Oh, hair. One of my favorite topics to blog about, actually.
If I had an artsy bone in my body, I totally would’ve pursued a career as a
hairstylist. I think the creative freedom that job would allow would be so
rewarding.
But, I am not a hairstylist. I rely on The Crown and my stylist/hair guru Casie G. for that.
The Wash
On average, I wash my hair two-to-three times a week. Yup,
just that. Here’s why:
It’s a pretty well-known fact that washing hair every day
can strip your mane of its natural oils. Those oils help keep hair in
top condition, give hair its natural luster and also prevent breakage.
I love Davines Oi Shampoo and conditioner. Davines shampoo
is sulfate-free, which is a good thing. Here’s why:
Let’s pretend we’re chemists and get all scientific for a
moment.
Sulfates, (sodium laurel sulfates or SLS), are the ingredient
in shampoos that create the lather. They are a chemical often used for
kitchen cleaning solutions, too. YEP. You read that correctly. The same ingredient
in your shampoo might also be lurking in your heavy-duty countertop spray, because sulfates have a grease cutting property. (Or oil-cutter, if we’re talking about hair.)
This isn’t a plug for Davines, but rather a plea to get you
to switch to an SLS-free shampoo. Pureology, Bumble and Bumble, and LivingProof also make great ones, as well.
But surrrrriously, if you are using a sulfate-laced shampoo
(that makes it sound like a drug, huh?), then go throw that mess away. Your hair will improve dramatically in a short amount of time, I pinky promise.
The Dry
Next, I apply Josie Maran Argan Oil from about midway down t to the
tips before I comb it out. I use this wide-toothed shower comb to do this. Then I spray it down with Davines Melu Thermal Protecting Heat Shield. This prevents breakage during the blow-drying and heat-styling process.
 |
| If you get one thing for your hair, GET THIS STUFF. Now. |
 |
| Day Two hair after washing and drying with all the steps above. Just a quick curling iron touch-up and I'm out the door! |
The Fix
This part is what separates a good hair day from a great
hair day. If I’m super pressed for time, I skip this step. My hair is really
naturally straight, so I can wear a stick-like ‘do if I’m in a hurry.
If I do have time, I like to do loose curls with my 1” HotTools curling iron. I'm working on an updated tutorial (video), so hopefully I can get that up on here before the end of this decade.
Do you have to do anything on the 2nd day as far as fluffing up (dry shampoo)?
ReplyDeleteI actually don't use dry shampoo, since my scalp tends to be pretty dry and doesn't produce much oil. I usually just brush it out and touch it up quickly with a curling iron! Thanks!
DeleteI just switched to a sulfate-free shampoo and are loving it! I agree that washing your hair every other day to two days makes it healthier. When my hair was short I couldn't get away with it, but now that I've got long locks I can do so much more! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI love my sulfate free shampoos! I use the moroccan argan oil, except I just got a straightening treatment done on my hair, so I've been using shampoo specifically to prolong the life of that (also sulfate free, of course). I would love to see a tutorial on using a curling iron, because I woefully inept at that sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteHi - did you get a Brazilian Blowout? I'm thinking of getting. Except I have really dry hair already and worried about breakage.
DeleteI'm in a hair rut. It's pretty long and pregnancy wrecked havoc on my usually thick hair. It's now turning gray at a super speedy rate, and at the ripe ole' age of 29, I'm just not ready to embrace that. But I am gonna try to some sulfate-free shampoo! Hopefully that combined with some good Redken color will revitalize this mop. I sure would LOVE to see your hair tutorial!
ReplyDeleteI also wash 2 or 3 times a week. I recently switched to sulfate-free shampoo and I've noticed that between washes my scalp gets smelly very fast (I know, that's totally disgusting). The only trigger I can think of is the change in shampoos...maybe I need to just try a different sulfate-free and see what happens.
ReplyDeleteHey Brandi, I would say definitely try another sulfate-free and see if that helps the issue. There's a brand called Nevo by Pravana (Ulta carries it, in a long, light blue bottle) that smells AMAZING. It has a really fresh scent that seems to last longer! Best of luck, doll!
DeleteI love Amazon. Shampoo and conditioner just ordered. I'll use up my protective spray I have and then give this one a try.
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I had hair like that! It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteis sulfate-free shampoo okay to use on highlighted hair?
ReplyDeleteHi Mary Beth! Yes, totally safe! In fact, my mom (who colors frequently) switched to a sulfate-free a month ago and has noticed her color sticking around longer! Good luck, my dear!
DeleteLeslie, I would LOVE a hair curling tutorial. I am forever trying to figure out how to make just the ends of my hair curl softly (and STAY that way - a la Kate) without it looking too fussy or just plain messy. Cannot wait to see your tutorial!!!
ReplyDeleteDo you skip conditioning? I recently changed climates and due to humidity, am washing like 5 times a week. I miss my old hair!!
ReplyDeleteHi Hannah! I actually use the Davines Oi Conditioner, as well. I forgot to put a photo of that up, but it looks like the shampoo, only in a shorter, circular container. Love it, as well!
DeleteI would love a hair curling tutorial! My mom is a hair dresser and every chance I can get her to do my hair, I jump on it! I don't know why, but I can't seem to get the big soft pretty curls! :)
ReplyDeleteVideo please! Love the hair.
ReplyDeleteYou have great hair! I have such oily hair and have been told it's because I wash my hair so often and if I left it alone for a little while, it will balance it out. Is there anything special you do for second day hair? (dry shampoo, etc.) I feel so gross and oily by the end of the day. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes ma'am, I agree that just leaving it alone will probably balance it out, as tedious as that may be. I've never really used a dry shampoo, but maybe stick with it for a few weeks (hard, I know) and see if that doesn't help the oil issue!!
DeleteWhat do you use between shampoos? I'm trying a few dry shampoos, but they are not created equal!
ReplyDeleteHey there! I actually don't use anything, currently. I've never found a dry shampoo that I liked, but my hair also doesn't put off much oil. I've heard good things about one that Phyto makes though, so maybe check Sephora for that!
DeleteHow do you get the curl to STAY? My hair is also stick straight and long, I shampoo usually every 3 days, but my hair only stays curly in the dry winter air. ANY hint of summer humidity or rain...and it isn't just straight, but flat as a pancake. Even if I use a dry shampoo for volume. I love, love, love your hair. Actually, it's the reason I bookmarked your blog the 1st time I visited! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet! Thank you for the loyal readership ; ) I hear ya on the humidity issue, the South is horrible for that problem. Mine is pin-straight, as well. I've found that if I invest in a curling iron that gets about 400 degrees in heat, my curl stays put. I use a Hot Tools 1" barrel "rainbow" iron (from Ulta) and crank that sucker up as high as it will go. Hold each curl in place for around 15-20 seconds before releasing it. See if that helps!
DeleteHello Leslie.....
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and love your sweet lil girl is precious!
Okay this is probably a super silly question but I'm going to ask it because I have been wondering about this for sometime. I exercise regularly...try to 5 days a week....and I sweat those 5 days! So my question is what do I do about washing my hair on those days when my hair is wet from sweat. I know that may sound silly but it is a question of mine! I can really see the benefits of washing my hair every two or three days but it's also hard for me to understand what I should do on those days that my hair is a sweaty mess....do I blow dry?
Thank you so much!
Rebecca
Not silly at all! Next time, try spritzing your hair with hairspray, (I SWEAR by Tigi Catwalk in the black can for its fresh scent), then using a big barrel round brush, dry it on the cool setting. This should fluff up your hair and the fresh scent from the hairspray should help omit any odor from your workout session.
DeleteDumb question...so does the sulfate-free shampoo not lather?
ReplyDeleteHi, Leslie! I recently ordered the Davines heat sheild...I love how it makes my hair feel, but is your bottle super flimsy?? Mine is and it drives me crazy!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!