A few days ago I posted this photo on my Instagram and I asked all of you what questions you have for me regarding hair. I get questions here and there about how I style, what products and tools I use, how I keep my hair healthy looking, ect. So I wanted to compile all of your hair related questions into one Q&A blog post to help make a reference guide for you guys to come back to. I am no hair expert although I do have my Cosmetology license and I spent 2 years working in a salon. These are just the tips and tricks that have worked for me along with some hair knowledge I have from my background. Lets jump into it.
Q: What do you use to protect your hair from tools and heat?
A: I actually shower at night and let my hair air dry before bed and while I sleep. I very rarely blow dry my hair (I’m talking maybe 5 times a year) so the only time I use heat on my hair is when I curl it which isn’t everyday. After I shower sometimes I will use It’s a 10 Leave in Conditioner or I also love the Bumble and Bumble Invisible Hairdresser Oil Primer + Heat Protector. Both products give you the effects of leave in conditioner + they de-tangle, strengthen and protect your hair. Lastly I just started using the Bumble and Bumble Does it All Hairspray which also has a mild heat protector. I will spray my hair when its dry before I curl it to give me some hold as well as protection.
Q: How do you control split ends?
A: Good question! I think this goes back to how you care for your hair in the first place. I strongly recommend using as little heat on your hair as possible and using a strengthening shampoo and conditioner as well as a heat protection like those I recommended above. As I said I very rarely blow dry my hair which I think cuts down on split ends. Try showering at night at least a few times a week to let your hair air dry. I also recommend getting a hair cut as needed – I cut my hair about 2 times a year. And DON’T pick or pull your split ends – It will only make them worse. Go see your stylist to get them taken care of!
Q: How do you curl/style your hair? What curling iron do you use?
A: I actually use a Marcel Iron for my everyday curls which is what we were taught to use in Cosmetology school but you can replicate the same waves with any wand or curling iron. I usually section my hair into two parts, the top and bottom and I start with the bottom section. Hold the curling iron or wand straight up and down and wrap your hair around the iron curling all curls away from your face. Leave about 1 inch of hair out at the ends if you want the beach, undone curls that I usually do. Continue to curl both sides of the bottom section and then move to the top doing the same thing. Once you’ve curled your entire head, let the curls cool before running your hands through them. Finish off with some light hold hair spray like the Bumble and Bumble Does it All or some salt spray. I use the Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion. Wah-lah! I hope that makes sense – if you need more help just ask!
Q: How do you keep your hair so healthy looking?
A: Honestly, I don’t do anything too magical. As I said before I shower at night and let my hair air dry and I think that really helps to keep it healthy. I only use heat when I curl my hair which again isn’t everyday. I take daily vitamins and drink a ton of water which helps with just about everything in your body and I try to eat as healthy as possible (most days). If your struggling with keeping your hair healthy I recommend Biotin vitamins which is really good for your hair, skin and nails. I also recommend trying to reduce heat and absolutely use a heat protectant when heat is necessary. Get hair trims regularly and ask for a deep conditioning treatment from your stylist which can be easily added onto your hair cut at the shampoo bowl.
Q: How often do you trim your hair?
A: I usually get my hair cut about 2 times a year and typically I get 1.5-2 inches taken off the ends. This routine has worked for me for probably the last 3-4 years ever since I started washing my hair at night. I can’t stress how much showering at night has helped my hair and has allowed me to go longer in between hair cuts.
Q: Do you wear hair extensions?
A: Nope! I actually wore clip in hair extensions from freshman or sophomore year of high school through my graduation because I got a bad hair cut and absolutely HATED my hair without the extensions. Once I started Cosmetology school I stopped wearing them and my hair grew long enough where I didn’t feel like I needed them anymore.
Q: What are your favorite tips for highlighting to minimize damage?
A: Good question! I recently started getting balayage done to my hair which is a highlight process that typically doesn’t require foils, doesn’t require heat to process and it doesn’t seem to use as much bleach. I honestly do not feel a difference in texture after I get my hair done and I think it is because the process of balayage isn’t as damaging as say a full head of foil highlights. Consider asking your stylist about this routine and the no-heat processing (meaning they don’t put you under a heat lamp to process your highlights). Also I strongly recommend a strengthening shampoo and conditioner if you do any type of lightening on your hair.
Q: Do you like wands or curling irons better? What brand iron do you have?
A: Honestly I like curling irons but more specifically my Marcel Iron the best. With wands I always tend to burn myself and I can get the same effects from my Marcel Iron so that just works better for me. I do have a Hot Tools curling wand and I don’t mind it but I usually stick to my Marcel Iron which is also by Hot Tools.
Q: How do you keep your curls intact throughout the day?
A: Hairspray! But also my hair has always held curls pretty well so that helps. But definitely use hairspray before and after you curl and that will help you keep your curls throughout the day.
Q: What kind of color do you request at the salon?
A: I usually book the appointment for a balayage or a full highlight. Once I get to the salon I always show my stylist at least 2-3 photos of the color I am looking to achieve and from there they typically just know what to do. From being both a hair stylist and a customer, I cannot stress how important having photos to show your stylist is. This will help put both of you on the same page for what you are expecting out of the appointment. I usually find my inspiration from Pinterest or girls I follow on Instagram. If you see a hair color you like just save it to your phone for your next hair appointment!
I hope I was able to answer most of your questions! A lot of you had the same questions just asked in different ways. If you have one that I didn’t answer just send me an email to [email protected] or a direct message on Instagram and I will get back with you!
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