Hating My Hair Less

A few weeks ago I talked about my hair crisis. Read the post, but if you are short on time, here’s a recap. A total stranger told me I had bad hair at a beauty convention of all places. I felt bad about myself. But then I realized I wasn’t trying hard enough to have good hair, so I’m going balls to the wall to do it now.

So, I know what you are thinking…really how hard is it to just use some extra conditioner? Girl, this is way more than just some extra conditioner. I surpassed needing extra conditioner around the time I exited my mother’s womb. Getting good hair is practically a lifestyle choice at this point. I’m putting in effort much in the same way someone studies for the Bar Exam or opens up an Etsy Shop. That being said, if you make clip in or halo extensions and want to collab, please get in touch (AmandaLauren212@gmail.com). I think a temporary fix might just be in order for my next post.

So, the whole “lifestyle change” about this involves hours of my life I’ll never get back and days of leaving in two different kinds of hair oil. This is a big commitment. If I didn’t work at home, I would have been fired from my job already because sometimes it looks like I haven’t washed my hair for a year. If it weren’t for topknots being trendy, I’d be screwed.

I’ve been using Black Castor Oil several days a week on my scalp and roots as well as my brows and lashes because why not. Before I started this hair journey (ugh), I learned castor oil is a natural fix to grow your hair because it balances out your scalp’s pH and is an antifungal as well as an antimicrobial. I don't think I have fungus or microbe issues with my scalp, but I'm attacking this from all angles. Castor oil also moisturizes your hair like crazy, sealing in the cuticle. I’ve heard of people who have hair growth of anywhere from ½ an inch to three inches in a month. While I haven’t taken a ruler to my roots just yet, my fingers are very much crossed. These things take time and patience, but let’s be honest here, for the most part, I have neither. 

I’ve also been using Kiehl’s Magic Elixir on my roots and ends. It’s a blend of rosemary leaf and avocado oils. The texture of this product is much thinner than castor oil, so I can leave the house without looking like a giant grease ball. My hair feels as if it is getting a little thicker, so I’m hoping this product lives up to its name. Also, I will probably buy anything that is called magic.

Because my hair is super oily several days a week, I’ve had to be very particular about shampoo. I’ve needed something that washes the oil out, but is still gentle, which is why I’m all about Alterna Caviar Repair Instant Recovery Shampoo. Doesn't the name really say it all? This product is also sulfate and paraben free, so it doesn’t fade my color, but it still lathers as if it is entirely filled with chemicals even though it’s not. 

I’ve also been going conditioner crazy, alternating between three different ones, which are Alterna Caviar Repair Instant Recovery Conditioner, Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Mask, and L’Ange Silk Venom Keratin Treatment Mask (use coupon code AMANDA for 30% off). Three different conditioners sounds excessive, but it's not because my hair always looks better when I switch things up. These also have different purposes. The L’Ange mask builds keratin, so you can’t use it more than twice a week. I use the Alterna Mask to restore moisture, which it does in spades and the Alterna Conditioner is great for when I’m too busy to commit to a mask or when I am air drying my hair.

Speaking of air drying, I’m trying to do that more often because more heat = more damage. There are three great products I’ve found for airdrying. The first is Alterna Bamboo Beach Breeze Dry Balm. I have naturally wavy hair and love a good beach wave look.  This balm is also a great multitasker because it protects your hair against UV rays, salt water, and chlorine. I know it’s fall, but I live in California and it was 96 degrees yesterday, so clearly, the whole seasons thing isn’t a part of my pumpkin spiced life.

Once my hair dries, I refresh my waves with Alterna Bamboo Beach Ocean Waves Tousled Texture Spray. This product does all the same things as a sea salt spray, sans the damaging effects of salt. I also use it post curling wand to define my beach waves instead of hairspray.

If I’m letting my hair air dry, but plan to flatiron before the next wash, I use Garnier Fructis Smooth Air Dry Sleek Anti-Frizz Cream . It’s scented like fruity heaven.

In addition to using lots of new products and changing up my hair routine, I’ve literally been eating vitamins like candy. I’m hoping chowing down Alive Prenatal Gummies and Nature Made Hair/Skin/Nails Adult Gummies will do the trick. While I’m not pregnant, taking prenatals is rumored, but not scientifically proven to stimulate hair growth. But I don’t care. At this point, I’ll try anything.