Everyday haircare routine! (Video)

1 year of growing out my hair

Hi pretties

Today's blog is all about my hair!  One year ago today I decided I wanted happier, healthier hair and began actively growing out my hair.  I joined a fabulous online community to help me along the way called The Long Hair Community.

This is my hair one year ago!

This is my hair today!

It's not quite as long as I hoped.  I'm about an inch shorter than where I wanted to be, but it's getting there!

Throughout the past year I have learned to better take care of my hair, I only use heat about once a week now, never brush when wet and I have a whole range of beautiful hair toys to wear my hair up more and keep my hair protected.  I've stopped bleaching my hair and use only semi permanent dyes as well now.

Next goal, waist length!

Can I get there in a year?

March Favourites

Well it's the start of a new month and that means it's favourites time! I've narrowed my favourites down to 5 as I really have so many this month, but the list could just keep going on and on!

The first favourite of the month is a face product, and it's a MAC blush in Fleur Power. The MUA at the Mac counter said this was his favourite and I really liked the swatch of it, and have been wearing nearly every day since! It's a perfect coral and is very, very pigmented so a little goes a long way. I apply with a stippling brush and then buff out with a blush brush. I think this will be in my collection for a long time!

My second favourite of the month is a eye balm I received in my March Bellabox. It's by Bellamer and really feels like Vaseline to the touch. You apply for 15 minutes in the evening and then wipe off the excess. I have definitely noticed a difference in the skin around my eyes since I have been using this and when my sample runs out I will definitely be buying a full sized product which is valued at $40 and well worth the money I think.

Next favourite is a new shampoo and conditioner I have been using this month by Matrix. The shampoo is from the Sleek Results range which the sales associate at Hairhouse Warehouse told me is the same they use in the salon. This shampoo does contain a silicone which normally I don't like in a shampoo, but this product does not leave my hair greasy at all. The conditioner is from the Biolage Range and is the De tangling Solution. Again this contains a silicone, which I don't really mind in conditioner, but the sales associate recommended the De Tangling Solution rather than the normal conditioner as it is lighter and won't way the hair down as much. I find both to be really moisturising, I don't get any fly-aways and my hair feels so soft after use. It cost me $40 for the two but it is well worth the money I think.

My fourth product is another eye product, but this time an eye shadow and it is Naked Lunch by Mac. I was tossing up between this and All That Glitters and I love just a simple all over lid colour for day time with eye liner and mascara but decided on Naked Lunch as it is a little more my colour. Its a very gentle colour for office wear but also blends out nicely with a matte brown for night time. Again this is a colour I've been wearing almost every day for the month of March.

Last favourite of the month is a lip product, and its a lipstick by Rimmel. The colour is Guest List from the Lasting Finish range that I got on special at K-Mart for $6. It's a really nice moisturising medium pink that goes wonderfully with my Fleur Power blush. I really like the Rimmel Lasting Finish lipsticks and have three of them now. They are great for the price as you can normally get them for around $6 on special!

Well those are my favourites for the month of March.

What are your favourites?

Random tip

After washing you hair, blast it with cold water. This will help to close the cuticle and reduce flyaways.

Top 5 tips for healthy hair during the cooler months

Follow these simple tips to keep your locks in top shape during the cooler months!

Minimise heat styling: Pack up those curlers and straighteners for the cooler months and embrace your natural texture! With the help of an anti-frizz product of course. If you MUST heat style your hair, try to keep it to once or twice a week and always use heat protectant.

Wear protecting updos (even while sleeping): There are so many updos still hot on trend for autumn and winter. Embrace the sock bun, cute braids and sleek ponytails this autumn. If you tend to move around a lot in your sleep, consider investing in a silk pillow case and braiding your hair before bed. Braid waves also create a great texture to work with in the morning!

Use a hair mask: Cool winds can be drying on your hair so be sure to use a hair mask at least once a week. Do a strand test to see if your hair lacks protein or moisture. If your strand breaks easily without stretching, your hair requires moisture; but if your hair stretches before breaking, your require protein. Be aware your hair requires a lot more moisture than protein.

Do not shampoo everyday: Washing your hair every day strips away the natural oils that your locks thrive on. If you wash your hair everyday, your scalp will then in turn produce more oils to compensate. Try an updo for second day hair, and invest in a dry shampoo.

Be gentle: Treating your hair gently can have a huge effect on the health of your hair and increase the time between trims. Never brush your hair when wet. Instead use a wide tooth comb to detangle, starting at the ends and working up to the roots. Use a detangling spray if your hair is particularly prone to tangles.

TIP: Use your blowdryer on the cool/ slow setting to avoid unnecessary damage when drying.

TIP: Use your conditioner on dry hair for a deep treatment.

COMING SOON: Easy braided hairstyle for layered hair....