Hair Raising Year

I'm going to start off by saying that this is not your average hair care post-in fact I pretty much break all the "rules" and still managed to grow my hair more than 6 inches in a year. Basically I learned that there are some hair care principles that can be ignored, and some that need to be embraced and even enjoyed. 

Now I've mentioned a couple of times on the blog that last year did not exactly end up being the amazing fun college experience that I had anticipated and I ended up deciding to transfer schools. If you've ever doubted that stress wreaks havoc on the body, I came home from school for Christmas break and had a hair appointment. It turned out my hair was so dead and damaged that it had to be cut above my shoulders. I don't know if it was the new water, new environment or new food choices-but whatever the cause, my body and my hair did not adapt well. Let's just say that short hair is not my look. As a petite girl I already am mistaken for someone half my age and short hair only exaggerates this issue even when it is professionally styled. 

After the disastrous haircut I was determined to give my locks a little more TLC. In the process I think I watched every Youtube video about growing hair and tried every vitamin and home remedy out there. In the end, not surprisingly, the best, most effective advice I got came directly from the source: my hairdresser.

                

1. Pay attention to what you put in your hair

Before my freshman year of college I was using any old shampoo and conditioner from CVS or Target in my hair without much of a thought. After seeing how dry and damaged my ends were I decided to ask the salon what they recommended I use. Surprisingly I didn't have to break the bank to keep my strands from breaking I just had to read more and pay attention to potentially damaging ingredients. Not so surprisingly my hair became much more silky and thick. I love Matrix Oil Wonders. It smells like heaven and leaves your hair feeling even better. I am currently using Paul Mitchell Anti-Thinning Scalp Care-it's definitley on the pricier end but I love the way it smells and how I can feel it deep cleaning and strengthening. 

2. Pay attention to what you put in your body 

We've all been guilty of indulging ourselves when we are feeling upset or lonely or stressed out. In the midst of a year of craziness I was not only not paying attention to what I put in my hair, I wasn't pay much attention to what I put in my body. I would treat myself to a latte and then over compensate for it later at the gym. Then I would feel like I'd earned a treat with dinner and the toxic cycle would start all over again. Now I'm not saying that you shouldn't treat yourself-I still love my daily delicious coffee-now I'm just careful to make sure I am getting enough of the valuable nutritious stuff too. The funny thing about focusing on adding in the good-you often end up satisfied and full without so much of the bad.

3. Heat and hair can mix-if you're careful 

I have naturally super curly hair and of course, and also naturally I want what I don't have which is silky smooth straight hair. My fellow curly girls are familiar with the struggle. Going into this hair growth mission the one thing that was everywhere on the internet was, of course, don't use heat. I knew right away that I wouldn't be able to give up my blow dryer and straightener. I know that it sounds silly but perfecting my hair from frizzy messes to tamed tresses is my armor. I just feel more confident. So I spoke to my hairdresser about how I could be smarter about straightening. The key is upping the hydration and making sure you have a good heat protectant like Dry Bar's Hot Toddy. But the most important thing to swear to if you can't give up the styling is ALWAYS make sure your hair is 100% dry before you use any sort of heat.

4. Pamper yourself & Your Hair Once a Week

And then there are the rules that you should follow. I am always certain to do a deep conditioning restorative hair mask once a week. I love aroma therapy so it's a much a treat for me as it is for my hair. Moroccanoil restorative mask is by far my favorite. It smells like vanilla warmth and leaves with a head of new hair. Don't let the price tags intimidate you: a little goes a long way with this powerful product. I step out of the shower, towel dry my hair, apply the conditioning treatment, throw a shower cap over it and step back in to finish bathing. Tip: the warm steam helps set the product. 

                                         

And because I can't not mention it: how adorable is all of this patriotism coming from Vineyard vines? I got this American flag shirt at a regatta towards the end of this season, and I'm thrilled to see the trend going strong. I feel lucky to have grown up here in the U.S and after the crazy week we've had in this country I am proud to rep our flag.