You’re all geared up and ready to take on this journey towards hair wellness. But you’re a little apprehensive about balancing yet another task on your plate. Thankfully, you came across this post. And I am going to tell you how to remain consistent, achieve the hair resolutions you’ve made, and still have time for yourself. How? By engaging in self connection through hair rituals.
Have you ever thought of creating a ritual around something you already do daily? No? Well, there’s no better time than the present.
This is actually a process known as habit stacking. And it’s a proven way to make new routines or rituals stick, according to this blog article from Well + Good.
So, you ready to get your hair + soul in tip top shape? Perfect!
*Heads up! This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission from any products purchased through the links, at no additional cost to you.
What Is Self Connection?
Before we can get into how to self-connect, it’s important that you understand what it is in the first place. In short, it’s basically a way for you to look inwardly at yourself so that you can consciously align with your highest vibration. Because of this, it’s a foundational part of your spiritual journey.
Why do you do the things you do, and why do you react to things a certain way? Ever thought of that? Or have you been running on autopilot for the last however many years?
There’s many benefits to turning inward, like self awareness which is important if you’re looking to cultivate spiritual beauty. Not to mention increased self confidence, creativity, better decision making, and a greater sense of purpose. Check out more benefits of self connection here.
Why’s Connection So Important, Anyway?
Connection, in general, is a powerful piece of the human experience. It improves your mental health, helps to develop and sustain relationships, lowers stress and anxiety, and so much more.
Just like a puzzle, humans are designed to all be interconnected. And if one piece is broken or missing, the puzzle can’t be completed.
That’s why understanding what’s going on internally, is important and necessary to strengthen all external connections.
Spend Your Energy, Consciously
Your energy is your earthly form of currency. Are you aware of what you’re spending it on? If you’re spending too much energy on things that are not returning the favor, it might be time to reevaluate your budget.
Being a hairstylist means I’m constantly pouring into others. And don’t get me wrong, it is certainly worth it, but it can be difficult to return the favor to myself. Likewise, I bet your career takes a toll on you at times too, right? Late nights, tight deadlines, commutes, ugh!
Not to mention you’ve got to make time for your family, your partner, household duties, extra curriculars, making meals, and so much more. Time and energy seems to run away from you, and by the end of the day your self care consists of mindlessly scrolling through TikTok or Instagram.
Now, that’s not always a bad thing. ‘Cause sometimes you just need that mental break. But constantly putting your needs to the side will eventually leave your body and subconscious mind filled to the brim with stress until you explode on some unsuspecting victim. Possibly, your partner who didn’t take out the trash when you asked them the first time (too specific, lol?).
It’s time to start consciously pouring back into yourself, but in ways that won’t require you to find extra time in your day.
Why ‘Hair’?
Multiple reasons, actually. Aside from the fact that I’m a hairstylist and this is a hair wellness blog, hair holds deep cultural significance across the globe. Some native tribes observe hair to be a physical extension of spiritual wellbeing. In Hinduism, hair protects the crown chakra, which is directly linked to the spiritual realm.
But also, your hair routine is likely a non-negotiable when getting ready for the day. Did you know that, according to this recent poll, the average woman spends around 40 minutes per day doing her hair? That includes the time spent washing, blow drying, and styling. Of course, more time is added depending on length and thickness. But I digress.
To reap the benefits of self connection, you really only need between 15-30 minutes consistently for about two months. So why not have your cake and eat it too?
If you’re still with me and ready to learn how to align with your highest self by engaging in self connection through various hair rituals, keep reading.
Creating Your Hair Rituals
Now for the fun part! Tell your monotonous hair routine to exit stage left because hair rituals are bringing main character energy.
Let’s first break down the key components of healthy hair habits you can and should adopt. Start by choosing one to pair with a self connection habit, and add more as you get into the swing of things.
- Hair Oiling
- Scalp Care
- Cleansing ( Shampoo + Conditioner)
- Hair Masks
- Detangling
Feelin’ super adventurous? Designate one day of the week as your wash day. This will be dedicated to reconnecting with yourself and giving your hair extra lovin’.
Ways to Honor Self Connection
- Practice Gratitude
- Ground Yourself by Engaging the 5 Senses
- Listen to Music
- Check in with Your Thoughts & Feelings
- Move Your Body
- Journal
- Be Mindful and Meditate
- Spend Time In Nature
How do you simultaneously honor self connection while creating a lasting and multi beneficial hair ritual? Read on.
Practice Mindfulness While Hair Oiling
This is not a new age practice. As a matter of fact, hair oiling is said to have been around for over 5,000 years and is still prominent in South Asian and African beauty rituals today. Hair oil can be kept in the hair anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. A great amount of time to spend reconnecting with yourself.
I’ll be honest though. The oil application is the part where the self connection magic happens. This is your time to get your mind into a meditative state. Infuse your scalp and strands with organic goodness and positive thoughts. Not whatever next is on your to-do lists.
You can use a pre-made oil like TikTok’s viral Mielle Organic Rosemary Mint Oil. Or if you’re like me and enjoy a good DIY, you can make your own. It’s super easy. Just mix a carrier oil of your choice with a few drops of essential oils and you’re good to go.
Detox Clutter From Your Scalp & Thoughts
Just like your scalp needs to be detoxed from dirt, oil, and other product buildup, so does your mind.
Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Exfoliator has ultra-fine exfoliating beads to loosen dry, flaky skin and oil buildup while charcoal and tea tree removes, purifies, and revitalizes the scalp. Or you can use this scalp massager with Amika’s Reset Pink Cleansing Oil to invigorate the senses and stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles.
Whichever you choose, I need for you to visualize all of your stresses washing down the drain. Once you step out of the shower, picture yourself stepping back into your purpose.
Cleanse the Hair with Clean Products
Your skin absorbs somewhere between 60-70% of ingredients in product formulations. And yes, this means your scalp, too. If you haven’t made the switch to cleaner and non toxic ingredients, you might want to take a second glance at that ingredients list.
There is scientific evidence linking some hair care ingredients like these to endocrine disruptors, hormonal imbalances, and other health issues, while others strip your hair of its natural oils creating further imbalance.
Using products from an organic, conscious, B-Corp certified company like Innersense is the best way to ensure your hair experiences a non-toxic clean. Their Natural Clarity Hairbath Shampoo is a hypoallergenic, gentle cleanser, great for all hair types. It’s sure to protect you and your hair energy from toxic energies.
Hair Masks Are For Soul Searching
Hair masks are quite the journey in and of themselves. I mean, there’s so many to choose from, all with different properties and characteristics and purposes. Not unlike you.
Throughout your life, you’ve had experiences sparked growth, change, and different perspectives. And for that reason, your task during the mask is to journal. It’s like food for the soul, which is exactly why Amika’s Soulfood Nourishing Mask exceeds expectations.
With it’s cozy signature scent is, I think of Soulfood as a hug for your strands and your spirit. It’s thick, but not heavy. And it hydrates your strands for clinically proven, amazing results. Hence why it’s a fan favorite in the Amika community.
The mask only needs to marinate for 5-7 minutes. Enough time to write a short journal entry. Set a timer, get to know yourself again. You might shock yourself with different interests and goals from the last time you did a self check in.
Detangling
It’s a necessary evil. Sometimes, you just don’t want to do it. Especially if you have long hair that tangles easily or is just super thick. For the curly/ coily girls, it’s easier to detangle in the shower- with either your regular conditioner or a mask– and a wide tooth comb like this one from PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross.
Follow up with Davines OI All In One Milk to help easily detangle hair, tame frizz and hydrate while protecting against heat and other environmental stressors. Use a to prevent breakage.
Infuse your strands with some hair affirmations as you use your wide tooth comb eliminate all tangles and blockages to keep your spirit and motivation high.
Though it may be one of your least favorite tasks, teach yourself to express gratitude. You are fortunate to have hair to detangle.
Ready to Reconnect?
These are just a few ways to honor self connection using hair rituals. And without intruding on the little time you have left of your day. Don’t hesitate to play whatever music fits the vibe of your day. Move your body, have a five minute dance party.
Want to get more in tune with nature? I started a beauty garden earlier this year. So as it warms up I’ll be able to move it outdoors. But for now, I have a few natural hair remedies, like aloe, garlic, and rosemary. They’re fairly easy hair herbs to care for, and make for good DIYs (check out how I used garlic for a hair oil).
How do you plan to create a hair ritual that honors self connection? Would love to see your ideas in the comments below.