My Hair Routine
I'm not one for big changes in the hair department, which means I've nearly perfected the routine.
Per usual, it’s all about the length with lots of layers and textured bangs. My stylist uses scissors to achieve this look, not a razor, although many stylists prefer a razor for shag-like styles. I prefer my ends not to be super feathery, although I occasionally trim my own bangs with a razor and scissors.
When I transitioned from blunt bangs and minimal layers to textured bangs and increased layers a couple of years ago, it made a world of difference in terms of styling time. Whereas I previously blow-dried my hair smooth and then used heat tools to create waves, I now embrace my natural waves and let my hair air dry. You all, the amount of time I have saved not having to blow dry my hair is pretty much astronomical and I am not mad about it. However, there are definitely some tricks to making my waves work for me.
So let's walk through my full hair routine as well as my favorite products and tools!
My Favorite Hair Products
Hair type - normal, healthy, thick but individually fine strands, wavy, not color-treated, slightly sensitive scalp
Shampoo and Conditioner
This year I've become so enamored with SEEN Skin-Caring Shampoo and Conditioner. This clean, vegan, (and super gentle!) line was created by a Harvard-trained dermatologist with a focus on promoting a healthy scalp and skin.
It’s so important to use hair products that respect your scalp since the hair follicles are the manufacturing plant for the hair and this product line has no hidden irritants and/or pore-clogging ingredients. (Do you have little bumps and irritation around your hairline? Acne on your neck/back? Get these products STAT.)
The result is stronger, fuller, healthier hair and frankly, mine has never looked better. I use the scented version with no issue, which smells so clean and fresh, but there are also fragrance-free versions as well!
SEEN is good for all hair types, all skin types, color-treated hair, and keratin-treated hair and is formulated without sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, dyes, pore-clogging oils, formaldehyde preservatives, and cocamidopropyl betaine. No animal testing.
You can also purchase SEEN on Amazon.
psst - a great budget option is Andalou Naturals Sunflower & Citrus Brilliant Shine Shampoo and Conditioner - used it on and off for years and it's super affordable. Probably not moisturizing enough for dry hair, though.
Leave-In Conditioner and Masks
Innersense Detox Hair Mask (see it in action here)
Styling Products
I am a firm believer in less is more in terms of hair products, but these all get my stamp of approval.
R+Co Bleu Line - I can’t stop with this brand. Even though the look of the products isn’t my fave (I love jewel tones, but not on my bathroom shelf), the performance is incredible. Top picks:
Rebounce Natural Texture and Curl Creme
Other Great Styling Products:
Sahajan Nurture Hair Oil - the smell of this is divine
Innersense Whipped Cream Texturizer
Violette_FR Frange Puff Dry Shampoo - So great for my bangs, looooove the brush applicator
Cocokind Rosewater Toner - although formulated for the face, I love to spray this into my scalp after working out if I'm not planning on washing my hair.
Hair Growth Products
Maya Chia Power Fol Advanced Scalp and Hair Treatment - This lightweight, fast-absorbing hair loss solution uses the most advanced clean beauty science to regrow hair while it immediately volumizes, thickens, and strengthens the hair you have. I cyclically shed hair throughout the year and use this during those times. This stuff WORKS.
Brushes and Combs
Mason Pearson Junior Brush - I brush through my hair completely every night before bed.
Yves Durif Vented Hairbrush – the best brush for detangling wet hair after the shower - my kids steal this from me constantly.
GHD Natural Bristle Brushes - I have various sizes
Barrettes/Clips
I like to accentuate the layering around my face so I pull my hair back frequently and have amassed many clips.
My Favorite Styling Tools
Hair Dryer
GHD Helios 1875w Professional Hair Dryer - A total workhorse and I've loved mine for years.
Styling Irons
GHD Platinum+ Hair Styler – Great iron for straightening and curling
GHD Creative Curl Tapered Iron – My most-used iron - creates the most natural-looking waves. I use it in this video.
GHD 0.5-inch Barrel Wand – I use this when I want to add tight curls/waves throughout my hair
My Hair Routine
1. Wash, condition, and towel dry (every 2-3 days).
2. Comb through with Yves Durif brush.
3. Work a small amount of the SEEN Curly Creme throughout hair and air dry. When my hair is completely dry, I brush through my waves because I prefer a soft look.
CAVEAT: I know some of you don’t have the time to air-dry. So I suggest washing your hair in the evening and letting it air dry before bed. I prefer this method for most days. When you wake up the next morning, continue with the steps!
4. Style my bangs, which either means letting them go wild and wavy or smoothing them a bit by brushing them back and forth while hitting them with my hair dryer.
5. When my hair is dry, I might add a few waves with my oval barrel wand just around the face if needed. I then apply a bit more product - depending on my mood, either the Sahajan Nurture Oil (for shine and scent), Innersense Whipped Texturizer (for texture and separation), or Captain Blakenship Sea Salt Spray for beachy-like, airy texture.
On 2nd and 3rd-day hair, I spritz Captain Blakenship Sea Salt Spray all over to add some more texture and dimension and perk up any flat waves with the Refresh setting on my styling iron. I demonstrate in this video.
6. For my volume-loving gals - I love to use a bit of Frange Puff Dry Shampoo at the roots around my bangs and crown which gives me textured volume and lift where I want it as well as accentuating my bits and layers around my face. It also provides an awesome grip to the hair, if you tend to smooth, slippery individual strands like yours truly.
This method saves so much time while also saving your hair from tons of heat damage due to repeated blow-drying.
My Bangs
My bang shape is a slight curve - shortest in the middle and longer on the sides. I always ask for lots of texture throughout so they don't look too heavy. (If your stylist can't accommodate this, maybe it's time for a new stylist.)
Occasionally, I trim my bangs myself using a razor. I walk you through my process here.
Lastly, here's a video demonstrating the 3 ways I style my bangs.
Styling my hair has become very easy due to these products, tools, and methods. If you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comments!
Love! Looking for a new stylist on OKC - can you share?