With a past life as a hairstylist, I’ve tried it all. A majority of my adult life from age 19-40 I was immersed in the hair world. Surrounded by every tool, product, trend, hair texture that you can imagine. Now that I’m in my 40’s the way I see the world is a lot different than in my 20’s and 30’s. My values, priorities and lifestyle are different. Even the way I see the beauty industry is through a different lens. The hair industry trains you to believe that more is necessary and that there is always something that needs fixing, changing, masking or manipulating. Which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Once I understood that true hair health was holistic, that it starts within and began to use less product did my hair and my relationship to it truly begin to thrive. I believe that all you need is the right foundational products and styling tools to enhance your unique hair texture. I would always tell my clients to invest in quality products and tools because they were already investing a lot in their haircuts and color so why mess it up with the cheap stuff? Combo this approach with a supporting diet & lifestyle and you’re set up for long term sustainable success (if that is your goal).
My haircare routine is simple and these are the products and tools that I rely on. When it comes to styling products I only use custom formulations I’ve made myself. Less is more and quality over quantity is my mantra. Since I have curly hair I love to use our conditioner bars as a leave-in and styling lotion to help with defintion. To refresh curls, wet the bar and apply directly to dry hair. You can take sections and spin them around your finger. Allow your hair to air dry then separate and create movement using just your hands.
My Routine:
- Pre-Treatment- Using a custom hair oil formula for hair-oiling ritual. I do this at least once a week to support scalp health, hair growth and to nourish and lubricate my stands. It’s a ritual that forces you to slow down, take your time and connect with yourself. I love to do it outdoors in the sun which helps to heat the oil. I always follow up with a scalp massage. Make sure to dry brush your hair and scalp first before applying the oil (I love to use my Mason Pearson brush for this part). I offer a custom oil for purchase at www.wellnessbyirene.com/shop
- Cleanse- Plantas Medicinas Pitta Shampoo. I cleanse every 3-4 days. Now that we are changing seasons I’ve switched to this shampoo. The cooling and soothing ingredients in this formula help to balance the heat. Plus, I want the pro-aging benefits.
- Condition- Plantas Medicinas Vata Conditioner. My textured hair needs nourishment and lubrication. This product works miracles on my curls. I'm obsessed with the way it makes my hair feel! because I don't wash my hair everyday I also use this in-between washes to refresh my strands from root to ends.
- Styling products- Hair oil, hair balm (custom formulas by me) I use a little hair oil pretty much daily and I'll use the balm when I want more of a polished look.
Tools:
- Yves Durif- detangling brush and comb out of the shower
- Manta- for detangling in the shower
- Mason Pearson Handy- for dry brushing the scalp, styling and when I'm performing the hair oiling treatment to disperse the oils from root to ends
- YS Park and IBIZA- boar bristle round brushes when I want a salon finished blowout
- Parlux Lite and Dyson blowdryers
- KONTEX Japanese organic cotton towels (made by artisans in the famous towel making region of Imabari Japan). I use these for my hair towels. They are super soft, absorbent and I just love them!
I hope that you found this helpful and I just want to thank you for allowing us to be part of your hair journey.
❤️ Irene