My Favorite Vegan Hair Products!

Because of my 5 Year Veganniversary on March second I’ve decided each post for this month will be vegan themed!

Today, I’m sharing my favorite vegan / cruelty free hair care products. Everything I’ve pictured below is in my regular daily or weekly rotation, and has been used for at least a year to test the results and effectiveness. I’m very particular about the products I use on my hair, but my transition into using only vegan products was easy, and my hair is healthier than ever! I hope you’ll try some of these options when shopping in the future. These are not only excellent-quality products, but they come from companies I support who share similar values in regards to animal welfare and the health of the planet. And, you have the option to shop them all locally if you are in Humboldt County!

Shampoo / Conditioner:

I have mild to moderate eczema on my scalp. I color treat my hair every six weeks, and I like my hair to stay long, thick, and as soft as possible while keeping my color in tact. I wash my hair once a week and use heat on it (blow dry / flat iron) a few times a month. The Maria Nila Heal shampoo and conditioner are the best I have ever used. Hands down. No contest. My scalp is much less dry and irritated, and my hair grows extremely fast now. I’ve been growing it out for years and after only one year of using these products my hair grew so much I had to cut four inches off last month because it had gotten TOO long. I recommend this for anyone who has dandruff, dry scalp, eczema, or who simply loves having soft healthy hair that grows quickly!

I do want to mention that Maria Nila makes several lines for all different hair types and concerns. I’d encourage you to look at several or ask your hair professional before choosing the one best for you. However, if you have scalp and hair growth issues, this line would most likely be the best selection for you.

Shop Local: https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/
Shop Local: https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/

Masks:

I use these masks each time I wash my hair. Since I have bleached hair, I actually mix 1/2 Silver mask with 1/2 Heal mask, leave on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse. This helps my scalp, softens my hair, and neutralizes yellow tones.

Shop Local: https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/
Shop Local: https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/

Styling Products:

For right after I towel dry:

Shop Local: https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/

For when I want beach-y waves without using heat:

Shop Local: https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/

For when I need big volume at the root:

Tousle Finishing Spray
Shop Local: https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/

I couldn’t find detailed descriptions of the Pulp Riot products I use. I get them from my hairstylist / local salon and they are also 100% vegan and cruelty free. I’m obsessed with their styling products and find that they work extremely well and smell amazing!

For when I need to set any style in place without my hair feeling sticky or “crunchy:”

Flexible Hold Hairspray
Shop Local: https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/

For all the time. I use this to finish any look including straight or wavy hairstyles. It makes my hair look shiny, healthy, and does not compromise the longevity of my style.

Hair Serum
Shop Local: https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/

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For my non-local folks to shop:

https://www.lovelyskin.com/c/pulp-riot

https://marianila.com/us/

My current hair, for reference:

Photo, Style, Cut, Color by Tanishia Cole at Trimmed & Pinned Hair Studio, Eureka CA

To get to know my hairstylist and the professional products she uses: https://www.google.com/amp/s/thereallifeveganwife.com/2019/06/08/women-in-business-series-tanishia-boswell-co-owner-trimmed-pinned-hair-studio/amp/

Christmas Time is Here!

Today is the three year anniversary party for my business Two Beauties Skincare & Makeup Artistry. My official opening date is November 1, 2016 but because Christmas is my favorite holiday I made it a tradition to celebrate in December during my favorite night in old town Eureka. Every first Saturday of the month businesses in the historic old town section of Eureka stay open late for shopping, snacks, and art displays. When I moved to northern California and first started going to “Arts Alive” nights I always looked forward to the Christmas edition of this tradition.

Downtown is decorated, it’s cold out, and that special holiday spirit is in the air. I’d walk around in awe of how beautiful Eureka and it’s small businesses are – all lit up and glowing. The street lights shining through the mist and fog rolling in from the water. Like a glimpse into the past – what shopping for Christmas must have looked like before malls and the internet. Buying presents from people you know, watching them gift wrap your trinkets, knowing you’re supporting community. I love how many people come together to support our little town and it’s traditions. Back then I never would’ve dreamed I’d have a store front on second street, that I’d be a small business owner and a real part of this tradition. And what a journey it’s been already.

Today, as I prepare for my one big party a year – a way to celebrate my wonderful clients, our beautiful small town, and the magic of Christmas, I decided to show you how I decorate. At work and at home. For those of you that know me personally, maybe you’ve seen my shop and my home and can use this blog post for decorating and shopping inspiration. I’ll share the local vendors I used for my beautiful Christmas Arts Alive display at work, and then show you how I set up my house to reflect my love of the holidays. For those of you that may not know me, or have never visited my studio, I hope that this post is a way for you to get to know me better – an inside look at the things that make me happy.

While I’m aware that “things” are not what the holidays are about, I do recognize that I am very connected to the environments that I create for myself, and the feelings they evoke. When I take the time to create spaces that look and feel magical, that helps me to feel happy and content to just be and exist in the moment. Last night I locked up at work, about an hour and a half later than usual at the end of an eleven hour day, and I took the time to stand on the quiet sidewalk outside my front window and just look. Cardboard boxes full of décor in hand, I just let myself stand there and feel gratitude for what we’ve made. Local businesses are truly a creation of an entire community.

And I had a thought. As the years go by and I learn, grow, and get to know myself better, I realize that Christmas is my favorite holiday because of the magic that is easier to see. I’ve always been someone who notices the whimsical in the ordinary, the reality in the imaginary and the fairy-tale in every day circumstances. I’m given two ordinary options, and often times I’d rather create a third more extraordinary one for myself. I know Santa Claus isn’t real, but really, isn’t he? And why not believe? I’d lost that part of myself for a while – the part that insisted on believing – and lately I’ve been recovering it. Bit by bit. Because being solidly grounded in logic is good, but when that’s all you see, life becomes boring and soulless. And after all, reality is subjective anyway.

And so I’ve discovered that Christmas is that time of year when almost everyone is willing to recognize and believe a little more in magic. The trick is to learn to see that magic around us every single day of the year, because I know it’s there, somewhere.

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Work Display Vendors:

Photography: The Studio by Kimberly Ann

http://www.photosbykimberlyann.com/contact.html

Hair: Trimmed & Pinned Hair Studio

https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/

Wardrobe: Shipwreck Boutique

https://m.facebook.com/shipwreckeureka/

Florals: Flora Organica Designs

https://www.floraorganicadesigns.com

Display Stand & Sign: Barri Jean Designs

https://www.barrijeandesigns.com

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Notable Etsy Shops For Holiday Home Decor:

CreateYourOwnGift https://www.etsy.com/shop/CreateYourOwnGift

MyRusticHomeBoutique https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyRusticHomeBoutique

StardustBySeiko https://www.etsy.com/shop/StardustBySeiko

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My Favorite Local Shops For Holiday Decor:

Ferndale Emporium http://www.ferndale-emporium.com

The Farmer’s Daughter https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Home-Decor/The-Farmers-Daughter-110728025661214/

Golden Gait Mercantile https://www.goldengaitmercantile.com

Land of Lovely https://landoflovely.com

Pierson’s https://www.thebighammer.com

Sekoya Botanicals https://sekoyabotanicals.com

Main Street Gift Co https://www.mainstreetgiftco.net

We also do a fair amount of holiday decor shopping at Michaels, and at a store called Paddington Station in Ashland, Oregon. https://paddingtonstationashland.com

Vegan Holiday Shoe Guide

We’ve all noticed it- summer is turning into fall. It’s my favorite season, and in Humboldt county the nights seem to get colder and the days crisp, in what seems like the almost undetectable blink of an eye. Which means we’re in the midst of pumpkin patch trips, family photos, football games, parties, and holidays. It’s cozy season, but it’s also the season of glitter, glam, and New Year’s Eve. I celebrate the anniversary of opening my business on November 1st and my wedding anniversary on December 26th. To me, it’s truly the most wonderful time of the entire year.

I find that fall and winter are my favorite fashion months. Flannels and boots, rain gear and fuzzy socks, cozy pjs and furry slippers, dresses and heels (pretty much the only time I wear them). I’m inspired to troll Pinterest for the perfect outfit, and to shop for the perfect holiday gift.

This year, I encourage you to explore the wonderful and rapidly expanding selection of vegan shoes. I think that we can almost all agree at this point that vegan materials are a lot less Hannibal Lecter than animal skin. And when given the option for cute, good-quality footwear that is better for the planet, for animals, and for our own inner peace, why not choose the kinder option? Below I’ve included all of my favorite vegan shoes and brands. Happy shopping!

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Pawj California

LIZ10 For 10% off your entire purchase. ❤️

Short Boot $129.97

Tall Boot $149.97

Slipper $79.97

Pawj California makes my absolute favorite vegan boots and slippers. As a die-hard Ugg Boot fan it was difficult giving up my new pair every Christmas during the cold and rainy Humboldt winter. But now I don’t have to! Pawj is a woman-owned and family-run company based out of Southern California with goals to make environmentally friendly and humane Ugg- alternative style boots. I’ve had several pairs that have lived through two winters and are still in excellent condition. Since they come water-resistant right out of the box, you never have to worry about stains or water spots. My personal favorites are the slippers and short boots, and I love that all of the styles come in a wide color range.

https://www.pawjcalifornia.com

Jambu

Duck Boot $75

Snow Boot $79

Evelyn Booties $69

Jambu makes my absolute favorite duck-style boots. My search for a vegan option of the classic LL Bean-style boot ended here, and started my obsession with this brand. They are not an entirely vegan brand, but offer many vegan options! The classic duck boot comes in ten color options, is comfortable, water-resistant, and the perfect height for layering with cute, warm socks. I also love their snow boots (a great Sorel alternative) and their various selection of booties for more work-appropriate styles.

https://jambu.com/women/category/boots-booties

Lulus

Taylor Rose Gold Ankle Strap Heel $31

Hunter Black Suede Ankle Strap Heel $29

I’ll say it again for the people in the back- Lulu’s has an ENTIRELY VEGAN shoe selection on their website! Yes, you read that right. Now go check it out. Personally, I always find my favorite dressy shoes and heels here, but their range of choices is amazing, and everything is labeled and easy to decipher as vegan.

https://www.lulus.com/categories/179_257/vegan-shoes.html

Nike

Nike Air Presto $140

Since I do a lot of working out, I wanted to include my favorite vegan option for athletic shoes. Although Nike is no where near being an entirely vegan company, they did verify recently that their glues are now all plant sourced and therefore, all of their shoe styles that are synthetic with only man-made materials are now considered vegan-friendly. I personally have been wearing this style for years and haven’t found a more comfortable style for HIIT style workouts, cardio, and high rep lower-weight workouts.

https://m.nike.com/us/en_us/product/air-presto-id-shoe/?piid=45004&pbid=1008196145

And last but not least…

Birkenstock

Arizona Vegan $99.95

I’m including these for all those fall-obsessed gals in Humboldt who love rockin’ Birkenstock sandals with cozy socks, leggings, and a Patagonia fleece. You know who you are (and you are not wrong). When I saw that Birkenstock was finally offering a vegan range, I bought this style immediately and am completely obsessed!

https://www.birkenstock.com/us/vegan/