5 Beauty Sleep Tips for Better Hair & Skin

We've all heard of the phrase "Beauty Sleep..."

But it's hard to believe there's any truth to the expression when we often wake up with our hair in tangles. Don't be so quick to discredit it! There are actually many ways to actively improve the health and look of your hair and skin, just by changing the way you prepare for bed. And it all happens while you're sound asleep. Here are 5 tips to get the most out of your beauty sleep.

1. Create waves

Shower at night and allow yourself sometime to style your hair before bed. Permit strands to air dry until they are damp and run the Blood of the Dragon Styling Gel through hair with your fingers. Depending on your hair type, you can either sleep in braids or twist hair in a bun or buns. Do not be afraid to trial and test different do's for optimal waves, and trust me when I say, "bed head has never looked so good!"

 2. Moisturize skin and hair

This is very important especially during colder months when the air is a little bit drier. The key is to keep skin and hair hydrated at all times. Check out some of our products that will keep your hair and skin feeling moisturized all day. Our Euro Natural Oil is perfect for thicker, curly hair. And for those of you with fine hair, check out the Diamond Crystal Mist and Sapphire Volumizer Mist.

3. Fuller, longer lashes

Euro Natural Oil isn't just great for hair. Those vitamins, minerals, lengthening, thickening, and hydrating agents do plenty to enhance your lashes as well. Using a spoolie brush, apply a small amount of oil to your lashes nightly. This will prevent breakage and help lashes become healthier with-in weeks!

 4. Overnight Conditioner

Leave-in conditioners are a great way to moisturize your hair out of the shower. Our Diamond Crystal Mist and Sapphire Volumizer Mist can be applied before bed. Apply a few sprays and fashion your hair into a plait before you hit the sheets. Hit snooze and wake up to shiny, soft, silky strands!

 5. No more dry nail beds

Put a few drops of oil onto your nail beds before bed. This should keep them sufficiently moisturized while you slumber. If you're prone to tossing and turning, consider slipping on some gloves or mittens, whichever are more comfortable. It may sound silly, but you'll appreciate it when you wake up with hydrated, healthy nails!

What nighttime habits have helped you get the most out of your beauty sleep?

6 Ways to Prevent Split Ends & Take Back Your Hair

We've all suffered at one point or another from what I like to call "split end syndrome."

You can take a deep breath; having split ends is not the end of the world... especially if you have on hand your favorite paleo hair care products! Split ends are caused by a number of factors, including overuse of heat, styling abuse, stress or environmental factors. The hair will become cracked and will "split" upwards along the strand, resulting in frayed or brittle ends. Hair may take on a duller, matte look and begin to lose volume. You'll notice tangles and snarls as the hairs rub against one another, causing additional damage and brekage. Talk about a vicious cycle! The best way to prevent split ends is to form a healthy relationship with your hair through daily habits. Here are 6 tips to avoid split ends and get back your hair:

1.) Regular trims with the Lunar Hair Chart

The easiest (and most obvious) way to avoid split ends is to simply cut them off. Regular trimmings remove the frayed hair and allow for healthy hair growth. The average time between haircuts for men should be 4-6 weeks. For women, that average time frame is between 8-12 weeks, but you can do more or less dependent on your hair type. If you're looking to get the most out of your cut, make sure you schedule in accordance with the Lunar Hair Chart. The Lunar Hair chart predicts the most beneficial time to cut your hair to achieve the lunar goals: strengthen, lengthen, root work, thicken and beautify.

2.) Beat the heat

Our use of blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons has reached a level of addiction. Most people are aware of that fact that heat damages hair and yet continue to use harmful styling tools because they make sculpting hair so easy. I'm here to be the bearer of bad news: easy is not always the right choice for your hair. Instead, practice air drying your hair as much as possible. If you're looking for curls, apply a daub of paleo styling gel to a lock of hair, twist, hold and release! Also, consider toning down the temperature of your shower, especially if you love to take longer showers (like me).

3.) Seal in moisture with a hair masque

You've probably heard about mud masques for your face, but have you ever considered one for your hair? The Zen Detox Hair & Scalp Therapy seals in beneficial moisture to mend hair and split ends. Using the Zen Detox every couple weeks will strengthen, soften and improve overall shine.

4.) Shampoo twice (really!)

A lot of us take the way we shampoo and condition our hair for granted, not considering that we may be doing it incorrectly. For example, only shampooing is often not enough for our hair to really be cleansed. Get into the habit of shampooing twice. The first wash rinses away loosened debris, dead skin cells and excess oils. The second rinse focuses more on the scalp; take your time, massaging the shampoo into your scalp to nourish the skin and improve healthy blood circulation. Follow up with a paraben free  conditioner, treating mostly the ends of the hair where the split ends occur.

5.) Brush, brush & brush

Always use a natural bristle brush to detangle your tresses after a shower. I personally love the Pure Boar Bristle Brush. Boar hair is almost identical to human hair, which allows it to pull your scalp's natural oils from the roots of your hair to the ends. This natural oil makes for an excellent condition and seals in moisture, preventing split ends. Note: your hair is most susceptible to breakage when it is wet, so gently brush through your hair and stay away from harsh brushes!

6.) Pull it back & tie it up

Switching up your hair ties can make a big difference. Standard ties are made with elastic and can cause hair breakage and split ends. Choose softer hair ties from brands like Simbi, Pura Vida or the Sephora Collection of Ombre Seamless Hair Ties. You'll be one step closer to kissing those split ends goodbye, plus your ponytail will look better than ever. It's a win-win

What cures have you found for pesky "split end syndrome?"