When it comes to curly hair routines, I consider myself an OG. After 3 kids with three different curl types in addition to my own, I’ve had my fair share of trial and error with kitchen & non-toxic hair products over the years with my kids and myself. Today, I wanted to share with you our staple non-toxic hair products for healthy hair & long-term health.
Our Favorite Non-Toxic Kitchen Hair Product
If you’re an OG follower you know how much I love and have used aloe over the years. What I love about aloe is how amazing it works for both scalp and hair health, regardless of hair type.
How does it work? Aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymes which repairs dead skin cells on the scalp. It helps to boost collagen, increase elasticity and increase cell turnover rate which all have a hand in promoting health hair growth. Pure aloe vera gel also acts as a great conditioner and leaves your hair smooth and shiny. It prevents an itchy scalp, reduces inflammation and dandruff. Last, pure aloe vera gel defines curls and coils beautifully with zero caste (hard shell like feeling) and zero flakes. Since Sage had curly hair from birth, aloe was the safest non-toxic alternative to use to moisturize and define her curls in one shot.
How Can I Use Aloe Vera Gel On My Hair?
We use aloe vera gel in our hair two ways. The 1st option is to cut pieces from the leaf as needed. Next, rub the exposed aloe vera gel onto scalp and into hair then distribute evenly. The 2nd option it to cut open & remove the gel from the aloe leaf, blend and store for continued use. Use the same application method as option 1.
What Else Can Aloe Vera Gel Be Used For?
Pure aloe vera gel is a FAVORITE in our home for many things from haircare to skincare & even adding into smoothies! I started keeping aloe leaves on hand after Logan developed severe baby eczema. Sage eventually went down the same path with nummular eczema so it came in handy. I used to cover them both in aloe hair to toe for relief during flare-ups. Pure aloe vera gel was instrumental in me clearing up dark spots from my face and reducing breakouts. I have videos on my YouTube channel that you can watch here for more details on that experience:
You can also read up on more of the amazing skincare benefits of pure aloe vera gel + how to store it effectively here and here.
Our Favorite Non-Toxic Haircare Brand
We’ve been fans of Adwoa Beauty since it’s inception. I collaborated with Adwoa Beauty just as I found out I was expecting Sage about 2 years ago. Talk about timely! Ever since this brand has been a staple in our home and I recommend it to EVERYONE…chile even in the supermarket! Check out my detailed review here + my wash & go demo below:
Mostly plant-based, 100% non-toxic, cruelty free & high quality ingredients for all curl types make this brand our FAVORITE. Their curl defining cream and gel work beautifully for up-dos and full blown fro’s. I’ve recently started using Adwoa on Sage’s curls as she’s approaching 2 years of age. Check out her various looks that your internet niece is serving
Our Favorite Non-Toxic Hair Oils
Curly hair can be synonymous with dryness and frizz. Moisture is key but sealing in moisture is crucial to keeping curls, kinks and coils supple and healthy. I couldn’t pick just one oil so I narrowed it down to our top 3 oils.
First up is jojoba oil. One of the reasons we LOVE jojoba oils is because of it’s richness in essential vitamins and minerals. Jojoba oil is lightweight but packed with vitamins and minerals that nourish hair, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, copper, and zinc. If you have fine, curly hair jojoba is going to be your hair’s best option. Jojoba is known for being able to closely mimic our body’s sebum (natural oils our hair & skin produce) making it the best for moisturizing the scalp and sealing in our hair’s moisture.
Our second favorite oil is argan oil. We use argan oil purely as a sealant and not a moisturizer. Sealants are to be used AFTER moisturizing. The molecules in argan oil are too large to penetrate your hair cuticle. It sits on top of your hair which can be problematic if you’re using it when your hair suffering from dryness, is wet, or if you’re using too much of the oil.
Your hair may feel soft at first but it would end up drying out over time. The argan oil winds up creating a barrier on top of your hair, which blocks out any moisturizer trying to get into it. This works great for humid/rainy weather days but that’s about it. If your hair is already dry & you add argan oil to it, you will be left with a dry oily mess. Right after conditioning or deep conditioning we add argan oil to seal in the moisture we just infused into our curls and coils.
Last up is sweet almond oil. We love sweet almond oil for it’s lightweight yet effective nourishment of our scalp and hair. It’s one of the top oils perfect for all hair types. Sweet almond oil contains vitamin A, B and E in addition to omega 9, omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. Each of these vitamins & minerals help to keep hair strong and healthy, increase hair’s shine & prevent against breakage.
Sweet almond oil’s natural moisture-sealing properties help to replenish hair and also fight against split ends by holding moisture in hair for longer periods of time. Now, this doesn’t mean it’ll repair split ends. The only way to do that is to trim those suckers. Sweet almond oil just works to keep the ends of hair healthier, for a longer period of time. I especially love using sweet almond oil on my hair when I straighten it. I notice my hair keeps straight for a longer period of time without being weighed down or looking oily.
Why is it important to seek out non-toxic & holistic hair products? Well, the skin is the body’s largest organ. Our scalp is in fact considered skin & in rich in blood vessels that connect to various other organs throughout our body. Anything we use on our skin/in our hair penetrates the scalp and takes residence within our bodies. Many mainstream products contain endocrine distruptors, inflammatory markers and many other toxins that exacerbate or trigger many preventable health problems over time. These products are often marketed as affordable, widely accessible and sometimes “all natural”. Try to seek out plant-based/vegan and non-toxic products whenever possible. Edcuate yourself on ingredients and how to read labels. Your health & life may actually depend on it.
Until next time,
Healthy Hair To Toe
