Having nice hair has always been very important to me and also a battle. I have spent most of my life planning my life around wash days the excuse “sorry I cant I need to wash my hair” has always been very relevant in my life (first world problems eh?). I have NEVER been a wash and go person my hair needs something done to it for me to feel “put together”. The obsession became more real when I took a cosmetology course in high school and all I did was talk about hair for 2 hours a day for 2 years.

Some background to my hair is  I have a lot of it, it’s thick, it’s frizzy and wavy. You can imagine the damage I did straightening and blow drying it for years. Now I’m 25 my hair is the longest it’s ever been ( a little below my breast)  and the healthiest its ever been and I want to share my secrets!

Disclaimer: It helped A LOT that when I was 18 I chopped my hair into a bob and kind of started from scratch. I needed that big chop my split ends were up to my ears!

1. I wash my hair once/twice a week. I know, I know but hear me out. Everyone is always telling me there is no way they could do this “their hair is too oily” well your hair is oily because you wash it too often. You can train your hair to not produce as much oil. Try for 2 weeks to wash it less, use dry shampoo, wear a hat or a braid and I promise by that third week you’ll be able to go longer without a wash. This will help to keep your hair moisturized and not dry it out.

2. I don’t use “normal” conditioner anymore. This might vary on types of hair but because I have thick hair I need strong conditioners. I noticed the MOST difference in my hair’s ends, bounce, and vibrancy when I switched to using a deep conditioner every time I washed my hair. Use it like a normal conditioner after shampoo and if you can try leaving it on for 5-10 minutes. Here are some of my favs > Living proof, Amika, Briogeo

3. GIVE YOUR HAIR A BREAK. I try to do  this at least once every two weeks, just let my hair “go natural”. Now like I said above I’m not a wash and go girl. But I try to use a gentle cleansing shampoo like this one and just add some wave spray and gel and leave it be for a weekend. Giving your hair a break from the heat and styling will rejuvenate the hair and let it breathe. You’ll notice a big difference in smoothness the next time you style it with heat.

4. Last but not least…get a trim! I know everyone hates to hear it and people swear that if they cut their hair it won’t grow but I promise you it will. If you have split ends they are going to just break off as the hair grows so go get a baby trim every 1-3 months and watch your hair flourish! I have to shout out my amazing hair stylist Amber Festa at Tulip Salon & Spa she slays my color always and gives the best haircuts that grow out beautifully.
(shes been cutting my hair since it was to my shoulders!) If you’re in VA hit, her, up!

Bonus Tip: If you’re trying to grow and strengthen your hair this shampoo changed my life. My hair uses to grow very slow and after using a shampoo with keratin in it, it grew like a weed! But remember a shampoo with keratin is not for everyday use, use it once-twice a week.

Current photo of my hair thanks to my outstanding hair stylist. If you’re in the DMV area go see her! @hairbyamberfesta on Instagram.