People can see that I use heat on my hair often, and have that white blonde color from root to end. I often get asked how I keep my hair so healthy with what appears to be bad habits. I began actively bleaching my hair about 5 years ago, and heat styling about two years ago. I color my hair around every 6 weeks and use heat on it probably 4-5 days a week.
My haircare routine is just as consistent and thorough as my skincare routine, so I’ve compiled a list of my ride or die products and tricks I use to prevent damage or reverse it when it happens.
Before we get into it let me just say: ingredients matter. When you’re putting shitty shit on your hair, it’s going to build up a film and suffocate your locks, preventing the luscious look we’re trying to achieve here. Your hair absorbs the products put on it, and those with preservatives like sulfates and parabens will only cause damage.
Prep Your Hair: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
- Healthier scalp
- Strengthen hair
- Enhance shine
- Removes product build-up, bacteria, and dandruff
- Increase hair growth
- Prevent split ends and breakage
I do this every 2-3 weeks, but if you’ve never done this- start here. When you’re in the shower, after shampoo, and before conditioner, saturate your scalp and hair with apple cider vinegar. Massage it into your scalp and make sure it touched all your hair from root to end for 3-5 minutes. Rinse it out then condition if you’d like. (It naturally cleans and conditions hair, but I like to get the vinegar smell out)
Daily Routine
Step 1: Shampoo & Condition
How often you wash your hair is totally up to you, I think the frequency should be based on need, and I think that can vary from person to person. I wash my hair every day. Sue me.
I have been using the Pureology Hydrate shampoo and conditioner for a few years now, and anytime I’ve used something else, I could see and feel the difference.
These products are 100% vegan, smell awesome, and keep my hair moisturized (along with boosting color-treated hair)
Step 2: Leave-In Conditioner
I always use a few sprays of leave-in when my hair is towel dry before I brush it out. I have tried plenty of different ones, but I always go back to the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner. I do two sprays on the underparts of my hair, near the nape of my neck, and one spray on each side of my head near the middle.
They have so many different choices based on your hair goals. The original formula is great, but I use the one for blondes. My second fav is the one with keratin (it smells the best imo). It keeps my hair bouncy, soft, shiny and smelling amazing.
Step 3: WET Brush
If you’re not using a Wet Brush… it’s time to start. I don’t understand the technology but I do understand that IT WORKS. It’s like a detangling wizard that stops breakage and doesn’t hurt or damage wet hair. I tried to use a regular brush recently and ended up opting for bed head. This brush is more than a game-changer okay it’s a life-changer.
Step 4: Oil/Serum
Honestly, I started using hair oils because they smell so damn good. I’ve been using the Living Proof Nourishing Hair Oil, but while trying to get the link, I just found out it was discontinued. So, my other favorite is the Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil. These are the only two I’ve found that makes my hair soft and shiny without looking or feeling greasy.
Oil is great for wet hair before heat since it locks in the moisture, and has heat protectant. I also use it on my hair dry as a finishing oil to add shine, softness, and UV protection of course.
If my ends are looking a little crisp, a drop of this makes them look like they just sprouted from my scalp.
Weekly
Hair Mask
I love a good hair mask, whether it be a DIY or bought, they leave my hair feeling soo soft. I have been obsessed with the Hempz Hydrating Hair Mask in the sweet pineapple and honey melon scent. This product is tiny but mighty. I use it in the shower and let it sit for pretty much the entire duration of my 10-minute shower. It smells SO GOOD and makes my hair look and feel like silk.
Monthly
Deep Conditioning Treatment
After I color my hair I like to follow up with treatment within a few days. If you haven’t heard of the OLAPLEX No. 3 Hair Perfector get ready for the miracle worker you’ve been dreaming of. This stuff literally repairs broken and damaged hair bonds. Hair looks healthier, feels softer, and is stronger. I’m not joking when I say my ponytail literally gets thicker after I use this.
I use about half a bottle each time and let it sit until I remember I have something covering my head (30 minutes-ish).
If you use heat or color on your hair this will give you the revive you didn’t know you needed.
Tips
- When I have the time, I let my hair get about halfway dry before blow-drying, and I use the low or medium heat setting. A reduced drying time along with reduced heat won’t damage your hair so much
- Silk pillowcases make hair less frizzy and bed-heady, especially if you shower at night
- Coconut oil can be used as an oil/serum, mask, and treatment
- Opt for wearing hair down or in a loose style to avoid pulling and breaking your hair
- Supplement with biotin vitamins
