Out with the old, in with the new! It’s time to leave 2015 behind and begin your new hair and beauty routines. Here are my personal tips and tricks to get your best hair and skin this year.
Your best hair
DO use a clarifying shampoo once in awhile to deeply cleanse and remove product build up. Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo gets rid of the dirt and product buildup without stripping away your hair’s natural oils.
DO use a hydrolyzed protein that gives your hair a pick-me–up. Protein treatments refresh your curls and helps to build and maintain your hair’s elasticity, which in turn prevents breakage. Green Beauty’s REAL Protein Treatment gives your hair a boost.
DO use a heat protectant when you decide to blow out or straighten your hair. Straightening with a hair protectant causes damage to the hair shaft which causes it to break off. For better protection use a heat protect while your hair is wet to better penetrate the hair cuticle.
DO Use petroleum based moisturizers and creams if you’re going for a straight style. Petroleum is a heavy non-polar compound that weighs down your hair. Instead, opt for light moisturizers such as mousse that nourish the hair and to create a smooth, volumizing style.
DON’T Hold on to those brittle split ends. Check your ends and take a trip to a salon every 2-3 months for a light dusting or trim. Hanging on to those rough ends, makes your hair susceptible to further damaged. Don’t be afraid of the cutting shears, trimming those bad ends keeps your hair healthy.
In the morning…
1. Wash with sulfate free shampoo
2. Apply MyHoneyChild Honey Hair Mask
3. Put on plastic heated cap, and sit underneath hooded dryer for 10-15 minutes
4. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry with microfiber towel
5. Apply Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner
6. Apply coconut oil from roots to ends
7. Detangle and comb through with Deman Brush
8. Divide hair into 4 sections
9. In each section, apply Darcy’s Botanicals Eucalyptus Mint Herbal Scalp Conditioning Butter
10. Begin flat twisting
11. Sit underneath dryer for 45-50 minutes, depending on how quickly your hair dries
12. Undo flat twist and lift the roots to create volume
At night…
1. Using a satin hair tie, place hair into high bun or pineapple hair style
2. Put on silk scarf and bonnet
3. Sleep on silk pillowcase
Your best skin
DO use a cleanser and moisturizer especially for your skin condition and type. If you have oily and combination skin, use gel and exfoliating cleansers that feature anti-acne and oil control properties. If you have dry or normal skin use a cream or oil cleanser that features glycerin to deeply hydrate and moisturize.
DO choose water based makeup removers that are oil-free and gentle on the skin. Step away from harsh makeup removers and try a cream makeup remover. A cream makeup remover such as Urban Decay Meltdown Makeup Remover works best.
DO add deep treatment masks to your skincare routine. Although they can be expensive, you can shop for affordable treatment masks right at your nearest drugstore. Shop for masks that feature ingredients such as aloe and cucumber, which naturally sooth and calm the skin.
DON’T avoid sunscreen in the winter. Although you’re not outdoors as much, your skin is exposed to the sun’s radiation. Choose a moisturizer that contains a lower SPF such as SPF 15 to protect your skin from harsh sun rays.
DON’T use harsh toners and sprays that feature alcohol as the main ingredient. Alcohol strips your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry. Avoid using a toner if you have dry or normal skin. For those with oily skin, it’s best to use a toner in the summer where your skin is prone to excessive sweat and bacteria.
In the morning
1. Wash with gentle oil free cleanser, Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
2. Rinse with lukewarm water and towel dry
4. Apply Boots Beautiful Skin Blemish Defense Serum
5. Follow up with Olay Complete All-Day Moisturizer
At night
1. Wash with cleanser and Clarisonic Mia 2
2. Rinse with lukewarm water and towel dry
3. Apply Boots Beautiful Skin Blemish Defense Serum
4. Follow up with Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream
