Let’s start with the fact that I hate blowdrying my hair. I hate it. I have a lot of hair, and it takes forever. I used to wash my hair in the mornings, and by the time I was done blowdrying I was all sweaty and didn’t feel like styling my hair, so it ended up in a top knot most days.
I only wash my hair two to three times per week, usually, on the days I work out. I work out in the evenings, then jump in the shower and wash my hair. I have found that if I let my hair air dry it is very limp and flat in the mornings, so I have started to blowdry it about 80% dry. It doesn’t seem as annoying at night because I don’t have to style it after, and I ‘m not on any sort of time frame. Here is my process for guaranteeing volume in the morning.
First, let’s talk about the products I use:
Let’s start with some of the products I use. My shampoo and conditioner are not pictured here, these are all my “specialty” products. I do not use them all at the same time. I rotate them based on how I’m feeling that night.
I have used this clarifying shampoo for years. It is inexpensive and easy to pick up at your local grocery store or Target. I use it at least once per month, sometimes more often to really wash out all the dry shampoo and environmental mess that gets in my hair.
I have tried many different purple shampoos over the years, and this one is my favorite. It smells like grape candy, and really tones my blonde hair. I use this once a week (usually on Saturdays) to keep my blonde a cool, ashy tone.
I received this deep conditioner in an influenster box last year, and actually, really like it. You only have to leave it on your hair for one minute, and it really does make your hair feel better after one use. The purple shampoo can be drying on your hair, so I use this each time to balance it out.
I picked up this Pureology Smooth Perfection cream at Ulta a while ago, and what I love about it is you can use it on damp or dry hair. I use it when I get out of the shower, or if I have some fly-aways after I style my hair.
Living Proof had a major sale on their site a few months ago, and I picked up the entire Perfect Hair Day line of products. I use the dry shampoo almost every day, I loved the shampoo and conditioner, and I use this styling product a lot. You apply it on damp hair before you blowdry to smooth out and condition your hair.
This Moroccan Oil treatment came in a swag bag from an event I went to, and I love it. It smells really good and helps my ends appear smooth and polished. I apply it to damp and dry hair (only on the ends) to smooth it out.
Now let’s talk about my after shower process:
After I get out of the shower I let my hair dry in the towel for a few minutes while I put lotion on, or do a face mask, or whatever I have to do. Then I am left with the above mess of wet hair.
This day I decided to use the Pureology Smooth Perfection product to smooth out my hair before I blowdry.
Keep in mind that my hair is thick and long when you see how much product I am using. You may not need this much.
I apply this from mid-shaft down to the ends of my hair.
Because it has been 12 weeks since I have had a haircut, (I know!) I also use this Moroccan Oil Treatment to hydrate my ends.
I also apply this from mid-shaft down. You don’t want to apply any kind of oil near your scalp unless it is really, really dry.
Then I begin to blowdry. I also didn’t realize how dirty my blowdryer was until I took these photos. I have since cleaned it out so it works better and won’t catch fire. I didn’t re-shoot these photos so I could use them as a reminder to you to clean your blowdryer out too.
I dry some more. I flip my hair back and forth while drying to get extra volume at the roots.
The drying continues. I have a lot of hair.
Once it is about 80% to 85% dry I stop. I am left with this. I let it air dry the rest of the way while watching TV or reading. If I am going right to bed I do blowdry it all the way.
This part is the most important step. Make sure you choose a hair tie that isn’t going to be hard on your hair. I love the invisibobbles (on the left) and use them every day. Every time my hair is in a top knot, low bun, or ponytail it is with one of these. I also love the cloth hair ties (on the right) because they are cute, and don’t damage your hair. I do one of two things every single night to keep volume in my hair.
I either put it in a loose ponytail on the very top of my hair. I am using the cloth hair tie for this. Make sure the ponytail is loose and on the very top of your head. This will help keep your ends styled, and give you volume at your roots. This also prevents your hair from breakage in the night from friction against your pillow.
Or, because my hair is longer and I don’t like the oil I just put on my hair touching my face, I put it in a loose bun on the top of my head. Again, the key is to not pull the hair tight against your head, or tie it tight with the invisibobble. It will be a mess in the morning, and that is ok.
The next morning I leave my hair in the bun and cover it with a shower cap while in the shower. Yes, I shower again. I do it to wake up in the morning. Then I take my hair down and style it. I used a flat iron for these curls (see how I did it here). I have lots of volume at the root, and my hair is shiny and soft.
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