Blog tagged "yarok" | Fresh Faced

The seven habits of highly effective hair care

I can't tell you how many times I've wished for different hair. Oh, to be able to wake up in the morning with glorious, healthy, shiny tresses that need nothing more than a few strategic tousles to land in perfect place. I've managed to figure out a thing or two, though, when it comes to taming the frizzy, unruly mess I was born with: In other words, my seven habits of highly effective hair care:

Get regular trims. Although it's a popular myth that frequent trims make your hair grow faster, it will certainly look healthier with a half-inch trim every two months to keep split and damaged ends at bay. Know that no product is going to repair those split ends, but you can make them less noticeable by using a pomade or texturizer that contains beeswax or applying a few drops of argan oil, which will temporarily seal the ends together. Another common hair myth debunked: Plucking out a grey will not cause two to grow in its place, but it can damage the roots, cause an infection, and leave a scar.
You know how most of us think our hair looks better the second day after being washed? That's because conventional shampoos contain harsh surfactants that strip the hair not only of the bad stuff (dirt and pollutants), but also remove its natural oils. Check your shampoo bottles for nasties like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, which are petroleum-based foaming agents and detergents that can cause endocrine disruption, affect the nervous system, and lead to cancer. While you're at it, you'll also want to avoid parabens (like methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben), a group of preservatives that have been linked to increased estrogen levels and risk of breast cancer. Even if you use top-of-the-line natural shampoo, try to avoid washing your hair daily, and opt instead for every other day at the most.
To minimize breakage, make sure your hair is properly wet before you shampoo. When you're ready to lather, apply the product close to your scalp and gently massage it to the ends. Vigorous scrubbing won't get your hair any cleaner, but it might irritate your scalp or damage your roots. A word of caution for natural newbies: Sulfate-free shampoos don't lather quite as abundantly as conventional ones, since they don't depend on chemical foaming agents, but if you need more suds, adding water should do the trick.
Look for a conditioner with wheat or rice proteins, which strengthen hair. Panthenol and glycerin help to bind water to the hair shaft, and citrus extracts are great for adding shine. The best oils for moisture replenishment include seed and fruit oils, such as jojoba and olive. Conditioner should be applied from the ends up, generally avoiding the scalp.
Hair is fragile when wet. Pat (don't rub) your hair dry with a towel before blow drying to avoid excess heat damage. Ideally, air drying is your best option, although I know from (painful) personal experience that going au naturale doesn't always yield the best hair style (frizzy-flat, anyone?). If you're blow drying, choose the cool or warm setting—never hot.
There are a few good rules of thumb to follow when choosing the right styling product. To tame frizzy hair and add some extra shine, apply a few drops of argan oil to your fingers and rub them through your hair. If you have thin, limp, or lifeless locks, mousse is probably your best bet. Gel works wonders on thicker, wavier hair, and for less polished, beachy waves, try a sea salt spray.
Your hair can't get a sunburn (although your scalp sure can!), but the sun can wreak all kinds of other damage, especially to chemically or colour-treated hair, including dryness, brittleness, and chronic split ends. The best way to keep your tresses looking luscious is to shield them under a wide-brimmed hat. Or get crafty and make your own UV protection by mixing facial SPF with water (2 teaspoons SPF to 1 cup water) and using a spray bottle to mist it into your hair.

Posted in argan oil, john masters organics, natural hair care, yarok

June bestsellers

Hard to believe it's already July! Spring flew by in a blur. Thanks to all my new (and repeat!) customers last month, I'm pleased to present Fresh Faced's June bestsellers (in no particular order).

Lavera Volume Mascara: The ultimate antidote to tired-looking eyes, this naturally volumizing and lengthening formula nourishes lashes for a healthy, full fringe. Moisturizing extracts of organic jojoba and wild rose oils deeply hydrate, promoting all-day, flake-free volume. Lavera's all-time bestselling customer favourite. Vegan.
Yarok Feed Your Volume Shampoo & Conditioner: Treat your senses, your hair, and your scalp to an aromatic blend of organic herbs, flowers, vitamins, minerals, and essential oils that visibly plump normal to fine hair. Free from chemicals, alcohol, sulfates, and parabens.
Pai Organic Muslin Face Cloths: These organic muslin face cloths provide gentle exfoliation that leaves the skin super clean and smooth. Made from 100 percent organic unbleached cotton muslin. Machine washable.
Soapwalla Deodorant Cream: Soapwalla's all-natural yet powerful deodorant cream uses superfine vegetable powders, clays, and lavender, peppermint, and tea tree essential oils to absorb moisture, inhibit bacteria, and ensure a long-lasting and highly effective experience. Free from harmful chemicals, petroleum, and aluminum; vegan and cruelty-free. It WORKS!
Soapwalla Restorative Face Serum: A potent miracle in a bottle that rejuvenates and revitalizes skin, visibly reducing fine lines and redness. This fast-absorbing serum is nourishing for all skin; ideal for mature and sensitive skin, particularly for those with eczema and psoriasis. Suitable for all-over facial care, including the sensitive eye area.