Featuring Dr. Bahareh Moshtagh
Photo provided by Dr. Bahareh Moshtagh
What is your name? Bahareh Moshtagh
How old are you? 31
Where are you from? I was born in Tehran, Iran. I am Azeri. I currently live in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
In a few sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I am a naturopathic doctor working in Vancouver BC. I am a huge nerd when it comes to health and wellness and spend a lot of time learning about how to make my own beauty products. I am not a one size fits all person. When I’m not studying my life away, I am spending time with family and friends cooking, baking and spending time in the garden.
What are you currently doing for hair health and care? I think a diet in adequate amounts of minerals like zinc, copper etc., iron, vitamin C, biotin and healthy omega3 fatty acids is key. If you are lacking in nutrition, it shows! Besides this I have figured out what does and doesn’t work for me when styling my hair, read below.
Are you using any natural hair products (if yes, what are they and what do you like or not like about them)? I currently use Dessert Essence shampoo and conditioner, I like that they have fragrance free options and are naturally formulated. There are other companies as well: Pur & Pure, Babo botanicals etc. I usually put a bit of coconut oil in my hair after towel drying my hair and leave it down. By the next morning I like the way my natural curls look. There is also a T shirt method to curl your hair, if you google this, it’s a great way to wrap your hair for curls when wet. I do like to straighten my hair and I see many people using oils before straightening their hair, oil actually burns or oxidizes quiet easily, damaging your hair, so you want to actually go for a cream base. I use EVO lockdown smoothing treatment before I do any kind of heat styling. They also have a product for curls. Then I put on something like Moroccan oil in my hair near the end for touch ups with a bit of heat, and maybe a bit of hair spray to hold if im getting ready for an event. Also for scalp treatments when you feel the dandruff coming on, warm argon or jojoba oil is great for rehydrating the scalp which you brush with a wooden brush to increase blood flow, you can also add a cinnamon stick to the oil for extra blood flow!
What works well for you and what doesn’t? For me a small amount of coconut oil works really well! But for people with thinner hair, it seems to make their hair look dirty and too oily. The quality of your hair determines what it responds to. The above ritual works really well for me. I have a lot of hair and each strand is thick so it can absorb a lot. Depending on the weather I might opt for straight (when dry) or curly (humid and rainy) or else you are just fighting the weather and you will lose my friend.
What do you like about your hair and what has taken some time for you to accept about your hair? I do love that I have really thick hair which adapts to being straight or curly and holds style well. Growing up I had tighter stronger curls and I didn’t embrace them and was constantly trying to straighten my hair. With age and exposure to styling heat and keratin treatments, my hair lost its tight curls and now I feel like I have to have to adhere to a protocol so it always looks manageable for every day wear. Overall, I am happy with the quality of my hair but I wish I always embraced my natural curls.
What are some helpful tips you can share with other readers? Always ask your hairdresser about what they will be using in your hair and whether there are chemical free ways to dye or treat your hair at the salon. Use the EWG app “Think Dirty” to vet your product on the “clean” or “dirty” scale. Find new ways to put up your hair that don’t involve a tight elastic band that bends and breaks your hair. Learning different braids are a great way to keep your hair healthy with a nice look that is heat free. Wrapping your hair at night is another way to protect it.
If you would like to link information about yourself and how to contact you please list your website for other readers to look at. I have my own website: www.drbahareh.com you can reach me through there and get to know me and my nerdy side a bit better. I am super passionate about medicine making or making beauty products with herbs so stay tuned for some products and DIY tips!