Current Hair Care Favorites

Recently I've been asked several times how I keep my red hair so red. If you've dyed your hair red, you probably know how notoriously tricky keeping that vibrant red shade can be, so it's always fun to chat with others about what they have tried and the methods I use. It's only been the past couple months that I've really felt like I've figured out how to keep my hair so vibrant for several weeks. Since my red hair is one of my favorite things, being able to keep it red without constantly feeling the need to redye it (and kill it) has been a relief and I'm happy to share my experiences!

First, I want to say that I know we're all on different budgets and some people don't like putting a bunch of product in their hair. You do what works for you! These are just items that I've come across that do make a huge difference in my routine. However, I also have a couple easier tips for you to try, too.

Non-Product (Ish) tips

1) The biggest tip I have that's made a huge difference in my hair, is taking cold showers. I know, YUCK! But it has made a HUGE difference in how vibrant my hair stays. (I think I may have also found a shampoo/conditioner that helps, but I want to go another round of using them with fresh hair dye to be certain. I'll update you eventually!)

To make the cold showers more bearable, I'll turn the water on so that it is just barely warm - a funny stage where the water is still definitely cold but I've taken the chilling bite away from it - and I'll wash my hair first thing. Once I've washed my hair, I'll stack it up on my head with a hair tie and then finish my shower routine with warm (or hot, I like hot showers) water, just being careful not to run my hair under the hot water. If it's easier for you, you could totally use a shower cap. I keep meaning to purchase one, but keep forgetting.

2) The other thing that helps is blow drying my hair. I used to just let my hair air dry because I've put it through the ringer with the number of times I dyed it and I felt like not heat blasting it helped it stay healthier. However, not blow drying my hair did not enable the color to stay as strongly as it does when I blow dry it. Since I usually only wash my hair once a week (call it gross if you would like, but I do wash the rest of my body more frequently than that), I figured blow drying it wouldn't hurt it that much.

Products

Here is a quick guide to the products I've found to be super helpful in keeping my hair vibrant!

Batiste Dry Shampoo ($7.99) - I am such a huge fan of dry shampoo! I've tried multiple brands, but I always come back to Batiste. (It helps that it's affordable and easy to find at places like Ulta and Target.) It helps add body back into my roots and soaks up any excess oils that come from having hair that hasn't been washed in a couple days.  The trick is to spray it on and leave it for a few minutes so it can work its magic before you massage/brush it in.

Living Proof Full Thickening Cream ($15-27) - This thickening cream is made for fine hair, which mine definitely is, and I love how soft and touchable it makes my hair!

Beauty Protector Protect + Detangle Spray ($23.50) - I love this detangling spray and need to order a full-size bottle. (I originally received it as a sample from Birchbox.) It detangles my hair like nothing else, smells amazing, and doesn't weigh down or make my hair look more oily.

Got2b Glossy Anti-Frizz Shine Serum ($6.34) - This serum is great for infusing a little bit of extra shine into my hair. I don't use it every time I wash my hair, and if you use too much you will definitely make your hair look dirty instead of healthy, but when I want my hair to look shinier for a special occasion, this is what I turn to.

There you have it! Those are my current hair care favorites!
xoxo
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P.S. If you want to know how I go about dying my hair (Michael and I do it ourselves) or the shampoo/conditioner I alluded to at the beginning of this post, let me know. I'm happy to share!

What are some of your hair care favorites?