MEET DIANE
I have an 11-year-old rescue dachshund who is my best friend and I like spending time with him and my husband, going to the beach and the park, working out regularly, and I watch a bit more television and movies than I probably should. I have my beauty blog and YouTube that has been a hobby and passion of mine now for years. I also love coffee and gorgeous sunsets.
My passions in life are self care for sure, healthy hair care, a good skincare regimen, overall wellness and eating healthy most of the time but still having treats because life is short. Fitness is also super important, especially since I have stuff going on that is worse without it, and my dog. Animals in general are amazing.
My passions in life are self care for sure, healthy hair care, a good skincare regimen, overall wellness and eating healthy most of the time but still having treats because life is short. Fitness is also super important, especially since I have stuff going on that is worse without it, and my dog. Animals in general are amazing.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE TEXTURE OF YOUR HAIR?
Impossible is the first word that came to mind but in reality it is loose curls, frizzy and coarse. Also thinning, plus damaged from toxic products I used last year that I’ve been slowing recovering from. High porosity and for those who do follow this typing, I’m a 2C/3A.
HOW DID YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS?
I washed a few times a week but not enough, and used way more damaging dry shampoo than I should have. I did still mask and also used a lot of styling products but they all weren’t always the best quality.
WHAT MADE YOU SEEK OUT THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS? HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE COMPANY?
My hair got so damaged last year from toxic products, so to help, I was on the hunt for clean, natural but effective products that had good hair growth ingredients inside. Cruelty-free products are also a must for me. The Innate Life fit all of these wants I have. I came across your brand on Instagram. I believe Organically Anna and Curly LuLu posted and they were who I originally ordered from. Also, can we talk about the fact how awesome it is that your Shampoo and Conditioner (discontinued) help encourage healthy hair growth at the scalp AND repair damage!?! It's so rare to find a shampoo and conditioner to combat both of these issues, it is usually one or the other.
WHAT SETS THE INNATE LIFE APART FROM OTHER COMPANIES IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY?
The fact you are cruelty-free is super important to me, but your products truly are high quality and work, and they are so potent! Often if I see companies say "a little goes a long way," I laugh, but it really is true with your stuff. I also love the amount of quality hair growth and repair oils and botanicals that are in your products. Often I’ll see lines with a handful of these ingredients, but you use so many and I just love that! Also I love the fact a lot of your products are in black bottles so the light doesn’t affect their potency.
WHAT IS YOUR HAIRCARE ROUTINE NOW?
If I’m too in depth, you will have a novel. Haircare comes from the inside as well as out so I drink a gallon of water a day, eat protein at every meal, and tons of veggies. I also take Nutrafol vitamins every single day which are amazing (Disclaimer: talk to your doctor before taking new supplements). As far as my hair routine, I wash my hair 2-3 times a week, depending. I work out 6 days a week so sometimes I have to wash for my scalp even if my hair doesn’t necessarily need it yet.
PRE-WASH
I always use a pre-shampoo mask like the Herbal Hair Mask from your line. Also, I sleep with your Problematic Scalp Treatment the night before washing every time. I sleep on a satin pillowcase. I try to use a mask almost every wash too since my hair is very dry and damaged. I do protein treatments every few weeks since my hair really likes protein.
DURING WASH
I prefer a shampoo, not just a co-wash, to really get my scalp clean and keep my follicles healthy and ready for hair growth.
POST-WASH
Styling wise, I have a 4-product routine that works well for me. Not every single person needs 4 products for styling, but right now for me, it works. I use a leave-in, then something called a 'filler' (I forgot who came up with this but likely it was not me) and this is just a bonus step to help fill in cuticle gaps, help frizz and encourage curl formation, then use a firm hold gel and seal with an oil, such as Rose Hair Elixir.
I prefer to air dry over diffusing, and I clip my hairline pieces back to stretch them out because they are the most damaged and rebellious. Firm hold gel is a must to survive work outs and get me better multi-day hair. I apply products in small sections using 'The Rake and Shake Technique' by Ouidad. I also love my Aquis Hair Towel to help remove excess water and help my hair dry faster. It is the best hair towel.
Day 2 and 3 hair needs minimal retouching. Your Leave-in Conditioner spray works as an amazing refresh spray and the Rose Hair Elixir on dry hair is just as amazing as on wet. I love your whole line except the Neroli Hair Primer, but that is only because I have never used it since my husband is very much allergic to Neroli. Please make a non-Neroli version because I love the idea of it. :)
I prefer to air dry over diffusing, and I clip my hairline pieces back to stretch them out because they are the most damaged and rebellious. Firm hold gel is a must to survive work outs and get me better multi-day hair. I apply products in small sections using 'The Rake and Shake Technique' by Ouidad. I also love my Aquis Hair Towel to help remove excess water and help my hair dry faster. It is the best hair towel.
Day 2 and 3 hair needs minimal retouching. Your Leave-in Conditioner spray works as an amazing refresh spray and the Rose Hair Elixir on dry hair is just as amazing as on wet. I love your whole line except the Neroli Hair Primer, but that is only because I have never used it since my husband is very much allergic to Neroli. Please make a non-Neroli version because I love the idea of it. :)
Also sometimes on Day 2 or 3, if I french braid my hair, the Rose Hair Elixir is a must for the smoothest and shiniest braids! I also use something called a laser comb 3 times a week to further help promote hair growth since I lost half my density last year from the toxic products. I don't dye or use chemicals on my hair and because of the damage, I trim my hair every 3 months but I'm hoping soon I will be able to go longer between trims.
HOW DID YOU SEE YOUR HAIR CHANGE AFTER USING THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS?
I am trying to grow my hair really long, get it healthy again and get density back that I lost. I see baby hairs and new growth all over. The Innate Life is helping my hair return to its former glory, feeling soft, helping frizz, bouncy, and helping with growth.
WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT AND WHY?
I love everything and tried to pick only one but the best I can do is narrow it down to 2.
Problematic Scalp Treatment: I’ve used this at least once a week since December 2019. It has helped me shed less and has also helped with new growth! It’s honestly the best scalp treatment ever.
Rose Hair Elixir: It is so versatile and helps my unruly frizz and adds shine. I love how many beneficial oils are inside and knowing that when I use it, my hair is being treated and getting healthy in the long run as well as having the immediate cosmetic effect.
Also Runner Up is the pre-shampoo Herbal Hair Mask. The level of silkiness my hair feels whenever I use it is magical.
WHO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THESE PRODUCTS TO?
Anybody with hair!!
HOW DOES THE INNATE LIFE FIT INTO A LIFESTYLE COMMITTED TO HEALTH + WELLNESS?
The Innate Life is non toxic, clean, and full of awesome ingredients and extracts without any junk, fillers or potentially hazardous ingredients inside.