Well, we’ve got good news for you. There are steps you can take to go to the gym with clean hair and keep that blowout intact.
Here’s what you need to do:
Follow these easy steps and you will no longer have to skip a workout because of a good hair day! What’s your workout of choice? Let us know in the comments below.
]]>As a stylist, how to deal with postpartum hair loss is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive. The good news is, just like the sleepless nights, this too shall pass. Typically, anywhere between three to six months after giving birth, women will begin losing strands of hair. The hair loss will peak around four months postpartum, and in most cases will dramatically slow down by nine months. By your baby’s first birthday your hair should be back to normal.
In the meantime, here are some of my best pro stylist tips for managing the hair loss.
Show your scalp some love
One simple yet effective way to encourage new hair growth is by giving yourself a scalp massage.
Try to massage your scalp each time you wash your hair either with a scalp massager or by using your fingertips. Work in circular motions focusing on each section of the scalp for several seconds before moving on to the next. Massaging the scalp will help to increase circulation, promote healthy blood flow, exfoliate dead skin, and remove excess product buildup. Plus, scalp massages can help to destress and relieve tension, signaling our bodies to relax. And what mom doesn’t need that after a long day!
Additionally, look for shampoos containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils, which are both great for stimulating the hair follicles.
Change up your hairstyle
If your hair is looking thin from the shedding, you can try cutting off a few extra inches and adding in some layers. This will help to create the look of more volume. As a bonus, shorter hair means less hair for baby to yank on during feedings! (IYKYK)
You can also try changing your part line. Typically, a more dramatic side part can help to create a look of fullness at the roots.
Many times, the hair will grow back around the hairline as the dreaded baby hairs, a.k.a baby bangs. One of the best ways to tame these pesky little strands, is by spritzing a clean toothbrush with hairspray and using it to comb the hairs back. This will result in a smooth hairline that should last you all day.
Headbands, bobby pins and barrettes will also be your best friend during this transition phase.
Get the right nutrients
Keep your hair healthy by eating well and continuing to take your prenatal vitamins.
Be gentle on your hair
Always brush your hair with soft gentle strokes, starting by brushing out the ends and then working your way up to the roots. Also try to avoid hairstyles that pull the hair too tight and cause strain on the scalp.
If the hair shedding continues past the first year, talk to your doctor. Other factors like stress, hormone imbalance, lack of sleep, nutritional deficiencies, and thyroid issues could also be contributing to your hair loss.
]]>It’s the heart of why I started Bella Hue in 2020. I was a master stylist for more than 16 years and absolutely loved my job. However, the ingredients in the products I was using on my clients started to make me ill. I was developing hives and experiencing all sorts of allergic reactions to these ingredients. I was determined to find cleaner ingredients and use those ingredients to create products that work.
I am frequently asked for advice on how to switch to cleaner beauty products. It can feel overwhelming at times, so I wanted to share my top tips for making the switch.
Where to start
If you’re new to the clean beauty game, it’s important to remember progress over perfection. Don’t think you must go into your beauty cabinet and throw out everything all at once. When you run out of something, that’s the time to replace it with a cleaner option. Especially if it’s something you use daily.
If nothing else, I always recommend consumers start by eliminating these three things from their beauty lineup:
Be wary of “greenwashing”
Beauty brands are catching on that consumers care about what they put on their bodies. Because of this, it has become increasingly popular to include buzzwords on products to try and market them as clean, when in fact they still contain harmful ingredients. Brands have started “greenwashing” their products by marketing them as clean by using earthy colors and images on the bottles and using buzzwords like “natural” and “organic”. While these botanical adorned products are eye-catching and can easily make you feel like they’re clean, the best way to ensure the product is safe is by reading the labels. When it comes to haircare especially, sulfate-free and paraben-free are some of the most common buzzwords used on products. It’s important to remember that just because the product doesn’t contain these harmful ingredients, it doesn’t mean that the rest of the ingredients are clean. There have been several apps developed that make it easy to scan products for harmful ingredients. My personal favorite is the EWG app.
As mentioned, switching to cleaner products is a journey and I am not perfect and am still working on cleaning up my lifestyle. However, these small steps will begin to have a compound effect over time and can make a huge impact on your health. What products are you currently looking to swap? Let us know in the comments below if we can help you find a cleaner version. ]]>Hydrate those locks
Hydration is key in the winter months. A great way to lock in the moisture is by applying a hair mask to your ends at least once a week. We recommended leaving the mask on for as long as possible to reap the maximum benefits. When you know it’s a hair wash day, apply the mask to your ends several hours before you plan on washing. You can pull the hair back in a loose bun with a silk scrunchie and go about your day. You can even apply the mask before bed for an overnight treatment and wash the next morning.
Keeping those ends oiled up on a regular basis will not only provide silky soft hair, but it will also cut down on frizz.
Ditch the plastic bristles
With so many different types of brushes on the market, it can be hard to know which ones will work best for your hair. You’ll want to make sure to avoid brushes with plastic bristles. That’s because plastic creates a positive charge, causing strands to repel against each other, thus causing static electricity. Bamboo combs are a great option as bamboo is neutral and will reduce the charge in your hair.
Check your dryer
Blow dryers are another product line that yields many options (and many different price tags!) One important factor in choosing the right blow dryer is to look for one that is Ionic. Ionic blow dryers admit negative ions that separate the water molecules in your hair strands, which will lead to less drying time and less static.
Remember to apply a heat protectant to your ends before blow drying to prevent damage.
Check your material
You may find it surprising to hear that the fabrics you wear can affect the static in your hair. Nylon and polyester, for example, will ramp up the static factor quick. Try to opt for clothing and hats that are made from more natural fibers like cotton, wool or silk.
Don’t forget to check your pillowcase! When you lay your head down at night, make sure to use a silk pillowcase. Cotton and synthetic pillowcases cause hair friction and lead to bed head and frizz. A silk pillowcase will help to lock in that moisture you’ve worked so hard to put back into your hair.
Use a humidifier
A humidifier will be your best friend in the dry months. Not only will this help eliminate some of the static from your hair, but it will also help your skin feel more hydrated in the cold winter months.
Making these small changes to your winter hair routine can make a big difference.
If you’ve tried any of these, let us know in the comments below.
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Never jump in with dry hair.
This is the most important step in protecting your hair from damage caused by pool and beach water. Always pre-rinse your hair prior to getting in the water. If you get in the water with dry hair, the hair follicles will act as sponge – absorbing all that liquid right up.
Additionally, it’s helpful to take it a step further by applying a hair oil, as oil and water don’t mix. Applying a hair oil to your ends will protect your hair and prevent your color from fading or even turning green from the chlorine.
Braid it.
Braiding your hair before you get in the water will not only help to cut down on the post dip hair knots, but it’ll also help to protect the hair as well.
Apply a weekly hair mask.
Applying a weekly hair mask will help to restore the proteins and elasticity to your locks.
Always rinse your hair afterwards.
Chlorine and the sun just don’t mix. This is where the color fade and green hair can really come in to play so be sure to rinse your hair ASAP after getting out of the pool.
The same goes for saltwater; always be sure to rinse your hair after a day at the beach. Saltwater dries out the hair and scalp and can strip it of all its moisture, leaving it damaged and dehydrated.
Reset the pH in your hair.
We can’t stress enough that chlorine will strip your hair of its natural oils, which can result in dry, damaged hair and even cause chemical reactions within the hair. You can make a homemade apple cider vinegar treatment to restore the pH balance of your hair and combat any reactions. Simply mix ¼ apple cider vinegar to ¾ filtered water and pour the treatment over your hair after conditioning to help restore shine and reset pH.
Fun in the water doesn’t have to result in dry, damaged hair. Apply these simple steps to your routine and give your hair the extra TLC it deserves during the warmer months.
Which is your favorite, the beach or the pool? Let us know in the comments below.
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Here are our top five ways to cut down on washes:
Shampoo your hair twice
You know how the bottle says rinse and repeat? Yeah, start doing that! You’ll notice a huge difference once you try this. Shampooing twice will help to remove buildup and excess oils. Just make sure you are using a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates will dry out your hair and scalp and cause your color to fade.
Follow up with conditioner on the ends of the hair only, not the roots. Rinse well with warm water (not hot!).
Apply dry shampoo to clean hair
Stop waiting for your hair to get overly oily to apply your dry shampoo. Start applying it to your day one, clean hair, preferably at night before bed, to help pre-absorb oils and prevent that dreaded grease ball look. Be sure to use an aerosol-free dry shampoo to avoid toxic ingredients that will dry out and irritate your hair.
Don’t over brush
Overbrushing your hair at the scalp can stimulate your hair follicles and create more oils. Try using a boar bristle brush to help redistribute oils to ends where hair tends to be dryer.
Add curls
Oiliness is more noticeable when hair is straight. Adding some curls to your hair will help give more body and avoid that flat, greasy look.
Choose the right products
Avoid heavy, oil-based products or products that claim to help “add shine”. Look for products meant to create volume and add texture.
How long do you typically go between washes? Let us know your record stretch in the comment section below.
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