12 Must-Have Hair Products For An Active Lifestyle
One thing you may or may not know about me is that I am entirely OBSESSED with hair. So much so that I almost dropped out of college to pursue becoming a hairstylist.
But after working on business and marketing side in a thriving salon in college, I learned that I actually loved the business side a tad more. And I am not the most creative, artsy person in the world – which wouldn't serve me well behind the chair. Needless to say: I am still very much HAIR OBSESSED and learned so much from working in a professional environment for almost four years of my life.
Since stepping away from the salon world to pursue my passion for health and fitness, I searched high and low for quality products that served my sweaty, active lifestyle. So I have put together a list of my top - 12 go-to hair products!
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Blonde Shampoo
Goldwell Blondes & Highlights Shampoo
Because I am a sucker for blonde and legit hate–I mean HATE–yellow-tint to the blonde, I have found it CRUCIAL to invest in a professional purple shampoo that not only moisturizes but keeps my blondes as ashy as possible. I have been using this for the last two years and absolutely swear by it!
How to Use: Using a dime-sized amount, start at the bottom of the hair and work up to mid-shafts. (I take the bottoms of my hair and flip to my roots to get the remaining product on the top of my hair.)
Get yours by clicking here.
Blonde Conditioner
Goldwell Blondes & Highlights Conditioner
Because I have thick hair, I need a conditioner that not only detangles it but moisturizes and helps lock in the moisture. I have tried many–and I mean MANY–purple conditioners out there and nothing works quite like this one! Hands down, one of the best investments!
How to Use: Using a quarter-sized amount, start at the bottom of the hair and work up to mid-shafts. (I take the bottoms of hair and flip to my roots to get the remaining product on the top of my hair.)
Get yours by clicking here.
Moisturizing Shampoo
Awapuhi Moisturizing Lather Shampoo
I understand not all of you have blonde hair, so the blonde shampoo might not make sense for you! Don't worry, I was actually a brunette for about a year so I have another recommendation for you, especially if you struggle with dryness! Not only does this shampoo smell AMAZING, it is so thick and creamy, you can feel it working in your hair as you use it!
How to Use: Because this shampoo is so dense, I use about a dime to a quarter size (depending on how thick your hair is) and start at the bottom of the hair and work up to mid-shafts.
Get yours by clicking here.
Keratin Cream Rinse
Awapuhi Keratin Cream Rinse
This conditioner is still one of my absolute go-to's. In fact, I will still use it in place of my blonde conditioner sometimes if my hair is in need of some additional moisture. When you first use it, you will notice that it is very thin (unlike normal conditioners) but don't be fooled - this stuff really works and smells incredible!
How to Use: Because it is thinner, you will want to use twice as much, but there is no need to! I use a quarter size and only use it on my mid-shafts to ends. I prefer to leave it on for about 2 mins or so to lock in some additional moisture!
Get yours by clicking here.
Leave-In Treatment
Goldwell Kerasilk Reconstruct Intensive Repair Treatment
Let’s be honest: no one has time to wash their hair every day. I typically wash mine two to three times per week. In fact, 90% of the time it’s either in double Dutch braids (link) or a top knot (link)! Dryness can easily affect everyone’s hair–no matter the season–and a good leave-in treatment will help keep hair moisturized.
How to Use: Once you have completed shampooing and rinsing your hair, take a towel and blot dry the remaining water in your hair. Using a dime- to a quarter-sized amount, work into ends first. Take the remaining product and work mid-shafts to roots. (I typically clip up my hair and wait 5-7 minutes (the longer the better!), so I will typically shave my legs while it stays in.) Rinse out and follow with conditioner to lock in the moisture!
Get yours by clicking here.
Blonde Spray
Goldwell Dualsenses Blonde & Highlights Brillance Serum Spray
I searched high and low for a spray designated to help blondes, provided great moisture, and could be sprayed on dry hair (Because most days of the week it is one or two-day-old hair #reallife.) I finally found this about a year ago, and it has been a GAME CHANGER… not only for moisture but totally helped keep my blondes ashy and shiny!
How to Use: On days I wash my hair, I spray about 10-12 sprays focusing on the ends first to lock in all the moisture, and then I will comb it through. On the days it is dry and wants to give my hair more shine and moisture, I will only use about 4-6 sprays all over before brushing!
Get yours by clicking here.
Dry Shampoo
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
This dry shampoo basically goes with me where ever I go! I have tried so many dry shampoos over the years, many of which just left my hair feeling more oily than they started. I found this dry shampoo after researching for weeks, and I am so grateful I did! It is honestly the best dry shampoo I’ve ever used and it seriously smells AMAZING!
How to Use: After sectioning out my hair, I spray it on the roots of my hair. This product should never be used as a hairspray, as it is designed to soak up the oil in your roots and to give it more texture!
Get yours by clicking here.
Oil
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Styling Treatment Oil
Although I have very thick hair, it can easily get weighed down if I use the wrong type of oil in my hair. I have been using this one since college and have yet to find one that works (or smells) better than this one! This styling oil is great if your hair is frizzy and/or is needing some TLC!
How to Use: A little bit goes a long way with this product. Although you might be tempted to use more, you will be amazed at how much you can get out of a quarter-sized amount! Start rubbing the oil together in both hands and work your way from the ends of the hair to mid-shafts. It is unnecessary to put the oil at that roots of your hair. This oil is designed to go on wet hair after you towel dry; however, if you are desperate and need some for your ends, you can put some on dry, too!
Get yours by clicking here.
Hydro-cream Whip
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger HydroCream Whip
Since working from home about five years ago, I have not really had a reason to style my hair; however, on the days that I am actually needing to style my hair, this is my go-to for a number of reasons: it helps control frizz, adds volume body, and smells so dang good!
How to Use: This product is designed for wet hair. Right after you get out of the shower and after combing your hair, use a dollop-sized amount from mid-shaft to ends. It works best when used with a blow dryer as the heat will activate the ingredients to create the desired look.
Get yours by clicking here.
Working Spray
Aquage Working Spray
This hairspray is probably one of the oldest products I have been using. I started using this when I was thirteen. I don’t know if I will ever find another hairspray quite like it because it is non-aerosol. Although it is a hairspray with moderate hold, it is very flexible while styling. It doesn’t make your hair crunchy and gives you just enough hold and control to keep beachy waves perfectly undone… if that makes sense.
How to Use: I only use this product on dry hair. I tend to start using it towards the end of my styling. Spray all over and continue to play with the pieces until they are where you want them. I have found that the working spray works great on clean hair to give it that two-day-old feel, but can be layered for day two of not washing style!
Get yours by clicking here.
Heat Protectant
Aquage Beyond Shine
Although I have tried and loved many heat protectants, I keep coming back to this one for one reason–SHINE. Other heat protectants (that also shone sprays) left my hair feeling too shiny or oily. I would say that this shine spray gives the hair more of a glimmer than a straight shine.
How to Use: Once you have dried your hair (whether naturally or by a tool) and are ready to use a styling tool with heat, spray this about 5” from strands while sectioning the hair. A little bit goes a long way, so no need to blast your hair completely with it!
Get yours by clicking here.
Finishing Spray
Goldwell Kerasilk Style Texturizing Finishing Spray
I had been looking for a flexible-hold hairspray for a long time and had yet to find one that actually locked my style in place without it feeling sticky or clumpy… until I found this one last year! It is lightweight and smells amazing!
How to Use: Once you have your hair the way you’d like it to stay, spray on top of the style all over, about 6” away from your head.
Get yours by clicking here.
Let me know in the comments below if you try one or all of these products!
xx,
Julie