Long hair has always been my thing. However, it can be a pain to style and maintain. I have never been super adventurous with my hair, except for that time when I dyed it blonde or had purple tips. I have never been great at styling my hair: more often than not it has ended up in a bun because it just gets in the way while I’m at work or it is just so darn hot out. Over the years I think I have tried every product known to woman to tame my mane. In this blog post I’ll be sharing my favorite and most effective products and tips.
Find a GOOD hairdresser
This doesn’t mean the most expensive one either! Find a hairdresser who is honest and who listens to what you want and who isn’t overly wrapped up in trying to sell you tons of expensive products (usually different ones each time you go). Find a salon who invests in continuing education and training for their employees.
Regular Maintenance & Layering
Now that you have found your hairdresser, make sure you make the effort to regularly get it trimmed and indulge in a conditioning treatment every once in a while. I used to go years, yes I said YEARS without getting my haircut. My hair is very thick, so I need layers to thin it out and give it some much needed volume.
Don’t Overwash
I used to wash (and dry) my hair EVERY morning even if it wasn’t ‘dirty’ (or greasy). I love showering in the morning because it wakes me up. But I found that all this washing just stripped my hair of moisture and made me burn through product like crazy. Now, I have a hair routine…
Day 1: Shampoo & Condition (Wintertime: hairdryer. Summertime: air dry)
Wear down and embrace my natural waves!
Day 2: Ponytail
Day 3: Bun
Then repeat…
Brushing
Confession: I used to go to bed without brushing my hair; which seems weird since I brush my teeth every night before bed. Why wouldn’t I brush my hair?!?! Laziness plain and simple! I don’t brush it 100 times or anything, but I have noticed a difference in my hair since making the effort. It prevents knots and prevents oil build up on the scalp.
Minimize Products
a) Shampoo: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo. Best part is that this is a product that is inexpensive, works and can be found in almost every hair care aisle at the grocery/drugstore.
b) Conditioner: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner. This is by far the best conditioner I have used in a long time. I am a fan of in-shower conditioners rather than leave in ones.
c) Treatment: Moisture Healing Mask by Nelson Beverly Hills. It is a go to hair product for me during the harsh Alberta winters; which I use once a week.
d) Dry Shampoo: Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. This is a go to hair product for me during camping and fishing trips when normal, full, long showers aren’t always a possibility.
As you can see I don’t overload my hair with excessive products. I rarely use things like hair spray, mousse or pomade. I also only dye my hair once a year. Back in the day I would use box dyes from the drugstore but now I leave it up to the professionals. Make sure you read the labels!!