Like so many of us, recent weeks have forced me to take my beauty routine into my own hands. At-home facials and masking, self tanning, mini mani/pedis and full body exfoliation have actually become refreshing ways to sprinkle self-care into my days at home. When it comes to my hair I haven’t done much though. And sure, the usual hair troubles aren’t too much of a concern.
With all this time at home, chlorine damage, overtreatment with chemicals and hot tools are not top of the list; however, a lack of professional help is.
I’ve dabbled with cutting my own hair and going for an at-home toning treatment with decent results, but in general? It’s probably best to wait until your stylist can fit you in.
Still, you don’t have to just sit around leaving split ends unchecked, and we’ve rounded up a handful of our favorite products that will give you the refresh you need. As things slowly start to open up, these products below will help extend your time between visits, whether due to sheltering-in-place, busy stylists with limited availability, or a tight budget.
And if you’ve been thinking about cutting your own hair, probably best you don’t (but read this post first if your bangs really can’t wait).
featured image: taylranne
A Few Quick Healthy Hair Tips
Avoid heat styling whenever possible.
Let’s be real, we all don’t really need to do a full on blow out and style. Besides for the fact that we’re still spending a good bit of time at home, it’s summer! It’s especially helpful to avoid the heat when you’re trying to keep your hair healthy and shiny between cuts. Check out how Camille gets her gorgeous beachy waves – heat-free!
Turn down the temperature.
If you can’t give up the heat, use less of it. Do a quick blow at the roots for volume, then let your hair finish air drying naturally. And turn the temp down on your styling tools. Try not to go above 350, aim for between 275-300.
Wash your hair less often.
Lather-up less frequently. It not only prolongs color and prevents fading, but will help avoid drying out your locks and causing further damage and split ends. Finish up with a leave in conditioner for extra hydration.
General Hair Repair Treatments
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector
A hair stylist’s go-to, Olaplex is a bond-multiplying system that keeps hair strong from the inside out. It maintains heavily highlighted hair and keeps strands strong between visits. Different than a moisturizing mask or deep conditioning treatment, use as an in-shower treatment before shampooing and conditioning for shiny strong hair that will be ready to face the colorist’s chair when you can finally book a visit.
Act + Anchor Cold-pressed Scalp Detox
It’s so easy to skip out on taking care of your scalp, consider this your equivalent to a weekly wheatgrass shot for your hair. This scalp detox aids in removing buildup and dead skin cells, while delivering minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients to the hair follicle. It stimulates and balances the scalp, leaving it feeling nourished and moisturized and creating an optimal environment for the long term health of your hair.
Oribe Split End Seal
Besides smelling delicious, repairing up to 94% of split ends and reducing breakage by 65% after one use, this silky serum fights color fading and provides protection against damaging and depleting UV exposure.
Captain Blankenship Mermaid Hair Oil
I recently starting mixing up my own hair oil, but before then, this was my go-to. With a delicious fresh scent and formulated with organic plant oils, this non-toxic hair oil aids in replenishing dry and brittle ends and fighting frizz, leaving hair healthier and more manageable. I apply a tiny drop to my ends post shower, while my hair is still wet. If you have courser hair you can also apply to dry hair.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Best splurge mask: Kérastase Le Masque Hair Mask
Since we don’t all have access to the custom salon treatments, you can still get dramatic results at home with this Keratase mask. It revives the hair’s strength and delivers optimal hair nourishment for hair that’s softer than ever. Your stylist will be thanking you.
Best mask for damaged hair: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask
Universally loved by people with hair that ranges from stick straight to curly, the tiny beads of oil in this treatment bond to rough spots on the hair cuticle, lending polish and shine. Use weekly for lustrous, more resilient hair.
Best mask for fine hair: Living Proof Weightless Mask
This silicone-free conditioning treatment nurtures dry, damaged hair for long-lasting softness, shine, and smoothness. The luxe, lightweight product is powerful enough to work on seriously damaged hair, but light enough that it won’t weigh down thinner locks.
Best mask for thick or curly hair: Innersense Hydrating Hair Masque
Repair and revitalize dry, coarse, damaged hair with this rich non-toxic treatment mask. Crafted with certified organic plant ingredients, this mask is great for taming even the thickest, curliest hair leaving it instantly glossier and baby soft. A little goes a long ways!
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Do you have a favorite product that’s keeping your hair happy and healthy? Leave a comment and let us know!
