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!