Let Down That Hair

I love a messy bun as much as the next girl, but having our hair tightly bound away all the time is not a great idea if we want to keep our hair healthy. If we want to maintain our hair's health, we must ensure that we give our hair time to be down and flowing and to just let it do it's thing.

Why? Well, for one, all those elastics and clips can't be good for our hair. They're perfectly fine once in a while, but if we make a habit of using them everyday, we could eventually cause damage and breakage to our hair. Of course, I understand that sometimes we need to put out hair up (studying, working out) so my suggestion would be to get those ribbon hair ties, as they are much gentler on hair than those damaging elastic bands. Clips however, are very damaging, so try to avoid those as much as you can. 

Another reason to keep your hair down is so that it is able to shed properly. It sounds a little weird, but hair needs to shed everyday, and when we keep our hair up the whole day, we are not allowing our hair to properly shed which could in turn cause MORE hair loss when we let our hair down at the end of the day. 

So, as easy as it is to throw our hair up and be done with it, it is a much healthier alternative to let our hair down. It will grow faster and sustain less damage. So do your tresses a favour and ditch that ponytail! lol. 

Avocado Hair Mask

Alright guys, so today I have a great DIY hair mask thats amazing for dry, brittle hair in need of some added nourishment. This hair mask is super easy, inexpensive, and extremely effective. All you need? One ripe avocado.

Avocado's contain so many wonderful fats and oils that are of course great for your body, but are also amazing for repairing damaged hair. We're all guilty of colouring our hair and styling it with heat a little too often; It looks so good, how can we not? Which is why we need to make sure to give our hair some love, to keep it looking healthy and nourished.

Simply cut open an avocado, mash it up and apply it liberally through your hair. And if any drips on your face feel free to lick it off. Haha. I like to apply it to damp hair because I feel as though the oils are absorbed better when the hair follicles are open. If you have oily hair I would stay away from your roots about two to three inches; just make sure to slather it on your ends. It can get a little messy, so feel free to wrap your hair up in a shower cap. Then just relax for a good 30-40 minutes to really allow the avocado to penetrate and moisturize your hair. So maybe read a book or a magazine, or even watch an episode of your latest binge obsession on netflix perhaps (mine is Suits).

Once you've let it sit for a nice while, just hop in the shower and shampoo and condition as usual. Afterwards your hair should feel much softer and healthier, and should look a lot shinier as well. To maintain results, try to do this treatment a few time a month!

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

You know those days when your scalp is feeling dirty? When your hair is limp, and maybe kinda clumpy from an abundance of the natural oils in your hair and maybe even tons of products? Well, I have the solution for you. One that's cheap, effective, and leaves your hair feeling fresh, clean and full of volume. Whenever my hair is in need of a clarifying rinse I turn to my beloved bottle of apple cider vinegar, and my hair is literally revived. You probably have some lying around, but if you don't , trust me when I say you won't regret purchasing some. A generous bottle lasts a long time, and apple cider vinegar is an amazing all around beauty ingredient for your skin, and even as healthy drink. Try to buy unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the all important "mother," which is what contains all the beneficial enzymes.

Simply add about a tablespoon to your shampoo and you're good to go. This is amazing for clearing residue in your hair and making it shine! Or, you could apply the vinegar rinse your hair after shampooing for a deeper way to clarify your hair, making sure to massage the vinegar into your scalp. This is also great for restoring the natural PH balance of your scalp, which is good for anyone who suffers from mild dandruff or an itchy scalp.

Now I know that it can be a little (lot) smelly, but if you follow with your usual conditioner, you shouldn't have any issues. For days that I know I'm not really going anywhere, I'll skip the conditioner and rinse it off only a little, and let it sit for the day. This is great for detangling my hair.

While this is amazing for your hair, don't overdo it. At most, I would suggest using apple cider vinegar once a week, but I believe you can get away with using this rinse two or three times a month to maintain results. It's absolutely amazing.

Get Curly with Non-Heat Waves

I absolutely love curly hair; it's full, bouncy and just so pretty. However, I hate the effects that a curling iron has on my hair. Long-term use of styling tools can damage your hair, making it dry and brittle. Even if we're proactive about conditioning and other hair treatments, heat can still do a real number on our hair. Plus it eats up a lot of time in an everyday beauty routine. If you're like me and wash your hair in the mornings, you first have to either air-dry (which takes forever) or blow-dry your hair before your can attack it with a curling iron, otherwise your run the risk of frying your hair. It doesn't exactly make for an easy, no nonsense morning routine.

So instead, try getting curls using this wonderful non-heat method!

After showering, and letting your hair air-dry for a while, french braid your hair and give it a ten second blast with the blowdryer. Keep the braid in while your commuting to school, work, wherever, and when you arrive, take out the braid, fluff our your hair, maybe apply a little curl cream and your good to go. This works even better if you put the braid in the night before and take it out in the morning, so if your wash your hair at night anyways, definitely give it a try. The curl ends up looking much more natural and super beachy.

Something like this:

Super pretty, right?

So give this method a try and let me know how it goes! Good luck!

Grow Your Hair Luscious

Many people are constantly looking for ways to thicken up their hair and make it grow longer, healthier, and faster. There are all kinds of shampoos and conditioners that claim to thicken and strengthen your hair, however I find that the best way to make your hair grow is internally. There are many supplements you can take, or you could simply eat the foods that contain these essential vitamins and minerals.

1. Biotin - Biotin is an amazing supplement said to strengthen not only your hair but your nails and skin too. Foods rich in biotin include carrots, walnuts, swiss chard, berries, halibut, avocado, almonds and mushrooms.

2. Vitamin D3 - Here comes the sun! I regularly take vitamin D3, and I believe that almost everyone can stand to supplement with a daily D3 vitamin. Or eat tons of fatty fish, as well as eggs and mushrooms. Or try to spend a little more time out in the sun.

3. Bamboo Silica - this stuff is awesome for your hair! I swear by it. You can also get silica by eating bananas, raisins, brown rice, oats, millet and beets.

4. Coconut Oil - Yes coconut oil works wonders on your hair as a DIY leave-in conditioner, but eating it will also do wonders for your hair and skin too. Try replacing your regular cooking oil with coconut oil, or using it is place of butter. Toast with coconut oil is absolutely delicious. It's also a fabulous ingredient to bake with!

So if you're looking to grow your hair, maybe try grabbing a supplement, or better yet, improving your diet and incorporating more of these wonderful foods into your meals to help enhance your hair.

What have you had success with when it comes to make your hair grow faster?

Why You Should Go Red

Today I'm going to spotlight a hair colour that I believe is absolutely gorgeous; red hair.

For one, red hair is definitely more unique in comparison to blond and brunette hair. It's such a rich colour that can really brighten a lot of skin tones, and can add vibrancy to your look. Plus fall is just around the corner; red is perfect for fall.

Before going red, it's imperative that you find the right shade of red. Here are some great red hair colours for girls that are naturally blonde:

Here's a gorgeous strawberry blond shade - doesn't it look delicious? It's so soft and natural!

Or you could try going for something little darker and brighter. This shade of red is gorgeous, and incredibly classy yet sexy. Like a grown up Ariel the little Mermaid.

And for my brunette ladies:

Try a subtle auburn shade! This colour will add instant warmth to your face without deviating too far from brown.

Or perhaps try something a little bolder! This shade of red has violet undertones, and has huge impact. The colour is absolutely beautiful, and is definitely perfect for autumn.

So if your thinking of going red, I highly urge you to go for it! Red hair stands out, and could be just the change you were looking for. The hair colours in this post are just the tip of the iceberg; there are countless flattering reds out there, so do your research and find the one thats right for you!

P.S. Think of how amazing you'll look wearing a jewel green or teal top! Just had to throw that little tidbit in there... :)

Gorgeous Braid hairstyles to Try

There is something about braids that I have found incredibly comforting since I was a young thing. I used to love having my mom braid my hair; it's incredibly comforting. Today there are so many wonderful braid hairstyles, and today I would like to share a few of my favourites!

1. Fishtail braid - I love how these can be done in such a artfully messy way, like the photo below.

2. The messy braid bun - This is a gorgeous hairstyle. It's perfect for a dressier event, and also pairs wonderfully with bohemian outfit. Pull out a few pieces in the front for a messier, undone look.

3. Crown Braid - I love this look! It's so free and casual, and it's a fantastic hairstyle for those days you want your hair out of your face. 

4. Upside down French braid - This one is incredibly cool; The upside down braid is very fresh and adds a lovely point of interest.

These braid hairstyles are all beautiful, but keep in mind that when it comes to braids, the possibilities are endless. Have fun, and be daring!

Argan Oil for Soft Hair

A couple years ago Argan oil became a huge beauty obsession. It became a very popular moisturizer for skin, helping clear, hydrate and plump up any ailing complexion. Argan oil is a cold-pressed oil from Argan trees which grow in southwestern Morocco. It's full of healthy fatty acids and Vitamin E, and helps to balance your skin. Today, it is used in countless beauty products. However, Argan oil isn't just amazing for skin; it also works wonders on hair.

I love to use Argan oil as a hair serum. Straight out of the shower I apply about four to five drops in my palm, and warming the oil between my hands, I gently massage it through my hair focusing on my ends. It can help to treat split ends, tame frizziness and leave your hair much softer and silkier.

It's also amazing as a hair styler. After fixing your hair, whether you've straightened, curled or blow-dried it, use a few drops to smoothen your hard work and add an extra boost of shine.

Argan oil is awesome - give it a try! It works wonders!

Healthy hair Tip - Stop washing your hair everyday

Okay I know. Obviously you need to wash your hair in order to keep it clean and get rid of dirt and grime, but it's always a good idea to skip washing your hair every other day.

Your hair produces natural oils which work to coat your strands and keep them moisturized. If you're rising away those natural oils every day, you hair will lose moisture, which will result in dry hair and possibly even frizz. Shampooing your hair three or four times a week is ideal. It simply isn't necessary to wash your hair everyday.

When I was in High school I was obsessed with keeping my hair clean because I wanted my hair to always look full and fluffy. For the most part it did, but I also had major frizz that was hard to tame - I also had no time to fix my hair (I would rather sleep) so I spent countless days walking around resembling a poodle. Okay it probably wasn't that bad, but you get my drift. Once I started washing my hair less, it became much healthier. All of the sudden, my naturally thick hair became shiny, and frizz was a thing of the past.

Generally, people who have long hair, curly hair, thick hair and processed hair can go longer with fewer washes. Many people object to fewer washings because they don't want their hair to look greasy. Totally understandable, but nowadays there are so many great dry shampoos available that all work to revive your hair and keep it looking clean and full between washings. Many are also scented, so you need not worry about your hair smelling dirty.

The only time one should wash their hair everyday is if they are doing strenuous exercise and sweating a lot. No one wants to walk around with sweaty hair, so if you must wash, try skipping shampoo every other day and just using a little conditioner on your ends. Your hair will be much softer, and it will be far less damaging to your hair.

How often do you guys wash your hair? Sound off in the comments below! <3

Restore Your Hair With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been getting a lot of attention recently, and for good reason. This miraculous oil is much more than a butter replacement; it's the ultimate beauty product. It works wonders on your skin and especially on your hair. I have been obsessed with using coconut oil in my hair, and I can honestly say that the results are spectacular. It is extremely versatile, and can be used countless ways to bring some life back to your hair.

One great way to use coconut oil is as a pre-shower conditioning treatment. Using around a teaspoon to a tablespoon, depending on how much hair you have, warm the coconut oil between your hands and work the oil through your strands being sure to focus your attentions to the ends. This is where the most damage shows, so it's especially important to nourish your ends. Try to leave the coconut oil in your hair for at least half an hour. Think of all the tough love your hair gets from numerous heating appliances, hair dye, and even harsh brushing! Coconut oil is a great way to ensure your hair stays healthy.

Another great use for coconut oil is to apply a small amount strictly to your ends right before you jump in the shower. By coating your ends, you are protecting them from your shampoo, which does deep clean, but also strips your hair of moisture. By using the oil only on your ends, your roots still get squeaky clean (volume!), but the rest of your hair remains shiny and nourished.

Coconut oil also works wonderfully as a hair serum. Be sure to use a very small amount (I can't stress this enough - we want shine, not grease!). This is a great way to get instant shine or to tame frizz.

Lastly, if coating your hair in loads of oil sounds less then ideal, even with the amazing benefits, worry not. There are tons of hair products on the market today containing coconut oil, even shampoos and conditioners. Take your time and browse - you're sure to find some awesome products!

When buying your coconut oil, make sure you look for organic cold-presses extra virgin coconut oil. This will ensure your hair gets maximum benefits. Ever since I've been using coconut oil for my hair, it has been much fuller and softer. The best part about this amazing beauty tip - it's super affordable. One jar will last forever. Literally. I've had mine for nearly a year and I'm not even half way through...

What do you think? Do you love using coconut oil in your hair?

Love Your Mane - Ditch the Sulfates

It doesn't matter what I do with my makeup or clothing; if I'm having a bad hair day, I'm not in my element. On that same note, good hair days make me feel pretty invincible. I have created this blog to share my knowledge on haircare, hairstyling and ultimately how to turn every day into a hair flip kinda day. Don't resort to the dreaded sloppy ponytail or bun! Instead lets make you love your mane and treat it with only the best. Taking care of your hair doesn't need to be expensive; all it requires is some effort, and let's be serious; it's so worth it.

When it comes to shampoos and conditioners the one thing you should absolutely avoid to get gorgeous locks is sulfates. Sulfates are an inexpensive lathering agent used to get that foamy effect in your shampoo and conditioner. It is absolutely unnecessary. For one thing sulfates dry and damage your hair. When you hair becomes dry, it could result in hair loss and breakage, which doesn't make for a healthy head of hair. In addition, it strips your hair of colour, so if you have some great high-lights or an awesome hair colour you want to maintain, you should absolutely stay away from sulfates. You're stripping your hair of not just dirt but also your hair natural oils that keep your strands healthy and moisturized. The absence of these healthy oils may result in frizzier hair, a drier and possibly itchy scalp, and even dandruff!

Luckily, there are many sulfate-free hair products you can find. Many mainstream hair brands are beginning to release sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners with less damaging preservatives. Take the time to browse the aisles and find the right sulfate-free hair products for you; your hair will thank you for it.