My Hair Routine

Time and time again I'm getting complimented on my hair and people always have so many questions like, "Is it natural?" "How did you get it so long?" and "How do you keep it so healthy?"

First things first. Yes. =) My hair length is natural. The colour is not but it is very similar to my natural shade.

As for the next two questions, I've never really known how to answer them. I just let it do it's thing and wash it a few times a week haha! 

With so many people asking about my hair I decided why not make a post so people can refer to it if they want after they ask me questions. So let's get started.

First things first...When it comes to my hair I'm actually quite lazy. I go days without brushing it. Why? Because I can't be bothered. I throw it in a pony tail or a bun and I go on with my day.

Same goes for washing my hair. I wash it a maximum of 3 times a week, sometimes less. Now before you start saying "Ew" Hold on a hot minute and let me explain this. Haha

I have really thick hair. Now combine that with thick strands and the length, I'm going through shampoo and conditioner like crazy. It gets expensive, especially since my hair care products are not exactly cheap. 

My hair will start to look oily after 3-4 days and that is when I wash it. I shampoo right when I get into the shower and massage my scalp and hair for 2-3 minutes. I like to think the longer I take the cleaner my hair will be but I never have the patience. So, moving on. I rinse that out (Obviously) I wring out my hair to make sure all the shampoo has washed away and then I get my hair wet again. This is when I apply conditioner. A little conditioner with extremely wet hair goes a long way (Also reduces a wax build up on your scalp which can cause dandruff and other conditions) On that note, I never apply conditioner to the top of my head unless I'm dry, but the back on my head and the rest of my hair gets the product.

So at this point I let the conditioner sit in my hair and during this time I finish my shower. I don't need to explain that part do I?  Alright. 3-5 minutes have passed. I skip the whole rinse and repeat thing. Who has the time? Seriously...Who actually has the time for that!?

Boom. I'm out of the shower! Yay! (I hate showering. takes way to long and I see it as an inconvenience but I do it because well I have to lol)  I'm perpetually lazy so I wrap my hair in a towel and climb into bed and watch a few cat videos or online shop for up to 45 minutes. Then I brush my hair.

Yeah, I know.. "Brushing your hair when it's wet is sooo totally bad for it." Guess what? I don't care. I HAVE to brush my hair when it's wet, if I don't I'll have insane knots and as I mentioned above, I'm lazy. Don't have time for that. So I start brushing my hair, I brush my bangs first and then I split my hair on both sides and brush from the bottom to the top. 

Once all the knots are gone I fluff my hair so it's not all stuck to my head. At this point I'll add in a heat protector. (If I remember. I usually forget) Now I blow dry my hair. High setting on high heat. I dry my hair the same way I brush it. Bangs, bottom, then top. About half way through I'll switch the hair dryer to cool and finish my hair that way. 

I never completely dry my hair. I dry most of it but I leave a little bit damp in the length because A) I've been drying my hair for a half hour, my arm is tired. and B) I don't want to damage the hair that's already dry even more. 

Next I brush it and style it, this means moving my bangs to one side and smoothing out the lions main I just created. 

That's pretty much it. that's all I do.  

Sometimes if I notice my hair looking dull I will run a small bit of coconut oil through my hair. It adds a nice natural shine and makes my ends look extremely healthy.

If I'm in between trims and my hair is looking rather rough, I wait until I know I'm showering the next day and before bed I take a generous amount of coconut oil and saturate the last 3-4 inches of my hair in it. I put it in a secure bun, go to sleep and rinse it out when I wash my hair the next day. This gives my hair a beautiful shine and adds great softness.

As for haircuts, I cut my own hair. I stopped getting my hair cut professionally when I was 15 due to some awful experiences. Anyway,  DO NOT TRY THIS UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING! Seriously the last thing you want is to make a mistake you can't fix. I'm self taught and took a hair cutting course in high school. With that being said, obviously  I'm not a hairstylist and I don't have the education of one but I do know enough to trust myself and my scissors. I'll trim an inch or two off my hair whenever coconut oil stops giving my ends the results I want when I saturate them.

I love my hair and try to maintain it as best as I can. Maybe my routine will help you achieve goals you have with your own hair! Let me know! =D <3

                                      Xxoo - Katie

30 Ways To Use Coconut Oil!

So if you follow nutrition, beauty, and any health trends then you've probably heard about coconut oil and the million and one different ways you can use it. I've gathered 30 of my favourite uses to share with you

1. Tanning Oil
How can you go wrong with a natural tanning oil? Especially one that smells so good!!
2. Butter Substitute 
Spread some on toast/crackers and enjoy!
3. Lip Balm
Coconut oil is a fast moisturiser and gives quick relief to dry and chapped lips
4. Cooking oil
Coconut oil is a much healthier option for those of you who like fried food and the flavour is quite satisfying but also much different then vegetable oil.
5. Make-Up Remover
Apply a small amount on to your finger tips and gently apply it to your face and wipe away with a a cloth and warm water
6.Mouthwash
this is perfect for me since I don't like the taste of regular mouthwash
7. Natural Deodorant
Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties so it helps to stop odour.
8. Shaving Cream
Warm the oil in your hands and apply to the area that needs to be shaved! Rinse well and you're done!
9. Massage Oil
A natural long lasting and moisturising alternative to store bought massage oils! (Add a few drops of essential oils to really make it unique and even more beneficial to your health!)
10. Cuticle Oil
Apply daily to your cuticles for healthy and strong nails!
11. Acne Treatment
A natural antibiotic that can kill the harmful bacteria on your skin that causes acne
12. Energy Booster
Consuming coconut oil is said to boost mental alertness and over all energy! Try adding some to your coffee!
13. Cold Sores
Applying a small amount to the sore a few times a day is said to speed up the healing process!
14. Bath Oil
Add coconut oil to your bath water for a fresh scent and extra soft skin!
15. Popcorn Topping

Add some melted coconut oil and some salt to your popcorn for a fresh and addicting taste!
16. Wounds
Apply coconut oil to minor scrapes and scratches. Remember, coconut oil has antibacterial properties so this is great to add to your first aid kit if you don't like using peroxide or rubbing alcohol.
17. Sore Throat
Swallowing a bit of coconut oil will create a soothing coating in your throat which quickly eases discomfort!
18. Detangler
warm a bit of coconut oil in your hands and lightly apply to damp hair then comb away!
19. Removes Rust
apply to rusted surfaces (knives, scissors) and leave on for about 3-4 hours, wipe off and the rust should wipe off with it!
20. Tattoo Moisturiser 
Apply to new tattoos to help them heal quickly!
21. Eyelash Enhancement 
Frequent mascara wearers will most likely have dry lashes. Apply coconut oil to your lashes every night and in about two weeks you will start to notice they look fuller and longer!
22. Minimize Heartburn
swallowing a teaspoon of coconut oil can help reduce the discomfort of heartburn very quickly!
23. Salad Dressing
Use the oil as a base and add some vinegar, and whatever spices you choose, mix and add to your salad! Enjoy!
24. Fade Age Spots
Apply coconut oil to any age spots you may have to reduce the look and reverse signs of ageing.
25. Face Moisturiser 
Wash your face and apply a small amount to your face for soft and supple skin
26. Tame Frizz.
Warm a small about of oil in your hands and lightly apply to hair for a polished and sleek look.
27. Cat And Dog Treat
Feed a small amount to your furry friend to help enhance their coat and rid them of dry skin
28. Add To Beverages
Add a small amount of coconut oil to hot chocolate, and smoothies for a bit of extra flavour and a few extra health benefits!
29. Aids In Weight Loss
It's been said that coconut oil can help speed up your metabolism if you eat some everyday!
30. Teeth Whitener 
Swishing coconut oil around in your mouth for 2 minutes a few times a week is said to whiten your teeth and help keep your mouth clean!


So there you have it! 30 uses for coconut oil! As always, if you try any of these or have any additional uses for the oil let me know because I love reading all your tips and tricks! 
Hope you all had a fantastic week! 

                                                                 Xoxo - Katie