Healthy Hair Routine For Wavy Hair

Ever since I had a bad experience highlighting my hair in an attempt to let my grey hair be natural, I have been on a healthy hair journey. You can read all about my going grey experience here. About 2 years ago, I was left with severely damaged and broken hair from over processing with bleach. Even though I was seeing a professional hair stylist, the damage occurred. I’ve come a long way since then. I color my hair at home and don’t highlight my hair at all. I have also discovered a healthy hair routine for wavy hair that is working for me.

These are the products that I use and the general hair routine that I have used to restore my hair, and continue to get it back to a healthier and thicker consistency. On top of the damage from highlighting, I am perimenopausal (age 54), and have experienced a lot of hair shedding over the past year.

Wavy or Frizz Prone Hair

My hair texture is naturally wavy and very prone to frizz. I discovered Keratin treatments many years ago, and now I also do those myself at home with a less toxic formula mostly during the more humid months. I purchase it from Amazon and it is the Keratin Salon Direct Flat Iron Free Express. It requires less heat to my hair and is formaldehyde free.

If you don’t struggle with frizz, then you don’t need to worry about Keratin treatments. If you do have frizz, this is life-changing!

Hair Thinning & Shedding

Up until last year, I have always had very thick hair, so I was shocked when my hair started shedding very noticeably. After a blow dry, I would look down and see all the hair on the floor and it scared me! I took a photo of it and showed my nurse practitioner at my regular check up.

She suggested the Nutrafol Supplements that I had been hearing a lot about. I’m always skeptical of supplements, but she assured me that they are effective. I’ve been on them for 6 months and have noticed and significant decrease in the shedding and I am seeing new hair growth.

Shampoo Hair Routine For Wavy Hair

The most significant change in my hair shampoo routine is that I only wash my hair every other day or if possible every three days. This is much easier in the winter months.

I have three shampoos in my current rotation. First is my Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo. This is a bond maintenance shampoo that I use once or twice/week.

For a clarifying shampoo, I like the L’oreal Everypure Clairify Shampoo. I like to use this if I’ve used a lot of root cover up spray or dry shampoo.

For an everyday shampoo, I use the Kirkland Brand (Costco) Moisturizing Shampoo. It is a good dupe for the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. The Kirkland brand is sold on Amazon, but I think it costs a little less in the actual Costco store.

Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo not only helps keep my hair from getting oily, but now that it is thinner it also helps give my hair some volume at the root. A tip to keep in mind is to apply dry shampoo at night since our hair tends to get oily overnight while we sleep. I have tried many brands of dry shampoo. I’m not sure that you really need to spend the money for high end brands.

For a drug store option, I love the Dove Dry Shampoo for brunettes. Other days I use the Olaplex 4D dry shampoo.

Conditioning Hair Routine

In general, I use the matching conditioner for the which ever shampoo I use. The exception is when I use the clarifying shampoo. I just use my everyday conditioner the Kirkland Moisture Conditioner with that.

When I use the Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo I also use the Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner.

Once a week I like to use a more intense hair mask on the mid-shaft to ends of my hair. My favorite is the Amika The Kure intense strength repair mask.

Leave In Products

After towel trying my hair gently with a micro fiber hair towel, I apply the Olaplex No. 6. This is a leave in styling cream that strengthens, hydrates, moisturizes and speeds up blow dry times while smoothing. If I’m going to be blow drying or heat styling my hair, I also like to use the Kenra Blow Dry Spray & Heat Protectant. After my hair is dry, I like to add the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil to the ends.

Styling Tools

My hair routine for wavy hair or straight hair requires the use of a blow dryer and styling tools.

One way I have restored the health of my hair is by limiting heat styling. This is hard for someone who does not have hair that air dries nicely. Having longer hair does make air drying easier since I can always pull my hair back into a bun or ponytail.

Flower Claw Clips

Ponytails can be harsh on your hair from the constant pulling, so I try to wear a looser styled bun with a claw clip. I recently purchased some new hair accessories from Amazon for the days when I don’t style my hair.

Heatless Curls

I also tried to popular heatless curling tool that you sleep in overnight. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked! This might be the perfect addition to your hair routine for wavy hair. Naturally wavy hair will really hold the curl quite well with this styling technique.

For my favorite heat styling tools, you can refer to this post. Since I am in front of the camera quite a bit, I do have to heat style my hair at least a couple of times per week. I always use the lowest heat setting possible.

Hair Color: Healthy Hair Products

Although I do not lighten my hair anymore, I do color my hair. Maintaining my brunette hair color requires root touch ups every 2-3 weeks. Going to the salon that frequently would be unrealistic and very expensive, so after the damage a couple of years ago I started coloring my own hair at home with Madison Reed Hair Color. This has been so rewarding and freeing!

The photo above was taken just after a fresh application of hair color to my roots in the shade 6NAV Siena Brown and using the Color Reviving Gloss in Expresso all over my hair. This removes any brassiness that always seems to occur after time.

You can purchase this brand at Ulta, Walmart, Amazon, or directly from The Madison Reed website. Mine is on auto ship since my local stores are often out of the color I need. For all the details on the Madison Reed product line I use, refer to this post.

With these additions of supplements, products, and better habits I am finally feeling like my hair is close to being healthy again! I hope you found this hair routine for wavy hair helpful in case you are also struggling with less than healthy hair. Even if you have fine or straight hair, I think you will benefit from many of these tips.

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Healthy Hair Routine For Wavy Hair

Wavy or Frizz Prone Hair

Hair Thinning & Shedding