Winter Haircare Tips

1. Protect your hair from the elements

Winter can be tough on hair. The cold, dry air can zap moisture from it, making strands brittle and prone to breakage. That’s why it’s a great idea to shield hair from the elements with a hat or head covering. 

Not all hats are created equal. Some fabrics, like cotton and wool, can draw moisture away from your hair, making problems worse. Look for hats or coverings that are lined with silk or satin. These fabrics are gentle on your hair and help to lock in that precious moisture.

And don't forget a little extra TLC! A touch of oil or a spritz of dry oil spray can help combat static electricity and give your hair that extra boost of hydration.

So, this winter, remember to treat your hair with the same care you would your skin. A little extra protection goes a long way in keeping your hair healthy and happy!

2. Use a humidifier

The heaters in our homes, cars, businesses, etc. can dry out the air indoors. This dry air can leave hair feeling brittle and dull. That’s where a humidifier comes in handy. It adds some much-needed humidity back into the air, helping hair stay hydrated.

Using a humidifier can make a big difference in keeping your hair healthy and happy during the dry winter months. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!

3. Lower your water + blowdryer temperature

Hot water is harsh on your hair. It can strip away natural oils that keep your hair healthy and protected, leaving it feeling dry and brittle. Think of it like washing your hands in scalding hot water – it can leave your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable! The same goes for your hair. Try washing with lukewarm water instead. It's gentle on your hair and helps to preserve those important natural oils.

And when it comes to drying your hair, resist the urge to crank up the heat! High heat can damage your hair and make it more prone to breakage. Instead, set your blow dryer to a medium or low setting. You can also use the cool shot button to lock in your style and add extra shine.

Remember, a little TLC goes a long way in keeping your hair healthy and happy. Treat your hair with the same care you would your skin, and you'll be rewarded with beautiful, vibrant locks!

4. Oils are your new bestie

Oils work wonders by replenishing lost moisture, smoothing down those pesky frizzes, and even strengthening your strands. It's like giving your hair a nourishing spa treatment.

But remember, a little goes a long way! Start with just a few drops – 1-2 for fine hair and 2-4 for medium-thick hair. Too much oil can weigh your hair down, so it's best to start small and gradually increase if needed.

Apply the oil from the ends of your hair and work your way up towards the roots, but stay a couple of inches away from your scalp. This helps to avoid any greasy buildup.

5. Use a conditioning mask once a week

Adding a conditioning mask to your weekly routine is like giving your hair a regular spa day! It will deeply nourish and hydrate your hair, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and incredibly healthy.

Think of it as an insurance policy against the harsh winter weather. When your hair is properly hydrated, it's better equipped to withstand the drying effects of cold air and indoor heating.

Once a week, after shampooing, replace your regular conditioner with a deep conditioning mask. Apply it generously, starting at the ends and working your way up. Use a wide-tooth comb to ensure even distribution. Then, either clip your hair up or use a plastic shower cap to cover your hair.

Leave the mask on for 5-20 minutes, depending on how much time you have. And when you rinse it out, you'll be amazed at how soft and luxurious your hair feels!

A quick tip: If you have fine or thin hair, be mindful of the ingredients in your mask. Avoid heavy oils like castor oil, as they can weigh your hair down. Also, try to avoid applying the mask too close to your roots.

By adapting your hair care routine to the changing seasons, you can maintain beautiful, healthy hair year-round. Embrace the winter months with extra moisture and protection. Your hair will thank you for the seasonal TLC!

Holistic Haircare: What Is It + Is It Worth It?

Holistic hair care uses products and services that respect the health of the mind, body, planet, and animals. As a holistic hairstylist, I look for the highest quality natural and plant-based ingredients with minimal to zero synthetic chemicals when choosing products for my business. Holistic hair services are designed to assist your body in healing the root causes of many scalp and hair disorders. The services you receive will be personalized based on what is happening internally and externally. Looking at the individual as a whole allows us so much success when serving our clients. 

I’ve experienced firsthand the importance and benefits of using clean hair care products and other treatments. Dry, weak, brittle hair, dermatitis outbreaks, alopecia… I have had many issues myself and have often seen many of the same problems with clients. For me, I saw a significant change when I got serious about eliminating toxins and allergens and staying consistent with healthier habits. I knew I was finally on the right track to heal my scalp + grow my hair back.

Holistic Hair Care Eliminates Inflammatory Ingredients

Eliminating inflammatory ingredients is one of the most important things to do in your holistic journey. Inflammation can cause hair loss if or when the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles. There are numerous causes of inflammation and the only real cure lies in reducing the reasons for it both inside the body and topically. Inflammatory ingredients linked to hair and scalp issues include alcohol, sodium chloride, artificial fragrances and colors, and silicones*. Silicones aren’t completely bad and I’ll even advocate for them when necessary, but I do not recommend regular usage. 

These and other ingredients are eliminated and replaced with naturally derived options that do the same things as their chemical counterparts, just in a healthy way. Essential oils replace synthetic fragrances, shea butter, and aloe vera hydrate while rosemary promotes growth and strengthens hair strands.

Products with natural ingredients perform just as well if not better and are better for your health overall. Your scalp and hair health will improve when you reduce inflammation. There is no one-size-fits-all anything when it comes to healing and there are no overnight cures. Customizing and being consistent with your holistic hair care routine does bring success but it takes time. Don’t give up!

Holistic Hair Care Adds Nourishment 

Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, assists the body in improving blood flow therefore delivering more nutrients to the hair follicles. It has antioxidant properties and can make hair stronger by helping keratin fortify the hair strands. Glycerin can be used because it acts as a humectant, keeping skin and hair moisturized. Hydrolyzed yeast is a peptide that increases keratin production, promotes cell regeneration, and strengthens hair follicles.

The benefits of these natural ingredients are essential to achieving healthy hair. When the body is being nourished from the inside out you are more likely to see the benefits sooner. The increased blood flow brings more nutrients for the hair follicles to fuel growth. A clear and balanced scalp aids in allowing the regenerative properties of products and treatments to more easily penetrate the skin barrier. The more ideal the environment is, the better your chances are of seeing the significant success you’re after. 

Holistic Treatments + Products to Add to Your Hair Care Routine

Assisting others in their hair journey while using and teaching about holistic-based products and practices is a large part of my role at CLH. The knowledge I have gained by studying to become a Trichologist is reflected in the services that I offer. Each service and the products used have been carefully curated to work as intended separately or in tandem, to deliver the most noticeable improvements. 

You don’t have to have a standing appointment at your favorite salon to treat yourself to a spa day. With a basic understanding of what to use, and how and why it works, you could easily replicate a thing or two.

Process your deep conditioners with steam

Steam lifts the hair’s cuticle allowing moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. It also helps to improve elasticity resulting in stronger strands. The steam will open your pores and stimulate the scalp to increase blood flow. Once the cuticle is lifted and the pores are open, moisturizing products can be more easily absorbed by the hair and skin. The more access your strands and follicles have to absorb the nutrients, the healthier they will become.

Moisture is crucial in maintaining healthy hair, achieving the correct balance for your hair isn’t always easy. When you’re looking for a deep conditioner, good quality ingredients do matter. For example, a company will use film-forming humectants such as aloe vera or carrageenan because they have properties that help your hair retain more moisture. These types of humectants form a seal over the hair shaft which holds water in better and for longer. Companies will choose shea butter for its high volume of vitamins A and E, also known for their moisturizing properties. 

If going to the salon is out of the question, there are ways to enjoy a deep conditioning treatment at home. One that I like the most starts with warming a towel (if you don’t have a hair wrap, think ‘hand towel size’) in the dryer. While that is going, wash your hair and apply your deep conditioner. Apply by starting at the ends of your hair and working towards the scalp but not to the scalp. Evenly distribute through your hair with a wide-tooth comb and place your hair into a plastic processing cap (grocery sack if you’re in a pinch!). Get the warm towel from the dryer, wrap it around your head as you normally would after washing, and wait to rinse out for 20-30 minutes. Don’t leave it on for an excessive amount of time, habits like that can lead to sensitivities and allergies. Always follow the advice and directions on your product’s label.

Thinning hair? Add the Surface Awaken Therapeutic line to your routine

When I was going through one of the hair loss phases I have dealt with, a good friend gave me a bottle of this shampoo to try out. I only used the shampoo but it worked and it worked quickly. You don’t necessarily need a brand’s full line of products to achieve your hair goals. For the most part, yes, products are designed specifically to work best with other products in the same line. Doing something, even if it’s just using a new shampoo, is better than nothing.  

Surface Awaken Therapeutic products combine “innovative technology with organic botanicals that create formulas to support a healthier scalp with faster-growing, visibly thicker hair.” They calm itchy scalps, balance oily scalps, reduce flakes, and help to reduce and deactivate DHT, the hormone that is the leading cause of hair loss. Learn more about their products on their website. 

*not affiliated; not receiving commission; just an obsessed consumer

Scalp exfoliation + massage

Two key things to do when making your scalp the ideal environment for healthy hair and growth is to regularly exfoliate and do a stimulating circulation massage. The exfoliation will thoroughly help to loosen and remove debris that clogs hair follicles. The scalp massage will assist the skin in absorbing the benefits of your products once your skin and pores are clean and clear. Massaging the scalp also boosts circulation and as we know that means more nutrients are sent to the root of the hair for growth and more. 

Holistic scalp scrubs will usually contain sugar, salt, or a clay base as their physical exfoliant. The exfoliant is mixed into an oil base which lessens the abrasiveness. Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil are the most commonly used and fragrances come from plant and fruit extracts. Peppermint oil will be used in scrubs specifically for stimulating the scalp while Rosemary oil promotes new growth. 

Healthy hair can only be achieved by having a healthy scalp. Incorporating holistic practices and ingredients into your beauty routines will give your hair and scalp a chance to heal. Make a few adjustments in your routine and give it some time, you’ll enjoy seeing your results. 

At one point or another, we all need some assistance when it comes to correcting scalp + hair loss issues. Schedule your consultation appointment + let me show you how I can help!

The Effects of Summer on Our Hair

Summer is finally here and in full swing! While we’re spending all of our spare time being outdoors trying to get the most out of the warmer months, our hair and skin may not be getting the proper care it needs to stay healthy. Yes, us girls love the natural sunkissed highlights that we get every year but the truth is that it’s damaging our hair, and more than you thought.

Prolonged sun exposure fades hair color, natural or color treated. UV rays weaken the hair’s cuticle and keratin becomes compromised. The melanin, which gives us our hair color, is broken down and in those with color treated hair the chemical bonds of the dye are damaged. The best ways to protect your strands (and your color investment) is by covering with a hat that has UPF and using haircare products containing UV protection before stepping outside.

Swimming is one of the top favorite summer activities for almost everyone. Some of you who are blonde (naturally or not) and those who wear blonde extensions know all too well how chlorine’s chemical reaction with heavy metals in the water can turn hair green. Porous hair traps the hard metals, copper, iron and manganese then oxidizes them which gives your hair that shade of chlorine green. It also strips your hair of its natural oils that lead to dry, brittle, highly porous hair and split ends. It can also bond with and remove the dye color molecules in your hair and for some, long term exposure can lead to irritant dermatitis. To combat the effects of chlorine you can be proactive by coating your hair in water and leave-in conditioner, combing through then putting your hair into a braid or a bun before going outdoors. Ensure you thoroughly rinse everything out of your hair at the end of day. If you already have a build-up of impurities or just want a deep cleanse after swimming all summer, come into the salon for an Intensive Repair Treatment. Learn more about what this treatment can do for your hair here.

We’re all aware of what heat and humidity can do to our hair, especially when it comes to frizz. Our hair absorbs and swells with the excess moisture in the air on humid days. The swelling of the hair strands causes the cuticle to become lifted and rough and repeated cycles of this swelling can lead to weak and brittle hair. The more porous the hair strands are the more moisture they are absorbing, and the bigger your “frizzy poof” will be. Ward off frizz with a product such as Formula 18’s Repair Oil before blow drying. This oil smoothes and seals the hair’s cuticle to eliminate frizz. Bonus benefit, it cuts down your blow drying time!

An equally frustrating side effect of heat and humidity is an oily scalp. Oh and yes, you can have an oily scalp and dry, frizzy ends simultaneously. Humidity prevents sweat from evaporating which leads to a build-up of bacteria on the scalp. Combine that with excess oil, dirt, pollutants and other impurities and your hair follicles become clogged and without proper cleansing, will continue to build up and give your hair that oily appearance. The easiest way to take care of this issue is by washing your hair after sweating and being outdoors. A double cleanse with a hydrating shampoo is recommended, the first wash removes the build up of impurities and the second wash ensures your scalp is squeaky clean. If you need a more intensive scalp cleanse, come into the salon for our Detox Scalp Care Treatment. You can learn more about what to expect from this service here. 

Summer may have its downsides when it comes to the effects on our hair but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have beautiful, healthy hair. With the right knowledge and products anyone can take care of their hair and have more ‘good hair days’.

Need help personalizing your haircare routine? Schedule a blow out and we’ll discuss the best products for your hair and I’ll show you how to properly use them from start to finish.

The Importance of Scalp Exfoliation in Your Hair Care Routine

Oftentimes when we think of a ‘hair care routine’ we’re only thinking about a wash schedule, which shampoo and conditioner to use, how often to get a haircut. When our ends are extra dry from the winter or too much sun in the summer, we might remember to throw on a deep conditioner. It isn’t until we begin to notice itching, flaking and even hair loss do we really start to pay attention to what our scalp is trying to tell us.

Why Scalp Exfoliation Matters:

1. It promotes healthy hair growth: A clean and balanced scalp offers optimal conditions for hair follicles to thrive. By removing buildup, dirt, debris, oil and dead skin cells, you allow the skin and hair follicles to receive the benefits of your hair care products. Keeping your hair follicles clean and clear helps to prevent conditions such as folliculitis and hair loss from occurring.

2. Improves scalp circulation: Stimulating the blood circulation in your scalp to increase the blood flow allows for essential nutrients and oxygen to travel to the hair follicles, promoting their health and vitality. Enhanced circulation contributes to a healthy scalp and can reduce your risk of dandruff, itchiness and other scalp conditions.

3. Enhances product absorption: Have you ever noticed products seem to be more effective after a salon visit? Scalp exfoliation plays a key role by removing dead skin cells and product buildup, allowing better penetration of serums, oils and treatments into the scalp. This allows your products to work more efficiently, providing noticeable results.

An easy way to incorporate a regular scalp exfoliation into your hair care routine is with the Innersense True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub. It gently buffs away dead skin cells and buildup then replenishes nutrients with Apple Extract.

*Available as an add-on service or part of one of our Head Spa packages here.

*Also available for purchase here.

Do you have stubborn buildup that needs an even deeper exfoliation? Nioxin Scalp Renew Dermabrasion Treatment is an in-salon exclusive service that effectively removes buildup and impurities to promote a healthier scalp environment. It is designed to help regenerate and revitalize the skin, promoting anti-aging benefits to the scalp. This service is done once every 30-45 days for optimal results. 

*Visit the Head Spa page here to learn more and to book your appointment.

January Haircare Tips

Are you struggling with your hair and scalp as the seasons transition? Between the cold, dry air, indoor heating, beanie and scarf wearing, our hair and scalp struggles to stay healthy during the winter just as much as the summer. One necessary element to keep in mind no matter the season is to ensure your body is receiving proper hydration from the inside out. 

Proper hydration is the key to maintaining healthy hair and a nourished scalp. Just like our bodies need water to function optimally, our hair and scalp require adequate moisture to thrive. Dehydration can lead to brittle hair, split ends, and an itchy, flaky scalp. By incorporating hydrating products into your hair care routine and ensuring you stay well-hydrated, you can promote a vibrant and resilient mane.

When hair lacks hydration, it becomes more susceptible to damage from external factors like heat styling and environmental stressors. Hydrated hair, on the other hand, is better equipped to resist these challenges and maintain its natural shine. Additionally, a well-moisturized scalp fosters a healthy environment for hair growth, preventing issues such as dandruff and promoting overall hair vitality. Make hydration a priority in your beauty routine to unlock the full potential of your locks.

Incorporating hydrating practices into your hair care regimen is not just about addressing existing issues—it's a proactive approach to long-term hair health. Whether through deep conditioning treatments, moisturizing shampoos, or simply increasing your water intake, prioritizing hydration is a small but impactful investment in the beauty and strength of your hair. Embrace the transformative power of hydration, and let your hair shine with health and vitality.

Christina’s recommended hydrating shampoos:

Kevin Murphy Hydrate.Me

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day

Eleven Australia Hydrate My Hair

Service to consider:

Head Spa Extended package

-includes a steam treatment to help penetrate deep conditioning mask, optimizing hydration properties

Learn more about our Head Spa services here