Clean Hair = Happy Hair | PURSUE:INSPIRE

My favourite thing about wash day is the aftermath – the feeling of freshly shampooed and moisturised hair. It makes my feel lighter and fresher. My least favourite thing is wash day itself! It can be a long task, especially when you’re tired or go through the whole routine including pre-pooing, etc. It does make it easier when you’ve got good products to use.

I normally part my hair in a minimum of 4 sections whilst washing and shampooing as it’s easier to manage that way and also reduces knottng. I find that the GroHealthy Shea & Coconut shampoo doesn’t dry out my hair like other shampoos have in the past. I definitely don’t have that annoying and teeth clenching squeak that occurs when some shampoos literally strip every bit of oi from your hair.

 

Sticking to my four original sections, I condition my hair section by section and then leave in for about 45 minutes under cling film. The Moisture Rich Conditioner does rid my hair of any dry feeling I get from shampooing and I really love the smell! After the 45 minutes, I remove the cling film and rinse my hair in cool water.

I follow up the rinse with the GroHealthy Shea and Coconut Leave in conditioner (left on my hand) and the Flat Out Frizz fighter (right on my hand), twisting my hair in small sections. I really do like the combination of the two products moisturising my hair and making it feel nice and soft. Also the consistency of both is light, with Frizz Fighter being a bit thicker, therefore not weighing my hair down.

Wash Day Complete! And a happy me!

Natalie | @PursueInspire

Self care

Self care

'Self care is not about self-indulgence, its about self-preservation' - Audre Lorde

We live in a society that seems to find a way to invalidate peoples experiences and emotions, and cultivates insecurities to the point its almost impossible to love yourself and any inkling that you may love yourself is regarded as conceited. Of late I have seen an uprising of women promoting self love and self care, its become a trend that I hope is here to stay. The idea of practising self care is often met with scepticism and dismissed as a radical narcissistic act or a practice reserved for women only. But as humans we are all worthy of care and love.

I often find myself putting other peoples needs and desires above my own, limiting the time and energy I have to deal with my own problems. I am the type of person that carries the weight of peoples pain and problems on my shoulders. Which has left me anxious, stressed out and feeling emotionally drained. My solution lately has been to step back and prioritise my emotions, my needs and desires ahead of others. All the love and care I was pouring into others I have started to pour into myself and it has been a worthwhile practice. Its become a way to heal the wounds accumulated by attending to other people. When i have focused my attention on myself and everything I want to accomplish it has allowed me to recharge, restore and reset.

Here are some of the ways I have been regularly practising self care, which both men and women can try.

1. Unplug for 30 minutes or even an hour.

Once a day I try to put my phone on do no disturb, close my door and not talk to anyone for up to 1 hour. Usually in this time I read the bible, pray or worship but I have also read a book or had a long bubble bath. Other things to try are listening to music or meditating.

2. Get enough sleep.

Lack of sleep can affect your productivity and can also lead to health problems. Prioritise some snooze time for a healthier and more productive you.

3. Get out of town.

Maybe the budget isn't allowing for a quick trip to New York for the weekend, so why not try visiting a city or town an hour or so away on the train. Explore the city by yourself or take a loved one with you and escape the reality at home. By building new experiences it can help reshape your focus. If I could have a holiday every 4 months I definitely would, its one of the best ways  I have found to regain peace.

4. Spoil yourself!

(within reason of course) I am not one to ignore an e-mail from Missguided telling me they have a sale on, I usually already have several items in my bag already waiting for them to announce the sale/discount. Sometimes treat yourself, you are worth it. It doesn't have to be make up or clothes like me, maybe take yourself out for a nice meal, go and get your nails done or get a trim.

5. Spend time with loved ones!

In moments of stress or anxiety I have found speaking to someone from back home whether it be a friend, cousin or even my mum it has deeply comforted me.

There are 100's of other ways you can practice self care, those are just a few of my favourite methods.

Until next time.

Chengetai Victoria
@Lightofmindx
xoxo

I haven't washed my hair in a year!

I haven't Shampooed my hair in a year!

I haven't used shampoo on my hair for a year and my hair has never been better. I also barely ever put a comb or brush to my head but that is a story for another day, kids. Now before all of you start calling me dirty, I can already feel your judging eyes on me, I have been washing it but with conditioner I believe this is called a co-wash. I wash my natural locks with conditioner before deep conditioning it once every two weeks ( if I can summon the energy that is). The reason I have given shampoo the cold shoulder is because of how dry it can leave my hair feeling. Where as co-washing leaves my hair feeling moisturised without stripping away my hairs natural oils. I've also found that it defines my curls and makes my hair a lot easier to comb.

Shampoo free and my hair hasn't turned to mould!

The term 'sulfate-free' is a term I'm sure most of us have seen or heard on labels or in advertising. If you are wondering what exactly sulfates are, you are not alone in asking that. Sulfates are detergents, used to cleanse, they can be found in in soaps, which is why some labels may claim to be 'soap free', usually referring to the absence of sulfates. If you look on the back of your shampoo, face washes or body washes you may find sodium lauryl sulfate or ammonium lauryl sulfate, these are two of the most common sulfates you'll find. Sulfates are great for really, getting rid of dirt and product build up, however, they can really leave your hair dry and sometimes even cause split ends. Sulfate free shampoos won't completely wash away your hairs moisture. So, who should use sulfate free shampoos you may be wondering? Well, if you're someone who dyes their hair commonly sulfate free is the best option for you. As Afro-curly/kinky hair is naturally coarser, prone to dryness and fragile its in its best interest to avoid products which can further enhance the dryness or fragility.

When your hair is shampoo free and poppin'

A natural alternatives to shampoo is applying a tablespoon of baking soda on your wet scalp and rinsing followed by rinsing with apple cider vinegar. Whilst I haven't tried this technique personally, I have heard great things and I know some people aren't ready to remove the cleansing stage out of wash day just yet.

As for how I manage to avoid combing my hair, I will let you know soon.

Until next time,

Chengetai Victoria

www.lightofmindx.co.uk