Hey y’all, welcome back! This week, I’m sharing something a little different: beauty tips and my hair care journey — plus the must-haves I swear by. Let’s get into it!

How I Ended Up Learning So Much About Hair

If you know me, you know somehow most of my closest friends ended up in the cosmetology world. No idea how, but I’m grateful — they taught me so much about caring for my hair the right way.

Before we dive in, just know:

I’m sharing my real experience.

These tips aren’t gospel — take what works for you and leave the rest.

I’m keeping it first names only for my friends’ privacy.


My Hair Journey (and the Mistakes That Taught Me)

My best friend Morgan has been saving my hair from disasters for almost 30 years. Thanks to her (and life happening), I also met Ashley, Carol, and Lizanne — each incredible in their own way.

But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing.
I went through the “extension phase” — 300 micro-links later, my hair was damaged, thin, and tired. After Preston helped me take them all out one by one (shoutout to patient husbands), Ashley and I decided to chop it above my shoulders to start fresh.

Then came the great bleach disaster: chlorine + lightener + heat = a “mullet pixie nightmare.” I didn’t touch my hair for a year after that.

Lizanne finally helped me reset — slow, healthy trims, thoughtful color, and real hair healing. She introduced me to natural methods and some holy grail products that changed the game for me.

Hair Care Tips I Live By

Double Wash Right:
Shampoo your scalp only — not your ends. Let the rinse clean the rest.

Condition the Right Way:
Apply conditioner mid-shaft down only. Skip the roots.

Brushing in the Shower (Confession Time): Technically it’s a no-no, but I brush mine very gently while conditioning. It helps with product distribution. Shhhh don’t tell the pros.

Cold Water Rinse:
Finish with cold water to seal your hair cuticle for smoother, shinier hair.

Minimize Heat Tools:
Less heat = less damage. When you do use tools, go for the cool setting.

Warm Treatment Tip:
Use a warm (not hot) shower cap for oil treatments. I linked my favorite microwaveable one here.

Scalp Scrubs:
Use a scalp scrub every 1–3 months to clear buildup and boost growth — but be gentle!

Never Sleep with Wet Hair:
Dry your hair first, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and loosely braid it if you can.

Switch Up Your Hairstyles:
Change it up often to avoid pattern breakage.

Stimulate Growth:
I use red light therapy and regular brushing. Gua sha for the scalp is another option if you’re consistent.

Read Your Labels:
Avoid heavy silicones, sulfates, and parabens — they can wreck your hair over time.

Heavy Product Users:
If you’re big on styling products or dry shampoo, make sure you’re washing enough to avoid buildup.

Shop My Must-Haves

I put together an Amazon list with all my go-to hair care products, tools, and treatments — everything I mentioned (and a few extras I love).

Final Thoughts

I’m no professional, just a girl who’s learned (sometimes the hard way) what works for her hair.
Take what fits your journey — and here’s to stronger, healthier hair ahead!

Hair Products I Recommend

Here are the products I personally suggest and use (or have used) — they’ve all helped me maintain healthier, stronger hair:

Davines :

SOLU (clarifying)

NOUNOU (nourishing)

OI (lightweight hydration)

Heart of Glass (for blondes and light hair)

Melu (for long, breakage-prone hair)


Curls:

Blueberry Bliss collection (great for curly hair hydration and growth)


Chris Appleton and Color Wow:

Money Mask (deep hydrating treatment)


Carol’s Daughter:

Goddess Strength collection (amazing for strengthening and growing hair)


Bumble and Bumble:

Sunday Clarifying Shampoo (refreshes and detoxes the scalp)


Redken:

Extreme Length system (for growing longer, stronger hair)


Malibu C:

Malibu Miracle Repair

Swimmers Wellness Kit (especially if you swim a lot)


CeraVe:

Hydrating Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (if you struggle with flakes but don’t want harsh stripping)


Eleven:

Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo (another good clarifying option)


Crisan Beauty:

Crisan Hair Oil (amazing for deep oil treatments) * Bonus they also have a fab face oil that I swear by as well.


L’ANZA:

Healing Oil (lightweight, nourishing)


Color Wow:

Money Leave-In Conditioner (light, smoothing, and protective)