MEET AALAYA
My name is Aalaya, I was supposed to be named after the singer Aliyah, but my Mom spelled her name wrong! I am 23 years old and I am a soon-to-be Echo technologist. About 4 years ago, I started on my wellness journey. I started eating healthy + clean organic foods, eliminating unnecessary chemicals in my day-to-day life and transitioning my hair back to its natural state.
I am currently pursuing a career in Cardiac Sonography (ultrasound of the heart) which really piqued my interest in living a healthier lifestyle and further developed my interests in natural + organic hair care.
I am currently pursuing a career in Cardiac Sonography (ultrasound of the heart) which really piqued my interest in living a healthier lifestyle and further developed my interests in natural + organic hair care.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE TEXTURE OF YOUR HAIR?
My hair texture definitely is a range of different curl patterns from 2C to 3C hair. It’s fairly soft now, and of average thickness.
HOW DID YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS?
Before The Innate Life products, I hated my curls. I always straightened my hair, dyed it, and it was so dead. Then I went on my natural hair journey, starting with apple cider vinegar rinses and coconut oil.
WHAT MADE YOU SEEK OUT THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS? HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE COMPANY?
As I previously said, after studying the heart I really got into living an overall healthy, natural lifestyle. The next step was my hair and to try and regain some of its life. After trying various curl products, nothing seemed to help my hair. Then one day I was scrolling on Instagram and saw a video of someone using these products and I was instantly hooked when I saw organic hair care.
WHAT SETS THE INNATE LIFE APART FROM OTHER COMPANIES IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY?
I think what sets The Innate Life apart from other companies is their transparency with their products, the comfort in knowing that they haven't been extremely processed with unnecessary chemicals added into the mix. The fact that this brand is one of very few organic hair care brands makes it extremely special to me.
WHAT IS YOUR HAIRCARE ROUTINE NOW?
PRE-WASH
I only wash my hair once a week. Currently I pre-poo with the Herbal Hair Mask, and the OG Scalp Treatment. I usually soak my hair and apply the products, then I braid my hair (as a protective style) and let it sit in it the night or day before I plan to wash my hair.
DURING WASH
I go ahead and wash my hair with the Herbal Shampoo. I then condition my hair with the Herbal Conditioner (discontinued) and tie it up while I finish washing up in the shower. I rinse only a little bit of the conditioner out and leave the remainder in my hair.
POST-WASH
After I shower, I once again braid my hair and apply a little bit of the Herbal Hair Mask to my ends, along with some homemade flaxseed gel to hold it together. In the morning when my hair is dry, I apply the Rose Hair Elixir to break apart the curl clumps. I also sleep with a silk bonnet every night to protect my hair.
HOW DID YOU SEE YOUR HAIR CHANGE AFTER USING THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS?
My hair has become so much healthier and stronger using The Innate Life products. I’ve noticed a lot less shedding and more new growth. My hair is the longest and healthiest it's been in over 4 years since I’ve started using The Innate Life products. My curls are looking more refreshed, bouncier and defined – I can finally wear my hair out without being embarrassed of stringy dead-looking curls.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE FOR YOU TO SEE RESULTS?
It took approximately 1-2 months until I personally started noticing my curls looking more defined and healthy. I realized at this time as well that my hair was shedding less when I brushed it. I did not take many pictures of my hair journey but my hair easily grew 6 inches over 7 months when I looked back at personal pictures of myself.
WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT AND WHY?
I couldn’t narrow it down to just one, I love many of your products for different reasons! The Herbal Shampoo is so refreshing and clarifying; my boyfriend even used it a few times and loved the way it made his hair feel. The Herbal Conditioner (discontinued) is so light but gives me the slip I need in my hair, and it smells so clean and natural. Next, I love how the Normal Scalp Treatment makes my scalp feel after application, especially because of the peppermint oil. It really makes me feel like the blood is flowing to my scalp. Lastly, I also love the Rose Hair Elixir because it doesn’t make my hair greasy. It's a beautiful light weight oil with the best rosy scent to it, and it’s perfect for breaking up curl clumps without making my hair frizzy.
WHO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THESE PRODUCTS TO?
I would recommend (and already have) to anyone! They are natural products which are best for your hair. I would highly recommend them to anyone with damage from chemical dying or heat. Also to anyone experiencing shedding, those who are starting on their natural hair journey, and especially to the curly community.
HOW DOES THE INNATE LIFE FIT INTO A LIFESTYLE COMMITTED TO HEALTH + WELLNESS?
In my previous statements I was drawn to The Innate Life because of the fact that this brand is an organic hair care company. The Innate Life fits into this lifestyle because almost all of their ingredients are organic or organic derivatives, and many of the ingredients are used in ayurvedic hair care practices, which I love.