Hair Care

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

All Your Hair Questions Answered: How I Curl My Hair & Keep It Healthy!

One of the most asked question from readers last year was, how do you curl your hair? how do you keep your hair healthy? and what do you use? For my first post of the year, I'm going over every little detail of my haircare... including how to keep your hair healthy and make it grow long.

To preface this post, I didn't always have the healthiest looking hair. In fact, I started getting highlights when I was in high school and even to this day; between coloring, straightening, curling and cutting, my hair gets used and abused. I remember my hair having a ton of split ends :-/  I only started noticing a huge difference when I changed salons and stylist (who I absolutely lovvveee!) I also started letting my hair dry naturally and seriously started conditioning it. Don't worry gals, if your hair isn't super healthy right now - there's hope!! Let's start with some frequently asked questions...

Q: How often do you shampoo your hair?

A: I wash and condition my hair 3-4 times a week... it really depends on what I have going on and how often I go to the gym that week, but I definitely don't wash it every day. I'll take a bath or use a shower cap on days when I don't wash my hair. Did you know that not shampooing everyday is actually really good for your hair - there are a lot of natural oils in your hair that make it healthier and shinier, you strip your hair of these natural oils every time you shampoo. I typically wash my hair in the beginning of the week, then every other day. 

Q: What shampoo and conditioner do you use?

A: I like to switch up my shampoo and conditioner a lot so that my hair doesn't get used to one product - it does better that way!! Right now I'm using Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal shampoo and conditioner that I picked up from Target. I've used Pantene Pro-V for a few years and really love their products because they're really gentle and moisturizing. I also use Niucoco Hydrating Shampoo that I bought from Amazon - it's organic and made with extra virgin coconut oil. During the summer I was using L'Occitane's repairing shampoo and I really loved that too (I'll go back to it once I finish Niucoco.)

Q: Do you use protectant?

A: Yes! Especially because I blow dry and curl my hair every time I wash it. I really like 'Hot Toddy', you can pick it up from Nordstrom or Sephora (shown above in the pink bottle). I apply it before blow drying, it helps protect your hair from heat up to 450 degrees, helping seal split ends and prevents breakage.

Q: What dry shampoo do you use?

A: I use Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo  in the "dark tones" (shown above in the turquoise can) since my hair is darker - they also make one for you lighter hair gals! I use a good amount especially if I want to get away with not washing my hair another day. A really good tip that I learned is to apply it at night if you know that you're not going to shower the next morning, so your hair can soak it up all night :-)

Q: What is one hair product that you can't live without?

A: I would say the Moroccanoil Treatment (shown above in the small brown bottle). A little bit goes a long way, so this little bottle will last you a long time. I apply it before I blow dry my hair... it's a miracle worker!

Q: Do you wear hair extensions?

A: Nope! No hair extensions for me, never have.

Q: What do you use to curl your hair?

A: To curl my hair I use this 1 1/4" Salon Curling Iron/Wand - 24k Gold by Hot Tools. I've been using it for years because this is the exact same curling iron that my hair stylist uses. It's currently $10 off at Ulta! I've been meaning to upgrade my curling iron for the T3 Curling Wand with the 1" attachment. I've heard amazing things about it and I've been debating over it for a couple of months now. It's an investment, but I think it would definitely be worth it... what do you guys think...??