As the heat abates and the days grow shorter, it’s high time to focus on autumnal rest and rejuvenation inside and out. While wellness is a priority, so are the health of my skin and hair after summer fun in the sun. To that end, to celebrate National Hair Day, here’s a curation of supplements, shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and treatments to ensure maximum hair growth, strength, and shine for dames and dudes alike.
SUPPLEMENTS
At times of seasonal rejuvenation, what’s going on in the inside yields tremendous results for external markers of health. In the fall, I always rue not hitting my hair growth goals in the spring and resume a super supplement regimen. We’re all familiar with the benefits of biotin for nourished follicles and reduced shedding. For a more comprehensive nutritional panel that staves off conditions that slow hair growth – specifically the vitality-zapping impact of stress – Onova’s Daily Superhair is a next-level formulation for luxurious tresses. In addition to the megadose of requisite biotin as d-Biotin, its most bioavailable form, 2 capsules are chock full of Vitamin B, Zinc, Iron, Silica, and Selenium, the vitamins and minerals known to support thyroid function and its role in healthy hair growth.
To round out the formula with beautifying herbs, adaptogenic Organic Reishi Mushroom is added for stress management, Milk Thistle to detox and Bee Propolis for flavonoids. In one month, I’ve noticed a massive spurt of baby hairs and noticeable fullness along the hairline.
To bolster collagen consumption on days when bone broths are inconvenient, Black Girl Vitamins Collagen Gummies deliver gelatin-free, Halal-friendly, gluten-free Bovine Collagen in yummy lemon- flavored drops. I pop these sweet, nutritious low-calorie treats, at the mid-afternoon slump for a beautifying pep. Boyfriends and husbands will assume they are candy and love them too.
SCALP CARE
Revivv, the sister hair care line to Maskad, purveyor of age-disrupting serums and a dermaroller system, tackles the fundamentals of scalp care from cleansing to nourishment. After a summer of tortuous heat and humidity, much like my pores, I can’t help but think about the condition of my scalp. The buildup of pollution, products, sebum, sweat and dead skin calls for the equivalent of a double cleanse and exfoliation of the scalp. With a signature, if not unique, texture, Revivv’s Scalp Detox Scrub and Shampoo is a rich whipped mousse shampoo with exfoliating beads that deliver an uber cleanse from root to tip. In a base of coconut and rosehip oils, small particles of Himalayan sea salt provide exfoliation and trace minerals while ultra refreshing oils of tea tree, peppermint, rosemary, and orange detoxify for a deep sparkling clean and uptick in microcirculation that’s unparalleled by shampoo alone.
To maximize the benefits of the multi-use scalp scrub and shampoo, it’s best to follow this recommended application:
- Wet hair and scalp thoroughly.
- Section hair down to the scalp and apply a generous amount.
- Massage with a scalp massager to create a gentle exfoliation and lather from root to ends
- Rinse and apply conditioner.
- If dealing with an excessively oily scalp, this step functions as a pre-cleanse before applying one’s favorite shampoo.
The minty, unisex scent will linger even after rinsing, and the clean formulation free of parabens, sulfates, and other ickies will leave you pristine and guilt-free. As it contains salt, i.e. sodium chloride, it’s not recommended for keratin-treated locks.
LUXURY BOTANICAL HAIR CARE SYSTEM
There are clean hair care products and there is hair care so clean it feels like a botanical ritual. The latter applies to female-founded Sangre de Fruta – translates as “blood of the fruit.” The brand sources pure organic herbs, flowers, seeds, and nuts in herbalist-crafted, silicone-free formulations that restore the health of the hair and our connection to the elements. Based on the most unsung and unique beautifying oils – Macadamia Oil – Sangre de Fruta products offer luxury hair care the way nature intended and an empowering departure from toxic chemicals as a fragrant introduction to holistic living.
The clean Botanical Shampoo cleanses with a light lather to remove the toxic build up of chemicals. The Botanical Conditioner, rich in nourishing oils, is bolstered with ginkgo biloba for increased scalp circulation and available in three scents: GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS – Cedar, Sandalwood & Bergamot; NEROLI NOIR – Neroli, Spikenard & Petitgrain; and HEAD OF ROSES – Rose & Sandalwood.
The Botanical Elixir, formulated from Shea Butter, Ylang Ylang, Grapefruit, and Bergamot essential oils and horsetail extract for growth, is multifunctional as a mask or leave-in for a customized, sustainable, and intoxicatingly-fragranced beauty ritual.
DEEP CONDITIONER
For deep hydration and repair of heat-styled hair and frazzled ends, nothing beats lounging around with a generous application of hair masque under a plastic cap. My favorite hydrating conditioning mask this fall, the Deep Moist Repair Treatment from Japanese brand Ya-Man, is rich in the most nourishing botanicals and oils. In addition to keratin for strength and silk protein for resilience and shine, the Deep Moist Repair Treatment boasts the oils preferred by stylists for deep repair from chemical services and color – Marula, Argan, and Avocado. Emulsify the ultra-rich cream and comb through to ends for detangled shiny tresses prepped for smooth heat styling and especially primed for Ya-Man’s new Spa Styler, which utilizes Red Light and Infrared Technology for the Blowdryer & Scalp Massager functions.
Styling Products
A detoxed scalp and pristine tresses call for equally clean and expertly-formulated styling products. Highland, an award-winning indie clean beauty brand founded by friends tired of chemical-laden commercial pomades and waxes, harnesses botanicals, glacial clay, and essential oils for a multitude of styling needs. Free of all the ickies, this unisex collection gives jeuege and hold to all textures and hair needs.
The Glacial Clay Pomade combines beeswax, jojoba oil, and shea butter for a light medium hold, that’s never greasy, on baby hairs and textured layers. With a light, citrus scent, it’ll be a perfect match for your indie fragrance. The Glacial Cream, a multi-use product, can replace a full shelf of styling products. With shea butter and even caffeine, it yields a matte finish, slicks edges, defines curls, tames frizz, and delivers non-sticky nourishment for wet and dry hair alike. It even quenches dry scalps and can be mixed with the Glacial Clay Pomade for a custom look. It’s as ideal for throwing longer hair into a chignon as it is for smoothing unruly beards.
Highland is as committed to sustainability in its business practices as it is to ickie-free clean ingredients for your follicles. Highland’s packaging utilizes recyclable and post-consumer recycled aluminum. Furthermore, the brand is committed to donating 1% of all sales to environmental non-profits.
HAIR GROWTH SERUMS
In addition to the scalp scrub and shampoo, Revivv tailors hair care needs for healthier hair growth. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Dermaroller, Revivv For Her Hair Rejuvenation Serum targets follicles with a hormone-appropriate serum of green tea, caffeine, and peptides appropriate for the fairer sex.
For men struggling to retain a fuller head of hair, Japanese Kizo Labs tackles a slowed growth cycle with the Follicle Activator Hair Serum and the BioGro™ LED Brush.
Formulated with ginseng, peptides, biotin, and Kizo Lab’s proprietary BioGro™ Peptide, the serum stimulates hair from the root without the hormone-disrupting effects of other growth systems. To increase penetration of the Follicle Activator Hair Serum and maximize benefits, the brush combines red and blue LED light therapy and massage for fuller-looking hair in 3-6 months.
Happy National Hair Day!
