It’s not only trees and flowers budding this time of year. Spring means we finally get to toss those winter hats aside. Did your hair lose its luster over the chilly months? Here are natural ways to thicken hair and get tresses ready to shine.

While cold weather season may be the root of your problem right now, it’s not the only thing that causes hair to thin and lose its luster. Diet changes, stress, hormonal imbalance, and harsh hair care products can all bring on limp locks too.

7 Natural Ways to Thicken Hair

1. Let’s start on the inside. We already know what we eat shows up on our skin. Same goes for our hair. To keep hair thick and lush, be sure you are consuming adequate essential fatty acids. Studies show that women who eat enough omega 3-s and omega 6-s have greater hair density. Healthy EFAs, like those found in olive oil and avocados, also keep the scalp from becoming dried out, which helps to prevent hair loss. You can even use EFAs topically with Rahua Omega 9 Hair Mask.

2. Get your antioxidants. This means both inside and out. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants helps to fight free radical damage that can lead to hair loss. Another way to reap these benefits is to use hair care made with antioxidant-rich oils. Try Josh Rosebrook Enrich Mask.

3. Honey to the rescue (again!). We know that honey is a superhero ingredient for skin. Not that surprising that it helps with hair too. The sweet substance is softening, antibacterial, and ultra healing. If a healthy scalp means healthy hair, this stuff is the ticket. Add a tablespoon or two to your shampoo before applying to hair.

4. Scalp massage does more than feel good. Okay, it feels great. But a good massage with healthy oils can actually stimulate hair growth. Everyone loves coconut oil for skin, and it works great as a scalp oil too. The best bang for your buck? St. Tropica Organic Coconut Hot Oil Hair Mask. Another healthy oil to try – avocado oil moisturizes dry locks and adds instant body. Warm the oil in your palms and massage into scalp, working through to ends. Wrap in a warm towel and leave for 15 minutes. Wash and style as usual. This is one of my favorite hair therapy tricks.

5. Ditch the chemical hair care. Did you know the ingredients in conventional hair products that make your hair feel smooth are damaging in the long run? Plasticizers and petro-ingredients may make strands seem soft and silky, but they aren’t doing your hair, scalp or health any good. And synthetic surfactants in mainstream shampoos? Drying your hair and scalp out, not getting it squeaky clean. Use products crafted from natural ingredients and let the real you behind those dried out locks shine. Try Rahua Voluminous Shampoo and Conditioner.

6. Be kind to strands. Using a coarse brush or pulling hair back into tight elastics can cause breakage. Use a natural bristle Widu brush that is appropriate for your hair texture. And my favorite way to tie back my hair is with Twistband Hair Ties. So soft, they never break strands or cause the dreaded dent, and are so cute too. Another kind to hair tip…wash less often. Yep, give your hair a break on days it’s not actually dirty by shampooing every 2 or 3 days.

7. Manage stress for better-looking locks. Stress shows up on skin and hair, lowers productivity, and makes you feel crummy. You’ve heard it before but I’ll say it again: A daily meditation practice is so, so helpful in decluttering the mind and getting clear on your shiz. Not a lotus and om kinda person? There are other ways to meditate. Even a walk around the block counts if you are staying in the moment.

Here’s to happier locks and a bouncy spring!

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of girls with thick hair via Shutterstock

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You are supposed to have dry skin in winter, right? If you are experiencing extra oily skin in the dry season, it may be due to your beauty regimen. Let’s see what we can do about that.

Those with oily skin are usually on the lookout to manage oil production and ward off breakouts. Products that help with this can be overly drying, as can different skin care techniques that target oily skin.

Isn’t drying supposed to be a good thing where oily skin is concerned? Not exactly. Skin that is too dry actually produces even more oil in an attempt to compensate for moisture loss. This is the most common reason people see excess oil.

6 Possible Reasons for Extra Oily Skin in Winter

1. Using drying products. As I said above, skin care products that are meant to be drying can cause skin to produce excess oil. The key is to balance oil production, not strip the skin of necessary oils. Steer clear of the harsh acne treatments and drying lotions for now, and see if skin comes back into balance.

2. Over cleansing. It is not uncommon for those dealing with oily skin to over cleanse. If you are seeing breakouts, redness, irritation, or flakiness, you are likely over cleansing. The remedy? Use a more gentle cleanser when skin isn’t actually dirty, say in the morning, or skip the cleanser and use a swipe of hydrating toner instead.

3. Over exfoliation. Another common blunder, over-exfoliating can cause skin to become too dry and oil production to ramp up. Strive for once to twice weekly exfoliation with a gentle product. Fruit acids are effective and non-abrasive.

4. Going with the flow. Just because a thick cream or oil cleanser works for your coworker or roommate, doesn’t mean it is right for you. If you truly have an oily skin type, it may be best to stick with a gentle foaming cleanser and lighter moisturizer even in winter months.

5. Too many tools. Those brushes and mitts that make skin look great in summer months can be too harsh for more delicate wintertime skin. Skip these for now and give your skin a break.

6. Hitting the tanning beds. Aside from the obvious health concerns, tanning dries the skin, causing it to become more oily in the long run. Looking for a bit of color through winter? Opt for a healthy sunless tanner instead.

Perfect Products for Oily Winter Skin

One Love Organics Easy Does It Cleanser

Kahina Giving Beauty Antioxidant Mask

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream with SPF 30

True Natural Perfect Tan Face – Self Tanner & Moisturizer 2-in-1

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Woman with oily skin via Shutterstock

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You know those cans of Evian spray you pass at department store beauty counters? Ever feel they are elitist? Or just downright unnecessary? Thought so. Should you be using mineral water spray on your winter skin? Here’s the deal.

Yes, those pristine looking cans evoke a diamond-laden European woman basking in the French Riviera sun. But the benefits of facial water sprays go far beyond cooling the skin whilst sunbathing.

Mineral water spray does everything from set makeup, to give you the best facial cleansing of your life. Another perk of this beauty pick-me-up – it’s one product that works on every single skin type. Hard to go wrong.

So what, exactly, is mineral water spray? As the name implies, these cans of water are sourced from natural thermal or mineral springs. Of course, the ones with no added junky ingredients are healthiest for skin. So, green gals, read your labels prior to purchase.

Before we get started on how to use facial water mists, let’s talk about how not to use them. You know how it is a thing to pack a can of Evian in your carry on for mid-flight spritzing? Great idea, if (and only if) you are also supplying skin with some true moisture in the form of healthy oils. No moisturizing ingredients and the water will suck the life right out of your skin once it dries, so always follow up with moisturizer.

There are other benefits to mineral water sprays, too. French women have been known to use these cans of spray water to remove cleanser from skin, instead of using tap water. Sounds pretty chichi, but tap water can contain heavy metals and chlorine, which can dry out skin. Consider your cleansing game officially chic.

Ever wonder how to set your makeup? Wonder what it even means to set your makeup? You know that powdery, almost geisha look skin can have after you’ve applied skincare, foundation, and powder. A light spray of facial water (think mist, not soak) takes the edge off of the powdery finish and helps makeup to stay put.

If you like a sheer layer of foundation, facial water mists come in handy here too. Mist your sponge or beauty blender prior to applying your makeup. Foundation goes on smooth and fluid.

Facial water mist is also good for ramping up the intensity of powder makeup. Use it to turn your favorite smoky shadow into intense eyeliner.

Not just for face, mineral water spray gives hair a boost too. If your coif falls flat midday, reactivate your styling product with a spritz of water and give strands a scrunch.

Ok, now that you know how to use mineral water spray, let’s take a look at which you should get your hands on.

Just Water

Avène Thermal Spring Water

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water

Evian Mineral Water Spray

Water + Hydrating Ingredients

Kahina Giving Beauty Toning Mist

Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator

YULI Metamorphic Elixir

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Mineral water spray image via Shutterstock

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Seems everyone is getting in on some sort of detox, especially post holidays. Not just for the body anymore, now even skin is getting in on the action. Do you need a face detox?

Whether to lose weight, purge the system of toxins, or gain more energy, detoxes have become commonplace. Some people do them annually, others more often.

The reason behind these toxin purges is mainly good health. Obviously, a super streamlined or liquid diet usually results in some weight loss, which can be an added bonus. And often skin looks better because you aren’t feeding your system full of junk.

So what if we took things to the next level and did a face detox? If you are less than game to ingest certain questionable ingredients (charcoal smoothie?), you may feel better about putting them on your skin.

Let’s backtrack just a minute and get to the why of detoxing the skin. We know harmful chemicals are not good for skin or body, and work to avoid them in skincare and cosmetics. Did you also know that daily pollution becomes trapped in pores and can cause toxic buildup too? Smog, exhaust, and second-hand smoke are all detrimental to the look and health of our complexion, and can cause premature aging.

A regular skin purge may be just what we need to kick those nasty pollutants to the curb. And away from our skin.

A Face Detox for All Skin Types

Step #1: Cleanse. The double cleansing method is perfect for ridding skin of as much toxic gunk and debris as possible. Start with an oil cleanser. Oil binds to dirt, makeup, and pollutants more easily than a water-based cleanser. Aster & Bay Cleansing Oil is formulated for all skin types.

For the second stage of double cleansing, use a creamy or lightly foaming cleanser. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating cleanser, like Josh Rosebrook Moisturizing Cleanser. Those with oily skin should go with a foaming cleanser. Try YULI Halcyon Cleanser.

Step #2: Mask. That charcoal smoothie no one is eager to down? Try one for skin. Charcoal is super absorbent and great for drawing out impurities. It is also good for soaking up excess oil, so helps with acne. One to try is Cocovit Coconut Charcoal Face Mask.

Because dryness tends to make skin look older and inflammation is another cause of skin aging, those with sensitive or dry skin may want to avoid a charcoal mask. Instead, opt for clay masks to pull out toxins. Aster & Bay Green Glow Mask is perfect.

Step #3: Hydrate. You know how it is important to stay hydrated throughout the course of a detox? Same goes for a face detox. Mist with a hydrating toner to balance and prepare skin for moisturizer, like Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator. Next, apply a rich lotion or cream, again, depending on your skin type. Dr. Alkaitis Organic Day Crème is designed for normal to oily skin, and The Beauty Chef Beauty Fix Balm works well on dry and sensitive skin.

Pollutants are an inevitable part of life. Giving skin a regular detox can help to keep it healthy and looking its best, and ward off premature signs of aging.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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