Day 1 after I dyed my hair red

The OMG Dye Job

In March of 2010 I decided that I was going to head to the salon and dye my hair red. With naturally dark brown hair, this was going to be a several step process including stripping the color from my hair and applying the final hair color. I choose a deep burgundy color from the swatches and my stylist sprang into action.

Almost 4 hours later and a first botched color attempt along with a second color attempt, my hair was red and had been through the ringer. Although the products used were suppose to be good for my hair, I was left with dry, lifeless hair. It was then that I decided to take better care of my hair.

Two years after my dye job, I still have remnants at the bottom of my hair.

Growing out the dye job was going to be first priority. My thick, curly hair this took several years. By the time the last of it had grown out, the ends were a very faded to almost strawberry blonde.

My Hair Care Product Quest

My next step was to research natural and organic hair products looking for something that would help my hair be healthy again.I looked a many products and read their reviews. Some people had success with them but for those with my hair type, I saw many negative reviews.

The first product I found was at my salon was Davines hair products. I used Love Smoothing Shampoo an Conditioner. These products were made with natural ingredients for a sustainable beauty.  From the moment I used it, I noticed a difference in my hair. I was ecstatic with the little progress I made to getting back to healthier hair. It was short lived because the salon created their own version of this and stopped carrying Davines products. I tried the salon shampoo once, it didn’t live up to its Davines counterpart.

For a while I purchased my hair care products online, but the shipping was starting to get a bit much.

So I started up my research for a locally carried hair care line that was naturally made. I discovered John Masters was sold at at a few local salons and health food stores in the area. The more reviews I read, the more I wanted to try it. I also noticed that celebrities whose hair I loved were using his products too – Added bonus.

I purchased the evening primrose shampoo for dry hair and lavender & avocado intensive conditioner. I loved the way they smelled but more importantly, I loved the way my hair felt after using them. Over the years, I have also changed up to Organic Miracles Tough Enough shampoo and conditioner.

Changing the Hair Styling Routine

A change to my regular routine was to incorporated the citrus & neroli detangler into my hair care routine. I would apply it and use a wide tooth comb to gently work out any knots I created while washing and conditioning my hair.

I stopped using the blow dryer. I allow my hair to dry naturally, however I still use my flatiron so that I have long straight hair. I typically keep the temperature down and keep it in motion while on the hair. Once the initial straightening occurs, I will only use the straightener for touch ups.

I added one more step for night time, I gently roll my hair into a bun on top of my head using a scrunchy. This serves two purposes: one, I don’t roll over on it and two it protects the hair from tangling up as I toss and turn.

My New Salon

A lesson that I learned in this craziness for healthier hair was I needed a salon and stylist who shared the same vision for my hair as I did. My search lead me to Salon Fig in Newton. When I first went, they were a small store tucked away but what a gem. From the first moment I stepped in, I felt like I had found somewhere that wanted the best for me and my hair. I know it sound silly but I loved the place. They helped pick the best hair care products to assist me achieve my end goal.

Unlike my expectations, I didn’t pay more for fabulous service and a great style. They are reasonably priced. I also learned that if I ever wanted to venture into the world of hair color, they have a natural product that won’t damage the hair.

My End Game

New Year’s Eve 2015 – five years after starting my hair care journey

Today, I have beautiful, long, healthy hair that I am very proud of. Since starting this journey, my routine hasn’t changed much.

My advice for those looking to do the same is:

1. Research hair care products that will bring out the best in your hair
2. Find a salon and hair stylist who gets your goal and will work with you to achieve it
3. Learn everything you can about how to best style your hair to reduce the amount of damage you cause