Looking for super soft, healthy hair that has bounce, volume and texture? I've rounded up all of my favorite products that truly made difference in the health and manageability of my hair - and huge plus - all but two are in the clean haircare category!
A little background on my hair - it's thick, it's wavy, it's heavy - and sometimes it has a mind of it's own. I used to fight my natural waves because they were difficult to manage and got frizzy easily. But since learning what my hair likes + needs plus getting the right haircut for my hair type (a long shag to minimize weight and encourage volume) I no longer have the constant urge to shave my head.
View the entire shoppable list with product pictures here, or read on below.
EVOLVH | InstaVolume Cleansing Treatment - My favorite shampoo - this gets my hair clean and keeps my strands soft without stripping them. I love how it creates the perfect base for any volumized styles because it doesn't weigh hair down! It also balances the ph of your hair which is super important if you want your mane to continuously look its best.
HAIRSTORY | Scalp Brush - This brush helps me get a deep clean, plus it just feels SO GOOD! When styling, I like to use products that create grit and texture in my hair for added volume and pliability, but I don't want to let them build up on my scalp or roots! Enter this scalp brush, it gently stimulates and exfoliates while I shampoo for my best clean.
DPHUE | Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse - This is a newer addition to my hair routine but I've already witnessed MAJOR results. I use it once a week after shampooing and before conditioning/masking to add softness, shine and to close my cuticle. Besides apple cider vinegar, this rinse has a blend of argan oil + aloe vera to soothe and moisturize. It's also said to help prevent color wash out - though I didn't personally test product when I had my pink hair.
BRIOGEO | Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask - This mask has been a lifesaver since bleaching the under layers of my hair. I focus it mostly on the very ends before taking any leftovers and smoothing it from where my ponytail would start down. It's hydrating, strengthening and doesn't weigh on the hair!
CULT + KING | Tonik - This stuff is MAGIC! If I could gift everyone in my life a bottle of Tonik I would - it's that good! I spray it all over my scalp after getting out of the shower and let the herbal synergies and organic ingredients combine to condition my scalp and balance it's ph, leaving the most amazing, invigorating tingling sensation behind. PLUS it comes in the most gorgeous black glass bottle, and Cult + King sells separate refills for all of their products so you can reuse + reduce.
EVOLVH | SmartVolume Leave-In Conditioner - My favorite leave-in that I've ever tried! I feel like some leave in conditioners make the hair look more flat/dull in exchange for adding some softness, but this perks up my hair and makes it feel so silky. I use it right after the shower on my ends and also on dry hair (still on my ends) if I feel like I still need a little extra softening and shine.
EVOLVH | InstaVolume Volumizing Mousse - This is the product that adds the most volume to my hair during the 'wet' part of my routine. It's lightweight but with a decent hold which helps battle any frizz. I let my hair air dry a bit before smoothing this lightly over my waves and gentle scrunching it in. Sometimes I'll root-clip and let my hair completely air dry, and other times I'll use a diffuser to speed up the process. If there are any leftover crunchy bits once dry, just clap your hands together over those section to soften without flattening your curls.
CULT + KING | Jelly - This pretty pink himalayan-salt infused jelly creates volume, texture, moisture and hold. I like to scrunch a tiny bit over my mousse for extra definition.
OLAPLEX | No.6 Bond Smoother - I don't use this as often now that I use my Evolvh leave-in conditioner, but this stuff definitely works! It smooths and protects the hair and is great at eliminating frizz!
HAIRSTORY | Powder - This is another product that I would love to gift everyone in my life. Powder is a dry shampoo AND an amazing styling product that adds texture, hold and pliability without any greasy feeling. It sprays out the finest dusting of talc-free particles that absorb oil and add lift. I have tried SO MANY dry shampoos and I've found that aerosols made my hair feel dirtier and never provided any volume - plus there was always residue left behind in my dark hair and this is completely the opposite.
KENRA PROFESSIONAL | Volume Spray 25 - An amazing hairspray to set your style. I'll first create the shape and lift that I want using Powder, and then lock it in with this spray. If you love volume - you'll love Kenra #25
SLIP | Silk Pillowcase - Changing to silk pillowcases is something I should have done YEARS ago - I always knew they were better for your hair but I didn't realize how much better that they were until I started sleeping on one. It immediately helped prevent tangles + frizz and I feel like my hair held onto it's moisture better! And bonus - sleeping on a silk pillowcase is also really gentle on your skin.
Beachwashed Luxe Waver - This is the only styling tool I've ever found that mimics my natural texture - making it the perfect tool to re-fresh any sad or flattened waves, or to add beachy texture on naturally straight hair. It's a breeze to use and it's just so pretty to look at - I always feel like a California surfer girl when I pull this out.
All of the products mentioned besides the Kenra Spray and Olaplex fall into the clean hair care family - and essentially that means no silicones, sulfates, harsh chemicals etc. Moving into the clean space for my hair products has personally helped me a lot; it's given my hair the balance it lacked and greatly extended my time between washes (a HUGE plus in my book).
Recently I started testing a few hair oils from the conventional space (includes silicones/dimethicones) but I haven't used them long enough to decide if I like them or not:
Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil - thinnest viscosity
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil - medium viscosity
Dae Prickly Pear Hair Oil - thickest viscosity
For a clean oil, I'm most interested in the Sahajan Nurture Hair Oil as I've heard the scent is divine and it doesn't leave strands greasy or weighed down like I've experienced with other hair oils in the clean space, so that may be a purchase item on the horizon!
Other items on my hair wishlist include:
Images by Kayleigh Maes Creative
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