Fun fact: I love hair products. In the past, I would apply whatever product smelled good or said I would have “long-lasting volume”. I would do this all over my hair- and in NO particular order. Before I knew it, I had so much product build up because I wasn’t strategic, and my hair never actually looked the way I wanted it to. Through so many hot mess trials and errors, I’ve learned why it’s important to use hair products correctly. Just like a skincare routine, there are benefits to having a healthy haircare routine. For example, you aren’t going to use an eye cream all over your face or apply two of the same products twice, right? Your haircare routine should be the same way. The products you use in your hair matter, so here's how I've incorporated some key products into a healthy, strategic haircare regimen. Here are a few key tips and products to keep your hairstyle looking hot for many days in between washes :) Let’s do thisss!
What is YOUR hair type?Before you get product happy or dissect your bathroom cabinet- it’s important to understand YOUR hair type. For example, my hair is naturally thick, curly, and tends to be more dry than oily. I naturally have pretty good texture so I don’t need much help in that department. However, depending on the style I am going for (whether it's sleek-straight one day or naturally curly the next), this is where I'll tweak a few of my go-to products. My hair tends to be more dry during specific seasons, so I’m constantly using products to keep it protected and shiny. Below is an example of my haircare routine on a day when I want to either straighten it or leave it curly. I’m going to be specifically mentioning Kérastase product recommendations that best suit my hair issues. Kérastase is a brand that I love, and even though it’s not the only brand I use (sometimes I mix and match and thats OK!), to keep it simple I'm going to stick to a few of their products that work well for my hair. I love that Kérastase has products for every hair type, so I definitely recommend exploring their site for helpful tips and tricks once you figure out your hair type.
What's My Routine?Now that I've identified my hair type, here's an example of a regimen that works for me:1. Start with the BaseJust like a cleanser, it’s important to keep the foundation of your scalp clean. I don’t wash my hair every day, but when I do, I want a shampoo/conditioner system that will cleanse my scalp from roots to ends. I hate that dirty hair feeling! My hair is more dry than oily so I go for something like the Kérastase Resistance Extentioniste collection - known for helping repair damaged hair, encouraging your hair to grow longer and stronger and essentially bringing the hair back to life. Best part- it doesn't make my hair feel greasy while styling… thank God! :)2. Hydrate & ProtectThink of this as your moisturizer and SPF step in your routine. It is SO important to protect your hair strands from heat before your style. I love a product that can protect AND lock in moisture at the same time. (No one is trying to have a ratchet hair day you feel me?!) I love Kérastase Nectar Thermique Blowdry Primer for moisture and protection. I like to start at the ends and use whatever left over product to the rest of my hair since it's naturally thick.3. BoostIf you need to target a specific region of your hair (like volume at the roots) or specific care for your bangs, think of it like an eye cream - don't apply all over. Instead, target the specific areas you want to boost. A great product I like for a boost is the Kérastase VIP Volume Spray. 4. OilJust like face oils (my fave!), a good hair oil will lock everything in and make your hair look just right at the end of styling! The key is finding one that doesn’t feel greasy or weigh the hair down, because that can be a nightmare. I love applying Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil from mid to ends after styling (a dime size is all you need!), but if you apply too much and you're freaking out, just use a dry shampoo or texture spray to bring back some of that dryness!5. A Weekly MaskSundays are always my face mask days and now I’ve been doing the same with my hair! I LOVE the Resistance Extentioniste Mask (pairs nicely with the shampoo and conditioner I mentioned above). Keep in mind with this mask you can target specific areas that need extra love or apply it all over (why not!). I like to let mine sit for at least 15-20 (sometimes 30!) minutes before I rinse. I’ve been noticing a huge difference in my hair since making hair masking a weekly thing! :)
Once you understand your hair type, it’s so easy to properly care for your hair! It's similar to dressing for your body type, but we'll save that for another post ;) When you've got your products down, you will instantly notice what works and what doesn't. Don't be afraid to test out new products until you find your match. Products aren’t bad for your hair IF you’re using ones that can treat specific hair probs. It’s never too late to take care of your hair, so start now! Might sound silly to some, but there’s something about a good hair day that instantly makes you feel a little happier inside. Just ask your hair #selfie you're going to post. Am I right? You got this! :)
