We’re moving into a slightly different topic today which is something I never talk about: hair. The reason being is that I’m very low maintenance when it comes to my hair. Give me a hairdryer and I’m good to go. I don’t use heat spray nor do I straighten or curl my hair. (For the record, my hair is already very straight.)
However, having gone for the chop just over 2 months ago, I have found the joy in styling my hair now and again. Here’s my (very) easy hair styling routine for those higher-than-low maintenance days where you fancy something a little bit extra!
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If you follow me on Instagram, then you may recall me attending my best friend’s wedding as bridesmaid. In the lead up to that, I couldn’t cut my hair even though I really wanted to so my method in keeping my hair as healthy as possible was in using a hair mask. Normally, you would just use this once a week but for me, I upped this to twice a week for about 2 months and it made all the difference. I totally recommend the Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Masks. I have purchased both the banana and coconut ones – I personally don’t see a huge difference between the two – just different scents if anything.
It’s important to note that I don’t use hair conditioners ever – only shampoo. I find that conditioners just coat my hair due to the silicons which makes it look unnecessarily smooth (my hair is already really sleek without sounding pretentious) therefore weighing it down and causing my hair to get oilier quicker. The hair masks on the other hand are 95% natural, and do not cause any of these problems. Instead, they help repair damage and restore some life back into your hair. I definitely recommend these!
About a year ago, I wrote about dry shampoo and how it had damaged my scalp and triggered some inflammation.
[See: Why + How Dry Shampoo Could Be Damaging Your Hair (and Scalp)]
You’ll be surprised to know that I’m back to using dry shampoo again, though very careful in not overdoing it. My second day hair is much less oilier than in my teens and early 20s however there are days where it can look a bit flat. Using dry shampoo helps to add volume which is the main reason for why I’m back to using it! My top picks at the moment are the Batiste Dry Shampoo in Original and the Toni and Guy Matte Texture Dry Shampoo.
I bought the former in the largest size you can get and boy, does it make a difference! The extra power in the nozzle really helps to add volume but also distribute the product more evenly than in the smaller spray cans which I find, leave more of a powdery residue. The latter adds less volume but I like the subtlety of it – it doesn’t feel like I’m using dry shampoo at all! There is no white cast whatsoever and easy to work with if you’re just looking to make your hair look less oily.
The last product to mention is a hairspray. Traditionally, I don’t use hairspray because they can also add that extra weight that leaves my hair greasy after half a day. Not to mention, the crispiness is never nice. The L’Oreal Elnett Hairspray in Normal Hold does neither of these things! I have a lot of baby hairs that like to stick up and finding this hairspray has been such a God-save. My second day hair tends to be more forgivable in this regard whereas my first day hair can look much less put-together. A few spritz of this means my sleek hair doesn’t have to be ruined by the weird ‘frizz bits’ unsolved by brushing. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for hairspray without weight or tackiness! In fact, I know that a lot of industry professionals use this which is always good to know.
How do you style and/or treat your hair? Do you have a set routine and what is your hair like in the first place?
I apologise for the lack of pictures lately – the lighting has been very unpleasantly kind with barely any sun even in the late mornings when you expect it. By the time there is a good amount of sunlight, I happen to be in work! I am looking to work backwards though and update with some photos in the near future when sunlight does make an appearance!
In the meantime, let me know how you style your hair. Are you low maintenance like me or do you like to do something a little more? Let me know!
You can find me on:
Hoi Yin Li 
I have never used dry shampoo, I don’t really know what the purpose of it is haha. I wash my hair every second or third day and let it dry naturally, occasionally I’ll use a blow dryer or straightener but when I do I make sure to use heat protection spray etc. to keep it soft.
The main factor to take into account is that dry shampoo is definitely NOT a replacement for shampoo! It’s really for those bad hair days where your hair might look a bit greasy and therefore less presentable so in some ways, it’s a styling product. There are people who purely use it for volume though.
It’s really good that you let your hair dry naturally! I never do that unless it’s summer time for fear of getting a head cold. I actually don’t use heat protectant spray but my hair is surprisingly good condition considering!
For some reason I thought dry shampoo would make hair look greasy rather than combat grease, not sure why.
When I go to the hairdresser I get told that for hair my length it is in good condition ☺️
love this post – check my recent post on my haircare routine out 🙂 https://krystalhsiung.com/2020/05/23/my-hair-care-routine/
I’m very low maintenance when it comes to haircare, mainly because my hair isn’t that fussy or doesn’t regularly require specialist care. Although I do use hair masks from time to time and use a hair essence every other day. Thesedays I’m interested in vegan and eco-friendly shampoo and conditioner bars.