Featuring Gisela Mara
Photo by Gisela Mara
What is your name? My name is Gisela Mara.
How old are you? I am 47 years old.
Where are you from? I am Brazilian/Canadian.
What is your background?
I have a Law degree from Brazil, where I worked as a lawyer for a few years. After moving to Canada I got a Translator certificate from the University of Toronto. I worked as a translator while taking care of my kids. I had a cleaning business with a friend, and I have also worked as a preschool teacher. Right now I am taking a break and focusing on getting better from my chronic migraines (seeing a naturopath is next on my list), and I will probably be back at translating (I love it!).
What are you currently doing for hair health and care?
I noticed my hair changed a lot recently - getting thinner and drier. That’s because your hair ages with you. The dryness of my hair was bothering me, so I started researching natural ways to improve it, and moisturize it effectively. I avoid washing my hair every day because it increases dryness, and since my hair isn’t oily that’s not a problem for me. I have also been applying homemade hair masks, and choosing hair products that are more natural and less harmful (i.e.: containing no sulfates, parabens). I also look for shampoos and conditioners geared towards nourishing and repairing damaged/dry hair. For me, leave-in creams and hair oils work to keep the frizz away and to keep my hair moisturized.
Are you using any natural hair products (if yes, what are they and what do you like or not like about them)?
Yes, as I mentioned in the previous question, I have been applying homemade hair masks and seeing good results from doing so. I like to mix organic coconut oil with honey and leave it in my hair for 2 hours. Sometimes I add an egg to the mix (you can also use plain yogurt, add vitamin E, etc.). If you want to simplify it, you can apply only the coconut oil - you’ll see immediate results.
What works well for you and what doesn’t?
Even though my hair is curly, products targeting curly hair don’t really work very well for me. I rather use products that focus on moisturizing and nourishing my hair. In my case, using the same shampoo or conditioning for too long seems to stop them from performing satisfactorily, I switch between products so they won’t stop being effective. I usually have at least 2 different shampoos and conditioners in my shower, and I alternate between them. Leave-in creams and oils also work well to keep my hair from frizzing or becoming too dry throughout the day.
What do you like about your hair and what has taken some time for you to accept about your hair?
I like how fast my hair grows, and that even though I am getting older and have to care more for my hair, I can still have it long. I never had a problem with my hair being curly, but the frizz always bothered me, and the fact that my hair can ‘change’ multiple times in one day (i.e.: from being ‘well behaved’ to completely frizzy, or from being almost straight to completely curly). I learned to accept my hair how it is, and find solutions that are effective for me; like using a spray bottle to spray water on my hair in order to rearrange it (if you have curly hair you know you should only comb or brush it when it’s wet, otherwise it will frizz even more).
What are some helpful tips you can share with other readers?
Try not to compare your hair to other people’s hair. Your hair contributes to your uniqueness. Embrace it, and take care of it. Embracing your hair does not mean you shouldn’t try to improve it or to change things you dislike about it. Like your skin, a lot of your hair’s health is linked to what you eat, so eating more healthy/wholesome foods will also have a big impact on how your hair looks.
Please share something different, interesting, or funny about yourself.
I get lots of compliments (and even prizes) when I go to parties with the 80’s theme because of my curly hair - all I have to do is leave it as ‘natural’ as possible haha. On a bad hair day, I would be an amazing addition to any 80’s party :-)