getting the most mileage out of a blow out
Whether you prefer to head to your local salon or you're more of a hair DIYer ... I think we can all agree, it's in our best interest to learn how to prolong those laborious blow outs. We're busier than ever these days with school schedules, sports schedules, work schedules, nap schedules, feeding schedules... and the list goes on and on and on. As our weekly to-do lists begin to bulge, how magnificent would it be if our hair held up it's end of the bargain? Below are my secret tips and tricks to make your hair game last longer and stronger.
It all starts with the squeakiest of clean scalps. Scrub a-dub-dub and then do it again, paying special attention to the crown of your hair where make up and products often accumulate.
Condition ONLY THE ENDS. You want greasy hair by day 2? Then by all means, condition your whole head. Or follow my advice, then RINSE REALLY WELL and keep your hair cleaner for longer.
Don't over brush. Once you've perfected your mane, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT keep brushing your hair in days to come. Now I know Marsha Brady would bawk at such a theory but over bushing can stimulate oil production from the root- and that ain't pretty... do you really want someone questioning whether your hair is just greasy or actually wet??? I'd die.
Use a dry shampoo... but proceed cautiously. Not all dry shampoos are created equally! I know this all too well. Some dry shampoos have sickening scents. Also the buildup from the formula, even after just a few hours, is enough to make you dive head first into the nearest body of water. Personally, I'm a huge fan of powders or actually anything made by Oribe.
If you've just come from the gym or some type of intense workout and you're only two days into your blow out... consider BLOWING DRY THE SWEAT. I know this seems like we're teetering too close to the edge of insanity here but this actually works. Truth: AND if I had to choose between exercise or preserving my hair- I'd choose the latter every. single. time.
JUST WASH THE BANGS. If the hair around your face is feeling a little slimy, separate those hairs and secure the rest into a ponytail. Proceed to wash the hair around the crown in the sink and then blow dry. It will take no longer than 5 minutes and satisfaction is guaranteed. This was my signature move in my 20s. At least something clever came out of that decade... I'm only sort of kidding?
Consider a silk pillowcase.
Every month or so, invest in a "Sunday" shampoo. This type of clarifying shampoo helps to lift away product pileup and pollutants in the hair. It can strip colored hair, so I recommend using this right before any hair treatments.
Lastly, don't fuss too much... hopefully this is music to your ears. Sport the long hair look for the first couple of days and then throw it up into a smooth topknot, bun or pony tail. Wearing hair pulled up and back still looks polished and lifts the face too.
Hasn't your grandmother ever told you that if you wash your hair too much it will fall out? Well, mine has. A LOT. Seriously, like every time I ever attempted to take a shower. Although, this may be an old wives tale; I never ever doubt my Grandma and you shouldn't either.
