My Favorite Hair Care Products
Hey guys! I got my hair trimmed today, so I thought no better time to do a post on my current hair care routine. I cut my hair to shoulder length about a year ago, after having very long hair (to my waist). And I’ve slowly gone shorter since the first cut. Now at just past my chin. A classic chic bob. Adjusting to a shorter cut was pretty smooth for me. I have done this a few times now. After about 4-5 years or so I crave a big cut. I really love long hair, but, it is A LOT of maintenance. From the styling, drying, cleaning, brushing, literally everything. It is just more work. I give mad respect for anyone with long, healthy hair. I know how time consuming it is. At this point in my life, I just do not have the urge or patience for long hair. Simple as that. I might change my mind and decide to grow it out again one day, but right now I am embracing having it short.
Let me tell you about taking a shower AFTER a big chop, that feeling of no hair on your back. It is invigorating. And I am holding onto that for a while. It’s just hair right?!
I pretty much always let my hair air dry when it was long. Every once in a while I would blow it out, but I found it very time consuming and a bit damaging to do regularly. Now that it is so much shorter, I do tend to style it with heat, but we will get to that in a little bit. As far as air drying goes, I use this Air Dry Creme by Kristin Ess. This product helps the hair dry quicker, with out as much frizz and enhances the natural texture of your hair. When I had long hair, this was my favorite product for effortless styling. Air Dry Creme is apart of the weightless collection. This whole collection helps reduce frizz, provides softness, smooths and, cuts down the drying time. It does not weigh your hair down at all, hence the name. Another light weight styling creme I use is from Living Proof. I don’t use these as much with shorter hair but they are both fantastic light weight, nourishing styling cremes. Great for those days you want your hair to look soft and smooth with out heat, look somewhat put together, whilst still keeping your natural hair texture.
I honestly love all the Kristin Ess products I have tried. I feel like I don’t hear many people talk about this brand. It’s not only affordable, but its better than many of the higher end hair care products I have used in the past and, it’s available at Target. When my hair was long, I used the Detangling tonic and its amazing. They have an entire care line and different collections for different hair type, including shampoo, conditioner, masks, deep treatments, and styling products.
I use the Fragrance Free Shampoo and Conditioner. It is a weightless, cleans so well and the conditioner rinses out beautifully. It’s just a great every day shampoo/conditioner. I find it very balancing. This line of products are cruelty free, gluten free, sulfate free, vegan, paraben free, phthalate free. About once a quarter I will use the clarifying shampoo. Its just nice to give your hair and scalp a deep cleanse once in a while. Depending on the exposure your hair gets on a regular basis, a clariying shampoo can help reset and balance your scalp and hair. This one doesn’t overly strip hair. You just feel very clean and light. A hair mask I love is from *Eco love. I use this after I use a clarifying shampoo. Its so important to really hydrate your hair after.
Okay, now back to the heat styling. I use a *Revlon One Step Styler. I tried using this several times when my hair was longer and just couldn’t get into it. I felt like it was burning my hair on the highest setting and not drying enough on the lowest setting. I did love the convenience of a dryer and brush in one, but it just wasn’t working well for me. I found later letting my hair air dry first to about 85-90% was key. Then follow up with the styler. When I cut my hair, I brought this tool back out and now, I am in love. I use it pretty much every time I wash my hair, which is 2x a week. I personally preferred using this much more with short hair. If you have a bob, lob, or anything collarbone length and want that salon blow out look, this is for you. I have some reels on Insta showing the results. And how I use it.
As a heat protector I love this one, also from Kristin Ess. I have not seen any type of damage since using this product before I heat style. I also find it cuts down drying time. I allow my hair to air dry to about 90% then I use the styling tool to dry the dampness and finalize the desired style. Once I am done styling I add a few drops of the Gisou Honey oil. This product is on the expensive side, yes, but you can get the mini size which is $25. I originally bought this when I had long hair but still use it today. I have had this for over a year. You only need a very small amount. I place it just on the ends and it adds this beautiful shine with out being oily. Its so lux and certainly a treat!
On about day 3-4 before washing I sometimes use a Dry shampoo. I love this one because they make one for brunettes and doesn’t feel like you have anything in your hair and it’s a spray. I can’t with the powder dry shampoos. ICK! If I use a hair spray, which is rare, I love the *Giovanni LA spritz. Giovanni, another clean beauty hair care line, that I have used on and off for years! Something newish i’ve been adding to my routine as a final step after styling, I like to use the Mix Bar Body and Hair mist. It is just something extra I like to do. I get waves of the smell through out my day and it makes me happy. Mix bar offers very affordable, beautiful perfumes and now hair/body mists. Also available at Target.
Lastly, I can’t forget to include some accessories brands I love to use.
*includes affiliate links.
I hope you enjoyed this beauty post. Have you ever tried any of these hair care brands? Let me know what you think. :). See you next week!
Xo,
Char