Before I went blonde I never would have even thought about writing this post! But I had to LEARN you guys because let me tell you my hair went through a lot in 2019. I quite literally destroyed my hair. This sent me on a hair-care journey like never before. You name it, I’ve tried it and researched it. I’ve journeyed to the depths of hair hell, peeked inside, been burned, and now I’m back and ready to tell the story.

You’re probably thinking, “Why should I listen to the girl who destroyed her hair?” Well, I’ve seen and experienced things that one never should with their hair.. so let me share what I’ve learned.

But first, let me quickly recap the circumstances so you can fully appreciate this situation.

THE STORY

After I had Ava I went through this awkward phase time in my life where I kept talking about how I wanted to cut all my hair off. You might remember my uncomfortably long #ShortHairDontCare phase?? Cringing.

A year ago I had “virgin” hair that was soft and strong, but I found it hard to manage. My hair type is thin + curly (when it hits humidity) and I have a lot of it. Like, an insane amount. It always felt heavy to me and like it was “in my way”, especially with a newborn baby. I washed it every other day and threw it in a ponytail 90% of the time. In a spontaneous moment, I tried a random hair salon, downright determined to cut all off my hair off and add some “balayage highlights”. “What’s the worst that could happen?” I thought. (I think we all know how this one ends.)

Yup, my hair ended up over-processed and the color was completely off. Not all of it (silver lining?). But when I tell you over-processed you guys, we’re talking STRAW. A flat iron + blow dyer did NOTHING to it because it was STRAW and literally about to break off.

I then researched like crazy, watched all the youtube videos, and tried all the hair products- determined to become a hair wiz and reverse the damage. And you guys, I think I’ve done it. This is going to sound CRAZY but I am actually glad that all of this happened because I like my hair more now more than I ever did when it was “virgin hair”. Does it sound too cheesy to say that this is the hair I always dreamed of having??

PRODUCTS + ROUTINE

Shampoo | Conditioner | Hair Mask | Purple Shampoo | Purple Conditioner | Leave-In Conditioner

• SHAMPOO. I wash my hair every 2-3 days. I start with Monat Volume Revive Shampoo, because it is quite simply the greatest shampoo to ever exist. I have had amazing hair companies send me shampoo + conditioner completely free, but I pay for this one myself because it is THAT GOOD and worth every penny. It works a little differently than most shampoo, so here’s how to use it:
  • Apply + lather to wet hair and let it sit for 2 minutes. You will notice that there is NO suds and you’ll think “okay this is weird is it even working??” Rinse.
  • Rinse it out and REPEAT. You must wash your hair twice! The second time there will be LOTS of suds. More suds than you know what to do with and you’ll be like “ohhh yes okay it’s definitely working now!” Wait 2 minutes. Then rinse.
• MASK. I shared in THIS post how this mask literally healed my hair. It’s amazing. To use it, I find it easiest to get out of the shower and towel dry my hair. I then apply the mask and brush it through. Wait 5-10 minutes (this is when I’ll use a face mask!) and relax for a minute and enjoy the peace and quiet! Then jump back in the shower and rinse.
• CONDITIONER. I finish with this Volume Conditioner and every single time I can’t believe how soft my hair feels. I know this whole thing sounds very like “Okay Alex how much time do you have?!” but I’m telling you this whole process takes me less than minutes and I love every minute of it!
• PURPLE SHAMPOO. Once a week I’ll add in the Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo before I mask. This step does not replace my shampoo because a purple shampoo does not actually clean your hair, it just tones it and get’s rid of the brass! On the days I use this I’ll also use Oribe Purple Conditioner as my last step (instead of my regular Volume Conditioner).

STYLING

Dry Shampoo | Texturizing Spray | Heat Protectant | Hairspray (from Amazon!)

• Leave-In. I use the Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream as my leave-in as soon as I get out of the shower. This is easily the best leave-In I have tried because you won’t even know it’s there! My hair is thin so I can’t stand the feeling of products in my hair. This one leaves my hair so soft and helps hold the style without weighing it down.
• Heat Protection. I let my hair air dry 80% (when I have time) and then I apply the Drybar Hot Toddy for heat protection. It reminds me of hairspray because it’s a lightweight continuous spray that smells so good!
• Hair Dryer. I blowdry my hair with the T3 Cura Luxe and Volume 3 Brush (both on sale here) and I don’t even have to straighten my hair anymore because it’s the perfect combo.
• Curling Iron. I curl my hair almost every time I wash it because it literally takes me 5 minutes with the T3 curling iron (on sale here). It’s an unbelievable tool, so I am going to do a separate post with a full review + how to use it because this post is getting too long! Lol!

• Texturizing Spray. I love to add a texturizing spray for a little volume (roots-mid shaft) I’ve been using the Amika Un.Done and again, I like that it doesn’t weigh my hair down. I also love the Oribe Texturizing Spray + Drybar Triple Sec.

• Hair Spray. I’ve been using the Kenra Medium Hold for YEARS and it’s my favorite. It adds shine, holds the style, and is not sticky at all! It’s the perfect finishing product and you can get it from Amazon here!
• Dry Shampoo. I use this on Day 2 + 3 and the trick with any dry shampoo is to take a hairdryer and blow-dry your roots after you apply it! I have tried quite a few dry shampoos I like, but the Drybar Detox or the Living Proof Perfect Hair are probably my two favorites!

NOTE: If you’re interested in the T3 Tools, they are currently having a huge sale. You can see the sale HERE.

I also make sure to take a B12 + Biotin Supplement daily! But the bottom line is this- if you hate your hair because it is damaged or hard to maintain, you can fix it. I’ve been there. Boy have I been there! Invest your time to save and take care of your hair and there is a light at the end of the tunnel, I PROMISE!

All my love,

Alex