Lifestyle: NATURAL HAIR AND SKIN CARE TIPS

Apparently beauty is more than just skin-deep. With the average person lathering 10 different products on their body and hair every day, our skin acts as a sponge, absorbing chemicals and toxins that have potentially damaging long-term effects. Caring for your body should be more than just about the pursuit of gorgeousness, but instead about connecting to your body—using products that are natural and good for you, from the outside in.

Growing up, my mother always shared the more unconventional beauty tips with me about how to take care of my hair and skin—how to get natural highlights (lemon juice on the beach) or what to do in case I run out of conditioner or lotion (head to the kitchen for some coconut oil). Her tips helped to guide me on how to treat my hair naturally, but now that I’ve grown up and learned a thing or two myself, I’ve come up with a few ways to make sure that my hair and skin stays healthy in the desert

Hair Guide

When beaching it add a deep conditioner or hair mask with SPF to help prevent tangles, as well as provide protection against sun damage, salt water or chlorine. The heat from the sun will help to open the hair cuticle so the moisture can penetrate more efficiently.
To prevent frizz from humidity, considering adding a serum or natural plant based oil such as coconut or avocado. Adding aloe vera is also beneficial for locking in moisture a creating a protective barrier.
If you’re finding your hair is the opposite of dry, and it’s getting oily, use a touch of witch hazel on a cloth or cotton ball and blot your scalp along your part and around your hairline. Witch Hazel is a natural astringent that dissolves oil; just don’t use it too much or you may over-dry your hair!
Make sure to rinse your hair right after exposure in a lukewarm (not hot, not cold, but just right) shower. Consider installing a water filter on your shower head that softens the water; hard water contains a large amount of minerals that can leave hair feeling dry, brittle, lifeless, and extremely knotty. When washing your hair after being in the ocean, pool, city, or in the sun all day, you want soft water that will help to eliminate any further UV damage and to wash away impurities (especially preventing the dreaded “summer green-head” from pool chlorine for blondes!). With that being said, rinsing doesn’t always mean using a shampoo.
In the heat, try as best as you can to cut back on your shampoo usage, allowing your scalp’s oil production to balance out. When you do wash with shampoo, use a product that is all natural with no drying sulfates. When rinsing your hair, first give yourself a 30 second scalp massage to exfoliate and increase circulation, promoting hair growth and removing product build up. Rinse hair with apple cider vinegar mixed with water to help clarify the scalp. Follow by applying conditioner midway through your hair all the way to the ends and comb through using a wide-tooth comb.
Cut split ends often, scheduling a trim every four to six weeks to maintain the health of your hair and the style.
Keep hair in a loose braid when wanting to put it up—it doesn’t break the hair as much as other hair styles and keeps it under control and out of your way. Putting hair up in a high and tight updo can cause a lot of damage during the summer months, when hair tends to get even more frizzy and dry. Avoid elastic bands with metal seams.
Going au-natural with sea inspired waves is a current trend. Save the straight hair or tight curls for special occasion. Also stay away from using large amounts of product, whether it’s sticky hairsprays or mousse. Your hair doesn’t need to be gooped up with too many extra products—keep it simple.
If all else fails, opt for a cute hat or head scarf. Not only do they provide further UV protection, they also help the hair retain moisture and prevent discoloration.

Skin Care Beauty Guide

Sunscreen! The easiest way to incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine is to get a moisturizer with sunscreen built in; it saves you the extra step of layering on a separate product.
For oily, shiny, reflective skin, keep oil blotting sheets on hand, and if you don’t have them, split a 2-ply tissue into two pieces and use that to press onto the skin gently; doing this will remove the oil but leave the pigment from your makeup. Layering on powder is a no-no in the summer.
For melting eye makeup, stick to waterproof mascara (you can also use Vaseline or Olive Oil on your fingertip and “roll” your eyelashes up toward your eyebrow with your finger)
While we should always be washing our face before bed, summertime is not the time to be lazy and skip a night! It’s important to remember that we’re sweating and producing more oil throughout the day; washing our face at night is a great way for our pores to get some air.
I use organic-refined coconut oil to moisturize my skin after a cool shower. I also love a good raw sugar & olive oil scrub for my lips; it keeps them super soft. For dry skin and hair, put some mashed up avocado on your skin & the ends of your hair for ten minutes for a quick moisture mask.

Of course, you don’t always have to resort to potions, lotions, or peels to get glowing skin. Diet and exercise should always play a vital role in your skincare regimen. Working up a sweat keeps the blood circulating, as does feeding yourself healthy and organic foods, particularly plant based protein, healthy fats that contain omega-3’s, and fruits filled with antioxidants. Also, drinking water helps to flush out toxins that could potentially show up on your skin.

What are some of my favorite DIY Kitchen Beauty Concoctions? Check out some of the recipes below:

Soothing Body Scrub

Organic Brown Sugar
Honey
Jojoba, Coconut or your favorite high quality oil
Fresh Lemon Juice

Stir sugar and oil just until combined. Next, add honey and lightly stir again. Lastly, pour lemon juice and mix. Use in the shower on clean, moistened skin.

Comforting and Refreshing Bath