Current Hair Heroes
My haircare routines have shifted frequently over the years, ebbing and flowing depending on the hairstylist I had in my life at the time or whatever celebrity I blindly trusted on the internet.
In recent months I realized that whatever mashup of products I’m using now has resulted in me being the happiest I’ve ever been with my tresses. That is a big deal, my friends! I have very fine, thin hair. It has some wave to it but it’s oily at the roots and dry at the ends due to many years of highlights.
Despite the relatively high amount of processing, my hair’s condition is pretty good right now and I thought I’d share the hero products that are helping to make it happen. I do have a YouTube video that goes more in depth about every single product I use but today’s post is highlighting the true stars of the show that I would run to repurchase first.
First, some housekeeping notes: my current hairstylist is Lauren who I met at One One Nine salon in Ann Arbor, Michigan and she is an angel. She recently opened her own studio in town and I am so excited for her. If you want a slow and steady approach to getting lighter hues in your hair and love that lived-in sunkissed hair look, she is your gal! She is also really good at giving a haircut that flatters those of us with fine hair, and her product recommendations have never led me astray. I don’t know the names of the shades she uses in my hair but I do know that I’m always happy with the result. I don’t ask for anything specific in terms of technique, I usually go in with photos of the overall vibe and look that I want for my hair.
The Products
SANTA MARIA NOVELLA HONEY HAIR CREAM $45.00
A mask treatment for dry, discolored or weakened hair. The antistatic and conditioning effects softens the hair and adds luster. The honey moisturizes the hair and gives it body thanks to its emollient, moisturizing and protective properties. The honey moisturizes the hair and gives it body thanks to its emollient, moisturizing and protective properties. The natural color is due to a combination of caramel and turmeric extract.
First things first, this smells incredible. It has a sweet honey, rose and gardenia scent which lingers in the hair for days. I use this about once every couple of weeks - I shampoo and condition my hair in the shower, rinse and towel dry my hair, then apply the cream and leave it in for 15 minutes. When it’s time, I hop back in the shower to rinse my hair off. It can be a bit annoying to have to hop in the shower twice, but it’s worth it. I tried to skip the proper method of application and just applied the mask on wet hair in the shower and it just wasn’t the same. Application on towel-dried hair seems to give it an extra moisturizing boost.
The result? My hair is left soft, manageable, shiny and moisturized without feeling weighed down.
DAVINES MOMO HAIR POTION $26.00
Light leave-on cream to boost hydration. It is characterised by a silky texture designed to moisturize all hair types.
It makes the hair soft and shiny without weighing it down.
First things first - lots of reviews of this product say that it smells bad, which blows my mind because to me it smells really nice? It’s a soft, clean baby powder smell that doesn’t linger in the hair at all. I wonder if there was a stinky batch somewhere along the line and it has resulted in a slew of unhappy customers. Nonetheless, this hair serum has become an essential part of my haircare routine and I use it after I wash my hair, every single time. I use about a dime-sized amount of product and work it evenly on towel-dried hair. Then I either let my hair air dry or proceed with blow drying and heat styling. It’s super moisturizing and lightweight.
OLAPLEX NO.7 BONDING OIL $28.00
Olaplex No. 7 repairs, strengthens, and hydrates all hair types. It dramatically increases shine, softness, and color vibrancy, while minimizing flyaways and heat protection up to 450°F/ 230°C. It works on all hair types and textures.
This delightful gold oil is (again) lightweight and I love using this in between washes in order to smooth the lengths and ends of my hair. It has become an integral part of my evening routine. At the end of the day after I do my skincare I brush my hair and apply a small amount of this oil through the ends resulting in softer, smoother and healthier-looking locks.
R+CO SPIRITUALIZED DRY SHAMPOO MIST $28.00
This lightweight cleanser gets rid of buildup in your hair and scalp, while soothing itchiness. The micellar-based formula with suspended cleansing powder leaves hair feeling clean—without leaving any powdery residue. Suitable for all hair types.
This dry shampoo is my go-to on a daily basis after a workout. I apply this along the crown of my hair and then hit it with the blow dryer (on the cool setting). My hair instantly feels refreshed, and I can use this a few days in a row without any buildup issues. I wouldn’t recommend this if you are trying to absorb lots of oils or if you want a volume boost, but if you exercise frequently and want something to just get rid of sweat and refresh your hair - this is wonderful.
KÉRASTASE BLOND ABSOLU HEAT PROTECTING SERUM $37.00
This serum instantly unifies damaged areas of the fiber and provides smoothness and lightness. The unique formula is infused with antioxidants and protects from heat up to 450°F.
This does what it says on the label! I’d like to think it also contributes to the longevity of my hair color. Again, incredibly lightweight and easy to distribute. I apply two pumps in my hands and work it through damp clean hair, from roots to ends. Never feels crunchy or sticky in my hair, and has a pleasant clean fragrance that doesn’t linger too long.
