This post is on haircare, which to be honest is not something I am particularly well-informed in. Not going to lie, I have very low maintenance aka boring hair. Its long, wavy, layered and naturally black. I don't colour or perm it. I don't even have bangs. So take this into consideration as you read on.
My basic routine is shampoo and condition (usually some inexpensive supermarket brand, no favourites), apply a heat protectant/conditioner, let air dry or blow dry if i feel like it, tie in pony tail next morning for work. I will straighten or curl it on occasion.
What I can be sure of is that the texture and ends of my hair appear to have improved with the use of these two products (not necessarily in conjunction with one another):
1. Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique:
This is essentially a leave in conditioner and heat protectant in one. It says that it is for "dry to very dry hair" which, although my hair is not, it still works. My hairstylist recommended me this product about 3 months ago when i went for my usual trim and she was right, it is impressive. I use this after every wash of my hair prior to blow drying (and if I know I will be curling or straightening my hair). Before using it you need to ensure you shake it up well because it has a mixture of a cream and serum inside it that need to be mixed for the best efficacy. It doesn't have an overpowering smell at all, just smells...clean. Overall it has definitely reduced the number of split ends hiding in my hair and I notice when I do heat-style after using it, my hair is much softer and silkier than if I didn't use it.
2. Moroccan Oil:
This is one super over-hyped product. I'm not saying it doesn't work, but for what it is and does, I'm sure, there are a number of less expensive alternatives. It states it provides "instant shine and long term conditioning without leaving residue." It certainly provides shine (and like any oil you only need to use a tiny amount). But I'm not so sure about the long term conditioning claim. This is my second bottle of Moroccan oil (I'm clearly a sucker) and I cant say my hair is any healthier or stronger because of it. I guess the reason I keep using it is as a product to disguise to split ends. Moroccan Argan oil (the legit substance) has been used for years by women in the Middle East/Asia as a conditioner however this product contains a larger proportion of synthetic ingredients (dimethicone, cyclomethicone etc). So its "conditioning" potential is probably better described as "glossing" potential. In its defence, despite being an oil it does absorb very quickly into the ends of hair.
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Other tips for healthy hair include the common-sense-wisdom i.e. what your mother always told you:
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a balanced diet that includes healthy fats
- Regular trims keep split ends away (even when trying to grow out hair)
- Try not to wash your hair everyday as it can dry it out
- Keep colouring/perming to a minimum
- Use a heat protectant when styling
Leave me any suggestions you have for hair products that have worked out for you, I'm looking forward to trying out new things! Also on that note I'm considering balayage highlights in the near future. Anyone had any experience with this on dark hair?
xo
Beauty Doc
