MEET KAREN
She works in the IT industry and loves all things anime, sci-fi and space-related. You can also find her watching product reviews on YouTube, as she is also big on skincare, beauty, and wellness. Her other passions include animals and learning more about how to preserve our planet! Karen has been through it all when it comes to her hair. After experiencing dry and damaged hair from so-called 'healthy products', she is on a mission for the healthiest hair ever! Her hair mission: "Grow healthy curly hair to Rapunzel length from a bob haircut while documenting the process."
HOW DID YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS?
Growing up, I did not know how to handle or style my curly hair so I would use products that promised smoothing and taming my curls because I wanted straight hair and thought it was easier and looked better. So I would blow dry my hair straight and then flat iron it to make it extra smooth and straight. In my head, I thought it looked good, but over time, I had to keep trimming the ends to keep the splits away and my fine hair would not feel as thick as it used to. I would have my hair bleached white and often got Brazilian blowouts for over 2 years. I did not respect my hair's natural texture at all!
WHAT MADE YOU SEEK OUT THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS? HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE COMPANY?
The Innate Company came on my radar when two of my favorite long-haired YouTubers (@organicallyanna and Sarah Marie Nagel @holistichabits) recommended them. In my quest for long healthy hair, I thought, if it is good enough for those two to use on their long locks then it is definitely good enough for me! I was also tired of not being happy with my hair in its natural state.
WHAT SETS THE INNATE LIFE APART FROM OTHER COMPANIES IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY?
Besides the ingredients being cruelty-free, 95% organic and vegan, the list of ingredients make it easy to see everything in them and I love that there are no silicones, detergents or any harsh chemicals. I also love the passion and accessibility of The Innate Life team, and that it is a company started by women!
WHAT IS YOUR HAIRCARE ROUTINE NOW?
PRE-WASH
Usually once a week, on the night before I wash my hair I will use The Innate Life Scalp Treatment (the one for problematic scalp). I massage it into my scalp in sections, then wrap my hair in a cap, and tie it up before I go to sleep.
DURING WASH
In the morning, when I am ready to wash my hair I use The Innate Life Herbal Shampoo + Conditioner (discontinued) and then put on a deep conditioner and leave it on for 30 minutes.
POST-WASH
Once I rinse my hair and put in my leave-in and styling products, I will use the Rose Hair Elixir to seal everything in and re-apply the hair oil every day to my ends, sometimes twice a day depending if my hair needs it. I love the way it makes my hair feel and smell!
HOW DID YOU SEE YOUR HAIR CHANGE AFTER USING THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS?
For one, my scalp health has improved tremendously! I do not say that lightly because I used to deal with what I thought was seasonal dryness of my scalp and eczema caused by the change in weather. However, I believe now that it was because of all the harsh chemicals in regular shampoos and conditioners that I have been using for years, along with product buildup. My hair is also much softer, bouncier, and FULLER. I believe that The Innate Life products are playing a role in this as part of my overall organic approach toward my body and skin and hair. I am about to say something I never thought I would ever say: I LOVE MY CURLY HAIR! That is with the help of The Innate Life products!
WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT AND WHY?
Can I pick two? It would definitely be the Scalp Treatment and the Rose Hair Elixir! I cannot choose between the two! The reason is my goal is to grow long healthy curls so I like to focus on a healthy scalp and healthy ends and these products are integral in achieving that. They both offer aromatherapy and a spa feeling when I use them and I enjoy taking that time to pamper my scalp and hair. The Scalp Treatment helped alleviate the dry + itchy feeling I used to have on my scalp, which is a miracle in itself! The Rose Hair Elixir helps make my curls feel so silky and soft and is so lovely to touch, and the scent of roses is so beautiful. I am addicted to this oil!
WHO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THESE PRODUCTS TO?
I believe these products will work for everyone and every hair type. However, specifically, I want to implore all the curly-haired beauties to try it. Curly hair can be so delicate and fragile, and the products made by The Innate Life are so gentle and nourishing. Curly hair flourishes with these kinds of nutrients and organic ingredients. It really does make each curl spring and bounce and feel soft and look shiny and not with any artificial silicones or smoothers. It really is a beautiful miracle line for curly hair! I would love to see the line expand even more!
HOW DOES THE INNATE LIFE FIT INTO A LIFESTYLE COMMITTED TO HEALTH + WELLNESS?
I believe that The Innate Life products are playing a role in my overall health and wellness and adding to my organic approach toward my body, skin, and hair. Over time, I have eliminated products that contain any toxins and harsh chemicals and have slowly replaced them with organic, clean, nontoxic options. This is why I choose The Innate Life repeatedly when deciding on products to use on my hair. The ingredients are stellar and really pack a punch in my results when styling my hair. It has been over a year now since I decided to stop chemically altering my hair texture with relaxers or changing my natural hair color with dyes and bleach. Since then, my curls are finally back and healthier than they have ever been thanks to The Innate Life products!