HAIR

It has taken me YEARS to figure out how to “do my hair” in a way that I actually find attractive and socially acceptable. In high school I would wash my hair in the AM and let it air-dry curly. Then I would put it up in a ponytail or bun, sometimes with a glittery headband. In college I ditched the headband and the au natural look. Instead I took a flatiron to my hair, night after night. Sleek straight hair was my “going out” look. And so the hair follicle damage began…

After college I continued to abuse my locks. I got green highlights. (They were intended to be blonde.) I dyed my hair black. Then I went back to brunette. All the while I over-washed and under-treated my hair.

Then with age came not only a few white hairs but also wisdom. I realized that for my thin, damaged hair a flatiron is THE DEVIL. Instead I now use this thing, straight from the 80’s. It gets the job done, and it doesn’t singe my hair like a Panini maker. I’ve also found the best of the best, Chris Lospalluto, to care for my hair – and my spirit. Chris happens to be hysterically funny, but more important for this post, Chris is a genius stylist and he’s not only resurrected my long (thanks to him) hair, he’s taught me some tricks of the trade, like using dry shampoo as a volumizer. (Who knew?!) I like Klorane or Pssssst!

Here are some more hair tips –

Don’t shampoo every day (unless your hair gets really greasy).
Don’t start coloring your hair unless you’re ready to spend a pretty penny on high-quality colorists.
Do invest in seeing an expert stylist, even just one time to get some great advice or to fix a butchered haircut.
Don’t get the “best” blow dryer or the fanciest flatiron – use the tools you’re able to use well. (For example, I’m not coordinated enough to use both a brush and a blow dryer at the same time, so I use a cheap two-in-one…)
Stick to a hairstyle that flatters your face. I.e. Bangs are on-trend and I LOVE them, but they wouldn’t look great on me.
Have a chic bandana or a hat on hand. (Be able to mask a bad hair day!) And ‘tis the season to don a cap. I just got a cute one from Artizia.

P.S. My brothers used to refer to my hair as “curly fries.” How adorable is that?! Now my hair looks more like shoestring potatoes when it air dries…