Healthy Hair – an Update!

In previous years I’ve made hair health a priority, but really focussed on products which conditioned and nourished. While those are still so important, I have been prioritising scalp health and growth, all which lead to healthy, happy hair! I thought I would update on a few products that have changed my hair quality and have brought growth and crazy good results.

A recent picture of my hair after a cut – I’m so pleased with the health and length, my hair dresser couldn’t believe it. (Also, do I spot a grey hair?!)

This Gro Hair serum from Vegamour, along with the scalp massager have made the biggest impact to my hair in recent months. I use both (almost) daily and have seen tons of new baby hairs coming in, which are all finally starting to lengthen and add so much thickness to my hair. The quality of the new hairs has been amazing too. I add a few drops of the serum to my scalp and lightly massage in with the massager. I do this at night before bed. Game changer!

The other thing I’ve been doing is a scalp scrub in the shower. There are so many on the market and I’ve tried the really high-end ones, but keep going back to this super affordable one from Amazon.

Lastly, I’ve been trying to be kinder to my hair with washing it less, using far less heat, and making sure to use silk scrunchies and pillowcases. The add-on impact of this has been so positive!

A Hair Story

Lately I’ve been getting some really nice comments and emails from readers about my hair. I always have to read twice when I see these comments because I’ve never really liked my hair — let’s talk about this.
This picture was taken sometime in the early 90’s. It was a particularly bad hair day — my hair is naturally curly and was normally in cute ringlets, I promise. But on this day I got tired of curls, so I decided to brush it out, hoping it would become straight. Instead I got what my siblings have affectionately named, “The Natfro.” And my hair sometimes still looks like this. The Natfro is never far off.
It wasn’t until high school that I finally embraced my huge volume and curls. As curly haired girls know, brushing it out when it’s dry is one of the worst things you can do. 
Here is my current hair routine. And it probably will be until 80’s hair comes back. 
***
Shampoo | A hairdresser got me hooked on ColorProof CrazySmooth. I love it! It definitely helps smooth down the frizz that my super curly hair likes to create.
Conditioner | I’ve been using drugstore stuff lately — anything sulfate free like this or this.
Product | Just a little Kerastase Oleo Relax when it’s wet and a bit of Rodin hair oil when it’s dry.
Tools | I swear by my Hot Tools curling iron
Cut | I ask for long, seamless, face-framing layers.
Color | I recently had Balayage done. The stylist used brown bleach for the highlights.
To see my hair currently, click here or here.
Anyone else out there have a Natfro equivalent? Would love to hear your tips!

Balayage

I must have been living under a rock because I just recently learned about balayage effect — a coloring technique that is easier and more natural than normal highlights (it’s done freehand instead of with foils). It’s how you get the ombre effect on hair, but it can be done in highlight form, too. I love, love the look! A few weeks ago I decided to give it a try (I started with a half head instead of a full head). The results are really natural, sun-kissed look that gave me just the right amount of dimension and color. I may go bolder and do a full head next time, but one of the amazing things about balayage is that you don’t have to get it re-done very often (or ever, if you don’t want to). It grows out really naturally since it’s less extreme than normal highlights. It really is the best of everything! I’m curious, have you ever had balayage done to your hair?
P.S. Over the weekend I guest posted on Becca’s blog about my favorites for fall! Check it out here
images 1 | 2 | 3

Hair

I feel like I’ve finally gotten to a point where I’ve experimented with enough hair products and tools, and have finally found a regimen that works perfectly for me. I don’t use all of this every single day, but here are my tried and true favorite hair products. 
For clean hair | Keratin Perfect PerfectCleanse Keratin Enhanced Shampoo | This shampoo doesn’t have a lot of the chemicals that most shampoos do, and it cleans my hair without the build-up. Leaves my hair super soft and smooth.
For conditioned hair | L’Oreal Professional Expert Serie Force Vector Mask | My hair gets really dry and brittle, and this repairs everything. 
For soft, healthy hair | Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment | I apply this to the ends of my hair. It makes everything soft and silky. And it smells incredible.
For beach hair | Bumble and Bumble Bb Texture {Un}Dressing Creme | This gives my hair a beachy texture. I curl a few sections of my hair, then apply this for a messier look.
For next-day hair | Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo | This is my favorite dry shampoo that I’ve found. I spray it on my hair before I do a messy-top bun. Plus you can’t beat the price.  
For straight hair | Hana Professional Flat Iron | Misikko sent me one of their Hana hair straighteners, and it’s the best straightener I’ve tried. It heats up super fast and leaves my hair straight and sleek. {It also works for curling my hair}. 
For curly hair | Hot Tools Professional Spring Curling Iron | This is super easy to use and leaves my hair with big, soft curls. 
What are your favorite hair products?