Let’s talk HAIR.
Let me preface by saying that I am in no way an expert when it comes to hair. I try my best to nourish and protect it as best as I can but again, i’m still learning! What I can say is that I’ve done my fair share of personal research. I worked at a hair salon a few years ago and made sure to pick the stylists brains and ask my fair share of questions!
I’ve found some really great products that work for me, so i’d love to share a few!
Shampoo and Conditioner
Let’s start with shampoo and conditioner- the foundation of a haircare routine. One of the most important things when it comes to a shampoo is ensuring that it is free of sulfates, especially if you color your hair. Ever wonder why your shampoo emulsifies and gets super sudys? That’s because it’s probably loaded with a whole bunch of common sulfate ingredients. These are super harsh for your hair AND skin. Not only can they strip your ever so expensive salon color job, but they can also strip away the natural moisture from your hair! No thank you.
My favorite and unfortunately most expensive use is the Olaplex shampoo and conditioner treatment. If you’ve never heard of Olaplex, it’s a brand that restores broken bonds within your hair…whether that be from excessive heat, over coloring, or just the hussle of everyday life. I’ve only used one bottle of this shampoo and conditioner, but let me tell you the results were insane. I will be repurchasing. My hair was feeling super dry and damaged after a balayage I got several months ago…my hair was over-processed by the stylist and insanely dry as a result. After using these products the texture of my hair was restored. SO shiny and so healthy!
I’ve personally found that switching up my shampoos and conditioners prevents my hair from getting used to a product. In addition to Olaplex, I LOVE Amika’s products. The smell you guys. SO. GOOD. These are also sulfate free and for all hair types. The shampoo in particular is said to provide a gentle cleansing, without the use of harsh chemicals. It has loads of vitamins and I can truly see how much more nourished my hair is.
Hair Mask
I typically use heat on my hair once or twice a week (usually on the weekends when I go out). If you know me, you know I wont leave the house for an outing without getting all dolled up – full head of curls in all its glory 😉 With that unfortunately comes added damage. I like to use the amika hair mask at least once a week to strengthen my hair and protect against breakage. I’ve seen a serious reduction in split ends and some of the fraying caused by curling my hair so often. Consistency is key when it comes to something like this. Stick with a routine and you will definitely see a difference if you give it a try! (Side note: you can find this hair mask at TJ Maxx sometimes, definitely snag it if you see it, you won’t regret it!)
Hair Serums
As for other products and hair serums, I’m recently hooked on the Olaplex no. 7 bonding oil. (Again this is the oplex line which prides itself in forming healthy disulfide bonds to strengthen your hair) This might very well be my all time favorite product. I use this as my heat protectant prior to blow drying, curling, or straightening. I can not even begin to tell you how soft your hair will feel after using this. Even when i’m not using heat, i’ll run a nickel size amount of this product through my damp hair…the next morning my hair is so soft and manageable. It also increases shine, minimizes frizz, AND protects against temperatures up to 450 degrees.
My last 2 recommendations have very similar effects. The Davines OI Oil detangles, fights frizz, and is great for dry hair. Not only does it smell amazing but I don’t find it to be as thick as some of the other hair oils on the market. I love this company and how they break down their product. You can search through a glossary of ingredients – and really dive into what benefits your hair will see. This product in particular is made with roucou oil. While i’m sure you’ve heard of argan oil or moroccan oil (another one of my favorite products) and their benefits- roucou oil is another great product to incorporate into your hair care routine. UV rays can be insanely damaging, not only for your hair but your scalp as well. This product protects against just that and increases the production of melanin.
For me personally, these products are an investment well worth it. Hair is one of the first things I notice about a person so I make it a point to really take care of my own and keep it looking its best. Having healthy, well nourished, hair is such a confidence booster – it’s truly worth every penny!
Let me know if you plan on trying any of these products!!
**Will also be doing another hair post more geared toward styling products (texture spray, volume boost, dry shampoo etc) because boy do I love those**
Anna White says
Your hair is so luscious!!! I will def be trying out some of these products… hopefully I can achieve the same look.