my hair routine

Much to my surprise, one of the questions I get asked most often is how I maintain/fix my hair. I have super, super thick hair that doesn't require a ton of maintenance (or maybe it should and I'm just lazy with it), so I don't have a great deal of advice in the way of hair care but I do know what works for me! Some days, that is. Other days it's a hot mess express all around.  I've used the same curling iron for years (this one in a 1 inch barrel) and have just recently fallen in love with the T3 blow dryer and straightener. Y'all know I'm all about curls (big Texas hair, don't care) but straight hair is making a major comeback in 2017 and I've started using my T3 straightener more and more. I love how soft and shiny my hair is afterwards and that I can skip an extra day of washing and it stays nice and straight. I have a few more products that I love and my hair care routine that I'll share below!

monogrammed robe | straightener | blow dryer | necklaces | similar slippers

photos by RaeTay Photography \\ location: Westin at The Woodlands

MY HAIR ROUTINE:
For several years up until around this time last year, I had gotten in the habit of washing my hair every single night. A little over a year ago, I broke that habit and now wash my hair every other night. I'm working, slowly but surely, to add another day in between washes. It's definitely better for your hair to go longer without washing and since I don't work out, like, ever, I rarely sweat except in the summer. I hate not washing my hair after a day of sweating out in the sun! Probably why I got started on the everyday wash thing to being with. Anyway, I don't have a tried and true shampoo that I use regularly, as it's better for your hair to switch up shampoos and conditioners regularly. I have been using this shampoo & conditioner in the rotation most as of late- they're a little pricey but worth the splurge! I have friends who tell me all the time that their hair gets too oily not to wash daily but really, you have to train your hair. It may take a few weeks or even months for it to adjust to a new wash schedule, but just stick with it and eventually the oiliness will lessen. That's also when dry shampoo becomes your BFF.

I shower at night the majority of the time and let my hair dry overnight. I've done this my entire life, so it's more of a habit than anything but I also love not using heat on my hair which keeps it healthier. When I do have to shower before an event or outing, I always use my T3 blow dryer. It dries my hair faster than any other dryer I've ever used and leaves my hair feeling so silky smooth. With a regular blow dryer, it would take me 30-45 minutes to blow dry my hair (no joke! I have a mane). But with the T3, I can get my mop completely dry in under 15 minutes. That's record breaking for me, you guys! On a normal day of washing my hair before bed, I'll apply this leave-in product right out of the shower to prevent breakage. If I'm on an in-between wash day, I swear by this dry shampoo. It's the best and smells amazing! A tip: apply your dry shampoo at night right before bed, as to absorb oil while you get your beauty sleep. This way, you only have to spot treat (rather than blast your face off) come morning.

I mentioned that I love and use this curling iron regularly which is just a cheapo from Target but I've used it since middle school and the curls hold for days (make sure and turn the heat all the way up!). If I'm in a rush, I'll just do more wavy curls that take about 10 minutes. If I have some time or a photoshoot, I'll spend longer making tighter curls and it takes me about 20 minutes to complete. I usually prefer a tighter curl but if I want a bigger, looser curl or wave, I'll use the same curling iron but with a 1 1/2 inch barrel. When I straighten, it's about a 20 minute process as well, since I clip my hair up in sections and my hair is pretty long right now. I have naturally wavy hair as you can tell from the pictures above- I had slept on wet hair overnight and this is what I woke up to (minus the one flat side from straightening during this photo shoot- I don't leave the house like that, promise). I swear by this heat protectant which is really important for applying prior to using any heat on your hair. If I don't use the protectant for a week or two, I can definitely tell a difference in the health of my hair. 

As far as cuts and color, I have never ever colored my hair (though I've thought hard about it several times!) and get a trim twice a year. I'm notorious for getting Walmart and Super Cuts haircuts and then seriously regretting the decision afterwards. I once sat in the parking lot of Walmart, crying in my car because the hairdresser butchered my cut so badly and I was maid of honor in a wedding the next week. I legit had a mullet. Zach spends more on his haircuts than I do on mine...I just hate spending a lot of money on a trim. So if you're in Houston and know of a good salon, please pass along the info! 

I think that's about it as far as hair care goes! On days I don't feel like doing my hair at all, I'll just throw it back in a braid which also makes nice waves when I take it down. These days happen pretty regularly. :) If you're wanting to grow your hair out, this mask is amazing for hair growth and overall health. It's a bit pricey but I use it 1-2 times a week and have really seen rapid growth since starting the product. 
Thank you so much for sticking with this long winded post! If I left anything out or you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments and I'll answer as best I can!
xo, Britt