Hair- it can be your best friend be or your worst enemy. We’ve all had those days where we wake up and you immediately know it’s going to be a good hair day. Just like those unfortunate times where not even the best of the best can tame your unruly locks.

I’ve received quite a few comments and emails about my hair regarding color, curling irons, tutorials (which I promise will come soon) and overall hair care. If you’re a reader, you know I love any opportunity to talk beauty products… so I am excited to share some tips and suggestions that have worked for me!

However, before we get started you must know I haven’t always had the best luck with hair. I was born bald and didn’t really have hair until much later than most babies. Not to mention, I did not discover a CHI Flat Iron until way too late in high school (yes, high school) and I had a bad experience with Sun In. Boy, do I have some fun stories.

With all that being said, I have gathered some tips and tricks along the way that seem to keep my hair feeling and looking healthy. For starters, I tossed the Sun In and the CHI and did a little research on better ways to take care of my hair. I also spent 5 years searching for my favorite hair colorist (you know how hard it can be to find a good one! If you live in the Dallas area email me and I will send you her info).

I’m not by any means an expert, these are just what work for me. What are some of your favorite products…I’d love to hear!

HEALTHY HAIR TIPS

Aveda Shampure | Oribe Dry Texture Spray | OUAI Dry Shampoo | Fekkai Blowout Hair Refresher [read my full review on each of these products here]

1. Ditch The (daily) Shampoo

While it is important to have proper hygiene, studies have proved that washing your hair daily can not only be very drying to your hair, but can also strip hair from it’s natural oils (you know- the ones that are actually good for you!). I had the chance to meet Ken Paves last year (he was so nice!) and this was the first thing I asked him about. He told me that it’s best to shampoo just a few times a week (3 at most) and use dry shampoo on your in between days. I can already tell a huge difference in my hair since cutting back on the shampooing. The ends don’t seem as dry and the color stays longer!

I often get asked about my favorite dry shampoos and these are the one’s I’ve tried and loved.  I am currently using this one but also have this one to use special occasions. Don’t laugh, but it’s a little pricey and for as often as I use this stuff, I save the best for when it really counts.

2. Know Your Tools

GHD 1″ Curling Iron | T3 1.25″ Curling Iron ***UPDATE: THIS IS MY CURRENT CURLING IRON***| Gold Zebra Tray | NARS ‘Turkish Delight’ Lipgloss

So, a while back I was a big fan of the Hot Tools gold curling iron. I mean I used that bad boy (almost) every day, and loved it. That is until I went to see Rachel (hair stylist) and she showed me where it was burning off my hair. I. was. shocked. I mean, how can this be? I always use a thermal protectant and applied a good hair spray before curling….what’s the deal? She told me that for someone who uses a curling iron as much as I do, I had to get something that was more gentle. Meaning, something that offered an adjustable heat setting. She recommended GHD and T3 as great products for irons and wands. I decided to try the GHD Curve Classic 1 Inch Curling Iron (see how I styled my hair here) for more defined curls and the T3 1.25 Inch Curling Iron  for my everyday loose curls (like in the top picture).

While they are a little pricey, both irons are made extremely well and give me curls that last!

The Wet Brush is also something new that I have started using. I am crazy about this brush and would be lost without it. So dramatic but it’s just that good. My hair gets very tangled when it’s wet and this brush has been a life saver. Not only does it detangle my hair after showering, but it doesn’t hurt my scalp or cause breakage.

I use this in the shower when I apply conditioner. This helps the conditioner really cover each strand. I also use this when I get out of the shower. I thought before just using wide tooth comb was enough but this actually detangles my hair completely. This little guy is awesome and a must have for anyone with longer hair.

Wet Brush

3. Avoid the Heat

The best tip I ever received regarding hair care, was to cut out one heat product I was already using. Whether it’s the hair dryer, flat iron, or curling wand, one of those should go. As much as I didn’t like the idea, I decided to ditch the blow dryer and try letting my hair air dry while I slept. I knew I couldn’t pass up my beloved curling iron, but letting my hair air dry did have potential.

A year later and I am convinced this is what keeps my hair from having a ton of breakage and feeling like straw. While, it may not be practical for everyone, I challenge you to try it for a week.

I apply Gold Lust Nourishing Oil while it’s wet, then throw my hair up in a loose bun or pony tail.Now, my hair does not get 100% dry overnight. The next morning I have to spend maybe 2 minutes using my blow dryer on low heat to get it completely dry.

This not only saves my hair from heat damage, but I also think it helps hold my curls. Since I’m letting it air dry, it’s almost like my hair isn’t as “silky” so it gives it a little more grit which helps my curls stay. Try it for yourself and let me know what you think!

4. Hydrate & Protect

Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil | Oribe Royal Blowout

This brings me to my next suggestion, hydration for your hair. If you color and use heat on your hair, hydrating is a must. Drinking plenty of water play a huge role in healthy hair. It not only helps with hair hydration but it also keeps your skin nourished and helps prevent early signs of aging.

I also recommend using products specifically designed to moisturize hair and protect from UV Rays and thermal damage. Oribe is one of my favorite lines for haircare. Their products are a little pricey, so I don’t use them as often as I would like, but when I do, I love the way it makes my hair look, feel, and smell.

The Royal Blowout is amazing. I finally pulled the trigger on this after having Rachel use it every time she did my hair. I would always compliment the smell and I loved the way it made my hair feel. The coolest part about this product is you can use it on wet or dry hair and it is very light (won’t weigh down your hair). I actually use a few mists before using the wetbrush and I like to use a few mists on day two (or three) old hair. It keeps my hair soft and fresh!

The Gold Lust Nourishing Oil is also another product that I use all the time. I find myself using this one on wet or dry hair as well. It is GREAT for your ends. I use a tiny pump on my ends before using the curling iron and it helps prevent breakage.

5. Know Your Products (and how to use them)

Redken Quick Tease 15 | XO Print

One of my friends introduced me to Quick Tease by Redken. I never really teased my hair before, but like most girls, wanted a little extra volume. This product gives you that “lift” without having to damage your hair with a teasing comb. Use a quick shot of the blowdryer to really oomph up the volume.

The Oribe Dry Texture Spray is a number one seller and I can see why. This spray can be used on fine or thick hair and it a great next day refresher. Meaning, you can spray on roots and it will give an instant lift and texture. It almost acts like a dry shampoo because it has a slight matte finish and absorbs oils at the roots. It’s great for people with fine hair who want a little grit or something to make their layers pop. The smell is also amazing!

My favorite hairspray is the Spray De Mode by Bumble and Bumble. This is a great firm hold spray, without making your hair hard or sticky. It’s super easy to brush out too. I love that it has a thermal protectant making it the perfect partner for my curling iron. The smell isn’t the best, but it’s not bad. I keep coming back to it because it works really well on my hair. Luckily, the smell fades pretty quick.

Oribe Dry Texture Spray | Bumble & Bumble Spray De Mode 

What do you like to use on your hair?

Thanks for reading!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Free People  V Neck Shirt (color ‘rose bud’, runs big- wearing an xs) | White Denim (tts) | Sunglasses (color Pink Flash, size Large) | Lipstick MAC ‘Be Fabulous’ | YSL Small Sac De Jour (similar budget friendly option)

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