How Often Should You Wash Your Hair

Finding the perfect hair washing schedule could seem impossible, but it's a project that's well worth it once you find that groove! We've all heard different things about how often you should wash your hair, but there's no simple answer. Honestly, who wouldn't want to spend a little time finding the best routine to get healthy hair that may even cut down on your shampoo days? There are just a couple of things about your hair that you need to determine first, just to give you a better idea of what's right for you. You'll need to find your hair type, texture, damage, and situational factors like pollution or workouts.

Strength Test

Make sure to grab just one hair to take the strength test to determine thickness. If you can't feel the strand in between your fingers, you have fine hair. If it feels thick or coarse, you have thick hair.

This should give you a really good starting point on your journey to the perfect hair washing schedule!

Stretch Test

Stretch out one strand of hair. If it breaks when you stretch it, it has low elasticity. If the hair extends to more than its normal length, it has higher elasticity, which also means healthier hair. You can go longer between washes with higher elasticity since it can take more than unhealthy hair. Keep in mind that brushing while wet can also cause a bit of damage and lower elasticity. If you have low elasticity, look into a strengthening treatment like Kerastase Resistance Masque. This masque does wonders for brittle or dry hair. It's a total miracle worker!

Fine Hair

You can expect to wash your fine hair every 1-2 days. Many fine-haired people have more oil glands on the scalp, which makes it become greasy a little more quickly. If it doesn't produce a lot of oil, you can get away with every other day. You could also consider applying a dry shampoo for a pop of volume if you don't need a wash quite yet, but find your hair falling a little flat.

Use high quality shampoos geared towards your hair goals to avoid damage from washing it often. A good choice would be something sulfate free so it won't strip the good oils that make your hair a little healthier. When you find the right shampoo, you may even be able to extend the time between hair washing days. Another good idea may be to alternate between using hot tools and air drying your hair. Use them every other time you wash your hair to avoid heat damage.

Thick, Curly, or Coarse Hair

As little as twice a week could be the key for you. According to dermatologists, twice a week is recommended to avoid product buildup on your scalp. Buildup without cleaning can result in a flaky scalp, which isn't so glamorous.

You can get away with washing less since it doesn't show as quickly, and the hair can become dry if washed too often. It can also depend on the amount of hair product you use. Consider adding a third time each week if you use a lot of product on your hair. Just like your face, oil and product buildup occur on your scalp, and you want to keep that clean and healthy for happy hair!

Washing Tips

• Make sure the hair is completely wet when applying shampoo

• Use a little shampoo to lather into the roots, rinse, then do an all-over shampoo

• One of the largest risks to your hair is damage while wet, as the hair is weakest when it isn't dry. Be kind to your hair and try to avoid brushing while wet

• If you over-wash your hair, be aware it could result in dry scalp, straw-like hair, and irritation, according to professionals

• Massage shampoo with pads of fingers into scalp for around 30 seconds at least - NO NAILS!

• Use fingers to comb through and don't rub ends in circular motion unless you want those locks to tangle

• If you notice itching, flaking, product buildup, greasy strands (not just the roots), or unpleasant smells, it's time for a good shampoo

• If you feel like you want to go longer without washing but you see a bit of greasy roots, give some dry shampoo a shot! It can really make a difference and save the day! We love Invisible Dry Shampoo by Redken. It's a lifesaver!

• If you color your hair, the more often you wash it, the more quickly it fades

• Consider applying dry shampoo before blow drying for an added layer of protection. It'll protect against those irritating spots that get a little oily while you sleep

• If you feel like you need a wash, consider a shampoo substitute like a co-wash or cleansing conditioner that could give you the same result

This guide can help you develop that schedule that your hair will love! You may have to change it up with physical activity or environmental factors, but you can at least have a good idea of what your hair needs to look and feel its best. No schedule is the same for two people, given all the factors that affect our hair like working out, pollution, sweating, using heat on our hair, thickness, elasticity, and so many more. Trial and error is the only way to get your schedule down. Once you finally find that sweet spot, you'll be glad you did!

How To Make Your Curls Last All Day

If you're like most of us, those curls just can't last long enough! With these quick and easy tips, you can keep those luscious curls just as on point as they were to begin with! Always remember that finding the right way for your hair may take some time, so be sure to play around with different ways to achieve that perfect look. Since everyone's hair is different, you may need to try a couple of things before you find what works best for your hair.

Use Good Products

The key to a good curl is using styling products. Using Curl Manifesto Gelee is amazing for a curly look, and it's great for reviving the look you already have without making it feel crunchy. You also need a good texture spray. Don't forget this step! It's crucial to giving those curls the perfect look and taming the frizz. We love L'Oreal Next Day Hair! It's a total game changer. It can liven up the look you just created or it can bring it back to life later in the day for evening plans in one simple step! You should also go for a product that gives your hair a healthier look and feel. Damaged hair will not stay curled the way healthy hair will.

Hairspray Hairspray Hairspray!

Make sure to put a lightweight hairspray after each curl with the hot tool, and a finishing touch on all of your hair at the very end! A light, non-crunchy spray can be your best friend!

Find the Right Hot Tool

Everyone's hair is a little different. When getting ready to start, never forget a heat protectant and keep that hairspray close by! You should spray each section before and after each curl. If you've got fine hair, a flat iron will probably be your best bet. Choose one that has rounded edges to get the perfect look. Try to look into flat irons that are ionic, have ceramic plates, or include extra help for smoothing hair such as tourmaline. Although buying a quality curling iron, wand, or flat iron can be pricey, the benefits far outweigh the cost! It may be a little less desirable, but your hair will be able to tell the difference, and so will you when you see how much better your hair looks and feels!

For thicker hair, try a wand. Most women with thicker hair find a wand to be the perfect tool to get those locks to stay voluminous and give long-lasting curls. The thicker the wand, the looser the curl. Keep that in mind when deciding just how long you'd like your hair to stay curly.

Get The Right Barrel Size

It's important to get the right barrel size for your hair if you're using a curling iron or wand.

For hair with hard to hold curl, try a 3/4 to 1" barrel. The curls will start a little tighter and give it a boost.

If your curl holds a little better, try a 1-1.25" barrel.

If it always ends up falling flat, you'll need a little more quality hot tool.

Curl Hair a Little Tighter Than You Want

Although tighter curls may be a little tighter than you'd like at first, it leaves tons of time to fall correctly and give you an even longer lasting curl that often goes into the next day! If you want them to look fuller, brush the curls for that looser look.

Skip Deep Conditioner

Although we want that sleek, shiny look we get from a deep conditioner, it makes it a little heavy and weighs hair down. It makes it harder to style, so go for a lightweight conditioner instead. Keep in mind, the second day is better to get those curls. You need just a little bit of natural oil to make it easier to mold.

Use The Right Temperature

It's a good rule of thumb to keep the hot tool at 300 degrees to keep your hair from getting a little dry or fried. Resist the urge to bump that temperature up. Higher heat doesn't always mean better curl. Keep in mind that someone with fine hair can get away with an even lower temperature.

Cool Curls Before Loosening Curls

Think about it just like a cake. You leave it out for a bit to settle, and your hair is no different.

As the hair cools, it firms, giving it a better chance of staying beautiful and curly. After finishing your whole head, let it sit for a few minutes before brushing or running your fingers through your hair. An even better way to let curls cool is to pin each curl up with a duckbill clip while allowing to cool. It's a great little hair hack that's super inexpensive!

Use Hot Rollers or Velcro Rollers

For some, using rollers is a better solution to get their ideal curl.

Use Velcro if you just want it to be curvaceous, but if you're looking for big, bouncy curls, use hot rollers.

If you have fine hair, hot rollers are definitely the way to go when deciding between rollers.

Don't Touch That Hair!

Don't mess with those curls too much with a brush, comb, or running your fingers through it. This is something you should do initially after your hair has cooled from the hot tools. The more you mess with it, the quicker it will fall. It may seem like an easy task, but we all have a habit of touching our hair throughout the day before we even notice what we're doing. Each time you touch those curls, you're adding a little more oil, dirt, etc. These things are definitely your nemesis once your hairstyle is complete.

Put in a Bun at Night

If you've already done those curls and want to preserve them for the next day, throw your hair up into a top bun and secure with a silk scrunchie. Using regular hair ties can cause breakage. When using this technique, it keeps the body in the curls underneath and prevents them from going flat. Don't forget to use lots of light hairspray!

Use Dry Shampoo At Night

If you're trying to carry the curl over to the next day, spray some dry shampoo in before putting it up into a bun with a scrunchie when you lay down for bed.

At-Home Dry Hair Blow Dry

Bend over so hair hangs down in front. Using a diffuser, dry it out a little more. If you use your fingers and tousle the hair, you should flip back over and have tons of volume! It's a great boost!

With all these hair hacks, you're sure to find the perfect mixture to give you those perfect curls! No more stressing over how to make it into that meeting or get to those evening plans with that beautiful look. Now you'll already know how to keep it looking great, lasting long, with even a couple of refresher tips for hair that looks just as great as when you started!

4 Easy Ways to Get Beachy Waves

It's a beautiful, effortless style that turns heads. We all wish we could start our day with a dip in the ocean to have those true sun-dried beach waves, but that's not the reality for most of us. Good thing we've got ways to get that same natural look at home! Not a fan of using heat on your hair? Don't worry, we've got you covered! It's an easy, versatile style that matches any hair type, so we can all enjoy those wonderful waves. It's recommended that those with curly hair straighten it first (with a good heat protector, of course) to give you a better canvas to work with. The best part of all is that to get this look, perfection isn't required! There's no right way to do this look, so we can all enjoy that simple, effortless beach look!

Finger Waves with Pin Curls

• Take your favorite styling cream or mist, apply to wet hair, and get ready to go! Our favorite cream is the Kerastase Curl Manifesto Gelee. It has a humidity shield with 24 hour frizz control. It restores softness, strength, and fullness

• Put hair in 1-2" sections and wrap around finger

• Clip the wrapped hair into clip curl using a pin curler

• Blow dry on low setting to set hair

• Leave curls pinned for an additional 30 minutes

Curling Wand

• Create 1-1.5" sections and use heat protectant

• For short hair, use 1" barrel, while longer hair should use 1.25-1.5" barrel

• Starting halfway down your hair, twist around barrel, alternating directions of curl for the more natural, not too perfect style

• Run fingers through hair gently once it's completely curled

• Give it a spritz of texturizing spray

• Finish with a light hairspray like Fashion Work 12 by Redken

Low Maintenance Air Dry

• Apply styling cream (such as Curl Manifesto) to damp hair

• One way to do it is to simply part hair into one or two low braids

• You can also part your hair down the middle and into two loose buns, secured with silk scrunchies. Using hair ties can damage the hair or break the ends

• In the morning, take down hair and tousle with fingers

• Add a good texture spray like Pureology Wind Tossed Finishing Texture Spray. It adds body, softness, and shine. This product is also great for girls who color their hair, using an anti-fade complex

• If you want to calm the rogue pieces, use a curling iron or wand for a more perfected look

Flat Iron Twist

Choose a top-notch flat iron. Believe it or not, some flat irons include things to protect the hair. We recommend the Sleekr flat iron by Sam Villa since the plates are ionic and coated with tourmaline for extra shine and smoothness, with a snag free promise!

• Time for separation. For thin hair, separate down the middle into two halves. For thicker hair, use four quadrants

• Apply heat protectant before curling each section of hair

• Curl 1" sections at a time

• Flip flat iron upside down with cord facing upwards

• Grab the sectioned hair, starting at the base, and twist hair until it is wrapped around the outside

• Once the hair is locked in place, glide the flat iron down the section and watch a perfect curl bounce back

• Do curls in opposite directions for a full, natural look

• Once you've curled it all, run your fingers through for a more relaxed, loose wave

• If you'd like more control of your look, use a hairbrush or comb. The more space between bristles, the less fluffy your hair will be. A wide-tooth comb will create a piecier beach wave look

• After softening curls, use a light hairspray or even a dry volume spray for a boost of body and texture.

With these four hair hacks, you can have those amazing waves to give you that effortless style that looks like you came straight from the beach!