It’s no secret that I’ve worn extensions and absolutely LOVE them. What I don’t love is the damage they do to my hair and honestly, the maintenance it takes to keep them looking healthy. I’ve tried the bonded kind and the tape ins and if I ever do get them again, I’ll definitely go the tape in route. Much less expensive and way easier on your hair.
But anyway, ever since I took my extensions out a few months ago I’ve been trying really hard to get my hair back to the condition it was in. (Sidenote: I didn’t wear extensions on the show!) I’ve always had long, healthy hair but last year after putting my hair through so much stress I decided I needed to cut it and just start over. Since then, I’ve been using less heat on my hair and using a mask once a week. I had always heard that I needed to do that, especially since I color my hair, but never did because who has time for that?? I thought it had to be this huge process that would take forever and be a huge inconvenience, but I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be. I just apply mine while I’m in the shower, brush through it with a wide tooth comb and then clip it on top of my head. Sometimes I’ll put on a shower cap if I want to be safe. I just leave it on the time it takes me to shave my legs, sing a couple songs, and use my Clarisonic. I probably should leave it on a little longer but for me, it works!
Here are some other tips for healthy hair:
1.) Cut down on heat styling! I know we hear this everywhere and very rarely listen to it, but just try it once. When I know I’m going to curl my hair I’ll let it air dry and it gives my hair more body every time. If I do use a hair dryer I wait until it’s almost already completely dry and always use a heat protectant!
2.) Sleep with your hair in a braid tied with a scrunchie (Yes. Scrunchie. But be sure to remove it before leaving the house.) or I wrap my hair in a loose, low bun and use a small clip.
3.) Try a good dry shampoo so that you can go longer between washing. I usually go about 4-5 days! (Here’s my post on my faves!)
4.) Take a vitamin such as biotin or Viviscal. I have heard Viviscal works wonders and have started taking it so I’ll keep you all updated!
What are your favorite hair treatments or tips for health hair?
I’m a hairstylist at Aveda. We have some awesome products that are natural and plant derived. This means we have no sulfates or parafins in our products. Try that damage remedy line to add protein to the hair when it’s over processed. Use the daily hair repair to protect it from heat styling and just the wear and tear of brushing!! #tangerinesalon
As a hairstylist I will tell you that extensions are not only damaging to the hair, but also to the scalp. I have clients who have permanent bald spots from using extensions and they now regret it.
Hey Emily, can you suggest a good heat protectant? I am having a hard time finding one that I like. Cost doesn’t matter to me, it it does the job, I will pay the price! 🙂
Great tips. Warning on the biotin though. It makes some people break out. I know this from experience and have seen MANY other similar stories on hair forums. Like dreadful cystic acne..even after I drank tons more water to flush it out. Of course some people rave over this supplement so I guess just use with caution. I just wish it I could take it without side effects.
What shampoo do you use?
My favorite hair treatment is very simple: I use organic coconut oil. No chemicals! It has so many benefits for the hair and skin. I like massaging my scalp with it and distribute down to the roots with oil. Then I tie hair up and leave it for at least 30 minutes. Sometimes I leave for couple hours while cleaning or just hanging around the house. Then I shower as usual with shampoo and conditioner. The result: Super soft hair that behaves! I do this once a week.
I use Parachute coconut oil that can be found in any Indian grocery store or sometimes even farmers market. You can get it online as well:
http://www.amazon.com/Parachute-Coconut-Oil-200-oil/dp/B000HLCKC8
Use coconut oil as a mask. Put it all over your dry hair, wrap it up, and leave it for 30 minutes or longer and then wash it out. Best thing EVER!
I’m so glad you’re posting again, and especially about your hair! While my hair is absolutely the opposite color of yours, I still try to mimick your hair’s style. Can you do something a bit more detailed in terms of what kind of styling you do and with what result? Your hair always looks great, and I’d be curious to know what it looks like curled, not curled, professional curled, etc.
Hi Emily, so I use WEN shampoo with cucumber cause I have oily skin. I don’t what it does but I love it. So when I have time I use the mask.
I like Aussie 3-Minute Miracle because it’s fast and inexpensive and available in all stores. I just use it on my ends and it smells so good!
Biotin can make you break out!?! Aaaagghhh – that might explain it. I never have breakouts and started taking biotin 3 weeks ago to try and strengthen my hair/nails and had 4 breakouts in the last 2 weeks. So unusual for me. Maybe that’s the culprit. 🙁
I also love dry shampoo and old fashioned scrunchies are the best (behind closed doors…)!
I use Redken Antisnap to add protein back into my hair to strengthen it. I also only shampoo usually 2/week – my hair is super thick and dry from coloring so luckily oil isn’t the problem. Breakage is. 🙁
Emily thanks for this post it was really helpful. I live on dry shampoo it’s my life saver. I can go once a week washing my hair and still get away with it. Plus it makes blonde hair look brighter and blonder 🙂 I use Dove it’s really inexpensive and gives my hair so much body also. Brunettes may not like it too much it may give them that George Washington powdered wig look haha! Anyway thanks again Em, I will be sure to pass on your tips to my girlfriends!
Thanks xoxo your biggest fan, Emily!
Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque is the best! Must try!
I just bought the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque and am loving it! Will definitely try the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle.. can’t beat that price!
I’ve stopped using shampoo on my hair but do use a hair mask (instead of conditioner) at every wash (once or twice a week). My hair has never looked or felt so healthy, soft and manageable before and people always comment how shinny and healthy my hair is. Even hairdressers have asked me what products I use for my hair and they’re very surprised when I reply “very little”! Thank you for sharing your tips, Emily. God bless you.
I have been a huge Aveda fan for a long time, but I am also a huge Bumble & Bumble fan. My hair seems to be a lot like yours Emily. I have a lot of hair, but fine in texture…plus, I have medium blonde hair that I highlight as well… actually use 3 different colors of blonde in my hair, and I LOVE the Bumble & bumble mending shampoo & conditioner. It makes my hair feel so good, and it smells heavenly. My favorite deep conditioner is by Redken. It is buttertreat. They have buttersilk as well, but buttertreat is my fav! Have you tried Matrix/ Biolage Exquisite Oil? You can use this daily. It has Moringo Oil in it.. it helps replenish your hair.. plus smooth and shine 🙂 It only takes a very small amount and will last forever. I have taken Biotin for a long time and love it. I usually take it for 3 months .. then go off for a couple weeks so my body doesn’t get immune to it. I love your posts… !!
I’ve used Wen in the past and absolutely love it!! I also swear by Aveda products! using a few drops of beautifying oil at the ends of your hair works wonders!!!!!
Just tried Aussie moist 3- min miracle,immediately, my hair felt softer, shinning and moisturized!
Emily, thank you for sharing your tip. What an inexpensive way to condition hair!
God Bless!
Can’t help but wonder if you posted this after I asked about it in AskEmily. So great that you listen to fans 🙂 love your blog and all your suggestions!!
Just wondering…I’ve been trying to get my hair healthier too, as I have had extensions and am blonde! I am trying to figure out what is the healthiest way to process my hair but keep it blond..
Do you do roots and highlights/lowlights or just highlights/lowlights…thanks!!
Ali
Thanks for the tips. I LOVE my steam curlers-so much gentler on hair than curling iron or blow drying. I also try to let my hair air dry. Also, blast from the past, but a dab of VO5 is amazing on dry ends for over-processed hair.
This is my first time commenting and I’m a stay at home mom of 3 🙂 What heat protectant do you like if you are going to blow dry or straighten/curl? Thanks!
I like Oribe Royal Blowout the best!
What kind of shampoo do you use? Ive tried a million things for my fine hair, and everything seems to weigh it down.
I use Oribe and Wen.. Just make sure you rinse whatever you use really well 🙂
Viviscal is AMAZING! My hair is naturally super dark and I dye & highlight all over. My hair started breaking years ago & I was left with a mullet. I ended up getting sew in extensions for a few years, but my hair was still super broken & looked awful when I took them out last year. I just started taking Viviscal this past Sept. & it has made my hair grow so much! My nails are stronger too. Get it!