As a high school girl, I strived for my hair to be styled to perfection; I was routinely highlighting and dyeing my hair, chronically using heat to straighten and curl it, and not being mindful of what styles would protect it from breakage. My hair care habits had eventually left my hair dry, split, thin, and brittle. If this story sounds all too familiar and you’re looking for a sense of direction in your hair care journey, you’ve come to the right place.
Hair care: My journey
I truly began mine about two years ago, deciding that it was time to start from scratch. Although it can be hard to let go of, the launch often must begin with the “big chop”. I bit the bullet and cut my hair to my shoulders (shorter than it had ever been before) and was ready to start anew, resetting my hair and establishing a healthy routine. This is a process that requires fine-tuning and attention to detail, entirely based on your hair type and needs, but there are certainly tips that I have learned along the way that keep my hair growing quickly and healthily, as well as maintaining its strength and shine.
My routine
The first step in a daily routine is finding shampoos that benefit your hair type. For example, I would consider my hair type 1C- very thick, prone to frizz, and with a slight natural wave- so I avoid “volumizing” products and aim for shampoos and conditioners that favor hydration, frizz control, and shine. In addition to this, it’s important to switch the particular hair wash products you’re using each time you run out. As your scalp becomes accustomed to the ingredients in your current shampoo and conditioner, it can be less effective in achieving a deep cleanse. Switching products every few months ensures that your scalp is cleansed with various active ingredients, making a deep cleanse part of the routine.
The second step in my nightly routine is adding a few pumps of hair oil when my hair is about half-way dry. Argan oil in particular helps my hair stay shiny and reduces frizz, but the product(s) you add to your routine are largely based on hair type, as each person’s hair has a different set of characteristics. TJ-Maxx is a great place to shop for additional hair products, as they have extremely affordable options for leave-in conditioners, hair oils, and curl creams. Although they don’t always have the same products the next time you go in for a replacement, we know that it’s still a great habit to switch up the specific ingredients you put on your hair once in a while.
The last step in my daily routine is securing it in a braid before I go to bed when it’s about 80-100% dry. Protecting your hair throughout your sleep is yet another great tactic to maintain frizz and prevent breakage. This could be by braiding your hair or sleeping in a bonnet, depending on what works best for your hair type. Another honorable mention for upkeep is that I get my dead ends trimmed every few months. This may seem like a given, but it truly does help my hair look healthy and refreshed.
Styling
There are also many healthy habits to be mindful of when styling your hair, beyond a simple nighttime routine. A huge one for me was steering away from rubber/clear elastic hair bands, which I used religiously in high school for messy buns. Rubber hairbands can be very prone to causing breakage in your hair, ripping and pulling on your hair throughout the day (and especially as you take it out that night). It’s an unnecessarily harsh way to secure your hairstyle. Instead, I now use coiled hair ties (the ones that look like old telephone cords) and fabric hair ties. Both of these options are phenomenal for reducing the tension in your hairstyle, as well as decreasing breakage. The coiled hair ties are especially great for holding thick and heavy hair all day, which can be very difficult to keep secure for long periods of time.
In addition to this, it’s important to avoid using heat (when possible) on your hair; this was another habit I chronically used against my hair in high school, straightening or curling it every single day. This led to my hair being “fried”, for lack of a better word. Now, I avoid using heat on it aside from special occasions. It’s notable to mention, though, that once I really started keeping up with my hair, I stopped feeling the need to style it with heat; it had become so much healthier and inclined to look presentable on its own. However, there are still healthy alternatives when you’ve got the urge to use heat on your hair. Heatless curls are a great option if they are effective for your hair type; practice makes perfect. My hair unfortunately doesn’t hold them very well, so I must (unfortunately) turn to my curling iron once in a while. When you do use heat on your hair, it’s a non-negotiable that you need to apply heat protectant beforehand. This helps reduce heat damage. I also like adding more hair oil right after I use heat, so that my hair stays hydrated. In the summertime, you can also add a bit of heat protectant to your hair as daily UV protection.
it’s a personal journey
The most important aspect of your “hair care journey” to consider is that it’s a unique journey for everyone, and it will take time to figure out what types of products and routines are the most beneficial for you and your hair. But at the end of the day, it’s undoubtedly worth it. Putting time, effort, and goals into improving your hair health is an extremely rewarding process, making you feel more glowy and confident, especially as you begin to notice the results of your persistence. Self-care is necessary, and an aspect of your life that is well-deserved and something to be proud of!
