Just like all other good things, hair care takes time and effort to get in top shape. Your hair is no exception to this. One thing I am constantly receiving compliments on is my hair and what products I use. So, here is my chance to let you in on all my hair care secrets.
Now, I don’t have any secrets on making your hair longer or thicker – I was just blessed with thick hair. SUPER thick hair actually. To give you a better idea of how thick it is, to wash, dry then straighten is a process of about an hour and a half to TWO hours. Yes, HOURS. And the length? Well, I grew it myself, thanks! No extensions. For both of those things yes, I am lucky but that doesn’t mean taking care of it is any easier or different than anyone else. It still needs washed, dried, styled and given some TLC on high-heat days.
I usually only wash my hair about 2-3 times a week. Blow-drying it depends on what I have going on – do I need my hair to be presentable? Yes? Then I blow-dry and straighten it. Can I get by with a bun or the wavy look? Then I’ll twist it up into a bun with a leave-in conditioner like the it’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In product 10 oz and let it air dry. I always wash (and/or dry) my hair at night since it takes so long.
My routine really isn’t much different than anyone else. I wash it at night and style it (aka straighten nine times out of ten). What makes my routine different is how I take care of my hair and investing in products that can protect my hair from all the heat styling that it goes to without looking dry.
Starting with the basics
I like to change up my shampoo and conditioner but a few months ago I tried Monat. I use their Effortless System, which consists of a smoothing shampoo and conditioner and a blow out styling cream. Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is very important – not all of them are created equally nor are all of them perfect for your hair type. I also don’t use a whole lot of product on my hair while washing it.
If you are a blonde you will want to choose a purple shampoo, like the Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo and Conditioner 33.8 oz Duo Brunette’s, there’s one for you too! You’ll want to choose a blue base shampoo like the Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo & Conditioner 33.8 oz Liter Duo.
I strongly recommend researching shampoo & conditioner’s that work best not only for your hair color but hair type. Just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s giving you the same benefits as something that is pricier that “does basically the same thing”. Invest in your hair!
Post-wash Protectants
Again, I use a lot of hair care products from Monat and I use their CC Cream, Split-End mender as well as their Blow-out Cream. If you aren’t ready to try a system like Monat but are looking for other products to protect your hair from damage from all of your hot tools I have also come to love products from Joico like their Joico Luster Lock Multi Perfector Spray and I also love pretty much anything from Kenra. Their products smell absolutely amazing! My number one from them is the Kenra Platinum Hot Spray 20, 55% VOC, 8-Ounce.
No wash hair care
Dry shampoo is really a girls best friend! There are just some times that I don’t feel like washing my hair, especially on days when I know it needs it. In comes dry shampoo! It helps your hair look less greasy and can add some volume as well. Just hold the can about 8-10 inches way from the roots and spray just a little bit. I usually let it sit for a minute or two then rub my fingers through my hair, rubbing the product in to the roots even more. Some of my favorites are the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, 4 Ounce and the ORIBE Gold Lust Dry Shampoo, 6 oz..
As much as I love getting compliments on my hair because there is a lot of work and effort put into it, even if it is straight most of the time, it comes down to products I use. They are the real MVP’s. There are some things you can use in life that are cheap and work just like the more expensive brands and there are things that don’t. When it comes down to taking care of you and the various parts of your body give them the love they deserve.
Styling:
When styling my hair post-wash, I will divide my hair into three sections. I will take the bottom third of my hair, and put it down and clip the rest up, blow-dry it with a round brush (Olivia Garden NanoThermic Ceramic + Ion Round Thermal Hair Brush (2 1/8″), then straighten. After doing this I will take the middle third and do the same. Then finally, the same process for the top and final third. My most common heat tools are a blow-dryer and my straightener. Rarely, do I ever use a curling wand to curl my hair. With having long, thick, and coarse hair finding the right straightener hasn’t been easy. Pro tip: Find one that has multiple heat settings and don’t always use the highest setting available.
Straightner: Hot Tools Flat Iron, Radiant Blue
Hair Dryer: T3 – Cura Hair Dryer
Oh…last but not least, find yourself a good hairstylist and get your hair trimmed regularly.