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What is a hair detox? The ‘9-day hair revival’ to refresh your locks

What is a hair detox? The ‘9-day hair revival’ to refresh your locks
A hair detox can help restore the natural balances of oils and moisture in your hair. 

You’ll be familiar with a health detox in the pursuit of feeling better, helping cleanse and reset the body to promote overall health.

But did you know according to experts, a similar process can be beneficial for our hair?

A hair detox is a comprehensive reset aimed at enriching your scalp, banishing buildup, and nurturing healthy hair growth, says stylist Marie Nieuwoudt. 

From battling air pollution to combating the effects of harsh chemicals and seasonal changes, hair faces daily challenges. If your hair feels oily, flaky, or simply stressed out, it’s time for some tender loving care.

A global ambassador and educator for Cloud Nine hair, Nieuwoudt has fine-tuned a 9-day hair revival. This step-by-step process is designed to restore the natural balances of oils and moisture in your hair. 

Here’s how:

Day 1: Cleanse your hair with a clarifying shampoo

Step 1: Start by brushing your hair to tease out tangles and remove dead skin cells.

Step 2: Lather up with your favourite detox shampoo. Massage your scalp before rinsing well with lukewarm, never hot, water.

Step 3: Apply a detox-friendly conditioner, paying attention to the mid-lengths and ends to lock in moisture and reduce frizz. For extra smoothing power, gently run a detangling brush through your hair before rinsing.

Day 2: Boost your hair’s hydration

Step 1: Rinse your hair thoroughly but skip the shampoo today and wash with a hydrating conditioner only. This is known as a “co-wash” and works especially well on type 2 and 3 wavy and curly hair, to retain moisture.

Step 2: Apply a deep conditioning mask for extra moisture, leaving it on for the recommended time. Nieuwoudt recommends trying Cloud Nine’s Magical Remedy conditioning treatment for this task. You can leave it on for a few minutes, or up to 15 minutes for a nurturing hair mask.

Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the hair cuticles and boost shine.

Day 3: Rinse to refresh

Step 1: Rinse your hair with diluted apple cider vinegar to clarify and balance your scalp.

Step 2: Follow with a hydrating conditioner to neutralise the vinegar scent and leave your hair smelling fresh and gorgeous.

Step 3: Allow your hair to air dry for a natural look.

Day 4: Exfoliate your scalp

Step 1: Use a scalp scrub or a mixture of sugar and conditioner to gently exfoliate your scalp.

Step 2: Massage in circular motions to remove dead skin cells and promote blood flow to your hair cuticles.

Step 3: Follow with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and consider sleeping on a silk pillowcase for added protection – perfect if you have type 3 or 4 curls.

Day 5: Nourish your hair with a deep hydration treatment

Step 1: After shampooing, apply a moisturising hair mask with natural oils like argan or coconut oil like Cloud Nine’s Magical Remedy.

Step 2: Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the mask for 15 minutes. Some hair masks can be left on for a few hours or even overnight.

Step 3: Rinse your hair and enjoy the feel of your newly moisturised hair. On top of your hair routine, make sure you drink the recommended two litres of water every day.

Day 6: Style with low-heat styling tools

Step 1: Choose hair straighteners with variable temperature control and find the ideal heat setting to protect the health resilience of your hair. Cloud Nine heated hair tools also have a ‘Revive Mode’ which activates the plates to vibrate gently to ensure the irons glide through your hair without any drag or snag.

Step 2: If you’re using a curler, again look for one with variable temperature control.

Step 3: Before you reach for any heated styling tool, head to Cloud Nine’s Temperature Calculator to work out the optimum temperature for your hair type.

Day 7: Protect your hair with detox-friendly hairstyles

Step 1: Opt for protective styles such as twists or braids to reduce hair handling.

Step 2: Maintain hair moisture all day with a leave-in conditioner.

Step 3: Steer clear of tight hairstyles that strain the hair and scalp. Silk Scrunchies offer a solution for effortless styling.

Day 8: Treat your scalp to a massage

Step 1: Apply a small pea-sized amount of Magical Remedy to wet or dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Leave it on as a conditioner or intensify its effects with an indulgent mask treatment.

Step 2: Treat yourself to a relaxing scalp massage using your fingertips. For an extra invigorating experience, add a few drops of tea tree or peppermint oil.

Step 3: Once you’ve enjoyed your massage, style your hair in a loose, comfortable way to let your scalp breathe. For type 3 or 4 hair, or for hair that’s extra dry, Magical Remedy can be used as a leave-in conditioner for added nourishment and protection throughout the day.

Day 9: Rinse your hair for a final detoxing cleanse

Step 1: Rinse your hair after a chamomile-rich shampoo.

Step 2: Condition with your conditioner of choice – one that nourishes and moisturises your hair from root to tip.

Step 3: Once your detox is complete, style your hair with minimal product and allow it to air dry naturally.

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