Self-Care & Your Hair
How Wellness Works When We Treat Ourselves Right
This is the year of putting ourselves first. We want to take time for the little things, celebrate the big things, and honor ourselves along the way. Self-care is anything but selfish. When we invest in our wellness, we're able to be the best version of ourselves and extend the same kindness to those around us.
The relationship between mind and body is an integral part of finding balance. We've been taught to think of caring for our hair, nails, and skin as indulgences, but these so-called treats are key to a healthy routine. When we glow, it shows! Our confidence improves, our anxiety and stress lessen, and our overall wellness soars with a dedicated self-care routine.
We like to think that self-care begins at the root. Check out these self-care and hair tips for incorporating wellness into your daily routine.
Work in a Scalp Massage
There's nothing like a relaxing massage to relieve tension and stress! If you don't have time for a spa day, consider an at-home spa day instead and start with a soothing scalp massage. A good scalp massage can relieve pent-up anxiety, especially if you're prone to migraines and tension headaches. Stimulating the scalp opens up blood vessels, improves oxygenation, and soothes irritated skin.
In 2016, a study concluded that regular scalp massages may lead to thicker, more voluminous, and healthy hair. Scalp massages have been found to promote hair growth by clearing away dead skin cells and awakening healthy cells for new growth. When we look our best, we feel our best. Incorporating a healthy scalp routine into your daily wellness ritual is an excellent way to support hair health and reach your hair goals faster.
There are a few tried and true techniques when it comes to scalp massages. Add a scalp massage to your self-care routine with the following steps:
- Use the fingertips of both hands to apply light to medium pressure to your scalp, moving in small circles.
- Work your way across your scalp to cover all areas.
- Try to massage your scalp using your fingertips for at least 5 minutes at a time, several times a day.
You can also implement this technique on wash days or invest in a special scalp massage brush to maximize hair growth, fullness, and overall health. Great self-care starts at the root!
Host a Mask-erade Party
No spa day would be complete without a facial. Set some time twice a week for facials and hair masks. Pick out your favorite products in advance and keep them in a dedicated "treat yourself" container. Consider decorating a storage tub, basket, or beauty organizer bin. Having these products on hand when you need a little extra pampering makes sticking to your self-care goals effortless.
When it comes to facials, we recommend having a rotation of face masks on hand for seasonal skincare needs. Our go-to face masks include deep hydration masks for those dry winter days, clarifying masks for redness and inflammation, and a few under-eye masks to soothe any traces of early mornings and sleepless nights.
Pair a hair mask with your routine for a full glow-up! Focus on moisturizing masks with deep conditioning properties, especially if your hair is frequently heat-treated or chemically processed. A nourishing mask treatment repairs damage and seals the cuticle to lock in hydration. This protects your hair throughout the week and gives your lovely locks a boost when you're too busy to make it to the salon.
No matter how stressful life gets, your inner radiance will always shine through.
Embrace The Power of Self-Care Routine
Finding our rhythm is a vital part of self-care. There's comfort in sticking to a routine, especially when the outside world gets hectic. We understand our glam goddesses lead busy lives. Setting aside a few extra minutes for a wellness-focused hair care routine is a great way to practice mindful rituals. With time and consistency, the harmony of self-care and hair can fit seamlessly into your day.
So what is it about having a routine that's so powerful? Well, studies have found that daily rituals have a profoundly positive impact on our mental health. Routines help us stay on track with our days, be more productive, get to sleep on time, and ultimately feel more empowered and in control. This in turn reduces anxiety and stress.
Learn which time of day works best for you to stick with a home hair care regimen and take advantage of your me-time. Positive routines such as a nightly hair ritual are a great way to wind down -- or get energized for your day if you're a morning beauty guru!
Give Yourself (and Your Hair) a Break
Washing your hair every day strips away natural oils and moisture. Over time, excessive washing and heat styling can lead to breakage as the protein bonds in each strand weaken. This causes the hair to appear frizzy, dull, and lifeless. A good rule of thumb is that types 3-4 hair require the least wash days, while type 1-2 hair can be washed more frequently. Think about washing every 3-5 days to every week for thick, curly, and coily hair, with every 2-3 days for fine-textured hair.
Give yourself and your hair a break by skipping a few wash days. Use this time to work on self-care rituals instead, such as a relaxing bath or ten-minute guided meditation. Remind yourself that it's okay to take time off. Just like our hair, we sometimes need a break too. Skipping a wash day isn't slacking, it's investing in yourself and trusting the process.
Over time, the results of a healthy routine on your shiny, soft hair will be well worth a few awkward in-between days. This can teach us an important lesson about patience and being kind to ourselves (and our hair) as we focus on confidence, wellness, and health and beauty goals.
Fuel Your Body, Support Your Wellness
The best self-care routines start from within. A healthy diet is the best way to honor our bodies and ourselves. Getting the right nutrients and vitamins for healthy hair allows us to flourish. Consider what your hair needs to strengthen and grow. Chances are, these ingredients are great for the rest of your body too including skin and nails. Wellness and beauty goals go hand-in-hand.
Consider the best foods for healthy hair to incorporate into your daily routine:
Healthy Fats
Turns out, avocado toast is a great investment after all! The omega-3's in healthy fats like avocado, coconut, eggs, and fish contribute to glowing skin and hair. These superfoods help us fight inflammation and keep our joints healthy and flexible. Healthy fats also contain anti-aging properties to restore youthful elasticity to hair and skin.
Antioxidants
A red berry smoothie is a great way to start the day. Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, acai, pomegranate, and more are antioxidant powerhouses. Antioxidants work by removing free radicals from the body and preventing cellular damage. Focus on foods high in vitamin C and E. These foods strengthen the hair while powering the rest of your system for overall wellness.
Get Your Greens
Eating our greens is the oldest wellness trick in the book -- and the most essential. Leafy greens contain vital iron, potassium, and key minerals. This doesn't mean every meal has to be a salad. Think outside the produce box with colorful stir-fry, burrito bowls, smoothies, and even indulgent treats like chocolate chip zucchini bread.
Dark Chocolate
Did we mention treats? Dark chocolate is actually a great source of antioxidants and contains powerful restorative properties for a healthy, youthful glow. We are also firm believers that chocolate is simply good for the soul. Allowing yourself a treat every once in a while is a great way to practice self-care.
Power Up with Protein
Your hair's health is supported by natural keratin protein bonds. Lean proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu help your body's natural processes. Never underestimate the power of a high-protein meal! Even grains like quinoa and legumes such as chickpeas pack a powerful punch.
Carbs for Energy
Eating the right carbs keeps you satisfied and energized throughout the day. Try whole grains and sprouted grain products! These foods fuel an active lifestyle and keep you from snacking on high sugar and high salt foods that aren't the greatest for achieving glowing hair or feeling your best.
If you're starting to prioritize a healthy diet more in your self-care routine, start with small, achievable changes. Aim for incorporating one, new healthy habit a day, whether that's a whole food meal or a midday snack of fruit and veggies.
Self-care and hair are the best pairings since curls and scrunchies. We love seeing our glam goddesses honor themselves through beauty, health, and wellness goals. Make 2022 the year to prioritize self-care through mindful wellness routines you can do at home.
Curious to know our least favorite pairing? Your beautiful hair and high heat! Reach out to our Support Team to learn more about joining the revolutionary RevAir styling family and enjoy your best hair yet.
