It's a brand new season in New York. Summer is finally starting to rear it's head and that's when I start to pay extra special attention to my hair. I have 3b/high porosity curls (if I've already lost you head check here to find out what sort of curl pattern and porosity you're working with) which means I always have to take care of my hair. And if you're here, I'm sure you've got curls you need to nourish, too! This summer is especially tricky. Coming out of a rough school year filled with little to no hair care other than weekly wash and go routines, my hair is dry, frizzy, broken, and all-together damaged. Add on summer sun, pool water, and coastal salts and you've got a heap of trouble. So, today I'm starting my curly hair care series here on MNLY with how I take care of my hair from the inside!
Everything starts from within, right? Literally everything. Your health, your self-worth, love, motivation, and your hair! How does my hair health start? With the supplements I take and the things I eat. Let's get started.
You knew I was going to say it before I said it. WATER. Water, water, WATER. Water is the difference between healthy skin, hair, digestion, energy, and general wellbeing. Drinking enough water can drastically change your life. Don't believe me? Try it for yourself. Find out how much water you should be drinking daily right here. Drink your daily recommended amount for two weeks to a month and you will notice positive changes in your skin, digestion, daily energy levels, and, obviously, your hair! Water brings moisture to the hair follicle from the inside out, leaving your curls softer, smoother, and more controlled naturally.
Supplements are a major key for my curls. I was a skeptic for sure. But once I bought the Nature's Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin & Nails Argan Oil Infused vitamins, I have noticed a difference in the strength and shine of my nails, the elasticity and glow of my skin, and, most importantly the growth rate, moisture, and health of my curls. After one month of use, my curls were much tighter, more controlled, and the new growth was ridiculously shiny and healthy. It just felt softer and more luxurious than any other new growth I'd had in recent years. Also, it's made a great difference in my porosity. My hair accepts moisture much easier than it has in the past, and that's a great bonus. I have tried other brands of hair, skin, and nails vitamins, including the regular strength and gummy varieties by Nature's Bounty. These most definitely work the best. My advice is to spread them out through the day instead of taking the entire three capsule dose at once. One capsule with each meal of your day works best so that your body has time to properly absorb all the nutrients instead of expelling what it doesn't need at once.
Who's really surprised here. Any one who loves their skin and hair will tell you that coconut oil is the greatest thing since sliced bread. It's good for every single thing your body may need. If you guys would like, I'll make a post all about the various ways I use coconut oil, but for today, we're going to talk about how it makes my curls just sing. Coconut oil is a versatile hair moisturizer. It has protein and essential vitamins that moisturize your curls, add protein to strengthen them, and, over time, improve the curl pattern and increase shine dramatically. Once a week or so I put a coconut oil based essential oil blend in my hair, concentrating on the scalp and ends, and raking a small amount through. I wrap the oil soaked air around my head and cover with plastic wrap and a head scarf fi I have errands to run, or just your everyday, run of the mill shower cap and let that sit for as long as you can leave it in. The heat from your head will allow the hair follicle to open up and accept all that moisture. Your thirsty curls will thank you.
Putting the oil directly onto your hair isn't enough? Do what I do! Cook with it! Coconut oil, like the supplements mentioned above, works just as well for you hair when you let it work from the inside out. I use coconut oil for pan-frying, sautéing, and baking about 50/50 alongside butter and olive oil. Occasionally, I'll even swig a tablespoon or so. I also put it in my famous Island Coconut Oatmeal (recipe to follow!). When I make my pre-workout and morning smoothies, I'll drop about two tablespoons in there. Your hair will THANK YOU.
If you've followed MNYL for a while, you know that I am an ardent supporter of and believer in chia seeds. They are so full of antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. An honest to goodness superfood if ever there was one. Eating chia will promote strength in your curls, elasticity and bounce, and volume! Plus, you've got tons of options when it comes to eating chia seeds. I pop a few on top of smoothie bowls, inside the blender when I make my pre-workout smoothies, and, my favorite, chia pudding. I'm working on some new recipes to post, but here's a tried and true favorite that's easy to make, delicious, and chock full of curl-approved goodies.
Who's really surprised here. Any one who loves their skin and hair will tell you that coconut oil is the greatest thing since sliced bread. It's good for every single thing your body may need. If you guys would like, I'll make a post all about the various ways I use coconut oil, but for today, we're going to talk about how it makes my curls just sing. Coconut oil is a versatile hair moisturizer. It has protein and essential vitamins that moisturize your curls, add protein to strengthen them, and, over time, improve the curl pattern and increase shine dramatically. Once a week or so I put a coconut oil based essential oil blend in my hair, concentrating on the scalp and ends, and raking a small amount through. I wrap the oil soaked air around my head and cover with plastic wrap and a head scarf fi I have errands to run, or just your everyday, run of the mill shower cap and let that sit for as long as you can leave it in. The heat from your head will allow the hair follicle to open up and accept all that moisture. Your thirsty curls will thank you.
Putting the oil directly onto your hair isn't enough? Do what I do! Cook with it! Coconut oil, like the supplements mentioned above, works just as well for you hair when you let it work from the inside out. I use coconut oil for pan-frying, sautéing, and baking about 50/50 alongside butter and olive oil. Occasionally, I'll even swig a tablespoon or so. I also put it in my famous Island Coconut Oatmeal (recipe to follow!). When I make my pre-workout and morning smoothies, I'll drop about two tablespoons in there. Your hair will THANK YOU.
Hope you guys try all of these things to keep your curls beautiful from the inside out. Let me know how it works for you! The next part of this series is all about how I deep condition to prep my hair for a wash and style. Love to all!
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