I’ve been asked a lot about my hair in the past few months so today I’m sharing the hair products that I love, plus some tips for healthy hair.
For a little background hair history, I’ve been heat styling my hair since high school, first with a straightener (I grew up in the 90’s; it’s what we did) and now mainly using my curling iron. I also color my hair every 9 months. Recently, I decided to try some new products to help fight the frizz and damage that I’ve done to my hair over the last 20 years. After using these new products, I’ve seen a HUGE improvement in the shine and texture of my hair. The frizz is slowly going away, and my hair just looks healthier.
Before I share my tips and favorite products, I would like to provide a disclaimer that I am NOT a hair stylist or hair expert. I’m just sharing my personal experience.
For a tutorial on how I curl my hair, check out this reel!
Tips For Healthier Hair
In an ideal world, none of us would color or use heat on our hair, but that’s not really realistic, is it? I like the way my hair looks with a little wave to it, and I also prefer a little color to add dimension. But I do want to take care of my hair so the damaging effects of coloring and heat styling are minimized. Below I’m sharing three things I’ve done to improve the health of my hair and my favorite products.
Use quality shampoo and conditioner
Cheap hair products are made with cheap ingredients like parabens that have been banned in the EU, but are still allowed here in the U.S. No need to be a clean beauty zealot, but I do think it’s important to do research and know exactly what’s in the products we are using.
Using a quality shampoo and conditioner can make such a difference in the health of your hair (my stylist says so!) Obviously, everyone has different means so just get the best you can afford.
At first, I starting using Olaplex Shampoo and Olaplex Conditioner, and I saw MAJOR improvement in the texture of my hair. It was less brittle and frizzy and had some shine to it. I recently just switched to the Ouai brand (pronounced “way”) and like it just as well, if not better than Olaplex. I should probably mention here that I did try the cult favorite Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3, but I found it dried out my hair. You may have different results.
For a cheaper alternative try Kristin Ess products which are available at Target.
Don’t wash your hair everyday
Hair Care 101. Washing your hair everyday strips the natural healthy oils from your scalp. (See this article) I only wash my hair once per week. Transitioning to this frequency takes time. Start slowly stretching out the days between washes, and you’ll find your scalp adjusts. When your washing your hair everyday, your scalp produces extra oils so it takes time to down regulate this process. Also, you may be someone who just needs to wash their hair more often, but everyday is a bit much.
I workout 5-6 days a week, and my hair does get sweaty so to keep it looking fresh, I use Batiste Dry Shampoo. I have tried so many dry shampoos – lots of clean versions and drugstore brands. My absolute favorite is Living Proof Dry Shampoo, but at $26 a bottle, it’s pretty expensive. The Batiste Dry Shampoo is excellent at absorbing oil in your roots, and it’s also really affordable.
To use, I first let the sweat dry (I’m sorry if this grosses you out!), and then I spray the dry shampoo on my roots and let it absorb the oil before using a paddle brush to brush through my hair.
Another tip for people who workout is to take out your pony tail right after working out. This helps to prevent kinks and prevents oil build-up at the roots.
Use A Heat Protectant
I curl my hair on Day 2 after washing and air drying and then use my curling iron to touch up the curls everyday after. In order to prevent damage from heat styling, I use this Ouai Hair Oil. This was what actually turned me on to the Ouai brand. I like this hair oil because not only does it protect your hair, it also gives it shine. It also smells amazing. Use this before heat styling and only apply it about half way down the hair, focusing on the ends.
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