# french hair secret's - magic beans and happiness

1/Always choose shampoos and hair care products without sulfate…

And specifically for dry, coloured or damaged hair… Since living in NYC, where the water is even more calcareous than in Paris, I have tried and tested the haircare product ” Living Proof ” which is both sulfate and silicone free, by Jennifer Aniston.. Because of course, who did not dream of having Rachel’s hair in Friends ? So I use the purple range, “Restore by living Proof”, shampoo and conditioner for dry, colored and damaged hair, and I can see a real noticeable difference.. Ah and the conditioner is very, very important. It is essential that you do not skip using it, especially if your hair is slightly weaker and fragile. I will be talking in more detail about this brand and its other products that I am in the process of testing, at a later date…

Ps : for your information, sulfate is very powerful, and contains harmful chemical agents that make the shampoo lather faster, giving an impression of efficiency because of the foam. But in reality, it is irritating and drying out the hair, and its allergenic components damage the scalp and weaken the hair.. Shampoo’s containing sulfates often contain some silicone to compensate for the disadvantages of the sulfate, which in the long run destroys hair by making it delicate and creating split ends.. In short, it is to be avoided altogether!

2/ Try not to systematically wash you hair, every time you take a shower.

This attacks and dries out the hair. Washing it once every three days is sufficient, or after working out or a photo shoot. I use a very soft shampoo for frequent use, and Living Proof works well with my hair and the conditioner and care products really help to restore and look after it, without using sulfate. 😉

3/ Once a week apply an oil nourishing hair mask.

>> Here is a recipe for a 100% natural mask using coconut milk, that I simply love….

Rich in iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B3 and B6, essential fatty acids etc., coconut milk is a very effective remedy for hair because it hydrates and nourishes, while also making it more flexible, strong and shiny. Ah and it grows faster too ! You need : 2 tlsp of honey + 2 tblsp of olive oil or another oil (jojoba, almond, macadamia) + 1 egg yolk + 5 tblsp of coconut milk

Mix everything together in a bowl. Once mixed well and you have obtained an even consistency, you can keep it in a closed jar for up to one week in the refrigerator.
I apply this mixture to my hair, starting at the ends and then on the rest of my hair. I massage well to make sure that my hair is covered and that the mask has soaked in nicely, then I put my hair into a bun and wrap it with cellophane and a towel for a few hours. It is perhaps not very sexy, but this mask is really efficient on tired hair. Let it rest as long as possible before rinsing.
You can also apply coconut milk directly to your hair, or a nourishing hair care product of your choice.. The most important thing is to do this at least once a week.. And the more natural, the better because at least you know what you are putting on your own hair 😉

>>Here is another natural recipe for a conditioner or hair mask :

You need : 1 cup of coconut oil + a tblsp spoon of almond oil + a tblsp of macadamia nut oil + a tblsp of jojoba..

Apply to wet hair and leave for 10 minutes.
Then, apply a shampoo + a conditioner.

4/ Boosting your hair with food compliments.

But not just any of course.. I take Biotin (vitamin B) by the natural brand, “Solgar”, which is 100 % gluten free and vegan, to strengthen my hair ( and my skin and nails during the massage process, two birds, one stone !

After 2 months of this treatment I can see a real difference on my hair and also on my skin and my nails.. So I have continued ever since ;

Conclusion.

It has now been 2 and a half months now since using and applying these small but important changes and treatments to my hair. It has grown so much faster, its more beautiful, shiny and has no split ends! A little patience is needed to see the first improvements, but I am very satisfied with the results and I intend to continue applying this new routine to my hair!!

Ps : the slight drawback is the products are sold everywhere apart from France, but I have managed to locate a wholesalers for professionals, and they sell large bottles of all the products here … And of course for those who live abroad or if you’re travelling around, you can find them at Sephora in US, in Asia, in Marks & Spencers in London, and in hairdressing salons or on-line here …