I'm not claiming to be a hair expert by any means...I can't even do a proper french braid, however, I've always rocked short hair: simple, classic bobs. Currently, my hair is the longest it's probably ever been and I've learned a few tricks (all through trial and error) along the way!
Dry Shampoo is your best friend
If you skip down a few tips, you will see that I recommend not washing your hair everyday. This is how you can cope! A second tip for using dry shampoo is to use it even on clean hair when you want to curl it. The texture that the dry shampoo gives, keeps my curls in place all day (even on clean hair).
I've tried several different brands, even expensive ones like Bumble and Bumble and the highly praised Pssssst Brand, however the Suave Keratin Infusion is hands down my favorite (and even better, the cheapest). This just proves that money doesn't make the product good. I love the scent, the texture it gives and have found that it doesn't flake later in the day. When applying product, I shake the can really good, spray on my roots (especially around the front of my scalp) then rub into my scalp using my fingertips to remove any excess residue.
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Suave Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo |
A Great Roller Set Should be your next best friend
On the days that I don't wash my hair, I usually roll it. This gives me the volume I want after sleeping on my hair, plus it's just so darn easy. If I have an extra early morning, you better believe this is how my hair will get styled. My hair is super thick so blow drying it takes forever.
On my "roller days" I plug in the rollers as soon as I wake up so by the time I'm showered and dressed they are super hot. Pop in the rollers and let them set while I apply my makeup. By the time my makeup is on (usually 10 minutes) I remove the rollers, spray immediately and let them cool for 5 minutes or so (this is normally when I put Tuck up and start gathering up my stuff to leave for the day. By the time I'm ready to walk out the door, they are cooled so I do a little finger styling and off I go!
The
Conair Jumbo rollers I've had for years recently bit the dust so I purchased this set below. So far I LOVE them! They heat up fast and have heated clips. Since I have so much hair I appreciate that this set has 20 curlers, whereas most sets have around 12. My curls stay all day.
Don't wash your hair everyday
As I previously mentioned, it's been so great for my hair not to be washed everyday. I used to get greasy hair after just one day so I didn't think I had an option. Maybe it's my hormones, but in the past 2 years I've trained my hair to go 2-3 days without a wash. The result is healthier ends, better growth, stronger hair and a happier me...I hate blow-drying my hair. It usually takes at least 20 minutes.
Don't wear a ponytail when you sleep
A year ago, my hair started breaking off in the back. I'm talking a huge chunk of it. I never 100% found the answer as to why it was doing this, but it may have been from my constant high ponytails and sock buns. Recently I cut down on the high do's, but also completely stopped wearing it up when going to sleep. Switching to twistbands (below) rather than a standard elastic also helped. No more breakage for me!
Buy a few of these guys
For reasons stated above, I love these Twistbands rather than traditional elastics. The colors are fun, but I also have a lot of black and brown ones that you can't see in my dark hair.
The best hairspray of my life!
I will always choose the cheaper product when I can (see dry shampoo) but I will make the splurge when it's really, really worth it. This hairspray by Bumble & Bumble is. It is the perfect weight and hold, isn't sticky and keeps my style in place all day. I buy this stuff in threes so I never run out. I hope this hairspray isn't toxic for babies, husbands or dogs because I spray so much of it on a daily basis, my whole household ingests lung-fulls of it!
Favorite shampoo/conditioner
I've used this shampoo and conditioner for about a year now. It smells great and it very creamy without being too heavy for my hair. I would say it's moderately priced. Suave and Herbal Essence are cheaper, but this stuff, priced around $7/bottle isn't as bad as salon brands. You can usually find a deal on it too at CVS, Walgreens or Target.
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L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo and Moisture Conditioner |
Best Styling Product
This stuff is hair crack. It's also just plain expensive. My hairdresser turned me on to it after I complained about having dry ends. I apply a few pumps to my wet hair before blowdrying and one pump through my hair, especially the ends after drying. I only use it on the days I wash it. One bottle will usually last me about 3 months. Another way that I justify the expense is by purchasing it through Birchbox, using my accumulated points for a discount! (although I just check Birchbox and it isn't available anymore). Hopefully they will restock soon!
I hope some of these tips help you. Please share your hair tips and fave products too.
Happy Styling,
Chelsea