Tips to help keep your hair healthy and beautiful between salon visits.
Essential oils can provide a wide range of benefits for the scalp and hair. Mix together the following recipe, preferably in an amber bottle, for an aromatic and healthful oil treatment:
30ml of grapeseed oil
30ml of jojoba oil
3 drops of thyme essential oil
3 drops of lavender essential oil
3 drops of rosemary essential oil
3 drops of cedarwood essential oil
Apply as needed to moisturize, nourish, strengthen, and stimulate hair growth.
If you plan to trim or cut your own hair, make sure that you do so with a level mind and a clear plan. You should always have adequate time, space, and equipment to do a competent job. Never cut your own hair when you are upset or frustrated or because you are having a bad hair day--chances are that you will regret the outcome and only feel worse.
The bristles of a brush can damage the scalp and tear the hair cuticles, especially if used on kinky curly hair, which is extremely fine and fragile. Although, if done correctly, brushing can help stimulate hair growth by strengthening the follicles and spreading natural oils, such as sebum, throughout the hair; it is much safer to gently use a comb or your fingers to stimulate the scalp. Since you won't be spreading oils with a brush, you can simply apply an oil treatment directly to the ends. If you feel that you must brush, only use one with natural boar bristles and never brush wet hair.
A braid-out is a great way to add waves to straight hair or stretch and lengthen curly hair without using a heated styling tool, such as a curling iron or crimper. A braid-out is a healthful style choice for your hair, and it is easy to do. First, wash and condition your hair. Second, part your hair into sections (four sections will usually suffice, but you may want more depending on your preference--the smaller the braid, the tighter the wave pattern will be). Third, gently comb each section and then braid it. If your hair is prone to frizz, you may want to add a small amount of styling gel to each section before braiding. Remember not to braid your hair too tightly--you do not want to have any tension near the scalp. For the safest and healthiest option, let your hair air-dry (time will vary depending on climate and hair texture, but thick hair usually takes at least 12 hours). If you don't have time to let your hair air dry, you can use a blow-dryer with a diffuser or a hood dryer (time will vary depending on texture, but thick hair usually takes at least 60 to 90 minutes). After your hair is completely dry, unbraid each section and let the styling fun begin. Results will vary depending on texture, but you should have some luscious waves to work with--the possibilities are endless.
