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| Twist out in the winter |
So, this is one of the times of the year that people get sick the most---change in weather. Sniffling, sneezing, coughing, and hacking. #Apple cider vinegar, lots of water, and lemons!!!!
This is also the time of year when hair and skin care are a major concern. Here are the things that are the most important to me for my hair and skin during this time: WATER, BUTTERS, and OILS!
INSIDE:
Staying hydrated from the inside is uber important. Since our bodies are made of mostly water, it's vital that we drink enough of it so our cells, organs, tissues, etc. function properly. We lose water just by breathing, so imagine how much more you lose when you perspire, and go to the bathroom, etc. Certain ailments and sicknesses, like headaches and joint pain can come from not drinking enough water as well, so it can definitely have an adverse effect on your skin and hair. When you get a chance read, Water for Health, for Healing, for Life: You're not Sick, You're Thirsty by Dr. F. Batmanghelidj.
Remember, you can get water from food sources as well. Foods including, but not limited to, watermelon, cucumbers, celery, and cabbage have high contents of water. Your body, skin, and hair NEED that.
OUTSIDE:
As with most people, my hair and skin care practices are different this time of year. For my skin, I use butters and oils while I'm still in the shower or just after---before drying off. Most of the time skin tends to lock in moisture if oils and butters are applied while the skin is still damp. If I'm showering at night, I apply something lighter, like olive oil. If I choose to shower in the morning, before facing the weather, I'll use something heavier like shea butter or coconut oil. My skin is baby's bottom soft ALL day!!!!
I shampoo my hair less frequently and my conditioner is a little heavier and is used more often. Conditioners for me don't necessarily always come from a hair care line. Right now, to pre-condition (pre-poo), I mix about 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt with 2 tbsps of virgin coconut oil and 1 tbsp of honey. I cover it with a processing/plastic cap and leave it on for about 30-45 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, then I follow up with shampoo and conditioner. My hair is extremely soft and conditioned from the extra protein in the greek yogurt, the high content of fat in the coconut oil, and the humectant (attracts moisture) properties of the honey. Sometimes I even use it as a regular conditioner, but I wouldn't recommend using it like that for fine hair. When styling, I apply a mixture of castor oil and my CURRENT favorite styling products to do my two strand twists (which remain in for about two weeks at a time). At the moment, my favorite stylers are Cantu Shea Butter, and Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream. Both are applied to sopping wet hair to control the product and keep my hair from having the extra build-up. My Terrific Trio: Giovanni's Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo, Deeper Moisture Conditioner and their Vitapro Fusion Protective Moisture Leave-in Hair Treatment...Ah! I Love this stuff!
A combination of all of the aforementioned is what keeps my hair and skin thriving during the cooler seasons.
What about you?
