HOW TO DETOX YOUR HAIR AND SKIN

As summertime approaches, the time for renewal and regeneration sets in and allows us to breathe fresh life into our skin and hair with these purifying detox tricks.

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The phrase ‘less is more’ is in tune with this time of the year, and that’s what we’re going to break down – detoxing your hair and skin for spring and summer sunshine.

WHAT IS DETOXING
Detoxing is the removal of toxins from the body. These could come from the environment (pollution in the air), your diet (unhealthy junk foods) or lifestyle (for instance smoking and drinking alcohol). Detoxing your hair and skin involves purifying from the inside and outside.

FROM THE INSIDE
For healthy skin and hair your body needs: 

• foods like broccoli, bananas, avocados, pears and watermelon 
• exercise, as toxins are flushed out of our bodies when we sweat 
• the golden rule – drink plenty of water, even on days when you don’t feel thirsty.

AND THE OUTSIDE
Gentle, thorough cleansing and exfoliating are the first steps to clean skin. Use a mild cleanser morning and evening and exfoliate once a week.

Masking
Masks are a great way to deliver high doses of the nutrients your skin needs. Charcoal and mud masks are especially good for drawing out and removing dirt.



Garnier Skin Active Oil Control Complete Deep Cleansing Lotion, 125ml 36.95
Nivea Perfect & Radiant Light Moisturiser SPF 15, 50ml 142.95

Hydration
Good hydration means balanced, soothed and calm skin, and the right level of water or oil-based moisture. If you have oily skin, you might need a water-based moisturiser to balance out the oil. Dry skin requires rich creams and oils to top up oil levels. (The golden rule again – also remember to hydrate from the inside by drinking at least 2 litres of water a day.)



Sunscreen/antioxidants
Sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun and pollution. Antioxidant sunscreens repair the skin while protecting it from the environment.

Active ingredients
It’s a good idea to regularly take a break from skincare products containing active ingredients, especially if your skin is sensitive. Active ingredients are biologically active substances that have a physiological effect on your skin, and they include alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants like vitamin C, retinols, peptides, tretinoins and glycolic acid, among others.

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HAIR DETOX
We spoke to Miss SA sponsor, salon owner and professional colourist, Jawad Maphoto, about detoxing hair, what it means and what it entails. ‘Detoxing the hair and scalp basically means giving them a break from excessive styling, colour processing and the use of harsh and heavy products,’ says Maphoto. If you can do this over a period of three months, you’ll really give your hair a good chance to restore itself.

Related article: 5 Hairstyles that are secretly damaging your hair



TIPS FROM THE HAIR PRO:

• If your hair is dry and brittle, avoid any colour and heat processing, as well as harsh products.
• Hair feeling flat and greasy? Do a detox wash using a deep cleansing or clarifying shampoo, and avoid heavy oils or creams – opt for lighter ones instead.
• Trim your hair regularly to prevent split ends.
• Avoid tight braiding and excessive use of colour treatments if you notice that your hairline is receding.
• In general, focus on regularly cleansing and nourishing your hair (through light moisture), treating it – with a gentle touch – once a week and just letting it breathe without processing or manipulating it in any way.

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Shampoo,250ml 55.95
Cantu Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment, 173g 149.95

Related article: The pros and cons of co-washing natural hair

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