Guest Post – Odette Ropchan is on a mission to educate and guide families to their best health!  She is a holistic nutritionist, wife and occasional wine sipper taking her own happy, healthy kids along for the ride. We are excited to have her on our Holistic Wellness Team and sharing her knowledge and expertise with our readers!  Follow her on Instagram at odette_ropchan and on Facebook at Odette Ropchan Nutrition.

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I love a hot, sunny summer day. Wearing easy summer clothes, letting my feet enjoy the freedom of flip flops and feeling the hot sun on my shoulders is my kind of day. Hitting the beach, lounging in a pool and enjoying warm nights, put me in my happy place. 

But you know what doesn’t make me happy? The condition of my hair after the summer! I used to dread what my hair would look like in September when I finally let it out of the bun or ponytail it had been trapped in for 2 months. Between the salt water, chlorine, hot sun, missed hair appointments and some days of just plain old lack of brushing, my hair was a parched split end mess by the time the cooler air came around. It would take weeks to get it looking nice again and by that time, old man winter was around the corner waiting to wreak his own havoc on my tresses!

So now I  pay a little more attention and do just a few things to keep my hair at its best. The difference has been as amazing as a cold kombucha infused sangria on a hot day! Start now and you will have amazing hair all year! And if you happen to be struggling with hair loss, check out this article here.

1. Apple cider rinse – using a rinse before you shampoo helps to get rid of any extra build up that is hanging around. Apple cider used as a rinse can help balance the natural pH of your hair keeping it soft, shiny and manageable.  Adding essential oils to your rinse will leave your hair smelling heavenly! Geranium, rosemary and peppermint are a few of my faves.

   

2. Shampoo from roots to mid shaft with natural products – focus cleansing on your scalp and roots. When you rinse your hair, the shampoo will cleanse the rest of the hair shaft. Avoid products with sulfates that strip your hair of natural oils, silicone that coats your hair and weighs it down and alcohols that also dry and weigh down your hair. Look for shampoos and conditioners that say “sulfate and silicone-free.” 
3. Rinse with cold water – warm water opens the hair cuticle and cold water closes it, sealing the moisture in. Doing this will help your hair look shiny and healthy, plus the cool water is energizing.
4. Use a hair mask – a once a week hair mask can work wonders on your hair. It replaces moisture adds shine and helps with manageability. You can purchase one or easily make one with ingredients you probably already have. Try natural combinations of olive oil or grape seed oil, avocado or coconut oil. Again, adding essential oils not only smell great but can cleanse the scalp and keep your hair healthy. 
5. Comb from the bottom up – Start at the ends and works your way up. The will prevent major tugging and help prevent breaking and damage. If your hair is soaking wet, be sure to towel dry it first before brushing.
6. Protect hair when swimming – If you know you’ll be swimming, protect your hair from chlorine, sun and salt water by wetting and conditioning it before getting in the water. I also suggest putting your hair in a braid or tight bun while swimming. And if you’ll be spending a long time in the sun, wear a hat to cover your hair.
7. Eat well – Of course! Give your hair the nutrients it needs to be its best.  Loads of leafy greens, protein and healthy fats make for shiny, flowing locks.  Nourish your hair from the inside out with a diet that provides the building blocks for a gorgeous and beautiful mane.  Some of the best foods to feed your hair are oily cold water fish, organic eggs, olive and coconut oil, grass fed butter, ghee, spinach, kale and collards. 

Try these 2 simple recipes from doTerra to give your hair some extra love: 

DIY Rosemary Lavender Hair Rinse

• 4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 5 Drops Rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops Lavender essential oil

1. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot and remove from heat.
2. Cool and add vinegar and essential oils. Pour into a glass jar with a lid and shake well.  Let it sit for at least 2 hours or overnight is best.
3. When ready to use, pour a little over your hair and give your scalp a massage. Rinse with cool water.

DIY Geranium Hair Mask

• 1-2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or another oil mentioned above that you have on hand)
• 5 drops Geranium essential oil

1. Mix eggs with oil. Add in honey and essential oil.  Mix until creamy.
2. Apply mask from roots to ends of your hair until completely covered.
3. Cover your hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap and leave for 30 minutes to one hour.
4. Rinse with warm water and shampoo until hair is no longer sticky.  Use conditioner if necessary.