Beauty Survival Kit: Getting Back to Haircare Basics
Image Source: Unsplash
Know this topic lost the IG poll, but seems like A LOT of you are having trouble with your tresses, so wanted to do a short piece on some of the things I have found successful moving back stateside. I wrote my first hair blog back when I was living in Paris and was losing tons of my hair. Speaking with other expats, I realized it wasn’t a problem specific to me. We were all having the same issue. Some frenchies even tried to gaslight us on several forums blaming our diet, health or vitamin deficiencies, so was grateful to have that expat forum to know I wasn’t going crazy!
Though what’s in that piece still holds true (especially since you can’t get the same products in France as the US), I thought it would be good to do a remedial and bring it back to basics. So, without further adieu, here’s my haircare 101 in 3 core steps.
SUPPLEMENTS
I do believe that beauty starts from the inside. I also know I am not the best at keeping a balanced diet most of the time, so I rely on some supplements. When I first moved back here, which was also the height of the pandemic, I knew my hair was not at its best, mostly because of stress with everything going on. I also wasn’t eating the healthiest (we all remember the drunk zoom period), so I started taking Viviscal, which is a pill that promotes hair growth. It really worked, and noticed hair growth a few weeks after I started taking it. It’s loaded with omega 3 so if you are super sensitive to smell like i am, hold your breath as you are swallowing it! Now that I am back to where I want to be, I take it less, but am taking Shore Magic Collagen every morning—I mix it in with my coffee so I don’t forget. There are many other collagen supplements to take—I take SM because marine collagen because it meets my goals (high in type 1 collagen). If you are looking for type 1 and 2 collagens, Vital Proteins is probably better for you. Do your research and see which collagen works best with your dietary needs or ask your healthcare specialist.
SCALP THERAPY
I am a firm believer that you need to start at the base, or root of the problem. Maintaining a healthy scalp should be a top priority when addressing the aesthetic part of haircare. I started doing scalp scrubs years ago anytime I would come to NYC—my hairdresser introduced me to them as a way to promote healthy hair growth. I have since graduated since discovering a head spa in my new hood, ARCO New York—it is now my new guilty (and absolutely necessary) obsession. They offer several scalp treatments, but I would schedule a consultation for your first visit to see which one is best for you—Gary Levin, Founder and Owner, or one of the specialists on his team will mix you the perfect scalp cocktail depending on your needs. I do the purifying treatment. Honestly, it’s the most relaxing 45 minutes of my week—first the treatment is massaged into your scalp and then you steam for few. It’s like massage therapy, hair therapy and aroma therapy in one! Every time I go, I feel as if I am transported to the Italian countryside.
The best thing about this salon is that it is full service and all the products are natural and biodynamic—no toxic chemical substances are used which improves the hair structure from one treatment to the next. Like the supplements, everyone is different. I make sure to get my steam treatment once a month, but do what’s best for your hair, or just treat yourself on days you are feeling blue or just need to treat yourself. Remember, self care isn’t selfish!
AT HOME HAIRCARE
First of all, if you don’t know this already, you should not be washing your hair everyday. All you are doing is stripping the natural oils away from your hair and scalp, which can cause dryness and breakage amongst other things. Second, make sure to invest in a good shampoo and conditioner. When I say good, it doesn’t need to be expensive, but it should be sulfate free. My go to shampoo and conditioner is Olaplex No. 4 and No. 5, Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner. Their formula leaves my hair shiny, soft and hydrated. If that is too much of a splurge for you, I have also used L’Oreal Everpure Vive, which is also sulfate free. I keep both in my arsenal, as I like alternating on occasion so my hair doesn’t get used to one product. My one new MUST HAVE and added step to my at home hair routine is the Silk n Glow Hair Mask I picked up at ARCO during my last visit. It’s made with brazil nut, which is rich in water and soluble vitamin A and B. When I use it, my hair is instantly not frizzy and shinier than normal (which is a GODSEND since I don’t blow dry my own hair). I will probably try some of their other products as well and report back once I do.
There you have it—my basics for your road to healthy hair. Working on developing a series on haircare topics so DM me on instagram and let me know what you want to hear about!