Healthy and thick hair is something we all long for. I am often asked what can help with hair loss or what can be used to thicken hair, so I decided to blog about it. Keep reading for some good tips and tricks for hair happiness.
There are many reasons for hair loss. As we age, it happens to the best of us, our hair starts to thin. Stress, lack of rest, hormonal changes, pregnancy, thyroid problems, low iron, and nutritional deficiencies can all attribute to hair fall out. Diet and exercise are important for keeping your body running smoothly and your beautiful locks shiny. Yoga is also a great way to destress.
Balanced Nutrition
A balanced diet with healthy lean proteins and carbs that fuel the body are super important. Foods that you may include in your diet for a visibly healthy mane are salmon, walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cauliflower, lentils, beans, spinach, bananas, blueberries, lean red meats, vitamin D fortified almond milk, and enhance your protein intake with a really good, third party tested whey supplement.
This Pure Whey Protein by Max Muscle is my favorite choice for my clients. Mike is the Owner of the Stone Mountain Georgia Max Muscle Franchise, and if you order directly from him, he’ll give you free shipping for every $75 purchase from his location. I order Max Muscle products from him because who doesn’t love a good deal, high five ladies!
Unfortunately, I can’t use any dairy based protein supplement because of my allergies, but I’ve found a fantastic substitute in Bone Broth Powder by Left Coast Performance, the chocolate and vanilla are both delicious.
You will be winning with shiny rockstar locks in no time. If you need a nutrition plan to get you on the right track, check out my meal plans.
Vitamins
If you think you aren’t taking in enough nutrients, maybe it’s time to add in a multi. I have 2 great recommendations for multi’s that have all the things needed for good health.
The first is dōTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack. This is my top choice and what I am currently taking now. These little packets contain everything I look for in a multivitamin pack. I have never found a multi with all the goodness these packets contain! I love that essential oils are included too. I can really feel a difference in my health when I take my LLV daily. The energy is so good and I just feel better.
The second top choice is Pure Encapsulations brand for women and men which is hypoallergenic aka allergy friendly.
I love these two products because both are 3rd party tested, non GMO, and non dairy.
These two are the multivitamins and mineral supps I suggest for getting optimal nutrition, antioxidants, and heart health per day. They have everything you need, from plant lignans for female hormone health to coq10 for heart health, all in one packet. If you prefer adding in a hair supplement, I am a big fan of the Hair/Skin/Nails Ultra.
Now on to my favorite hair mask ingredients!
Carrier Oils Matter
First and foremost, always always always use a carrier oil when using oils topically. A carrier oil is used to “carry” the essential oil into the skin, preventing irritation from direct contact of undiluted essential oils. My favorite carrier oil is Grapeseed oil because it’s the closest oil to natural skin sebum, is a good source of Vitamin E, is high in Omega 6 Fatty Acids / Linoleic Acid (a Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid), does not clog your pores and is the least likely to cause any allergic reactions.
Other oils you may use are coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, argan oil, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, castor oil, and flax oil. Because allergic reactions can occur, it is imperative that you do a small skin patch test first before diving into essential oil bliss. Here is a list of carrier oils and amber glass containers available on Amazon.
Essential Oils for Hair Happiness
Now let’s talk about essential oils. I love dōTERRA and the fact that the oils are CPTG certified. If I am going to consume or put something topically on my body, it has to be pure and safe. Check out this review by consumer advocates.org using independent lab testing to compare quality, consumer education, safety, and sustainable sourcing. This independent testing has doTERRA as one of the few companies without markers for adulteration. Which means there were no impurities nor added ingredients (or fluff as I like to call it). I love all things clean, from nutrition and supplements to essential oils.
Always do a skin patch test when using oils as an allergic reaction could occur. Here is a list of oils for healthy locks.
Lavender- helps with hair growth and scalp health as well as a deep conditioner for shiny hair.
Rosemary- helps with hair growth and thickness.
Cedarwood- helps balance the oil producing glands in the scalp and stimulates the scalp to promote hair growth.
Lemongrass- helps keep the scalp flake free. This oil is photo sensitive so be careful and use caution when going out into the sun.
Thyme- helps stimulate the scalp for regrowth.
Clary Sage-helps with hair growth and strength.
Melaleuca/Tea Tree- helps with hair growth and un-plugs hair follicles since it is antibacterial and antimicrobial.
Cypress- may increase blood circulation for hair growth.
Frankincense- may help prevent hair loss by nourishing hair follicles.
Sandalwood- adds shine as well as a lovely fragrance.(If you want to purchase any or all of these, let me know and I will help bring oil happiness into your home).
My favorite blend to use for a hair mask are lavender, rosemary, and thyme. I use this recipe: 1 ounce of grapeseed oil and 10 drops each of lavender, rosemary, and thyme. I apply the mask on my scalp and hair then clip my hair up and wash out in an hour or two. Easy peasy! Plus, I always have leftover for another time.
Because grapeseed oil does not leave an oily residue like other carrier oils, I sometimes use grapeseed oil with lavender and chamomile on my scalp at bedtime for both the calming effects and healthy hair benefits.
Once again, always do a skin patch test before going full force with carrier oils and essential oils. I am intolerant to coconut oil and lets just say that the hives I had from coconut oil hair masks were not my friend. Use caution and happy oiling my friends!
Cheers to finding natural ways to good health and happiness!
Changing Live Every Day,
~Dawn
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