Okay, seriously, how is it already Thursday? I know time goes by fast but, really, time goes by fast. This time last week I was chilling in North Carolina and, since then, I have been back, had 2 photo sessions, acclimated myself to being in Baltimore (ha!), and, here we are, almost to the weekend. Hey, definitely not complaining but maybe life can slow down just a little bit? I remember being young and thinking “I just want to be this age” or “I cannot wait to be old enough to do this” and even “I really am over school.” Kids, stay kids! Alright, enough of my pontification. Let’s talk about more pressing things – like hair!

Yes, this is a very pressing topic. Today I wanted to share some of my favorite hair care products that will help you (and I) tame those “big hair, don’t care” vibes.

I am all about how my hair looks, most of the time. One of the things I love is getting my hair blown out at DryBar or by my hair stylist at the salon I go to in Baltimore. While I get my hair blown out once a week – you should check out DryBar’s “BarFly” memberships – I do need to deal with my locks for the other 6 days of the week. And, let me just tell you, I have a LOT of hair. I think this is why I have a hard time dealing. Maybe that is just an excuse…or not!

Although I am not talking, specifically, about shampoo and conditioner – I feel like that is a bit personal – these are some after care products to nourish, revive, and even extend your blowout and/or treatments you may get on the frequent. P.S. I do love my Keratin treatment!

Before I jump in, one thing I will share is that I don’t wash my hair every day. In fact, it is recommended/ideal to do so anywhere from 1-2x per week. Now, just like your shampoo and conditioner, this is all very personal. For example, my sister’s hair length and texture is very different than mine. Her hair tends to get a lot oilier and she feels she cannot go more than 1 day without washing. Again, everyone is different but if you are looking to extend your color/highlight, produce less oil, and protect your hair from heat damage if you blow dry and/or curl/straighten, I encourage you to try going 1-2 days (if not longer) between shampoos. Go slow to start and see how your hair responds.

Getting off that soapbox and jumping onto another! Let’s get down to business and start chatting about the products!

Revive Hair Moisturizer by Lush: If you are looking to add a little “oomph” and hydration to hair, especially if feeling dry and looking to tame frizz, this the perfect product for you. Tropical scented, although more pronounced jasmine vine, it is infused with organic avocado & cupuacu butter. Avocado helps to nourish, condition, and hydrate, while the cupuacu adds moisture and nutrients. It also contains oat milk to help soften and soothe. A small amount goes a long way; simply add to your ends to start, staying away from roots (which can make your hair feel heavier and more oily). While you can use this on wet or dry hair, I recommend using on wet.

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray: One of my favorite products to help fight frizz and act like its very own Keratin treatment. Heat activated, this lasts for 3-4 shampoos and helps to compress, tighten, and seal strands without weighing hair down. Spray on when wet, comb through, and watch magic happen!

DryBar “Mr. Incredible” Ultimate Leave-In Conditioner: Conditions, detangles, and gives your hair a daily dose of moisture before you blow dry. Infused with Acai, biotin, and coconut which, when combined, bring your hair to life (plus it smells fabulous too). Acai replenishes damaged hair by infusing it with essential vitamins and fatty acids; biotin increases elasticity and strength to prevent breakage and helps to combat dryness; and coconut milk is a natural hydrator and helps to create lush, smooth, and silky locks. This product can be sprayed directly on damp hair – go slow for those with thin/fine hair – or sprayed into hands and worked evenly (staying away from roots) through hair. I tend to prefer the latter but that is just my opinion.

Kristin Ess Strand Strengthening Reconstructive Moisture Mask: A universal treatment for all hair types and anyone who is looking to reverse the effects of damage & dryness. Here are some of the many reasons why I love this product so much!

• Free of sulfates, parabens, and Keratin/color-treated safe
• Nourishes, moisturizes, and softens hair instantly
• Renews shine and won’t weigh hair down
• “Zip-Up” Technology: a proprietary strengthening complex designed to “zip up” split ends while targeting weak areas of the hair. In addition, it helps to smooth the appearance of damaged cuticles while also protecting against environmental stressors (courtesy of Kristin Ess)

The best way to use this product is by applying post shampoo. Make sure to evenly distribute from middle to ends of hair. Best if able to stay on for, at least, 5 minutes before rinsing with cold water (another great way to seal in those hair cuticles).

IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo: This may be one of the best ways to keep your blowout looking “so fresh and so clean, clean.” From day to day “wear and tear” to even working out, this Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo deeply cleanses, absorbs oil, and eliminates odor. Thank goodness! Another reason I like this product is that it soothes the scalp (some make my hair itch) and does not leave a thick, chalky residue. The detoxing charcoal powder is what lifts and removes dirt and buildup while absorbing oil and sweat. The white tea powder is what gives the soothing scalp properties and supports/strengthens hair follicles. Another fabulous product made without parabens, sulfates, silicone, mineral oil and is gluten free.

The best way to use this product is to section out the areas that seem to be the most oily and/or dirty. Shake well, and spray a few inches from root. Wait ~30 seconds, then massage, shake, or brush hair to remove excess product. Ideally, use at night so it can work its magic while you sleep!

And, voila!

I hope you find some inspiration from the products I have shared with you today! If not for you maybe someone else who you think would benefit. As always, if you have any that you think I should try, please comment and let me know below! I always love the suggestion(s) and, of course, trying new products too!

Cheers to keeping your locks looking and feeling fabulous! Happy almost weekend, and keep being the amazing YOU.

xoxo