Sweater – Free People | Jeans – Rag & Bone | Bag – Gucci
Today I’m talking all about hair on the blog and I have a very special guest writer to help answer some frequently asked hair questions – my hair stylist/hair goddess Ally Feezel. I went and saw Ally for the second time last week and we updated my highlights and added some Halo Couture Extensions for fullness. I have never had extensions before but I am super impressed with these tape in extensions so far. These extensions do not require heat or glue and are not damaging to your hair which is amazing. I barely notice that they are in except for the fact that my hair now looks amazing even when I wake up!
Before I jump into the Q&A I did with Ally I wanted to share my updated hair care routine for those who frequently ask. I just changed my shampoo and conditioner to Virtue. I use the Virtue Smoothing Shampoo and the Virtue Recovery Conditioner and I have only been using these new products for a week but I can already feel a change in the healthiness of my hair especially with all of the bleach we use to highlight. As far as after the shower – I use the Unite 7Seconds Detangler and Leave in and I swear by this stuff. I have used a ton of leave in conditioners having been in the hair industry and this one is by far the best and the smell is amazing + it does not weigh my hair down.
As far as styling goes – T3 sent over a package to me at the end of last year with their adaptable curling base and a few different wand and iron attachments. Lately I’ve been using the 1.5 or the 1.25 inch curling iron attachments. I love these irons for three reasons – 1) they are so fluid in the way you curl it is like an OCD girls dream come true *me* 2) the T3 irons are made to keep your hair healthy – which is a plus for heat tools 3) they are so pretty in design with the white and rose gold. After I curl my hair I finish off my curls with the Unite Texturiza Spray which is a texturizing spray that gives your hair body and lift. This is my holy grail product and I don’t think I can ever be without it. I’ve used the Orbie Texturizing Spray and I prefer the UNITE one over that. That is my whole hair care routine and everything I use in my hair on the regular. Now let’s get into the hair Q&A with Ally.
10 Hair Questions Answered by My Hair Stylist Ally Feezel
Q1: What are some tips for growing out your hair and keeping it healthy?
For growing out your hair the best thing to do is not cut it! I personally don’t believe the old myth about trimming your ends every 6 weeks to help it grow. Your hair grows about 1/2 inch a month, so if your cutting it every 6 weeks or so you’re hair isn’t having enough time in between appointments to grow. I recommend going at least 3 months in between appointments unless your hair is super super fine – in that case I would try to go between 8-10 weeks and have your stylist only trim 1/4 inch or so at a time. If your hair is super healthy and thick or in great condition try to go as long as possible between hair cuts! Talk with your stylist and see what she recommends.
Using good products and taking multivitamins is another great way to help your hair grow. Using a professional shampoo and conditioner (I like the Virtue Recovery, which adds strength and keratin to damaged hair) I would also use a leave in conditioner (I like the 7Seconds from Unite, which is a heat protectant as well), and always use a deep conditioner. I LOVE the Living Proof Restore Mask. Keeping your hair healthy by using good products and not using too much heat is the best way to help with hair growth, because healthy hair is happy hair!
Q2: What are some tips you have for building body when styling?
A few tricks for getting volume in your hair include using a volumizer on your hair when wet, before you blow dry. And then using a product like the Unite Texturiza when dry to add extra body (it is like teasing your hair in a can, one of my favorite products). When blowdrying your hair, try flipping your head upside down, or blowdrying your hair in opposite directions from how in naturally lays. The key is to “over direct” your hair to get more lift. You can also try using hot rollers too! I have several clients who do this as an easy alternative for volume.
Q3: What are some supplements or vitamins you recommend for maintaining healthy hair?
Biotin + Vitamin A, B, C, D, and E! Also maintaining a healthy lifestyle and drinking lots of water and eating protein.
Q4: How can a client get rid of split ends without loosing too much length?
Product wise I would recommend the Virtue Split End Mender. I LOVE this product for sealing split ends on the hair when it’s dry. Also using a good shampoo + deep conditioner etc to help keep the hair healthy. There is also a cutting technique called the “invisible haircut” which involves cutting only on the surface on the hair strand, removing no length. It’s a great option for removing split ends and no length! Ask your stylist about this technique.
Q5: What are some tips for fighting frizz during the dry months?
For Frizz I love using oils, like the Unite U Oil. Using this on wet hair and then again on dry hair is great trick for frizz!
Q6: What products do you recommend a client uses in their daily/weekly routine?
Here is my favorite weekly product routine for the best hair possible – Once a week use a clarifying shampoo. I love the Weekender by Unite. This gets rid of build up and hard water minerals. After the clarifying shampoo I recommend a purple shampoo, and this helps get rid of yellow tones and brightens up the color (good for Brunettes too). For a good purple shampoo I highly recommend the Blonda by Unite. I do this combination once a week. On the other days use a shampoo and conditioner with moisture or protein. Once a week (or more) I recommend a deep conditioner, and always use a leave in conditioner and heat protectant. This is my favorite routine for healthy hair!
Q7: How often should we be washing our hair?
Everyone is different! I personally wash my hair about 2 times a week. I have clients that wash their hair everyday, but could honestly go every 2 days if they just gave it a chance. I also have some clients that only shampoo once a week. Dry shampoo does wonders. I LOVE the PHD dry shampoo from Living Proof! I think a good number would be 2-3 times a week. For someone with really fine hair that gets extra oily maybe every other day.
Q8: How often should we change our shampoo and conditioner?
I think it is good to switch it up! I personally keep these ones in my shower:
1) The Weekender Clarifying Shampoo
3) A shampoo and conditioner for damage (adds protein)
4) A shampoo and conditioner for moisture
I alternate between the protein based combo and the moisturizing combo, because everyones hair needs both. So yes, I guess I have about 6 shampoos in my shower and think it is best to switch it up!
Q9: What are your current favorite hair styles and colors for 2018?
For color clients are still loving the low maintenance lifestyle of balayage and baby lights. I have so many clients transitioning from heavy traditional highlights to more of their natural colors with a few highlights to break up the outgrowth. Color clients are looking for more depth, and dimension and embracing more of their natural color or doing root shadows with pops of blonde around the face like I do on Jennifer below. For haircuts clients are still loving the long bob, and the shag is also coming back!
Q10: What are some tips for getting a salon style blow out at home?
- Use a lightweight hair dryer so its not too heavy for you to hold. Investing in a blow dryer like a T3 Featherweight is a great option! It helps with frizz and a quicker blowout.
- Find the correct size round brush. Your round brush should be as wide as your shortest layer, it should wrap around the brush with the end fitting perfectly underneath.
- Get about 80% of the moisture out of your before blow drying with a round brush. Go in opposite directions or hold your head upside down to get volume!
- Dry your hair in sections that are not too big – 1/2 inch in width is a good rule of thumb!
- Finish with the right products like a split end mender for frizz, a shine spray, etc.
I hope you guys enjoyed this talk about hair and if you have any other questions feel free to reach out to Ally personally on Instagram @hairbyallyfeezel – she is a hair whisper! Shop some of the products and tools we mentioned in this post below!
