Olive Oil: Not Just for Pasta

Well, it is that time of year again--cool air, foliage, frost, and dry, dry, dry. My humidifier is going full blast twenty four-seven and my skin is as dry as can be. So, I use my grapeseed oil, specially scented by Aroma Sanctum here in Salem (she ships!), on my skin after every shower. But, my scalp is my big concern.

Your scalp is one of the most delicate parts of your body and needs to be treated kindly. I only shampoo my hair every three days, but I condition every day. On my shampoo days, I deep condition with My Honey Child's Olive You, an olive oil based deep conditioner. Olive oil is organic and one of the best oils for your hair; it will moisturize the scalp, remove impurities, promote growth, and strengthen the hair. It is also most cost effective than buying hair oil. So, on my wash days, I have taken to rubbing extra virgin olive oil into my scalp and letting it rest (with or without a shower cap) for about an hour. (If you try this, less is more and let it stay on the scalp for at least 30 minutes.) Then, I condition the hair with my daily conditioner, and (with the conditioner still there) I shampoo. This is called co-washing and is a good idea in the dry, chilly months. After a good rinse, I add more daily conditioner and my deep conditioner, pop on a shower cap, and hang out for an hour or so.

Sounds weird, right? Well, my hair has never been healthier. A little weird can go a long way, I suppose. :-)

It's a New Day for Curls and Skin!

First, I apologize for the hiatus. Work and grad school got ahead of me. But, my hunt for the right goods for skin and hair has continued.

My little favorite store, Rouge, introduced me to Caudalie skin products a few months back and I am a total convert. For my combination skin, I use a mix of the Gentle Cleanser and the Instant Foaming Cleanser. I also use their Toning Lotion and I love the Creme-Sorbet Moisturizer and eye cream. Wonderful items! Quick note, though, the gentle cleanser needs to be put on to dry skin. My skin feels and looks great.

I also have started to use Neutrogena Naturals' Purifying Facial Cleanser in the morning. It is great and can gently remove any makeup that you just may have forgotten to wash off the night before.

But, the greatest discovery of all came in the mail last week. I purchased Curl Cloths by Curls Like Us. My curls have never looked better. The cloth works with your styling product and removes just enough moisture to keep the curl pattern intact. Let me put it this way, I wash my hair last night, used the Curl Cloths, it is rainy and humid here, and my curls still looked amazing all day today. No frustration, no rubber bands. I bought a second set of cloths for travel. And, I think they may need to be gifts.

In addition, I have finally started to use Ouidad's Heat and Humidity Gel, in my endless quest to find just the right product. This gel is a definite keeper. While Ouidad's "rake and shake" product application may work for those with tighter curls, scrunching is the way to go for me. Curls of all types should try this one.

I mentioned my endless quest for the right product and I want to mention that it truly is endless. What works one day may not work another. Be patient and experiment. The products I have used in the past I will surely go back to as my hair changes. Remember, your hair is ever-changing.