Intentional practices for healthy hair
Care is key.
Water.
I find the best hair comes from less is more methodology. Curly and wavy hair needs the moisture water provides to fully penetrate into the cuticle to prevent frizz and dryness. The natural curvature in your curly or wavy strands makes it challenging for moisture to travel down the hair shaft. A beauty industry myth is to never brush your curls. I find spending time distributing your natural oils by brushing with a boar bristle brush on wash day is crucial for distributing your natural oils and providing scalp stimulation. Your body and your nervous system would love for you to be present and enjoy the comfort of caring for your being. If you brush your curls in between wash days, you can rehydrate your curls with water to revitalize your curl pattern, or choose to wear your curls with a soft, romantic finish. To perfect this look, brush small sections or individual curls at a time to prevent excess frizz. Polish your curls after brushing by reforming each curl and add in a small amount of leave-in or oil.
Wash.
Every hair type is different and often requires different maintenance. If you stretch out your wash days to more than twice a week, I recommend a conditioning rinse mid-week for most hair types. Conditioner contains cleansing agents and is great for cleansing away environmental factors as well as refreshing your scalp. If your texture and shampoo just don’t get along, a cleansing cream or co-wash product will be a great alternative for you and your natural oils. If your scalp is consistently dry or flakey, scalp oiling once a week is a great addition to your routine on wash days.
Our focus is keeping a clean, buildup free scalp ideal for thriving hair follicles and healthy hair growth. Many hair types and lifestyles require cleansing 3x weekly. Dry shampoos should be used sparingly and opt for a powder dry shampoo over aerosols. Aerosols can build up on the scalp creating an unhealthy scalp environment and chemically irritate your skin and lungs. Over-use of dry shampoo can create an imbalance in your natural oil production and can result in dry, brittle ends from lack of oil distribution. To stretch your hair a day after a gentle workout, loosely tie your hair back and add powder dry shampoo beforehand. Take your hair down as soon as possible to prevent creasing and cool your body down afterwards by using cold air at your scalp with a blow dryer. Add in a bit more powder and brush through your ends.
Double cleansing with a gentle shampoo is key to first break up debris, natural oils, and pollutants and allow your scalp to receive a proper cleanse. This also ensures you don’t over-use your shampoo. Instead of adding shampoo until you notice a lather, massage in the initial product and rinse. You will notice an immediate lather with a second round of shampoo. You only need about a quarter sized amount of shampoo or dime sized amount for short hair emulsified in your palms before lathering. I always apply my shampoo at the crown of my head instead of my hairline for a thorough cleanse. If you struggle with an oily scalp, try cleansing and rinsing with your head upside down. Apply your conditioner after scrunching out a bit of water by palming and pressing the product into your ends and distributing any left-over moisture up near your scalp. Keep a wet brush in the shower to detangle and disperse your conditioner through starting from your ends. Take a moment to give yourself a light scalp massage to support blood flow to your scalp. If you are wanting to encourage your curls, scrunch your hair while your conditioner is sitting and as you rinse instead of wringing out the remaining water. This is a great time to add in your leave in conditioner if your hair is in need of extra nourishment. I recommend continuing to scrunch your hair while drying with a microfiber towel.
Selection.
It is equally important to be mindful of what products we invest in for our bodies. My go-to products are a sea-mist for fine or wavy hair and a cream paired with a gel for curly or coarse textures. Our curls are enhanced by using intentional beauty products with clean ingredients that nourish your hair and scalp without striping your natural oils or leaving a coating of harsh residue. When you invest in higher quality products, you’re benefiting from luxury ingredients that are good for your hair and the planet. The beauty industry features an overwhelming number of options, many that will instantly improve the appearance of your hair. Many of the ingredients that achieve instant results build up on the hair and are harsh on your scalp and system over time. I love to approach beauty with a long-term approach. This helps break through the overflow of brands by narrowing things down to clean, stainable lines- often backed by intentional ingredients that aren’t overly diluted promoting effortlessly styled, healthy hair. It is so common to develop a graveyard under your sink of an array of unused products. I believe that once you align with a brand and understand what products are needed and when to use them, you end up reducing your styling time and become more intentional with your routine. Using brands that align with you brings joy and commitment into caring for your hair.
Choosing ethically sourced ingredients and products free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones is key to promoting the long-term health of your hair and ensuring the longevity of your color. These ingredients can be harsh on your strands and scalp, stripping away natural oils and causing buildup that impacts hair vitality. By opting for cleaner alternatives, you're not only preserving the integrity of your hair but also taking a more mindful approach to your overall well-being. The beauty industry’s incessant growth often comes with a hidden cost—single-use packaging, products containing microplastics, and chemicals that can be harmful to both you and the environment. Many mainstream beauty products still rely on synthetic ingredients, such as artificial fragrance, which is made from a blend of chemicals that can be irritating over time. These artificial fragrances can disrupt the body’s endocrine system, potentially affecting hormone regulation and contributing to sensitivity. Opting for products that use essential oils not only provides a gentler, more natural aroma but also brings a range of therapeutic benefits. Essential oils stay with you in a softer, more subtle way, without overwhelming your senses or triggering sensitivity. Discover why hormone regulation is crucial for healthy hair growth and how aligning your beauty choices with your health can have lasting positive effects by reading more here.
Impact.
For me personally, I've chosen to immerse myself in spaces that prioritize clean beauty and healthy hair. Connecting with other stylists who share this focus has allowed me to continuously expand my knowledge about the relationship between hair, health, and beauty. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in an industry that emphasizes care and well-being, enabling me to ground myself in these practices and share what works with others. Siren hosts good hair with intentional, individual based care. Here is where I have discovered my new-found love, Reverie. Hair care that is mindful of people and the planet backed by skin care inspired methodology. Siren hosts an in-salon refillery, a unique option that benefits our clients with a small discount. Connect with me here to discuss what care options are best for you and your lifestyle. Read more about Reverie here or purchase their products online here.
When I made a move cross-country, I immediately noticed the impact it had on my hair and skin, which led me to dive even deeper into clean beauty. I experienced unexpected hair loss around my temples and breakouts that were more severe than usual. Since I already use clean, high-quality products on my body, I knew it was time to reassess how I was caring for myself during such a big transition. As I’ve mentioned earlier, internal stress has a direct impact on hormones, which in turn affects our skin and hair. I was a living example of this. Over time, as I settled into my new environment, both my hair and skin began to adjust to the transition. I added a water filter to my shower, increased my vitamin intake, and became more aware of the food choices I was making. By taking more time to intentionally nurture myself, I was able to restore balance to my routine, and I'm now seeing the positive results of these subtle changes. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of clean beauty and self-care in navigating life’s transitions.
Vibe.
Ultimately, choosing clean, sustainable products for your body is about so much more than just looking good—it’s about embracing long-term beauty from the inside out. Being present and intentional with your hair care routine allows you to enjoy each moment, making mindful choices that not only enhance your natural beauty but also deepen your appreciation for the quality of the products you invest in. By taking time to nurture your body, you create space to slow down, giving your nervous system the balance it needs to thrive. These small, conscious decisions benefit not only your well-being but the planet as well, promoting care-focused practices that feel good at every level. You deserve moments of self-care, and you deserve to experience the lasting benefits of intentional beauty, both inside and out.