How I Care For This Mane Of Mine

I take care of my hair the way I maintain my skin.  I treat it and take care of it based on what it needs. Most of the questions I get when it comes to self-care and beauty are about my hair.  So, I thought I’d break down what I use to wash, condition, treat and style this mane of mine. 

Washing & Conditioning:

Let me start off by saying I only wash my hair about once a week.  I was an every-other-dayer for years but then I started to “train” my hair to require less frequent washing.  Basically, I just waited out the greasy period for a few weeks and relied heavily on dry shampoo to get me over the hump and tada! my hair stopped getting oily as fast.

When I need a good cleanse and hydrate, I’m using my Live Clean Fresh Water Hydrating Shampoo.  Sometimes, if I’ve let my hair go a little *too* long I’ll do a double wash to make sure it’s super clean.

If things are looking a bit brassy and I want to brighten them up I’ll follow up the “cleansing wash” with a toning one.  Purple shampoo is a blonde’s best friend BUT not all are created equal and you have to know what you’re doing.  I accidentally gave myself lilac highlights once by leaving on a purple shampoo way too long.  Lesson learned. 

I switch it up between Milkshake Sliver Shine Shampoo and this brand new one from A.O.B that I’m obsessed with.

For those in between days where my hair needs a refresh, I love my OG Batiste dry shampoo.

I have very fine hair and a whole ton of it.  It tangles terribly so I take conditioner pretty seriously.  I actually use a rinse out mask as conditioner because I need that kind of heft.  This is my one true love conditioner. 

Treating, Repairing & Protecting:

This oil from THIC  is like no oil I’ve ever tried before.  After using it my hair feels healthy, repaired and so, so smooth.  It’s not at all greasy but super hydrating.  Plus  it’s cruelty free, vegan & a Canadian owned female business!  I also use this on my hair when it’s dry to smooth it out and add some shine.

Next, I add some of this from Pureology to help detangle and protect my hair from the heat I’m about to use.  It also adds a nice shine. 

Finally, I use this blow dry cream from L’Oréal to protect and repair.  I apply it from my ears down 

Brushing and Styling:

Are you still with me? I know it’s a lot of steps and work.  Now you see why I only wash it once a week?!

When my hair is wet, I use a WET brush to work out the tangles starting at the bottom and working my way up.

Now it’s time to blow dry. I’ve burned out dozens of mediocre blow-dryers in my day.  I’ve had my Dyson Supersonic for four years and it’s the absolute best, best, best blow-dryer on the market.  As I said I have a ton of fine hair that used to take FOREVER to dry.  The Dyson cuts that time in half and leaves my hair super silky.  It’s pricey for sure but totally worth it IMO.

My hair is straight so I can wear it just blow-dried and it’s fine.  The only “style” I’m decent at is waves.  I learned this technique a few years ago and it’s my-go to.

Like blow-dryers, I’ve tried a ton of different brands of curling irons and my favourite by far is Hot Tools.  I use both a 1 inch and a 1 ¼ inch depending on what look I’m going for. They are reasonably priced and do a really great job . 

I’m also experimenting with this 3-barrel waver after seeing this look on a bunch of people.  I haven’t nailed my technique yet but the iron itself works really well.

A must have for waves or curls of any kind is a big comb to break up and soften the style.  I love this one. 

This is my everyday brush that feels SO good on my scalp and leaves me with super silky hair.  It’s the one Bea insists I brush her hair with, too. 

Sleeping:

A few *very* important steps in my hair care routine are what happen when I’m sleeping.

I have slept with my hair in a scrunchie every night for the past 15 years.  I learned this trick early on in my tv career.  Putting it up in a high scrunchie pony helps to keep my style for dayssss.  Actual days.  I’m still shocked at how my hair looks when I take it out in the am. Sometimes I’ll get a little crease but I just use my curling iron to smooth them out if they happen. These ones from Chelsea King are my fave.

If you’ve made it this far, bravo!  But the final step in my hair care routine is a silk pillow case. It allows for less friction than say, a cotton one.  The hair glides around as you sleep instead of possibly breaking.  Also, it just feels super luxurious. 

Happy hair caring!

Big Love,

Danielle