EST. 2011
Looking back at my hair circa 2009, it had seen (much) better days. I spent all of my teens bleaching it, and it was horribly damaged. I’m sure I was also using drugstore cleaners, and not nurturing it as I should have. So many flyaways, brittle, dry. Sad to think about, but I used to tuck the end of my hair into sweaters, whenever I could. I hated it! I switched hairdressers when moving to San Francisco, cooled off on the highlights, and since have made a point to bring my hair back to life. I started to take it even more seriously about two years ago once I noticed progress. I stopped using my blow dryer, was more thoughtful with products, and kept a closer eye on how it was doing. Here are a few things in my current hair routine that have helped get my hair to a much happier, healthier place.
Up Your Hair Cleanser Game
Since I color my hair, I look out for sulfate-free shampoos, which are more gentle and won’t strip away the coloring as quickly as the alternative. This has helped with fewer hair appointments! I think it’s also good to ask your hairdresser what he/she suggests for you. They probably know your hair best/is the expert after all, so that has helped me find some amazing products, too. A few of my favorites below.
Use Heat Protectors
I always lather the ends of my hair with either a leave-in smoothing cream if I air dry or a heat protector cream before blow drying. After my hair is dry, I will add a little more oil to the very ends. I usually put a few loose curls in my hair (with very my curling iron, on low heat), and I end up with healthy-looking locks. A few favorites below.
Dyson Hair Dryer
About two years ago, I decided to ditch my hair dryer. It was old, and my hair always looked and felt so damaged after using it. It just wasn’t a good look. I went cold turkey on a hair dryer for two years but was recently introduced to the Dyson hair dryer. I got so used to not using one, but this thing is an absolute game changer. My hairdresser uses it on me (she finally convinced me to not leave with wet hair) and I couldn’t believe the quality. It’s extremely (extremely) powerful, lightweight, and keeps my hair looking healthy and shiny. The air temperature is monitored 20 times a second and regulated by a microprocessor which helps prevent heat damage and protect natural shine.
I used to hate the way my hair looked after a blow dry, but the Dyson gives it an air-dry look (with more volume), which is the goal! It’s brilliant…highly recommend it.
Monthly trims
Lastly, I always trim my ends every couple of weeks. Just barely! I do this myself (most people think I am crazy when I tell them this). Be careful if you try this at home! My hair is long enough to where I can make sure the back is even. I think this does help a lot, and my hair is growing faster than it has in a very long time.
Gone are the days of hair tucks!
Are there any products you swear by? Would love to know!
