How to get the best hair of your life – sans the chemicals.
The dire search for the right shampoo and conditioner is one of life’s greatest quests. In the past, I have often gotten away with using brands that smell amazing and get the job done, but at a price. As it turned out, the price was my health. That’s because the chemicals present in most of our beauty products are toxic and can contribute to interstitial cystitis pain, toxicity, and chronic inflammation. Once I made the connection between increased IC pain and my shampoo and body wash, my search for the right products intensified. About six months ago I made the switch to Monat and there is officially no going back!
You can convince me to eat anything… if it is healthy. I would love to say that this is all it takes when it comes to my hair care products, but I have been down the road with certain brands before that are completely plant-based and 100% organic, only to be left disappointed for one reason or another. Usually, it’s because it simply doesn’t get my hair clean. When my daughter’s best friend Taylor began using Monat my girls automatically made the switch and would not be quiet about it. I paid little attention to the commotion for a couple of months, but then one day their “before and after” pics made their way onto my phone and I was shocked! Their hair was visibly longer, fuller, and healthier. Add to this the long list of chemicals that were omitted from Monat’s products and I was intrigued. I immediately began asking questions and then wandered into Bella’s room that night to steal her bottle of shampoo and conditioner in order to find out what all the fuss was about.
Monat Haircare
The smell and feel of Monat products are pleasant, though the shampoo did not lather to the degree that I am ordinarily used to (from my chemically filled products) it wasn’t bad. What I noticed was that my hair (which is very curly but gets straightened after every wash) was easier to manage, less frizzy, required less heat to straighten, was softer, and fuller without being puffy. It was also shinier and straighter than usual. Then came the after effects…I did not have to wash it again for four days. Usually, I have to wash it every other day because my scalp gets greasy, but Monat restored the pH balance and well, it’s incredible! Now when I work out it does not come at the price of my hair, but instead, it actually saves me time. I have not even gotten to the best part yet!! My hair is actually growing.
I swear my hair has always grown super slow, like at an average of 1/8 of an inch per month. It’s nothing noticeable and given that I put so much heat on it my stylist has to trim it every time I am there which means my hair is always the same length. I have found this very disappointing but the only solution up till now was to stop straightening my hair, which, is not an option. Additionally, I actually started to have regrowth. Due to my decade long struggle with interstitial cystitis, my hair was thin, dry, and brittle. Illness will do that to you as your body often becomes exhausted and stressed by the daily battle not to mention the nutrient deficiencies that are common when leaky gut is in play. Our hair and skin often reveal the status of our health and mine was screaming. I had lost so much hair over the years that it was discouraging as my once full head of hair dwindled down to less than a handful. Even after my IC symptoms began to reside the regrowth was not yet visible. The thinning was so bad that my visit to my stylist proved overwhelming as she pointed out bald spots- the lasting effects of an “IC Warrior.”
Thankfully, this story has a happy ending!
Monat has transformed my hair and there is no going back because the obsession is real!
Monat’s 30 Day Detox
The detox phase. In the first 30 days of using the product, one can expect the hair to go through “detox”. Designed to break down the buildup on your hair from other products, chemicals, or the environment it will detox your hair and wake up the hair follicles. The detox phase looks different for everyone but for me, my hair became very dry and I was certain that I had ruined it and would need 4-5 inches cut off. I stuck with it though because my girls assured me it would resolve, and well, their hair looked amazing which meant the results spoke for themselves. After the 30 days detox, your hair will begin to feel soft, smooth, and strong.
If you are willing to stick with Monat for 90 days you will see your hair transform. That’s because Monat only uses ingredients that are naturally-based, sustainable, pure and safe for you and the environment. Their formulation of botanical oils is specifically designed to work in harmony with one another in order to bring the hair and scalp back into balance and prevent buildup. Curious about the science behind it? Let’s take a quick peek:
Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive is a blend of over 13 natural plant and essential oils consisting of omega fatty acids and antioxidants.
Capixyl a soothing blend that helps strengthen, thicken, and protect the hair and scalp while promoting natural growth.
Procataline (pea extract) is a natural blend of antioxidants that help combat thinning while also aiding in healthier hair follicles.
Crodasorb protects the hair against the effects of the sun’s damaging UV rays while preserving natural pigmentation.
Non-toxic
I want to touch on an important part here and that is that Monat is safe for those that struggle with autoimmunity and interstitial cystitis as it is bladder friendly. Their products are gluten-free, vegan, and contain no harmful colors or fragrances, and there is no animal testing. Additionally, Monat products take pride in stating:
- NO Parabens
- NO SLS/SLES
- NO Cyclic Silicones
- NO BHT
- NO DEA/MEA
- NO Polyethylene Glycol
- NO Phthalates
- NO Phenoxyethanol
- NO Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, or Paraffin Wax
- NO Triclosan
- NO Plastic Microbeads
- NO Formaldehyde Releasers
Monat products are so incredible that I became a raving fan and made the decision to become a market partner so that I could offer their line right here at IC Wellness. Being sick with interstitial cystitis for ten years took its toll on my entire body, and as a result, my hair and skin lost its once youthful look. Six months after using their products my hair is healthy, strong, growing, and beautiful once again. Achieving these results does not require a ton of product (you only need about a quarter size of shampoo and even less conditioner), my shampoo lasts me 3 to 4 months, the conditioner lasts me six months, and I am still using my original bottle of Blow Out Cream. If you are interested in trying Monat for yourself I would love to help you find the perfect line for your needs. The first step is to take Monat’s hair quiz. Upon taking a hair quiz they will match you with the right products in order to meet your specific needs. From there, you place your order so that you too can begin your journey to a healthier you! Have questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
To learn more click here.
Alexia’s Before and After pics
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