Hair routine + fave products for healthy hair
Per a couple of requests, I updated this older post with my current hair routine and tips.
Hi friends! Happy Monday! I hope you’re enjoying the week so far. I’m looking forward to catching outdoor yoga class tonight – my first group fitness class since March!!- and taking it easy with the fam.
For today, I thought we could chat about hair. I’ve been asked to share some of my favorite hair products + the latest hair routine and thought it would be a fun kinda different post. My hair has been through so many crazy stages over the past six years. From luxurious pregnancy hair, to postpartum shredding + regrowth (the lovely Frankenstein baby bangs), changes in texture (my hair got super wavy after I had P! We joke that it’s because the reflux and everything stressed me out that much) and environment (beach air, dry desert air, and swampy humidity), and getting rid of anesthesia from my system 3 times (<— which can cause hair loss and make your hair do funky things).
(trying to decide if I should keep my current blond-ish highlights or go dark again for fall!)
Just this past year, my hair started growing like crazy. I feel like I’d hit a hair growth slump, and would often have to get a trim merely because the ends were shaggy; never because it was “too long.” While I’ve been working hard to take care of it, I also think that getting my implants out a few years ago and decreasing the inflammation in my body has made a positive impact. I’ve been taking a couple of new supplements that I think have helped my scalp and hair, and I think it’s responded positively to the super low-key approach I’ve had lately.
Hair Routine And Fave Products For Healthy Hair
Here are some of the things I do to keep my hair healthy:
-Supplement. I used to take a prenatal vitamin, but instead, I currently take a mix of different things: a liver supplement (that has Biotin in it), vitamin b12, vitamin C, D3/K2 and an adaptogen blend.
I also have a scoop of collagen either in my [decaf] cup of coffee or smoothie, which I consider a part of my skin care and hair health routine.
Collagen has been hyped up for a long time, but it wasn’t until I took it on a regular basis that I noticed a difference. My skin looks smoother, and my hair and nails are noticeable stronger. It doesn’t taste like anything, so it’s easy to add into hot or cold drinks. You can check out more about collagen and why I love it in this post.
I also take MCT oil (usually in my smoothie or coffee) for a quick dose of healthy fat. You get the the huge bottle at Thrive Market. You can also use coconut oils in your diet.
-Watch the heat! This one is hard for me because I like showers that literally burn my skin. Like, I want it to feel like burning lava. When I take a super hot shower, I bring the temp down to wash my hair. My mom is a hair stylist and has always told me to rinse my hair with cold water because it closes the hair follicle and makes it more shiny. I’ve actually started listening to this advice. 😉 I just turn the water to ice cold before I get out of the shower and lean my head back so the freezing ice water doesn’t touch my body. Bonus: cold showers can help the lymphatic system, too.
When I know I’m going to heat-style my hair, either with a blowdryer or styling wand, I pick 1 thing to use for heat styling. So, if I’m going to round-brush it with a blowdryer, that’s it. If I know I’m going to curl it, I let it air dry first, so I’m not doubling up on hot tools.
-Get regular trims. This one is tricky with the kiddos and with the current situation, but I’ve noticed a difference in my ends since I started getting regular trims. In normal circumstances, I try to go every 4-6 or so. For now, I’ve had one trim since January and am super overdue for a new one. Trimming helps to prevent split ends and allow healthy hair to continue to grow.
(When salons re-opened, I masked up for some highlights and a trim just to feel like myself again. This was a couple of months ago.)
-Don’t wash it a lot. I wash it 2x a week max. If I need to take a shower because I got a sweaty workout or hit up the pool, I’ll rinse my hair with water and just put conditioner or a mask on the ends. I think shampoo can be really abrasive and drying, and if you shampoo every day, it can make things crispy fast. I only use shampoo and conditioner together twice a week at the most.
While I don’t wash my hair a ton, thankfully my hair doesn’t get too greasy – it will get a little dandruff snow if it’s been a while – but dry shampoo comes to the rescue. I’ve tried SO MANY, but this one and this one top the list.
Favorite hair products:
-Moroccan oil: I’ve been using this for years, and it’s the best ever. I’ve tried the light and really like it but prefer the heavier oil. We’ve also been using it on the girls since they were toddlers. 😉 We never have to use detangler on their super long hair because Moroccan oil does the trick. They also make an excellent leave in conditioner.
-Hair mask or deep conditioner. This is my #1 favorite hair product. It makes SUCH a huge difference in the texture of my hair! My stylist in San Diego first recommended the Kerastase mask to me (the one in the pink jar), and I couldn’t believe how smooth and silky it made my hair. It was pricey but well worth it. Since then, I’ve tried a few different ones and really like the Loreal silicone-free. The only bummer about good hair masks is that you have to get them from a licensed salon for the most part. I’d hop into one (especially if you have a local salon with Kerastase products) and see what they recommend for your hair.
-Heat protectant. Protecting your hair from intense heat is so important for hair health. I love the Drybar Hot Toddy and the Kerastase Discipline.
-Hairdryer, styling wand, and Revlon styler. I use the Revlon styler after my hair is about 80% dry if I want straight smooth hair. I’ll finish it off with the Drybar round brush and my regular hairdryer. When I want waves, I’ll let it air dry and fix the crazy pieces with this styling wand.
So, tell me friends: what’s your hair routine like? What are some of your fave products? A friend of mine swears by using apple cider vinegar instead of shampoo, but I’m scared to try it.
Any crazy hair stories?
I have two:
-When I was little, I would cut off chunks of my hair and hide them in my toy box. My mom quickly noticed what I was doing.
-My friend wanted me to dye her hair blonde in high school. I didn’t know you had to bleach it first, so I just covered her hair in blonde dye. The roots were the only thing that took the color, so she looked like she was wearing a bald cap with hair sticking out. She cried, and I felt like the worst friend ever. Thankfully, madre fixed it.
Have a great day and I’ll see ya soon!
xo
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I swear by heat protectant too! I use one cream protectant before I blow dry and one spray if I flat iron and it makes a huge difference.
My hair has been so much thinner for years now after having my second child. He is 6 now and my hair hasn’t bounced back. Thanks for some of your tips — I have been thinking of trying some new vitamins and now I definitely will!
Question, what texture is your hair? Fine? Coarse? Medium? Thick? I have fine, thick hair and am find that some hair masks and oils can weight down my hair. As such, I am picky about using products that don’t weigh down my hair…that mask has piqued my interest though.
Also, do you have a recommended size or brand of round brush?
Thanks for the post!
I feel for you and yourr friend, a friend of mine and I accidentally put Ronald McDonald red streaks in my hair once in high school, fortunately it was an easy fix. It happens, lol.
oh noon hahah
Well, I am 42 (today!!!) and I have to say I am very thankful for my thick hair. It is a cursing and blessing. i love it because I can just air dry it and it looks halfway decent. During the summer, I just want to chop it off or just leave it up.
I have been using the jojoba oil for my hair (got it from Trader Joe’s) and I love it. After I wash my hair (which is only 2-3x a week now), I put a dab in that and let my hair air dry. Later that evening, I will flat iron it. Then by the 3rd or 4th day, I may curl it (if I have time in the morning).
I will get a blow out once in a while but since they use so many of the heat products, that my hair ends up being super dry. I usually will do it if it is a special event.
Now that I am older, I have to go to the salon about once a month for color touch ups. My stylist will usually trim my hair or trim every other appointment.
As for washing my hair, I use the Kirkland brand of moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and I LOVE it. It is like the Pureology brand but affordable!
happy belated birthday to you! i hope you had a great one
i totally agree about the summer. i either wear it in a bun nonstop, or think about cutting it all
the jojoba oil from tj’s is amazing, and i’ve never tried it on hair! need to do that
Thank you!
Try it out and let let know how it works!
When I was in high school my friend and I were trying to be edgy so I had her put black streaks in my long, light brown hair and then I dyed the end of her bob black. We were so cool. My mom especially loved paying to have it stripped and re-dyed once I was over the skater look.
oh no! haha
My favorite product is definitely my hair serum to help smooth it before I dry it (when I dry it…hahaha), and Dry Bar dry shampoo because I hate washing my hair! Last week I had it in a sock bun at work because it was on the last day I could possible push it and someone was like, “I love your hair!” I was like thanks, it is just really dirty…
hahah it’s the best when people tell you your hair looks good and you haven’t washed it in a looooong time
I love a good hair mask and try to use one a couple times a week. Moroccan oil has a good one and I also like one called “It’s a 10” miracle mask. Trader Joe’s has a new hair mask for like $4 and it’s amazing! It makes my hair so soft and smooth. Highly recommend! Pick one up next time you’re there.
i saw the new tj’s mask and was wondering if it was good!
I also use Moroccan oil every single day! Can’t live without it.
it smells so amazing, too
Thanks Love this post! Lovely hair! I have been blessed with thick Filipino hair so just maintaining it is easy. I did have times with I was shedding more than usual I think it’s due to stress. I rubbed black seed oil infused with rosemary (saw on ig) and it helped! I also take collagen in my coffee (got this from you) and my lather coconut oil on it 1x weekly! I usually wash my hair at night and let it Air dry- it has nice waves in the am but in the winter I blow dry by it’s cold!! I willi Ii
ooops my ipad was acting up! I meant to say that I will try that kerastase mask!! kerastase is $$ but my sis in law loves it. My hair salon uses Davines, and oh my … smells glorious!!!
ohh i haven’t tried that line!
Your hair is beautiful! I’ve had damaged hair from coloring and styling damage. I’ve been using the olaplex system for the past year. I like kerastase products too.
Do you think the pre-natal has helped you avoid postpartum hair loss? Or did you still lose a lot of hair like I commonly hear about?
i still lost a ton of hair postpartum :/
Your hair is gorgeous! After years of wearing my fine but thick hair long, I cut it super short as a 50th birthday present to myself. Four years later I still LOVE it! I condition with homemade aloe vera and rosemary spray; most days I air dry it and use a touch of styling gel.
love that so much! <3
I love your hair. My routine is pretty basic, just shampoo/conditioner, rinse with cold water, let it air dry til about 80% dry, then blow dry/round brush it smooth. Sometimes I use hairspray.
One habit that made a huge difference for my hair is to not put it in a tight ponytail or bun. In fact, I rarely put it up unless I’m working out. My hair sheds a lot less now, yay.
that’s a great tip! i noticed i’ve been doing that with my hair too, and it lasts longer
I’m super interested in trying Moroccan oil. Especially on my little 3 yr old. Do you put conditioner in the girls hair as well? Or just use the oil after washing their hair? My girl hates to have her hair washed bc she doesn’t like water pouring over her head. So I’ve stopped using conditioner (saves me from rinsing her hair twice each bath) and just use a detangler after she gets out but I’m not loving it.
i do use conditioner on the girls. liv used to hate having water poured on her head, too, so i taught her how to lie on her back in the tub and wet her hair like a mermaid. she went for it! the moroccan oil is seriously the best detangler; you just need little on the ends
Oh man I need to try the trick of lying down like a mermaid! Right now though we use an inflatable duck to bathe our almost 1 year old son in at the same time inside the bath so she has limited space. I keep trying to teach her to look up at the ceiling, close her eyes and cover them with a wash cloth but inevitably she puts her head back down when the water hits. Her brother is really where he can be in the full bath with her but then he would probably pull her hair or hit her while she is lying down to rinse. Maybe I should just bathe them separately…
I’m sure this long discussion about my kids’ bath time routine wasn’t what you had in mind. Hahaha! Thanks for the suggestions!
I need to try that Morrocan Oil! How many times a week so you use it? Do You Use on wet or dry Hair?
i use it on wet hair after i wash it
Ok thanks so much! Gonna pick some up today! Also, do you use just 1 scoop or 2 scoops of the Vital Proteins?
just 1 scoop 🙂
I couldn’t live without that Moroccan hair oil! The best!
Great post – very helpful. I have super thick, course, red hair. Since turning 40, I started with small highlights (to hide my “sparklies”), and I feel it really damages my ends.
I’m definitely going to try some of these!
And your hair is always gorgeous!
I’m currently in the ‘hair falling out in massive chunks every time I shower’ phase of post-partum, and it is honestly terrifying! I feel like it’s never going to stop and I can see bald spots (that nobody else probably notices, but I do)… I dreading the regrowth!
Who was your stylist in San Diego? I need to break up with mine and had a HORRIBLE experience with the one other person I’ve tried. I used to have one I loved but she moved away and it’s been a struggle ever since!
her name is shaylyn. she used to work at jol salon but is now at hyde edwards. she is AMAZING.
Thank you!! 🙂
This is great! I just started taking collagen. My hair is much longer and healthier these days 🙂
I am taking prenatals and I’ve noticed a difference in my hair growth usually horrible but now nice nails. Yay for the extra benefit!
I don’t do too much to my hair. I have beach wavy hair naturally and for the most part I’ll wash 3x/week and unless I need to go some place or I’m cold I’ll iust let it air dry with a little bit of sulfate-free product (that I change up often). I tell people all the time I that I’m so thankful for the hair I have because I’m too lazy to do anything fancy with it.
I love your hair Gina! What hair ties do you use? (I asked you in a DM on Instagram and you graciously replied, but the link didn’t show up for me!)
hi! here you go! https://rstyle.me/+Dh55YmdD4gRgkKxCHzy-6Q
they’re the best 🙂
Do you know why you cut out chunks of your hair as a kid?
I have had trichotillomania since I was a kid (pulling out your own hair…) and your story reminded me of myself as a kid, because I would pull out my hair and hide that I had done it. I still get the urge to do it when I’m really stressed, but now I can stop myself. Was that how it was for you?
for me, it was just experimenting and also that feeling of doing something i’d probably be in trouble for later. i totally understand how it could be a stress thing. glad to hear it’s been better for you <3
Your hair stories made me laugh out loud. When I was in high school, I bleached my (dark brown) hair and dyed it with Manic Panic dye that I bought at Hot Topic (LOL). This was 20 years ago, before you could get colors like pink or purple at a salon. Anyway, it totally fried my hair.
I also only wash once or twice a week! Makes a huge difference.
good ol’ hot topic haha!
I need to be better about using heat protectant. I just forget! I don’t usually do too much to my hair but I’m starting to notice my confidence level does up when my hair looks good. So I’m trying to start paying more attention to it.
My sister is a stylist and loves Aquage products. I don’t use them regularly but she always makes my hair look great with them!
ohhh i haven’t tried those!
Tell me about using Maroccan Oil on your girls! I LOVE that product, never even thought to use it in place of a Detangler on my daughter! Brilliant! When do you use it? Right when they get out of the shower or after their hair is already dry?