1. give your hair a day off
have at least one day a week where you don’t apply any heat to your hair. [you can do this every other week if once a week is just too much]. every 3-4 weeks [on your heat free day] apply a deep conditioner and really give your hair some TLC.
you can also use a moroccan oil or something equivalent to provide your hair with much needed nutrients on your heat free days.
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2. dry shampoo
dry shampoo is life. the best way to apply is by sectioning off the top portion of your hair. secure the bottom portion with a hair tie. let the top half fall with your part showing. then start with one side of your part. using a comb [or your fingers] separate the top layer of hair and apply the dry shampoo at the root of the hair. [ you never want to apply dry shampoo on the very top layer of your hair.]
once you apply the dry shampoo shake your fingers through your hair to disperse it thoroughly. for extra volume, move your fingers in a circular motion to create a tease in your hair.
if you are a warm sleeper, or know you will be working out/going to be outside in the morning, use dry shampoo before bed. i specifically apply dry shampoo to the bottom layers of my hair [always at the root] before bed when i’m in between washes. this helps my hair stay clean while i sleep.
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3. use a blow dryer
if you plan on styling your hair and making it last, use a blow dryer. it’s no myth that washing your hair every day isn’t the best for it. if you have a mane like mine [lots of thick, curly hair with a mind of its’own], washing your hair every day isn’t practical because #ittakesavillage [am i right!?].
one of the most effective ways to make the most out of your wash day and keep your hair looking fresh and grease free for a few extra days, is to use your blow dryer. always always always use a heat protector prior, but do give yourself a mini blowout. this helps to get rid of some of the natural oils in your hair that tend to weigh it down and give it that greasy and dirty look.
i personally blow dry my hair, then use a flat iron to straighten and style. using a flat iron brings back some of those oils, so as a final touch up, i will blow dry my hair just at the crown to get rid of some of those excess oils. this not only gives ample volume, but keeps your hair looking cleaner, longer.
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4. sleep with a silk pillow case
bed head is real and it is avoidable. try swapping your pillow case out for a silk one. [some of my favorites are below]. your every day pillow case can cause friction with your hair, resulting in the dreaded split ends and for me, a hot tangled mess. the silk proteins are more gentle on your hair, so you wake up with that “i woke up like this” hair. ladies, we flawless. [ i had to ].
another great tip, if you sleep with your hair tied up try a scrunchie. yup, a good ‘ole 80’s style scrunchie. the scrunchie is softer on your hair and prevents the crease that a normal hair tie creates.
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5. condition then shampoo
this little swap-a-roo makes a surprising difference. conditioner is wonderful for your hair, but it also weighs it down and leaves it moisture-rich [which is not technically a bad thing]. if you have healthy hair, try conditioning first, then apply the shampoo. this will add a little extra volume and give you an extra day in between washes.
my hair tends to dry out on the ends, so i condition just the ends of my hair after shampooing to add back the necessary moisture.
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