Since moving down to Alabama and getting hit hard with the humidity, I’ve been working on readjusting my hair routine. As you might know from this post, I currently use only Monat hair products and I am OBSESSED. They are nature based and are seriously the best I have ever used (and I have used everything, lol.) So far,  I’ve found that I have to use more styling products than I ever used in Michigan, but the rest of my hair care routine has stayed the same.

The difference? Since I work out 5-6 days a week, I just don’t want to blow dry my hair a lot. It is not air conditioned at my Crossfit gym, so I am pretty yucky when I leave. In Michigan I could just let my hair down and air it dry after an air conditioned workout (and it would go 2 days fine like that!), but not here.

My solution has been to strictly air dry my hair all week, and blow dry only on Friday after a workout (if I feel like it.) That way, my hair looks more “polished” Friday-Monday, and I am saving my hair from heat styling. Here is exactly what I have been doing, and the products I use:

1. I only actually shampoo my hair Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On those days I use Monat 2-1 for my first wash (it is clarifying and is great for chemically lightened hair), and either Renew for my second wash (the most moisturizing), or the Smoothing shampoo that has been free this month. I then condition with our Deep Smoothing conditioner, which is AWESOME for those with frizzy or dry hair (ME!) I really adore this conditioner. Important: on the days I don’t shampoo, but still either want to rinse off or need to, I only use conditioner from the ears down. This saves me from over shampooing, and I find my hair is actually the best on these “non wash” days.
2. Out of the shower, I comb it out and try to squeeze it dry with a towel as much as I can. I then mix 3 pumps of Monat’s leave in conditioner, with 2 drops of Rejuvenique oil, with a dab of Styling taffy. I apply this to my scalp and hair from the ears up, then repeat with another mix for the hair from my ears down. I then comb it into place and leave it. TIP: I try not to touch or fuss with my hair at all while it air dries. The more I touch it, the more it goes frizzier or weird. I just let it be.
3. Once my hair is dry I just leave it alone. I may put a little more oil just on the ends, but I really try to not fuss with it. I’ve found that my hair has a really nice wave/curl pattern to it, and with the styling products I use, it is defined enough not to look real crazy. I think the key to having air-dried hair is not to expect it to be super polished. It just won’t be. But it will look good! If you take care of your hair and use the right combination of products, your hair will surprise you.
4. The day after, if I am not going to the gym right off, I just brush the very ends of my hair and maybe even apply another little bit of the leave in/oil/taffy combo and I am good!

I am really excited to see how my hair responds to this over the next couple of months. Even though my heat tools are set to low, I know it just isn’t good to use them that much. It adds up quick! Blow drying, flat irons and curling irons will do damage no matter how careful you are, and I’m hoping that going more “natural” more often will really make my hair happier.

If you have any questions or would like recommendation on what Monat products would work best for you, please either comment below or email me (becauseofjackie@yahoo.com, subject line: Monat), and I will help!