I’ve written a few hair blog posts here and there over the past couple of years, but I’ve really been wanting to create a complete hair guide for y’all to be able to refer back to! I tried to think of the most pertinent questions related to all things hair color, styling, washing, etc. (thanks for your input on my Instagram stories!) My goal was to keep my answers brief + concise to make this super easy to read!
I hope this helps you on your own hair journey – I struggled with hair breakage for years until I implemented some of the tips I share below – you can read more about that here! I keep my routine very consistent now and its what works for my thick, coarse, and curly hair texture. If your hair is similar, all of these things will likely work for you, too!
What are your tips for growing out your hair?
I wrote this blog post 2 years ago with some before-and-after photos of my hair growth and my tips on how I made it happen. My hair is even much longer now because I’ve continued to follow that regimen! My biggest tips are getting your hair trimmed at least every 8-10 weeks to avoid split ends (and breakage) and taking biotin + collagen supplements (I put this powdered kind in my coffee!) I also only wash my hair twice a week, but I know that doesn’t work for everyone!
What do you get done at the salon & how often do you go?
I get my hair trimmed and highlighted every 6-8 weeks! I have naturally blonde hair, but like to get highlights to brighten it up. Lindsey – who does my hair now since moving to NC! (@leaveittolinds) – and I recently did some really long layers to help break up my long hair. I know she also uses a toner on my hair almost every time I go to the salon because my hair tends to get brassy quickly.
Have you gotten any hair treatments in the past?
Yes! I also wrote this blog post a few years ago about my experience with Brazilian Blowouts – Amber at The Hair Bar in Columbia is the only person who has ever done mine, and I still get them about once a year. The last one I had was around 6 weeks before our wedding last year, so I’m almost due! If you’re not familiar, a Brazilian Blowout is different from a Keratin treatment in that it’s not a straightening treatment. It’s a smoothing treatment that provides a lot of shine & moisture, and cuts your blow-dry time in half if you have super thick & curly hair like me! I credit my Brazilian Blowouts with my hair’s health transformation, and finally being able to get it to the length that I wanted it to be. (I’ve never had a Keratin treatment for those who asked!)
What shampoo & conditioner do you use?
I’ve used the sulfate free L’Oreal moisture line for a long time, and also use their purple conditioner once a week to keep my highlights bright. I also use this Amika moisturizing treatment in the shower once a week and think it’s so amazing! I can truly tell a difference in the shine + moisture in my hair after I use it.
For higher-end shampoo and conditioner, I really love the Amika and Moroccan Oil brands.
Do you use a heat protectant? (And what products do you use before styling?)
Yes! I recently switched over to this heat protectant from Chi and I love it. I put it in my hair when it’s 75% dry before I blow dry (here’s my IGTV tutorial on how I dry my hair!) I find that it gives great volume while also providing shine and protection. Before that, I also put a heavy does of this Moroccan oil in my hair to help with its dryness/coarseness. I also like to use this volumizing mousse from Catwalk when I really want a root boost!
What tools do you use to style your hair?
The 3 tools I use on my hair are the Revlon hair brush blow dryer (here’s my IGTV tutorial!), my reversed-tapered curling wand (IGTV linked here!), and this slim straightener. I use the hair drying brush when my hair is 75% air-dryed to smooth + add volume. I also use it on my dry hair on days that I don’t wash my hair to add extra bounce before curling, etc.!
What products do you use to style your hair?
My most frequently used hair product is (you guessed it) dry shampoo. My favorite is the original version of the Batiste dry shampoo – I use it in between hair washes (I wash twice a week!) after blow drying and before I style with any other heat tools. To complete my style, I prefer to use a fine mist hair spray like this one in short bursts to hold my curls and tame flyaways.
Do you recommend a specific hair brush?
Yes! I’ve used this copper hair brush for years – it makes my hair so shiny! I also recommend this wide tooth comb for gently detangling wet hair – you should never use a brush on wet hair to avoid breakage!
What do you do with your hair while sleeping?
I put my hair in a *loose* bun with a large silk scrunchie, and also never sleep without my silk pillowcase – the benefits include protection from hair breakage and wrinkle prevention! We have these from Amazon.
