I used to have extra-long hair [1] down to my waist that I was very happy with, but after a hairstylist went a little scissor happy at a recent trim, I ended up with a cut that hit just past my shoulders. After that, I made it my mission to drop heat-styling hair tools [2] in the hopes of restoring my hair's length and maintaining its health, and that meant switching up my hair routine completely.
I introduced more masks and leave-in conditioners to my regimen. I also used gentle hair accessories and detanglers to prevent stress and damage to my hair. After four months, my hair felt stronger and has grown a few inches. Read on to learn more about the products that got me through a heat tool-free Summer.
Lush R and B Hair Moisturiser
I used Lush R and B Hair Moisturiser [3] ($26) to style my hair all throughout high school [4] and college, and I recently picked it back up for this hair experiment. It never fails to define my natural waves, bring down my frizz, and leave it smelling like a garden of tropical flowers.
To apply it, I use my pointer and middle fingers to work a half-teaspoon's worth of product into my hair from the mid-lengths to the ends. Then, I twirl my hair into a loose, low bun, and let it air dry. Once I unravel the knot and shake out my hair, I'm left with defined beach waves that loosen throughout the day. The cream is rich enough to also keep my frizz down for hours, but on especially hot and humid days, I use a pea-sized amount on dry hair to touch up any flyaways that are out of place.
Tangleteezer Skinnydip Lovely Llama Compact Styler
To keep from damageing my hair as I detangle it, I use the Tangleteezer Skinnydip Lovely Llama Compact Styler [5] ($16), which has flexible bristles that comb gently through hair even when it is wet.
Invisibobble
Whenever I put my hair into an updo, I use Invisibobble Slim [6] ($8) hair rings to secure it. They don't crease and slip out of my hair without tugging on them, preventing damage.
Keraphix Damage Healing Hair Reconstructing Treatment
I wash my hair every three days, and when I do, I saturate my hair with the Keraphix Damage Healing Hair Reconstructing Treatment [7] ($15) to give it some R and R. It's made with black rice and keratin protein to repair damage, and always leaves it frizz free and feeling silky smooth.
IGK Antisocial Dry Hair Mask
If you're thinking, "What the hell is a dry hair mask?" you're not alone. I, too, was confused when getting my hands on the Antisocial Dry Hair Mask [8] ($34), but hear me out. This stuff works wonders when my hair is feeling extra dry but I don't want to wash my hair or introduce any wet products to it. Think of it as sleeping mask — a mask that you leave on overnight and don't have to wash off in the a.m. — for your hair. Before heading to bed, I spritzed this fine-mist spray onto the lengths of my hair and threw it into a loose bun. I woke up to defined waves that were silky soft and had an unmatched, brilliant shine.
Frank Body Caffeinated Hair Mask
Not only does the Frank Body Caffeinated Hair Mask [9] ($17) soften my hair and define my natural waves, it gave me a sensory experience that I look forward to each time I head to the shower. It's like a cool blast to my scalp that clears it of any dirt of debris, soothes any itchiness, and just feels so damn good.