Featuring Dr. Gina Johnson
Photo by Dr. Gina Johnson
What is your name? Dr. Gina Johnson
How old are you? 51 years young
Where are you from? I was born in Italy to a Spaniard-American father and French-American mother. Early childhood was spent in Hawaii with long-standing roots in the Pacific Northwest. You might call me a lively, island-girl, outdoorsy, Euro-American mix who feels at home wherever I’m planted.
What is your background? In a few sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
I am a lover, a dreamer, a lifelong learner, and a healer.
My initial career paths included gourmet catering, acute care and aesthetic surgical nursing. My personal health journey led to exploring holistic modalities of therapeutic yoga, craniosacral therapy, and lifestyle wellness. I continue with an integrative approach to optimal aging as a naturopathic physician specializing in functional and regenerative medicine.
What are you currently doing for hair health and care?
Less is more; my hair routine involves a minimalistic approach. This includes washing 2 times weekly with a sulfate-free shampoo, using moisture hair masques, and limiting heat styling. A messy bun is not only Boho-chic, but also a great way to give hair a conditioning treatment. Hair health begins within; my nutrient dense, whole foods diet includes healthy plant-based fats such as avocado, olive, nuts, seeds, flax, and coconut. Hormone balance is essential for hair health; youthful locks rely on optimal levels of thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones.
Are you using any natural hair products (if yes, what are they and what do you like or not like about them)?
Mashed avocado and honey make a natural moisture mask that is good enough to eat! Trader Joe’s Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask is economical and effective. Loma Fortifying Repairative Tonic is my daily go-to styling and heat protection product. Visit the Environmental Working Group site, www.ewg.org, for the Skin Deep safer personal care product guide.
What works well for you and what doesn’t?
As a naturally wavy-curly girl, over-washing tends to be drying. Sometimes I alternate washes with just conditioner, leaving in a bit during rinse. Buns, braids, and sleek ponies keep styling fast and fresh while minimizing breakage. Once weekly, I’ll opt for a blow out and flat iron or beach waves. Roots are maintained with home color every 5 weeks, I’ll splurge for professional highlights in spring or summer. Simple style is my mantra with long hair which usually is kept off my face for work.
What do you like about your hair and what has taken some time for you to accept about your hair?
In my family, we grow good hair…it gets long in no time! While I love long, thick hair it can become heavy and unruly. Before learning about hair care and styling products, I struggled with frizz, flyaways, and bad hair days. It took some time to adapt to increased curl after pregnancy.
What are some helpful tips you can share with other readers?
Embrace the hair you have as all textures, styles, and colors are beautifully unique. Optimize wellness, especially hormone balance, to support hair health from within. Take breaks from heat styling to preserve hair quality. Ensure adequate vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant status through diet and supplementation as needed. Nutrients essential for hair/skin/nails include biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Iron, Zinc, and Protein. Emerging hair loss treatments include platelet rich protein (PRP) therapy and low-level laser light therapy.
Please share something different, interesting, or funny about yourself.
I start and end my day with a full glass of water to support healthy aging at the cellular level. My concierge medical practice is a bit unconventional in that it is largely conducted via telemedicine (audio-video) and focuses on advanced strategies to optimize aging, enhance performance, and prevent chronic disease. Radiant hair and skin, sound sleep, and vibrant energy are the best side effects! Learn more about me at www.vitalmindbody.com.