MEET VANESSA
My name is Vanessa and I am a Social Media Manager for beauty brands. I have worked with brands in skincare, haircare, and makeup at all levels from mass to prestige. I started out as a beauty lover when I was a kid. I grew up and became a teen with the social media boom. My favourite after-school activity was watching my favorite beauty YouTubers. I have always been obsessed with beauty. Then in college, I was an Ulta employee, learning about + selling my favourite brands. After graduation, I started working on social media.
My interest in beauty translated to my own hair growth and health as I had damaged hair from box dye over the years in my teens. I grew my hair to a length I was comfortable with where I could cut off the dyed ends, and I started from scratch with my hair at my shoulders. I think I have watched every ‘How To Grow Your Hair’ video under the sun. From my big chop to my shoulders in 2018, I grew my hair to my hips. And then in 2022, I started experimenting with bangs, layers, and color – all while keeping my length.
I am passionate about building communities and made it my career through social media! I love connecting with people about beauty and spreading positivity. I am also passionate about mental health and finding what makes you confident.
My interest in beauty translated to my own hair growth and health as I had damaged hair from box dye over the years in my teens. I grew my hair to a length I was comfortable with where I could cut off the dyed ends, and I started from scratch with my hair at my shoulders. I think I have watched every ‘How To Grow Your Hair’ video under the sun. From my big chop to my shoulders in 2018, I grew my hair to my hips. And then in 2022, I started experimenting with bangs, layers, and color – all while keeping my length.
I am passionate about building communities and made it my career through social media! I love connecting with people about beauty and spreading positivity. I am also passionate about mental health and finding what makes you confident.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE TEXTURE OF YOUR HAIR?
My hair is wavy/curly. If I take the time for a full curly hair routine, my curls really thrive. After all these years, I still don’t know if I’ve found the perfect curly hairstyles for my hair length! I love changing my hair from straight/wavy/curly.
Left to Right: Vanessa's hair on June 3, 2020; Vanessa's hair on March 5, 2021.
HOW DID YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS?
Before The Innate Life products, I had been on my hair journey for a few years and had just done a big chop. I had also just found out I have dermatitis on my scalp. I was searching for something to help the itch without stripping my hair and destroying my ends. That is when I found the Problematic Scalp Treatment and Rose Hair Elixir.
WHAT MADE YOU SEEK OUT THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS? HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE COMPANY?
I found The Innate Life after finding Organically Anna on YouTube. I was just discovering the long hair community and wanted to reach my hair goals while treating my scalp issues.
WHAT SETS THE INNATE LIFE APART FROM OTHER COMPANIES IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY?
The Innate Life encompassed everything I needed – from clean ingredients to products that actually work. I saw results in my scalp health immediately and the ends of my hair were thriving. Breakage where? I really felt like the products did what they say and the beauty nerd in me loved learning from the brand’s blog and social posts.
WHAT IS YOUR HAIRCARE ROUTINE NOW?
PRE-WASH
In my hair routine, I use the Problematic Scalp Treatment almost every wash day (1-2 times per week).
DURING WASH
Then I use a sulfate-free shampoo and silicone-free conditioner. I change my shampoos and conditioners almost every buy because I love trying new things. Then I use a hair mask, rinse, and follow with a tiny bit of conditioner.
POST-WASH
After the shower, I decide if I am going to wear my hair curly or be lazy. If I am being lazy, I will use a leave-in conditioner spray and use a wide tooth comb to detangle. Once my hair is dry, I apply a few drops of the Rose Hair Elixir every night before bed and braid my hair to protect it. I also use a satin pillowcase. If I am wearing my hair curly, I will use a curl cream and detangle. Then I will apply a balm or a teeny tiny bit of gel. I prefer fluffy curls rather than super defined, but I do need a little hold. Then I will scrunch.
I either air dry or diffuse depending on the look I am going for. I also follow a capillary schedule, which means I schedule my masks to provide protein, hydration, and nourishment. My hair tends to need more hydration and less protein. So while I use hydrating masks weekly, I might only use a protein mask twice per month. I love masks from this hair routine for this purpose, or I mix and match masks from different brands.
I either air dry or diffuse depending on the look I am going for. I also follow a capillary schedule, which means I schedule my masks to provide protein, hydration, and nourishment. My hair tends to need more hydration and less protein. So while I use hydrating masks weekly, I might only use a protein mask twice per month. I love masks from this hair routine for this purpose, or I mix and match masks from different brands.
HOW DID YOU SEE YOUR HAIR CHANGE AFTER USING THE INNATE LIFE PRODUCTS?
I felt immediate relief in my scalp redness, itchiness, and flakes. My scalp felt clean and hydrated. My ends were soft instead of straw-like. When I am currently using The Innate Life Shampoo + Conditioner (discontinued), my hair is extremely hydrated and soft. I also get told I smell like a high-end spa when I use them.
Left: Vanessa's hair in 2018, after cutting off her dyed + damaged ends.
Right: Vanessa's hair in 2022, remaining long + thick through colour treatments.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE FOR YOU TO SEE RESULTS?
My big chop to my shoulders was in 2018, and by 2020, my hair was at my hips. I found The Innate Life in 2019 in the middle of my growth. I felt like it decreased breakage and my need for trims dramatically during this time.
WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT AND WHY?
My favorite product is probably the Problematic Scalp Treatment since it helps relieve my dermatitis just as well as anything from my dermatologist without stripping my hair. The Rose Hair Elixir is a close second.
WHO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THESE PRODUCTS TO?
I recommend these products to anyone who needs to improve their scalp health, wants to grow their hair, bring their curls back to life, or just choose good + clean hair care.
HOW DOES THE INNATE LIFE FIT INTO A LIFESTYLE COMMITTED TO HEALTH + WELLNESS?
I feel good about The Innate Life products knowing they are natural and clean, and I am supporting a smaller business. If I am searching for wellness, I want to nourish my hair just like I would nourish my body through food.
Read more real stories here!
Read more real stories here!