I’m no beauty expert. I don’t like spending money on beauty products and I don’t really spend much time on myself. I used to wash and straighten my hair every day, use top-of-the-line products, and spend up to 2 hours curling my hair before a night out back in high school. Clearly I had way too much time on my hands. Now that I have 2 kids, a husband, and a home to take care of my priorities have done a 180 and in the process my hair has gotten long…crazy long.
It’s been a slow process of implementing or eliminating things, but my hair has gone from
“this is as long as it gets” to “it just keeps getting longer” in a few short years.
I’ve had several questions about my hair, so I thought I would share what I do and don’t do. Everyone’s hair and lifestyles are different, but even implementing one or two of these things might give your hair the break or boost that it needs to grow and stay healthy.
1. I only wash my hair every 5 or 6 days.
I know many of you are thinking “yuck!” right now. A few years ago I would have been too. This is probably the hardest thing, but the best thing I’ve ever done for my hair. It was a very slow build up…like a few years…but I slowly went from washing it every day in high school, to every other day in college, to every few days out of college, to every 5-6 days now. My hair used to get oily within 24 hours of washing, but now, by day 5 my hair isn’t really greasy or anything. My scalp has just learned not to create as much oil as it used to. I typically use dry shampoo the day before I end up washing it, but I use it more for some extra volume than anything. Your body only creates the oil it thinks it needs, so I know anyone can build up to this over time.
2. I only color the top half of my hair, and I only color it every 6-10 weeks.
Not coloring the underneath portion of my hair saves it from a lot of damage and dryness that bleaching causes. It saves me money too. And the fact that roots and an ombre look are in style really helps me stretch the time between colorings, again saving the health of my hair and the money in my wallet.
3. When I do wash, I use a half and half method.
While showering, I only shampoo the roots of my hair and then rinse, and condition only the ends of my hair and rinse. This keeps the shampoo from drying out my ends and the conditioner from adding any extra oil to my scalp. I don’t use any fancy shampoos, usually Suave or whatever I can find on sale at the store.
4. I wait to blow dry and brush.
I know some people can let their hair air dry and it looks great, but mine usually ends up pretty frizzy and limp, with some random wave. Example:
But, I do wait until my hair is about halfway dry to put heat to it. This cuts my dry time down, meaning less heat damage, but it’s still wet enough to get it to blow dry straight and smooth. Your hair is the most vulnerable to damage when it’s wet, and my hair is very tangly when wet, so I just brush it as I blow dry, not prior too. I also start from the bottom and work my way up, which reduces knots and big tangles from forming.
5. I have a styling routine.
Sticking to this routine usually means less damage for my hair. The day I wash it, I just blow dry it straight. Day 2 I usually wear it straight again. Day 3 I take a curling wand to the ends or put it in a ponytail. Day 4 I may touch up the curl or put it in a braid. Day 5 and 6 are usually topknot days with my favorite hair accessory ever. If you don’t have at least one set of spin pins, you really need some! I haven’t touched a bobby pin in forever, and the spin pins are so fast and easy to use. I have 2 sets at home and one in my car in case I get hot or am doing something that requires my hair out of my face.
6. I don’t use many styling products.
Before drying, I do use some sort of serum or spray to protect my ends from the heat and help with the detangling process. My favorite leave-in product is It’s a 10. It’s pricey but AWESOME. Right now I’m using Proclaim Glossing Finish. It’s much cheaper, seems to last longer, and I am happy with its results. If I want my wave or curl to last, I will use a little hairspray on the ends, but I try not to use it too often, as it is very drying. I usually use Tresemme.
7. I only brush when necessary and I rarely tease.
I brush my hair first thing in the morning, but I try not to brush it unless it’s really necessary the rest of the day. While brushing can take care of tangling before it turns into knots, it can also cause breakage. If I have a knot, I try untangling it with my fingers first, to keep the hair from being damaged further. I only ever tease my hair if I’m asked to for a photoshoot or special project.
8. I try to live healthy.
I don’t smoke, mainly drink water and try to eat lots of fresh foods. I require 8 hours of sleep and I really work hard to stick with that (although this blogging thing has tried to sabotage it a bit). I take a prenatal vitamin every day and have for years (even when I’m not pregnant or trying to be) because it’s good for your hair, skin and nails.
There are hundreds of products and recipes out there promising to help your hair grow longer and faster, but I really believe that after genetics, being kind to your hair is the best way to get long and healthy results. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to hair care?
Julia Konya says
Your hair really is awesome. I used to have hair that long and now I don't know what happened but it just doesn't grow anymore. Drives me nuts. I do most of the things you mentioned and even took prenatal vitamins which make me nauseous sometimes. Yuck. What brand do you take?
Love your hair!
For me it might just be age π
themakerista@gmail.com says
I just take a generic brand from Walmart. I find if I take it right before I go to bed then it doesn't upset my stomach. Thanks so much for the kind words, Julia! You don't look old enough for it to be an age thing. π
Julia Konya says
I guess I'll have to try them again one day. I used to take them at night too. And trust me when I say it must be the age π
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
I hear more and more about the not washing your hair so much and I think I'm gonna jump on board. I have the same oily problem you talked about, but I'll keep going and let me scalp get acclimated. Thanks for the tips!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Yes, you just have to push through it! You can do it!
Courtney Foster says
I pretty much do the same thing! I love that my hair can go so long without a wash although sometimes it doesnt always work when I am running and the humidity but pretty much all the same!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Yes, whenever I'm working out (sadly I haven't in a while) I sometimes have to wash a bit more. I try to plan my workouts around it sometimes…placing workouts close together, like at night and then the next morning so I can have decent hair afterwards. π
Diana says
Yeah I ditched shampoo years ago and do a baking soda wash every few days. I DO tease though…I don't have the body to get away without that. haha
However, I am trying to grow my hair now. I use henna right now but am considering doing blonde again at some point. Maybe next summer. Henna is just so nourishing and bleaching kills my hair. Hmmmm.
themakerista@gmail.com says
I've been wanting to try baking soda, but my hair gets super tangly when wet and I have to have some sort of conditioner. I guess I could try coconut oil after?
Thanks for sharing, Diana!
Lisa says
Use an apple cider vinegar rinse as a conditioner!
Brittany Cramer says
Great post! You REALLY do have gorgeous hair. I have very curly hair, and it's short, so I end up straightening it almost every day. I'm actually doing the no-poo thing (no shampoo that is). Instead of shampoo, I do a (scalding) hot-wash once every 2 days or so, and clean my hair about once every 2 weeks with a baking soda + water mixture. It cleans like no other! But it doesn't flatten your hair's volume like shampoo does. So, I get BIG hair but its clean, and not stripped of its natural oils from shampoo. The catch is you can't use any other hair products, no hair spray or serum or anything. But I love this post because I'm kinda planning to grow it out, and your tips are a great way to start π
themakerista@gmail.com says
I love your hair, Brittany! I used to actually have short hair, and I found that I had to wash it a lot more because I had to style every day. That's great that you're doing the no poo thing. I haven't tried that yet. Thanks for sharing!
Kelsey Stokes says
Love the blog, Gwen! Really enjoy seeing things in the house, as well as mixing it up with beauty tips! Keep it up. We will all be reading π
themakerista@gmail.com says
Oh, thanks Kelsey! I appreciate your kind words and support!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
My hair is almost as long as yours and air dries the exact same way. I follow such a similar routine with it too – I only do touch up highlights and a cut about every 8 months (kind of ridiculous, I know) but my stylist always says it stays healthy that long because I'm not washing and drying it every day. And those spin pins – I will hoard them like a maniac if they ever get discontinued. I LOVE them and don't know how I could ever do a bun again without them!
themakerista@gmail.com says
#hairtwins π
every 8 months…that's amazing you can go that long!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Ummmmmm…actually I am just super lazy about maintaining my hair π Though…I've made the alarming discovery recently that I seem to be going gray so may need to up the frequency of those highlights touch ups!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I have thought about that fact! I'm not looking forward to it, either!
Autumn Beach says
I agree with Kelsey…LOVE your blog! It has been so fun to watch it grow so quickly in such a short amount of time. From houseplants to hair, you cover it all, and you do it with class/taste/grace. Claste? I am SO proud that you're from Kansas City. (Way to represent!) And to top it all off, you're a believer. I'm going to go ahead and say fave blog EVER. And I've read a lot of blogs! So excited to be a (tiny) part of the journey.
As for hair, well, I have figured out that I look best with medium-length hair. Too long and it's just bad. Bad hair. Nobody wants to see that. Too short is not my thing either. ALTHOUGH…I'm seriously considering a (not-too-short) bob. Remember those? I think that will be my next cut. As for YOU, though…you look fabulous with super long hair. It's totally your thing. You definitely have a super model look about you.
I randomly picked up It's a 10 at Target last month and LOVE it. Although, like you said, it's pricey – something I use only when I care about how my hair will look that day. Most days, I'm rockin' a ponytail. Which is fine, because – yes – I save a ton on product. Staying home with kids has drastically altered my beauty regime! I went blonde a couple years ago, but quickly realized I do NOT have the time or money for THAT. So, I've been growing out the color over the past year and have totally enjoyed the benefits of an unintentional ombre!
Sheesh…enough from me already. Is this your blog or mine?
Keep up the awesome blog work!
themakerista@gmail.com says
You're sweet, lady! Thanks for being one of my biggest supporters! π
burkmanj says
Thanks so much, your hair is beautiful. Do you color it yourself or go to the salon? Thanks!!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I get it done at a salon. Thanks for reading!
Suzanne says
Do you know the formula they use to get your blonde? I'm looking to do something similar to my hair so I can go longer and save some money. Thanks!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Suzanne, I don't. I tend to go to 2 different woman and they both usually do something different every time to keep it fresh and and from getting too blonde.
Clare Mansell (Maybush Studio) says
Just found your blog through Bloglovin, I'm not massively into beauty but this is such an interesting post and I'm going out to buy spin pins straight away!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Oh thanks, Clare! I'm so glad you found me and I'm with you…I'm not that into it either, but some things are a necessity, aren't they. π
Thanks for reading and good luck with the spin pins! They say to not cross them like an x in your hair, but that's how I do it and have never had any issues. Thanks for reading!
Rachael says
Thanks so much for this post. You have beautiful hair so I would say whatever you're doing, it's working! I am going to try to acclimate my hair to a longer in between washes schedule, and follow your shampoo and conditioner routine. My hair should look like yours in no time, right? π
themakerista@gmail.com says
It takes time, but I know it will make a difference. You can do it, Rachael! Thanks for reading!
Jesse @ Scout & Nimble says
Your hair is absolutely beautiful. It makes me long for my long hair that I cut off earlier this year. I love your tips and I will have to check out those spiral clips…amazing! I have worked up to washing every 3-4 days and it is amazing to see the difference in the texture of my hair. If you have never tried the Arrojo brand of dry shampoo…I totally recommend it. It is amazing…builds volume and no white powdery residue. It is my favorite by far. π
themakerista@gmail.com says
I'll have to look into that brand, thanks, Jesse! And yes, spin pins are about as easy as putting in a ponytail once you get it down!
ginger from bliss-ologie says
Yeah…you pretty much have the hair of my dreams. I do consider myself a fairly brave person, but the idea of not washing my hair terrifies me. Seriously.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ha! I feel ya! I was in that same boat for a long time, but if you slowly progress, you'll definitely reap the benefits and save a ton of time too! Thanks for reading, Ginger!
Jason Leonard says
I'll have to try to spin pins! I can never figure out the bobby pin thing! -Jen
themakerista@gmail.com says
It's much easier than bobby pins. Thanks for reading, Jen!
Sandy a la Mode says
ok i am going to buy some spin pins! and i cant even go like 2 days without washing hair! 5 days?!?!? OMG, you are my hero! i've always wanted to try that.. but 3 days and my hair is a big grease pit!!! hope to see you tomorrow!? π
themakerista@gmail.com says
They're a fashion blogger must. π
I wish I could but this week has been crazy..it was my birthday yesterday and it's our anniversary tomorrow. Hope it's a great event, Sandy!
Chelsea says
This is insane. I promise I'm not a single white female stalker π but I follow almost the same exact hair routine and my hair is just a couple of inches shorter than yours. Seriously, how I wash, how I color, I even use spin pins cause they're the only thing that work on lots of hair! The only thing I do differently is wash my hair at night so its dry in the morning then style as necessary. I can't believe how much we have in common! π
themakerista@gmail.com says
And now I know why you have great hair! π
If I wash the night prior, it's a hot mess by morning. Ha! A time or two I have tried sleeping with it up in some spin pins, but I didn't find it very comfortable. Thanks for commenting, lady!
Raphaela Bazalgette says
GWEN!!!! So glad I found your blog now! I love reading up on everything you've been up to since high school π
I wanted to share one little hair tip I've adopted from my SF hairdresser: GO SULFATE FREE! Sulfate is the chemical in shampoo's that makes it lather up, however its also the chemical that strips your hair the most. Some sulfate free brands don't lather up at all, which feels really freaking weird, but I finally tried Loreal's new Sulfate-free line that its awesome and inexpensive ($7). Somehow it lathers up like a normal shampoo and smells amazing. Maybe when your suave is out you can give it a shot!
On a side note: Your genetics are awesome π
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ha, glad you found me too!
Thanks for that tip, I will definitely look into it! I do love the feeling of squeaky clean with the suds, but could definitely go without if it's better. I tried that Wen stuff for a while, and it didn't sud, but I had to wash my hair more often so I switched back.
You're sweet. How is newlywed life going? You were certainly a beautiful bride, lady!
Raphaela Bazalgette says
<3 (im gonna reply on your new blog post π
sophie strange case says
Great post, as someone who is trying to grow my hair longer I'm going to take all your advice.
Serious hair envy π
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Sophie! You can do it!
therelishedroost says
Ah to be young with great hair!! I wish my hair would grow and unfortunately when those pesky grays creep in I have to hit the salon every 6 weeks! I will try to stretch my hair now to 3days and see if it stops getting the flat greasy look after a while. Beautiful baby who takes after her mother, great blog!
Best,
Karolyn
THe Relished Roost
themakerista@gmail.com says
Karolyn, thanks so much! I appreciate you reading!
I have definitely thought about my first grays coming in and how that will affect my routine. I will have to get my hair colored more often, but I'm enjoying some roots until then. π I just turned 29 this week, so I'm sure it won't be long!
Best of luck going a bit longer between washes! You can do it, and a little dry shampoo can go a long way and give you a lot more volume too! Happy weekend.
Anonymous says
So we can see that you also have some highlights. How does that work with dying the roots only? Can you advise on the highlight placement/ color and upkeep? Thanks
themakerista@gmail.com says
When I get my hair done, I usually do something a bit different every time so it doesn't just get more and more blonde with the highlights. She usually does the area around my face a bit lighter and just does a few random highlights throughout the rest. Hope that helps!
sheldon says
I love your post. I keep finding myself so frustrated because I feel like I'm taking care of my hair and body but there is just no growth. I'm washing every other day… I'm going to try to go to three. How long do you feel you waited before you noticed a difference in hair texture/growth?
themakerista@gmail.com says
I think it took a few weeks for my hair to adjust and a few months before I noticed it getting thicker and longer on the ends. I really noticed a difference once I went to 4-5 days. Best of luck!
Kinal Patel says
I love your post and the tips on growing hair out. I already wash my hair on 4th or 5th day depending on how oily it is and if I'm going out. I wanted ask you what do you do after you exercise? I'm from India and as you Indian people sweat when exercising, and I hate the feeling of even not rinsing my hair with cold water after a good workout session. I would love to know what you do and/or tips on what to do.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Kinal,
thanks for the great question. I honestly haven't been working out the last few months, but when I do, I am a big sweater…especially my head. When I was working out, I usually did it 3 times a week. I tried to group two of those together…working out one evening and then the following morning. Sometimes I would spray a little dry shampoo in my hair after a workout if I wasn't planning to wash my hair afterwards. I totally get what you mean, but usually just brushing it out after it dries and a little dry shampoo made me feel fresher. Hope that helps!
Kinal Patel says
Thank you so much Gwen! Deff helps =)
Kaitlyn Francis says
I love these tips. I hope that it works for me. My hair is naturally greasy, so I have to use clarifying shampoo. I try not to wash it everyday, but it's hard when it looks SO greasy. I'll update you on how it works for me once I try it! π
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Kaitlyn! I used to feel the same way. For me, it just took some time putting up with a bit of grease, and then I was able to go longer and longer! I look forward to hearing how it goes!
james says
Wow looking beautiful , what a wonderful style.
hair care
Kit Graham says
Gwen! We met at Go Blog Social, and you told me all about your haircare routine. Such a game changer. Right now I am working my way up and am washing twice a week instead of 3-4 times a week. What a time saver. My hair is getting less greasy, and I have found that on day 3 I am getting lots of compliments on my hair! Thanks so much for your advice!
erhhairrestoration says
Wow! amazing post. wonderful hair style.
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beautybykady says
Great tips!
Thank jou
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steve7876 says
Hair is common in mammals on earth, and almost all mammals groom themselves and their body hair as part of hygiene. But it is only Humans, who pay more attention to hairstyles for the hair on their heads. In the past few centuries, new and fashionable hairstyles have become the rage, especially among the rich and famous. In the modern world, copying celebrity hairstyles is common among females, and males too. half up half down hairstyles
Wizmo says
Everyone loves long hair. Thanks for spending time and writing on how you made you hair grow.
Unknown says
Asparagus makes your hair grow, and quick! I know it sounds oh so crazy, but my daughter in law and I both started about a year ago, and now my hair is almost to my waist, hers as well. My hair was shoulder length when we began… I eat it about twice a week, and also only wash my hair about once every 7-10 days…my hair NEVER looks dirty, greasy, or stringy, and oh boy! Does it save time. Spin pins are my best friends, and I use hair sticks too, just to change it up a bit. Oh, by the way, I'm going to be 65 this year, and my daughter in law is 26… So as far as I know, the asparagus thing should work on everyone.
I LOVE your blog, admire your work, and the way you seem to be living your life. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
All things bright and beautiful,
XOXOX
Patti D'.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Interesting, I had no idea! I'm trying to grow my hair out a bit again after cutting almost 2 feet off last spring. Thanks for sharing and reading, Patti!
Unknown says
I'd be interested to see how the aparagus works for you…I guess you'd have to like it alot, and we do…let us know!
XOXOX
Patti D'.
PS… I can't seem to figure out how to create an id for myself on your blog…is there a special page with the info?
Thanks, Gwen!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Do you have a google account of any kind? You should be able to sign in using that. I used to have it open for anyone to type in their name but I got a ton of spam that way. π Sorry I can't be more help and thanks again for the tip!
Nicole says
These are really awesome – we were talking about this today at work. we work in a hair salon (virginia beach) on shore drive … shearblissvb.com (check us out!) and were just talking about the asparagus too! Beautiful pics by the way!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Nicole!