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Hair care routine Step into my online haven dedicated to the art of post-wash hair care, where we embark on a summer hair care journey designed around a perfect, seven-day routine. In this blog, we’ll delve into a curated selection of products, ensuring a long-lasting and nourishing experience for your locks. From perfecting your hair care routine for long and straight tresses to decoding the mysteries of each product, I am your guide through this pampering session. Elevate your post-shower game with a carefully crafted routine that your hair will thank you for.
First things first: the shower. This is where your after-shower routine really begins, and the star of the show is your shampoo. Dive in and make sure to clean your hair really well. This sets the foundation for a routine that works wonders. Clean hair means you can wait longer between washes, using less product and spending less time on your hair. It is a win-win situation! Personally, I love using Redken Volume Injection Shampoo and Conditioner, especially since I have fine hair.
Now, let’s delve into the benefits of the Redken Volume Injection Shampoo. This powerhouse not only provides instant volume to my fine, flat, or processed hair but also offers a gentle scalp cleanse, creating lift. The result? Soft, manageable, and shiny locks with a polished finish. The secret lies in Redken’s blend of filloxane, softening agents, and silicone polymers.
Moving on to the conditioner, it is a game-changer. For me, targeting damaged hair, it prevents breakage while adding movement and enhancing the body. It activates root lift for full scalp care and maximizes volume, it contributes to that sought-after polished finish. The key ingredients are just like the shampoo, with Redken’s Bodifying Complex for an effective volume-boosting blend.
Moving on to the main part, after wash care routine!
Once you are out of the shower, grab a towel – preferably a microfiber one if you have it. Microfiber towels are like magic for your hair; they glide smoothly, preventing any annoying snags or breakage. However, if you do not have one, it is not the end of the world. You can still use a regular towel, just be a bit gentle.
When towel drying, be kind to your locks. Instead of vigorously rubbing the towel all over your head, which can lead to breakage, opt for a gentler approach – pat your hair dry. It might seem like a small detail, but trust me, it makes a big difference. Patting helps to absorb the excess water without causing unnecessary stress to your hair.
Now, onto the towel itself. You can easily find microfiber towels on Amazon or at Target. They come in various sizes and colors, so you can pick one that suits your style. It is a small investment that can make a big impact on the health of your hair.
Once you’ve given your hair some love in the shower with a regular conditioner, loading it up with moisture, there is a problem, moisture tends to slip away once you get out of the shower. Enter the leave in conditioner, the superhero who seals in moisture and keeps your hair healthy and nourished. If you skip the leave-in conditioner, you are losing out, my buddy!
Now let’s speak about the magic numbers for various hair kinds. For fine hair, use six to eight sprays; medium hair, eight to twelve sprays; and coarse hair, 12 to 16 sprays. But, hey, they are only beginning points. Feel free to experiment and find the right quantity that keeps your hair feeling light and gorgeous.
The leave-in conditioner is not only a moisture-locking wizard; it is also a fantastic detangler. Grab your damp brush and get rid of the knots and tangles. Oh, and a small tip: avoid using combs. They tend to get stuck, and no one wants their hair to break. Personally, I find Pureology Multi-Tasking Leave-In Conditioner to be an excellent leave-in conditioner choice. This jewel hydrates and nourishes my hair while also protecting it from heat and injury, leaving it smooth and lustrous. I love the aromatic combination of rose, flowery ginger, and cedarwood. So go ahead and spritz, detangle, and let your hair soak up the benefits!
When it comes to pampering my hair during the blow-drying or styling process, I have discovered that choosing the right products can truly transform the outcome. One absolute must-have in my routine is a quality blow-dry cream with built-in heat protection. Among my top favorites are Redken’s Big Blowout, OLAPLEX No.6, and Redken’s Frizz Dismiss. These products do not just shield my hair from heat; they work magic on the texture and shine of my blow-dried locks.
Let’s start with the amazing Redken Big Blowout Heat Protectant Jelly. Not only does it safeguard my hair from heat up to 450 degrees, but it also leaves my hair naturally bouncy, provides instant volume, and gives it a soft-silky finish. The added bonus of anti-frizz and anti-humidity properties ensures my hairstyle stays put. And can we talk about the delightful rhubarb, orange flower, and cedarwood scent? It is like a little aromatherapy session with every use.
Moving on to OLAPLEX No.6 Bond Smoother, this gem offers up to 72-hour frizz control and speeds up my blow-drying time. The nothing-left-behind airless pump ensures convenience, and the key ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, works wonders in repairing broken bonds, leaving my hair stronger and more resilient.
Last but not least, Redken’s Frizz Dismiss has become a staple in my routine. The sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free formula not only protects against heat up to 450 degrees but also acts as a multi-benefit smoothing cream. The inclusion of babassu oil in Redken’s Smoothing Complex enhances smoothness and frizz control, leaving my hair looking and feeling fabulous.
When it comes to application, I typically go for a pea-sized amount, but if I am feeling extra indulgent or have a lot of hair to cover, I do not hesitate to use a bit more. I love spreading the cream on my palms and working it through my hair, starting from the mid-lengths to the ends. And for that extra boost of volume, I make sure to apply a little extra around the roots of my crown.
As we move on to the next step in our hair care routine, it is crucial that our hair is still pretty wet but not overly soaked. To achieve the right balance, we need to remove some moisture through a technique called rough drying. When you flip your hair over your head and do it upside down, gravity works its magic by pulling water from the top layers down to the underneath layers. This ensures an even distribution of moisture throughout your hair. The key here is to avoid rough drying the top too much, as it can result in super dry upper layers and soaked underneath layers. By concentrating on the underneath layers and flipping your head over, you can achieve a more balanced rough drying.
Now, determining how much water to remove can be a bit tricky. While you may hear percentages thrown around, like 80% dry, it is essential to recognize that 80% dry for one person might not be the same for someone else. It is a subjective measure and differs from individual to individual. Moreover, the idea of how dry you want your hair to be is different for everyone. If your hair tends to frizz easily, it is advisable not to rough dry too much, as it may create a frizzy mess. The key is to rough dry your hair until you start noticing frizz. As soon as you see those frizzy signs, that is your cue to stop. This personalized approach ensures that you find the right balance between removing excess moisture and preventing unwanted frizz, leaving your hair in its best possible state.
Once you have combed through your hair with a wet brush and got rid of any tangles, the next step is either blow-drying or using a heated brush. Before you start with the heat, it is super important to make sure your hair is knot-free to avoid any damage. Once your hair is all smooth, you can start the blow-drying adventure.
To get the best results, make sure to keep your hair nice and straight by pulling it a bit while blow-drying. This not only makes your hair look better but also helps your style last longer. Remember to take your time and go at a steady pace – no need to rush! Also, pay attention to how warm your hair feels. If it is warm, that means it is dry, and you can stop. Going beyond that might be too much and could harm your hair.
After blow-drying, it is time for a styling iron. Even if you have used a blow dry cream with heat protection, it might not be enough for the high heat of styling irons. I have two favorite heat protectants: Kenra’s Thermal Spray and Redken’s Thermal Spray. If you are just starting, I recommend Redken because it is easier to use.
Kenra’s Spray 19 boasts multiple benefits, providing a firm hold and excellent styling control specifically designed for hot tool usage. With thermal protection extending up to 428 degrees, it ensures your hair remains shielded from the heat. The non-sticking formula is my favorite feature. It also excels in taming frizz, flyaways, while adding a lustrous shine to my locks.
On the other hand, Redken Thermal Spray is a formidable companion in my heat styling journey. It aids in creating heat styles with true staying power, offering impressive heat protection up to 450 degrees. Beyond protection, this spray delivers a lasting hold, provides maximum control, and effectively combats frizz. The key ingredients, Ceramides, and Cranberry Oil, contribute to the overall health and vibrancy of my styled hair. Both of these heat protectants play a pivotal role in achieving the perfect balance of protection, control, and shine in my heat styling routine.
To let you know, heat protectants need to be applied carefully – not just sprayed on the outside like a helmet. Use it bit by bit as you iron, making sure it goes all over your hair. Three to five sprays per section should be plenty. Taking care of your hair with these steps will keep it healthy and looking great!
Okay, folks, we are at the final stop on our hair care journey, and it’s time to talk about something super important – hair oil! This little gem does two fantastic things: it protects and hydrates your ends, making them all shiny and smooth. But, here is the trick – use just a tiny bit, seriously! Take a wee amount in your hands, rub them together, and gently put it on the ends of your hair. Most of it goes there, but some might stick to your hands, so give your midsection a little love too. Quick heads-up: too much of this good stuff can make your hair feel heavy, and trust me, we want to avoid that. You can add more later if needed, but once it is in, it is in.
Now, let me tell you about my go-to, the OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil. It is like magic in a bottle. This oil not only makes my hair look sleek and shiny but also does some serious repair work. It fixes up damaged hair, makes it stronger, and keeps it safe. Perfect for all hair types, it is cruelty-free and has been tested to make sure it’s safe and works like a charm. Adding OLAPLEX No.7 to your routine is like giving your hair a spa day – it is going to look and feel amazing. Just remember, a little bit of this oil goes a long way, so go easy, and let your hair soak in the goodness.
This step is optional. Hairspray is like the superhero cape for your hairstyle, giving it that extra hold. But be warned, it can make your hair feel a bit heavier. If you decide to use it, just know that you might need to wash your hair more often than if you skip this step. Now, here is a golden rule: never spray hairspray on one section of your hair for more than six seconds. Why? Because too much spray adds weight, and we want a hold, not a hair meltdown!
My go-to hairspray is Redken Control Hairspray, specifically the number 28. It is like a magic wand for managing flyaways and frizz, leaving your hair sleek and under control. This hairspray has super high hold, dries up real quick with zero flaking or residue, giving you a flawless, long-lasting finish. It is a versatile buddy suitable for all types of hair – whether it is color-treated, natural, straight, wavy, or curly.
