Haircare has been a journey for me. I’m definitely not blessed with wash-and-go hair that looks great with minimal maintenance. If left to do its own thing, my hair is straight on the top layer with waves underneath, no root lift and lots of oil… So it needs some attention. I’ve also been bleaching my hair since I was a teenager, so there’s plenty of damage to contend with as well.
I’ve finally gotten to a point where I’m happy with my haircare routine and my hair is slowly but surely feeling healthier!
Shampoo
I only wash my hair once or twice a week, but I always do a double shampoo to get rid of any product buildup. First, I use the Pantene Sheer Volume shampoo and make sure to really scrub my scalp with my fingers. Then, I use the BlondMe Cool Blonde purple shampoo to tone. I leave it on for about a minute and it helps remove brassiness. It’s subtle, so I don’t have to worry about it turning my hair purple! Bonus, it smells amazing.
I like to switch between these products depending on how my hair is feeling and honestly my current level of laziness. I put Olaplex No.3 on damp hair before washing, and it’s so good for strengthening and repairing damaged hair. If my hair is feeling dry, I’ll use the Unite Mask which was recommended by my hairstylist. I also really like the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair mask to help fight damage. If I’m not using a hair mask, I’ll do a Pantene Rescue Shot which is great for dry ends.
Leave-in Products
I will be forever repurchasing this Living Proof Restore Spray. It’s a heat protectant, leave-in conditioner, and detangler all in one. I spray this on my wet hair before I do anything with it, and I find it really helps reduce breakage! I’ve been using the Moroccanoil Treatment for quite awhile and it leaves my hair so soft and helps protect against split ends. I use the light version for fine hair and it doesn’t weigh my hair down at all!
Styling Products
Where would I be without Living Proof dry shampoo? If I could go back in time and visit my 14 year old self, I’d definitely bring her a few cans of this. For us oily-haired girls, this stuff is a lifesaver! It also really helps give some texture to fine hair. Tip: spray on at night before you go to bed, and brush it out in the morning. This gives it time to work and leaves my hair fresh and voluminous!
I naturally have super flat hair, so I need all the help I can get in the volume department. Dry Volume Blast is a relatively new product for me, but I love it. It gives noticeable volume without making my hair sticky or dirty.
Hair Tools
I love my T3 flat iron and curling iron – I can style my hair quickly without using the high heat settings or having to keep going over my hair. If you’re concerned about breakage, investing in quality hot tools is so worth it!
Healthy Hair Tips
Don’t wash your hair every day! I’m sure you’ve all heard this, but it’s definitely true. You can train your hair to go longer between washes – I was mine once or twice a week.
Don’t sleep on wet hair. Your hair is most fragile when it’s wet, so even a normal amount of turning over in your sleep can cause breakage.
Go without heat when you can.
Rinse your hair in cold water after washing. This helps close the hair cuticle and lock in moisture. You don’t have to freeze yourself – just cold enough so your hair is cool to the touch.
