MEET SHAYNA
She enjoys creating pyrography (woodburning), sculpting, and painting, as well as rock climbing and hiking. Along with her adventurous and creative spirit, Shayna has been on a long hair journey for the past few years. She describes her hair as thick, coarse, and straight. Read her story below on how she transitioned to box-dying to all-natural and non-toxic.
HOW DID YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS?
I used random supermarket shampoo and conditioner. Nothing particular – whichever was cheapest or on sale, I would get it. I would also dye my hair once a year with box dye, usually after the Summer when my hair would be the most sun-bleached. Daily I’d use dry shampoo, sometimes twice a day depending on my activity level. When I moved cities, the differences in the water and temperature heavily affected my hair, it became frizzy and dry.
WHAT MADE YOU SEEK OUT THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS? HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE COMPANY?
About 3 years ago, I wanted to start living a more clean, sustainable life and support local and Canadian creators. After discovering how many fillers, parabens and dyes were in all my beauty products, I was appalled. I figured the easiest place to start would be with my cleansers and hair products. I discovered The Innate Life from a Canadian Youtuber, holistichabits, who did a special on her hair routine and The Innate Life products were heavily featured. Her hair was long and strong, silky and most importantly not frizzy. I figured that since we have roughly the same hair length and lived in the same city that I could possibly achieve the same results as she did.
WHAT IS YOUR HAIRCARE ROUTINE NOW?
I should start this with a couple of caveats. I don’t apply any heat, styling products, dye, or chemicals (such as chlorine from a swimming pool) to my hair even before I discovered The Innate Life.
I go for a trim every 6 months or so, and I do weekly split end maintenance. I immediately stopped using dry shampoo and promptly acquired a wood bristle brush. I do a scalp massage daily, sometimes twice daily, while I brush my hair. I use the Rose Hair Elixir during my morning routine to help with the floofiness brushing may have caused. I immediately put my hair in a protective style like a bun for the day time and a rope braid for night time.
I wash my hair once a week, sometimes once every two weeks depending on the season. Mid-week, I apply a little of a scalp oil and do a deep scalp massage. It always feels so nice!
The day before hair wash day, I apply The Innate Life Scalp Treatment and give myself a deep scalp massage. I then apply the Herbal Hair Mask or Coconut Oil that my mother made for me depending on how I feel. Rope braid my hair and let it soak in overnight.
In the morning, I wash all the product from my hair using shampoo, concentrating at my scalp and letting the product just run down the rest of my hair. I then do a quick 3-5 minute apple cider vinegar soak for my hair and just enjoy my spa time. After the soak, I’ll gently rinse out the apple cider vinegar and apply conditioner. Rinse out the conditioner then done! I let my hair air dry, I never blow dry or brush my hair while it’s wet.
I go for a trim every 6 months or so, and I do weekly split end maintenance. I immediately stopped using dry shampoo and promptly acquired a wood bristle brush. I do a scalp massage daily, sometimes twice daily, while I brush my hair. I use the Rose Hair Elixir during my morning routine to help with the floofiness brushing may have caused. I immediately put my hair in a protective style like a bun for the day time and a rope braid for night time.
I wash my hair once a week, sometimes once every two weeks depending on the season. Mid-week, I apply a little of a scalp oil and do a deep scalp massage. It always feels so nice!
The day before hair wash day, I apply The Innate Life Scalp Treatment and give myself a deep scalp massage. I then apply the Herbal Hair Mask or Coconut Oil that my mother made for me depending on how I feel. Rope braid my hair and let it soak in overnight.
In the morning, I wash all the product from my hair using shampoo, concentrating at my scalp and letting the product just run down the rest of my hair. I then do a quick 3-5 minute apple cider vinegar soak for my hair and just enjoy my spa time. After the soak, I’ll gently rinse out the apple cider vinegar and apply conditioner. Rinse out the conditioner then done! I let my hair air dry, I never blow dry or brush my hair while it’s wet.
HOW DID YOU SEE YOUR HAIR CHANGE AFTER USING THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS?
The first noticeable difference was how silky my hair was. It was soft and smooth from tip to end; even my ends weren’t as dry. Second difference was a lot of my split ends seemed to have magically disappeared. The long term difference is that my hair growth was exponential, I grew about 14 inches in a year and a half. I have an odd hairline where my hair recedes around the temples. After using the Scalp Treatment for 6 months, the hair in that area got thicker and longer, essentially changing my hairline.
WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT AND WHY?
Hands down, the Rose Hair Elixir. I’ve always had a problem with dry ends and frizziness from humidity and protective hairstyles. The Rose Hair Elixir has helped tame my ends and frizziness. I also have an affinity for Roses and Rose-scented things so this was definitely a number one for me.
WHO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THESE PRODUCTS TO?
EVERYONE! Everyone’s locks can benefit from these products. If you’re looking for growth, improving the overall quality of hair, or looking to give your hair a much-deserved restart use these products, you won’t regret it.
HOW DOES THE INNATE LIFE FIT INTO A LIFESTYLE COMMITTED TO HEALTH + WELLNESS?
As soon as you open the packaging, you know what you are getting is organic quality. All the ingredients are organic, cruelty-free and natural. It’s very easy to tell that a lot of care and thought was placed in the creation of these products which is admirable.