Charlynn Avery

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Hair care was the last holdout in my personal evolution away from heavily formulated products.

For years, I struggled to find the right products for fine, curly hair and after I found them I did not want to let them go. I even found myself hesitant to read labels because I knew I’d find ingredients that would cause me to pause – maybe you can relate!

So, I began playing around with synthetic-free products while easing off formulated ones. Then I began to incorporate the ingredients themselves into my routines. I used argan oil to condition my scalp and ends, shea butter or coconut oil to deep condition my hair, and vegetable glycerin to tame frizz. I also used essential oils to support my scalp and hair while adding their delicious aromas to my simple recipes. My mind was blown. What I realized was that I had the power in my very own hands to take care of my hair beautifully – it was very much in tune with the world and it was easy to do.

Hair today...

With this approach, my hair care routines are simple. I do not shampoo much as my hair does not need it. I do condition a lot but I no longer have to pay a lot of money for fancy, high-end conditioners. I treat my hair and scalp to nourishing treatments with nutrient-rich fatty oils and butters. And I have just one remaining styling product that I use… if I need it (sometimes I do not). The results have exceeded my expectations – when I recently colored my hair a new, vibrant color for the very first time, I was able to hang on to the vibrancy for months rather than weeks.

We are the controllers of our own bodies. We have the ability to take care of our needs whenever we stop and pay attention to what works and what does not. It can be a bit intimidating at first, but really all it takes is being willing to try something better to get going. For a few tips on synthetic-free ingredients to try, consider some of these:

• Argan Oil – Rich in Vitamin E, this oil is great for moisture and simple conditioning. It can be added to other products or used on its own to condition and tame locks.
• Vegetable Glycerin – A humectant, vegetable glycerin can help with frizz and can assist the hair in moisture retention. This is a great alternative to silicone-based styling products.
• Rosemary essential oil – Known for its use in scalp care, rosemary is a great cleansing companion to add to homemade shampoos. It can also be a good option for deep scalp treatments and pairs well for deep conditioning in coconut oil.