Beauty Tuesday's: Getting the Hair You Want

Happy Tuesday! I want to share with you a little about my hair history. I'm almost always been blonde. Naturally I have what we in the South call dishwater blonde aka not quite a brunette but not blonde either. I started dying when I was 12 and I've never really gone back. I tried being a red head for a bit, but while it was fun it wasn't quite me. I've also died my hair darker to a medium brown, but I never really felt like ME with dark hair.



Winter 2006

Winter 2007

Spring 2008

Fall 2008

Spring 2010

Spring 2011

Fall 2011

Spring 2012

Okay... so I didn't want to inudate you with pictures, but there were a LOT of blonde moments in between those brunette winters I've had the past few years. So now that you know I change my hair color a whole bunch, let me tell you a story.

It's the Summer of 2011. My hair is extremely damaged. I have crazy split ends, horrible flyaways and a general strawlike texture I can't seem to get rid of. Fast forward 9 months and I couldn't be happier with my hair. It's long (for me) but not too long. It's soft, it holds a curl for more than a few hours, no fly aways, no more straw growing out of my head. Yay!

I did a LOT of research on how to fix my hair and consulted with my trusted hairstylist (Krystal, who has since left my salon and I can't find her!! But thats a story for another time) this is what I did.

Clear Glazes

 Are translucent, demi-permanent or semi-permanent haircolor that can do a lot in less than 15 minutes! Available in a full range of sheer colors, as well as clear, this deposit-only, ammonia-free salon treatment lasts from two to six weeks (depending upon application and the condition of your hair) and boosts color but will not lighten it. If you’re not interested in color, but would love long-lasting shine, ask your stylist for a clear shine glazing treatment after every haircut. It makes hair feel thicker, too!

A Good Hair Cut

Cut off as much of your damaged hair as you can. You need to stop the cycle of split ends before it gets worse. Your hair will grow back eventually, and look healthier imediately. 

Use Heat Sparingly

This was the source of my problems. Daily blowdries, curling irons, straightening we put our hair through the ringer. Give it a break when you can.

Use Heat Protectant

I'm sure you all do this already, but I didn't and I can't believe the difference it has made.

Rock a Dirty Hair Style

I always thought I had super oily hair that needed washing daily, but if you avoid brushing it throughout the day (with a brush or your hand) and use a little dry shampoo the next day you'll be amazed how it can last. My go to 2nd day doo's are the top knot, a poofalishous pony or the "Sarah Palin"

Products

I DIE over its a 10. If you buy one product for your hair, it needs to be this. It claims to do 10 things: repairs dry damaged hair, adds shine, smooths and controls frizz, seals and protects color, heat protectant, detangles, prevents breakage, creats silkiness, enhances natural body and prevents split ends. Honestly it really does all this. They aren't paying me to say so *but feel free to send me more!

Amika Oil Treatment

Birchbox: "Obliphica and argan oil pump hydration into damaged strands, smoothing the outer cuticle for noticeably sleeker, shinier strands. This nourishing formula also improves overall hair health, from elasticity to dehydrated ends." First off this smells amazing. I use this on days where I'm giving my hair a break from all other heat and styling products. Its silky smooth, a little goes a long way and it add a ton of shine.

That's all I've got for you today. I'll save my other styling products for another post, but try these steps and see what your hair is like in a month or two. I promise you won't be disappointed! Let me know if you have any other suggestions on how to improve the condition of your hair!