Photo by Paul Siewert on Unsplash
With hair salons only recently reopened in some parts of the U.S., House Speaker Nancy Pelosi caught media attention recently for getting a blowout at the end of August when San Francisco salons were still officially closed. There has been outrage in the media about the hypocrisy of this, not least when so many people have waited patiently to visit their hairdressers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. While many will be eager to get back in the salon chair and seek their stylist’s advice about vegan treatments, many are still cautious about doing so. So if you’re still caring for your hair at home, what can you do to keep it looking at its best and prolong the need for a trim?
Hair care by stealth: your diet matters
As a vegan, you’re in the best position to achieve strong, healthy hair naturally – so long as your diet is rich and varied. Plant-based foods offer a wealth of nutrients that promote healthy hair, so you’re already on the right track. Kimberly Snyder, a clinical nutritionist, advises a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and nuts to stock up on the B vitamins required for a healthy mane. To encourage increased hair growth and strengthen your locks, include pumpkin seeds in your diet, which are rich in Vitamin B7 (or biotin). Pumpkin seeds bring the added advantage of Vitamin C, which promotes the production of sebum, the natural oil that conditions both hair and skin. To boost your intake of Vitamin B7, tweak your diet to include avocados, almonds, carrots, strawberries and raspberries. Eating these foods whole and unprocessed is best, and will supply your hair with the nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy – even without your hairdresser’s help.
Brushes, conditioners and masks
Believe it or not, your hairbrush makes a difference. Many stylists advise against brushes with metal, plastic or nylon bristles, as these can damage your hair with prolonged use. This leads many people looking for a natural option to boar bristles, but these are made with animal products. For natural vegan alternatives that are gentle to your hair, look to brushes made from bamboo or sustainable beech wood.
You can boost your hair’s natural strength with masks and leave-in conditioners. The ends of your hair are prone to damage: to avoid the look that says you need a cut, apply a leave-in conditioner daily to protect the ends from damage. Source vegan-friendly deep-conditioning masks from your health store, or create your own with simple ingredients, and apply them once a week. A simple DIY hair mask can be made by blending an avocado with two tablespoons of melted coconut oil and 10-20 drops of rosemary essential oil: simply paint this onto your hair, squeeze to ensure even distribution, and leave for half an hour before shampooing.
If you used to regularly visit your stylist for straightening treatment, be careful not to resort to using straighteners too often at home. Heated tools can damage your hair over time, and this can dull your hair and leave you looking like you need a trim. Instead, look to hair relaxers to keep your hair straight for six to eight weeks. Look for relaxers made with olive oil or coconut oil to avoid harsh chemicals and animal products.
If you’re not ready to get back to the salon just yet, don’t worry. Simply by tweaking your diet and giving your hair some natural TLC, you can prolong that trim a little longer. Steer away from heated tools and harsh chemicals, stock up on Vitamin B7, and pay close attention to the ends of your hair: no one will even notice you haven’t been to the salon.
Read on for more helpful advice:
- Check out these plant based hair relaxers
- Learn more about Vitamin B7
Find out about the problem with heated hair tools
About the Author
Amy Fletcher is a freelance writer and researcher with a keen interest in business management. In recent years she has written for various online magazines, journals, and blogs. When she’s not writing she enjoys long walks with her daughter and two dogs.
