Then
Now
Sometimes
Growing up I've always had long/thick hair. It's a blessing and a curse. When i don't wear it straight, I always have the option of wearing it naturally curly, which is nice. I tend to wear it curly when I go on vacation so I have the freedom of swimming. Once water hits the hair, it's a wrap and here comes the curls/waves. Don't get me wrong ... it's cute but I find it difficult to style and I get bored with this look very easily. This look is cute for a day or so but eventually I start wishing it was straight again, I just love my hair straight. Some people have been wondering about the type of products I use, what my hair routine is, my hair advice .... well hopefully this Q&A helps.
1. Do you do your own hair at home or do you go to a salon? What type of salon do you go to and how often?
I only do my own hair at home when i wear it curly because I can't blow it out. I know it sounds bad but I can't. Maybe I should learn to save some money but ... honestly, I'm too lazy. I've had friends try and teach me how to roller set my own hair, or how I can buy a portable dryer, but I enjoy going to the salon and having a professional do it. While some people only go to salons when they need a trim, I go all the time. Yes, it can be a little bit pricey to go all the time, it's well worth the investment. My grandmother and mother go to the salon just as often as I do and I guess I got it from them. They must be doing something right because they both have beautiful and healthy hair.
I go about every two or three weeks. I get my hair done at a Dominican salon in New York. The salon was actually voted the best dominican salon in the U.S by Latina Magazine. I get a wash, set and blow out. Which means - I sit under the dryer with huge rollers in my hair for about an hour. After the hair is dry, they blow it straight. I do not use a flat iron after the dryer and blow out, too much heat can damage the hair. Most Dominican salons in NY will charge you $25-55 dollars for this depending on what products you get when your hair is washed and conditioned.
I've always been very serious about hair care and making sure my hair stays healthy and long. If it means that I have to save up enough money to make sure i'm using the best products and going to the best professionals then i think it's worth it. Some may not agree but ... it's my head : )
2. What products do you think help your hair to stay healthy?
I swear by the Brazilian Keratin treatment products. I've never done the treatment itself, which i heard is 2 hrs long. I only use the shampoo/conditioner products that go with the treatment. These products help support the treatment and in return help to give your hair similar benefits. This will leave your hair soft, shiny, and healthy. People always ask me what I put on my hair during the day to make it so soft and shiny and i honestly do not put anything on it. It's always that shiny, soft, and silky. I probably won't ever get the treatment itself. I honestly don't think I need it. My hair is already soft and shiny by using the shampoo/conditioner so I don't see why I need to add the treatment to it. If you want to try the treatment it's VERY important you go to a special salon that has experience doing this, and make sure you do your research and speak to clients, and do not do this at home on your own.
Many different brands are creating these products because they are becoming so popular. The shampoo and conditioner I like the best is by La-Brasiliana, the products contain collagen. Click here for more information.
In addition to using these products, I also love getting a deep condition at the salon. It basically means using a conditioner, sitting under the dryer for an extra 10-15mins, washing it out and then getting your roller set. I always notice a difference from when I get it and don't get it, so I make sure that i do. Some salons charge you extra for a deep conditioner treatment, depending on what type you get.
3. What is your night time hair routine?
I wrap my hair at night and use a silk scarf to tie it up. Wrapping your hair at night keeps it straight and also protects your hair. Sleeping on a pillow can dry out your hair. I've accidentally fallen asleep in my apartment when the temperature was really dry and woke up with frizzy hair - not a cute look. I always try to make sure I wrap my hair while I'm lounging around the apartment (see photos) and definitely before I hit the pillow.
3. What's the biggest mistake people make when selecting treatments and products?
People really need to consider genetics. Some products that may work for a friend may not be the best choice for your hair. Just because someone uses a certain product that does magic on them, doesn't mean it's going to do the same to yours. Your hair history is very important when choosing products. You want to take advice from people who have similar hair texture as yours and a similar hair history. When I decided to color my hair a few years ago ( big mistake ) I loved it at first but noticed my hair started to break, grow much slower, etc. A year before, a friend ( who actually warned me not to color my hair) had the same thing happen to her. When I needed advice on what to do to fix it, I went straight to her. Why? Because she and I have similar hair and she went through the exact same experience as I did. Moral the of the story: I should have listened when she warned me the first time, and also make sure you seek advice from people who you can relate to. I'm not saying you can't try new products or listen to advice, all I'm saying is make sure you do research before trying anything new. What works for me may not be the best choice for you.
4. What do you think about hair spray? Hair grease? oils? Etc.
I don't use hair spray, it's just a personal choice. I don't like the way it makes my hair smell or what it does to my hair. Hair grease can help with fly aways (those little hairs that stick up) and work well if you tend to have a dry scalp but I think you should use a tiny amount otherwise you will have greasy hair. I do enjoy oils, especially this one (click here) from Carol's daughter. When I read that Jada Pinkett uses Carol Daughter's products, I decided to do a little research and test it out. I don't use too much of this because it can make your hair oily, only a tiny amount once in a while.
5. How do you usually wear your hair?
I wear my hair down all the time (part on the side, swoop side bang). I don't ever wear it in a pony tail. Wearing your hair in a pony tail I learned can be really bad, especially if you use a rubber band. It's the tension it puts on your hair that's no good, the hair can stretch and the cuticle layer can become distorted. If you love wearing your hair this way because it's comfortable to you ... you may want to consider using a scrunchy (which is covered in fabric), not as cute but it's better than an elastic.
6. What are some day to night hair tricks I can try?
Asking me a question about changing up your hairstyle is bad because I tend to always have the same exact hair style. Just ask my friends since High School, it's always been ... side part/bang w/ a swoop - hahaha. To change it up slightly over the years - I've gotten highlights, I've curled it w/ a curling iron and I've even cut bangs. That's about the biggest changes I'll make.
My latest trick though are CLIP INS! I have decently long hair, it's not super long but it's long enough. When I go out sometimes for special occassions I want longer hair that I can curl and create waves, so I can feel like Beyonce ... at least for one night anyway : ) To create length I use clip ins!
Clip in hair is great because you can pop them in and out without damaging your hair. People spend a ton of money getting weaves sewed in, glued in, bonded, etc, since my hair is already long, I never wanted to invest in getting a weave and risk causing damage to my hair. If you want length and want to change up your look, clips are a great idea! You can even get different colors if you are interested in adding highlights. I only use them for a night time look, during the day I rock with my own.
in Vegas w/ the clip in's
if you have more questions feel free to ask in the comment section below!
xoxo
Jonesy
