with one key premise (one that I personally apply to everything and anything): to keep it natural and sustainable. Therefore, as someone who believes we can achieve a softer-simple life, I went all in for exploration among naturopathy, herbalism, grandma's wisdom, and of course hair experts.
The result? a simple routine turned into rituals, which involve taking the body to it's optimal state by blending natural ingredients and consistent habits. Here it goes: hair health hacks rituals and routines tried and so far loving:
Morning : Nourishing from the inside out
Omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts, are crucial for maintaining hair elasticity and shine. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that support scalp health. I like to include those in their natural form with breakfast, otherwise, you can always do supplements; just try not to have a supplement based diet.
Sea Moss and algae Adding sea moss and algae to my diet has been fire this year. Rich in minerals and vitamins, these superfoods promote hair growth and strengthen hair follicles. I´ll be honest, sea moss has a peculiar texture, so if you are one of those picky eaters, you can mix it into your morning smoothie.
Hydration. Non-negotiable for overall health. It did took me a while to get my water intake goals. Little pro-tip? Infusions. I fill my water flask with ginger and cucumber and go around drinking a refreshing elixir.
Midday. External nourishment
Coconut oil and Castor oil. I swear by coconut oil and castor oil for deep conditioning. Once a week, I apply a mixture of these oils to my scalp and hair, leave it on for a few hours, and then wash it out. This ritual helps to nourish the scalp, reduce dandruff, and promote hair growth.
Avocado mask. Going beyond the guac! Grandma's advice says that mashed avocado spread as a hair mask will provide intense moisture and repair damage. The healthy fats and vitamins in avocado penetrate the hair shaft, leaving hair soft and shiny. If by any chance your hair gets too oily, rinse it again with a solid natural shampoo + apple cider vinegar.
Evening session: gentle care and pampering
Combing, not brushing. Might sound silly, but personally, I avoid brushing my hair and instead use a wide-tooth comb. This prevents breakage and reduces stress on the hair. When wet, I gently comb my hair before bed to detangle and distribute natural oils from the scalp to the ends.
Washing frequency I heard this from a gorgeous medicine woman in Guatemala whose hair was absolutely shiny and healthy. Hair shall be washed 2-3 times a week with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Over-washing can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Finding the right balance is key to maintaining healthy hair.
Optimal shampoo types Choosing the right shampoo is crucial. I opt for shampoos that are free from harsh chemicals and enriched with natural ingredients such as jojoba, sandalwood, rosemary, turmeric, tea tree oil, and lavender. These ingredients help to cleanse the scalp without stripping away essential oils as well as promoting hair strength & growth. Pro tip here, since 3 years ago I only use this brand of vegan 100% natural handmade hair products, and it literally changed my hair's texture and health: KUNDARE.
Gut Health: The Foundation of Hair Health
Diet. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy hair. I´ve been focusing on consuming plenty of dark green vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. If you're into the supplement habits, you can add: biotin, algae collagen, zinc, and adaptogens such as Chaga and Codryceps.
Probiotics. Gut health plays a significant role in hair health. I must say this one, requires a lot of commitment & diversity to make noticeable effects. I incorporate probiotics into my diet through homemade coconut yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods.
Taming the mane
Achieving healthy hair is a holistic process that involves both internal and external care. By incorporating some of this these hacks, the idea is to make it even ritualistic, so it can fit intentionally into your daily routine. Remember, consistency is key, and as cliché as it might sound, we need to optimize and take care of this beautiful temple we were gifted for our soul, the body.
Namas-chiao.
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