My simple hair care routine for healthy shiny hair

I like things to be rather simple, especially when it comes to routines that I have to do a few times a week. It’s just much more convenient and not as time consuming if you already have a system set up and ready to go. So here we go.

1. Before hopping into the shower, I always make sure to brush my hair to detangle it and get rid of any knots.
2. I usually shampoo my hair twice. The first time to get rid of all the grease and build-up that’s been collecting there for the past few days (I tend to wash my hair every 3 to 4 days) and the second time around I get the shampoo to lather up to give my scalp a deeper clean. I rinse my hair properly before going on to the next step.
3. I like doing an apple cider vinegar rinse every time I wash my hair. That kind of rinse can be used as a conditioner and it helps making the hair really shiny and fights greasiness and dandruff. I always fill my glass (see picture) about a third with lukewarm water and add a splash of the apple cider vinegar. You could also add a drop or two of any essential oil, depending on the effect you wish to see.
4. I let the apple cider vinegar sit and do its job while adding some additional conditioner to the ends of my hair to prevent split ends as long as possible. I always try to let the mixture do its magic for a few minutes (I usually wash my body and use a pumice stone to get rid of some callus) before I rinse it out completely. I know there are several videos and articles out there that suggest to leave the apple cider vinegar in your hair for additional benefits but that unpleasant smell never really disappeared if I didn’t wash it out.
5. I rarely use a blow dryer and if so, it’s because I’m running late and I don’t want my hair to be wet when going outside. I always use some kind of oil to massage into the ends of my hair which also prevents split ends.

This routine has honestly worked wonders for my hair. It is recommended to go to the hairdresser about every 3 months to keep your hair soft and healthy but I haven’t been to a hairdresser in over a year at this point.

I do see some split ends by now but definitely not as much as there used to be, especially since it’s been so long that I got a haircut. I plan to get one in the next few weeks though.

Some more tips:

• Don’t use too hot water, it’s neither good for your hair nor for your skin.
• Finish your shower with a brisk jet of cold water, it will make your hair shiny and soft.
• You could swap out the apple cider vinegar rinse for a rosemary rinse by letting some rosemary steep in boiling water. Let it cool down and just use as you would the other rinse.
• Try extending the time between your washes, it’s much healthier for your hair and you are going to save some money on those products over time :-) Start by just washing your hair every other day and slowly work your way up. One of the benefits Covid-19 has had is that we have been able to be a little more forgiving with what we wear or how we look (I’ve been a greasy-haired human living in sweats for the past couple months).
• You could use a dry shampoo to help you ease into the transition of not washing your hair every day. I did so when I first started but I’m not using one anymore because I don’t really want to put anything on my scalp to seal in that dirt and grease (yikes!).