Why Do My Feet Stink (And How Do I Make Them Smell Better)?

As much as we love swapping tips and tricks to solve our biggest beauty dilemmas, there are some questions we may not feel comfortable asking our friends about, let alone Google without going incognito. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. In this series, we’re tackling those embarrassing beauty queries by turning to experts in the field to get you the answers you need — minus any awkward feelings.

There’s an anxiety-inducing horror in removing your shoes at a friend’s house only for bad B.O. to waft into the air. Stinky feet might be one of the most embarrassing bodily odors, but it’s a lot more common than you’d think. Below, find out what causes smelly feet and how to get rid of the odor STAT.

What causes stinky feet?

Going sans socks is a common culprit for foot odor, but stench can also occur with them. That’s because it’s not entirely about what’s on but what’s coming out of your feet (apologies for the visual). “Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis is the number one cause of smelly feet,” says Sophia Soloman, a board-certified podiatrist at Manhattan Foot Specialists in New York City. When feet sweat, they essentially create a tropical rainforest inside your shoes (especially between the dark, moist crevices of your toes), or the type of environment odor-causing bacteria and fungus thrive in. (Photo via Happycity21/ Getty)

Not plagued with sweaty feet? According to Suzanne C. Fuchs, a board-certified podiatrist in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, stinky feet “can be worsened by the type of shoes you wear, poor hygiene, or other foot issues such as fungal infections.” The upside to all of this is there are ways to make your soles smell better.

What’s the best way to improve foot hygiene?

Nip stench-causing hygiene in the bud and first look to your footwear. “I see a lot of people who like wearing shoes such as boat shoes or loafers without socks,” Fuchs notes. “This is a bad idea because the moisture or sweat from your feet will worsen by the fabric and friction in your shoe.” While sweaty feet can still occur, sweat-wicking socks help absorb excess moisture and can also decrease the amount of bacteria living inside your sneakers. “I recommend socks that are anti-bacterial such as those with copper or silver,” says Fuchs. She also suggests temperature-regulating fabrics (think: merino wool or nylon and polyester blends), since “cotton socks actually keep heat and moisture in and cause an increase in sweat and bacteria.” (Photo via Dmitry Belyaev/ Getty)

Then consider the way you wash your feet in the shower (or take note if you don’t). According to Fuchs, even if you skip a shower, you should still suds up your feet once or twice a day with soap and water. “Don’t forget to dry thoroughly, especially between your toes,” she says. Blotting post-rinse helps keep moisture out of those bacteria-prone areas and can reduce the risk of smelly feet.

Another way to ward off foot odor is to stock up on powders, sprays, and antiperspirants. When selecting a deodorizing product, reach for something that contains ingredients such as moisture-absorbing white clay or arrowroot powder, as well as essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to help improve the smell overall. Fat and the Moon’s Healing Foot Powder ($12) checks both of these boxes with a formula enhanced by white clay, black walnut hulls, arrowroot powder, tea tree oil, and lavender essential oil. Together these ingredients countercheck stench-causing bacteria and protect against fungus formation as a whole.

If your feet still stink (even after trying all of the above), you could have a fungal infection. Be sure to check in with your doctor to rule out any issues that require a prescription foot lotion or other medical-related remedies.

Have any more awkward beauty questions? Let us know @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

When it comes to getting that glow, it’s important to have a dependable routine that not only works for your skin type, but one that’s compatible with your lifestyle, too. Not everyone has the time to slather on 20 different skincare products every day – myself included!

It’s taken me months and months to land on a skincare product lineup that works best for me. Luckily, this glowy skincare routine has saved me so much time, changed the way I approach skincare (including buyingskincare goodies), and makes me absolutely glow to the gods.

@britandco these skincare products have me in a chokehold. link to shop them in our bio! ⭐️ COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser ($11) ⭐️ COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner ($13) ⭐️ The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid ($10) ⭐️ Dieux Air Angel Gel Cream ($44) ⭐️ innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen ($22) ⭐️Good Weird Cold Brew Undereye ($26) #glowyskin#skincareroutine#easyskincareroutine#affordableskincare#glowup♬ original sound - soph 🦷

This glowy skincare routine is everything to me. With only 6 products and a total of 10 minutes maximum every day, this glowy skincare routine is the key for healthy, youthful-looking skin.

I can’t gatekeep these products any longer. Let’s get into why these picks fit right into a glowy skincare routine and what they can do for your skin!

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Clean skin sets the tone for glowy skin, so having an everyday cleanser in your skincare repertoire is crucial. I like this low-pH one from COSRX since it's very gentle. Though it takes it easy on my skin overall, I still feel a deep clean after I cleanse with it. The low pH makes this gel cleanser widely compatible for most skin types, plus you get lots of product for a low price.

The Good Morning Gel Cleanser is $14 on Amazon.

COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner

Toners can come in many forms (like exfoliating and brightening), but I find that I'm drawn to hydrating toners like this one from COSRX for my glowy skincare routine. Unlike the toners most of us grew up with – astringent, harsh, and drying – most toners on the market now are made to boost your skin's hydration! So, toners are friends, not foes.

This literally feels like my skin is chugging water when I put it on. I typically just apply it with my hands and press it in gently, so my face can absorb the most product. I'll also bring it down to my neck for added hydration. The propolis and honey extracts go easy on the skin, adding to the desired glow!

This Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner is $13 on Amazon.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid simply brings the moisture that's already hanging out in your skin forward, so you'll appear more moisturized and hydrated when you use it. I only use this before moisturizer when I feel like my skin is especially dry, and like the aforementioned toner, I press it in so my skin can soak it on up.

I enjoy a lot of things about this hyaluronic acid (like the ease of using the bottle, the simple ingredient list, and the elegant dropper), but I love the affordable price the most.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid comes in a bundle alongside the The Ordinary Niacinamide for just $17 on Amazon.

Dieux Air Angel Gel Cream

Oh, this gel cream moisturizer is sooo smooth. I've really never felt anything like it before! I genuinely feel like an angel every time I put Dieux's Air Angel on. I adore it because unlike other heavy cream or lotion moisturizers, it allows my skin to breathe. It goes on super lightweight so I'm not left feeling like I applied way too many layers of product.

It's also very easy to apply – the bottle has a convenient pump with a cap that makes traveling with it a breeze! Moisturizer is a total must when it comes to skin that glows, so don't sleep on product picks like this!

The Dieux Air Angel Gel Cream goes for $44 on dieuxskin.com.

innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen is that girl. As opposed to chemical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen contains actual physical barriers that protect your skin from harmful UV rays. That being said, this sunscreen does swipe on with a bit of a white cast, but it immediately blends out with the right amount of rubbing it in.

This SPF 45 formulation from innisfree (one of my fave affordable brands) has a color-correcting aspect to it, so it looks a tiny bit blue when you go to apply it. Once your skin's soaked it in, it leaves a creamy, satin finish that I think is perfect for a makeup base.

Think of this sunscreen as a preemptive measure towards the ultimate glowy skin routine – since you're protecting it from mass amounts of sun damage, your skin will look more youthful, hydrated, and even over time. And yes, you should be wearing sunscreen every day!

The innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen is $22 at Sephora.

Good Weird Cold Brew Undereye

OMG. This is the first under eye cream that I found was actually effective. It's genuinely like a cup of cold brew for your under eye area – and mine tends to need that extra energy!

Formulated with caffeine to reduce puffiness and diamond powder to fill in fine lines, I saw results from the Cold Brew Undereye from Good Weird (read my full review here) within a few uses. The application is also unbelievably easy. It goes on very soothing since it has a metal application tip. I actually toss this skincare pick in the fridge so the metal can cool down, and ultimately soothe my tired eyes.

I think having a brightened-up under eye area contributes massively to my glowy skincare routine, since darker circles can bring the glow (and the overall evenness of my skin tone) down.

The Good Weird Cold Brew Undereye goes for $26 on Amazon.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

There are a number of TV shows in the running for best teen drama. I'm ready to press play on The Summer I Turned Pretty, One Tree Hill, and The Vampire Diaries at any given moment, but there is nothing like watching Friday Night Lights season 1. It might not be as glamorous as Gossip Girl, but that's exactly why it resonates so deeply when you watch it — FNL both highlights and honors viewers' real-world experiences because the characters are SO relatable. Instead of leaving you envious of a fictional life, Friday Night Lights welcomes you into a community you feel like you already know.


Image via NBC

Everyone in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas lives and breathes football, and Friday Night Lights season 1 opens just before the first game of the season. Right off the bat, we're introduced to characters that both evoke emotion and spark our curiosity, and we're told exactly where they are in their lives: new head coach Eric Taylor is struggling to win the town's confidence. Fullback Tim Riggins struggles both with motivation and against confident running back Smash Williams. All-American quarterback Jason Street has dreams of playing in the NFL while timid Matt Saracen takes care of his grandmother during the afternoon and serves as second-string quarterback at night.

Not to mention the fact that when I watched Friday Night Lights for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how compelling and multi-dimensional the women are. Tami Taylor has the perfect blend of motherly love and the kind of Southern sass that puts you in your place. Minka Kelly's Lyla Garrity is one of my favorite TV characters of all time because she might be wealthy and popular, but she evades "The Curse of the Brunette" that seems to plague early 2000s leading ladies. Instead of turning into a manipulative mean girl like the high school versions of Blair Waldorf and Brooke Davis, Lyla is just kind. Does she still make insanely bad decisions (like kissing her boyfriend's best friend)? Yes, but aren't bad decisions a right of passage when you're 17?

The show's initial plots and character arcs revolve heavily around football, but the sport really just serves as a funnel for all the off-field drama. The tension between the characters makes their gameplay even more passionate — and when Street gets seriously injured during that first game of the season, the town rallies together in a way that highlights how strong a community can bond in the face of tragedy.

Image via NBC

Life in middle-class America can be tough, but it can also be really, really sweet. While I'm neither from Texas nor have attended the kind of football school Dillon High is, the contrast between the characters' responsibilities and the fun that comes with parties and joining your friends at the local burger joint resonates with me every time I rewatch.

Even the fact the show is named Friday Night Lights emphasizes that contrast because it shows just how much of a spotlight is on these kids, and how much weight is on their shoulders when they're truly just trying to survive their teenage years.

Rather than providing an escape from viewers' realities like Outer Banks does, Friday Night Lights season 1 emphasizes the realities of juggling multiple jobs, school, and family responsibility that a lot of viewers experience too. It allows you to understand the characters in a really personal way — and feel like you're a part of the community too. The world can seem so big and scary (now more than ever), which is why the simplicity of Friday Night Lights totally redefines comfort TV.

What's your standout moment from Friday Night Lights season 1? Check out why Gilmore Girls Season 7 Wasn't Supposed To Be The Final Chapter for even more TV show musings!

Lead image via NBC

Shopping for your fave beauty products doesn't have to hurt your wallet, but it can be hard to weed out the best beauty deals that allow you to get more bang for your buck. That's exactly why we're here, bestie! We've scouredAmazon and got some juicy details from our exclusive sources to bring you this week's list of the absolute best beauty deals.

From skincare goods to makeup and hair care to bath time, we've got the scoop. Scroll to shop our go-to's! Here's a peek at some amazing beauty deals on Amazon this week.

Hair Care

Wavytalk Hair Dryer with Diffuser

Just when you thought the sleek, minimalistic design of this hair dryer was the best part about it, you'll be impressed to learn that it has an exceptionally powerful airflow that cuts your total drying time in half!

Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set

If you prefer to forego heated hairstyles, but still wanna flaunt some cute curls, try out these affordable silk heatless curlers. You can leave them in overnight or just for a few hours to reveal smooth, damage-free curls!

Revlon One Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush

Revlon named this drying brush 'One Step' for a reason! With this single hair tool, you can dry and style all at once. It pushes through a constant stream of hot air to get the job done.

Kitsch Castor Oil Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth

This earth-friendly shampoo bar is great for at-home showers and traveling. Its solid formula eliminates any need for plastic bottles and will be a lot more mess-free inside your carry-on.

Jovs IPL Painless Hair Removal Tool

This tool delivers medical-grade hair removal right at home. It does boast a stronger energy level than most other hair removal tools on the market, but skin irritation isn't a concern since it's equipped with a stronger cooling system to help you avoid any burns or uncomfiness.

Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Evolve Ionic Salon Hair Flat Iron

Available on Amazon for an entire 51% off, this pro-grade flat iron is a total step-up from your current hair tool. It's fitted with ceramic-titanium plates on the interior, and rounded barrels on the exterior that can be used to create seamless curls!

The Knot Dr. for Conair Wet and Dry Hair Brush

I hope it's not just me who thinks this, but paying anything upwards of $20 for a hairbrush feels criminal. And the fact that hairbrushes require frequent replacement just makes it worse. That's why I'm all about this deal. Save on this wet-to-dry hairbrush now!

Revlon One Step Root Booster Round Brush Dryer and Hair Styler

With a smaller barrel size than the first Revlon One Step tool I listed, this heated hair styler might be better suited for shorter haircuts and people with bangs. If your 'do requires a tighter curl or wave, this pick is for you!

Skincare

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

You've likely been bombarded with this skincare pick by now, but it's completely worth the viral hype! This snail mucin serum reduces dullness and soothes dry skin, which is much needed after a long winter.

grace & stella Illuminating Eye Masks

These cooling eye masks help de-puff the under-eye area with ease. They're easy and effective for combatting dark circles with regular use, and you get 6 pairs for around $15!

Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand

This viral skincare wand feels like pure luxury! With red light technology, warming properties, and a facial massage setting, the Solawave reportedly helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, blemishes, puffiness, and dark circles in just a few minutes a day.

Moon Juice Acid Potion AHA and BHA Liquid Exfoliator

This is my favorite exfoliator I've ever tried, and I use it multiple times weekly because it's just such a treat. Not too harsh, but not too light, either. Formulated with AHA and BHA exfoliants, this liquid acts like a chemical exfoliator / toner for buffing away dry, dead skin. You'll only use a dime-sized amount each time to reveal cleaner skin, meaning this big ol' bottle is gonna last you for a loooong time.

TruSkin Vitamin C Face Serum

This vitamin C serum is also equipped with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E that increase its efficacy towards dark spots, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. It's formulated to be extra-gentle on the skin, so it's light enough for every day use. This is gonna be a huge game-changer in your skincare routine, bestie!

Neutrogena Sunscreen Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70

Sunscreen is a must as the sun starts to peek out more and more. This lightweight one from Neutrogena is perfect for lathering up the face and body, so it's a good tube to throw in your purse for spring and summer excursions – just in case you need to reapply your SPF. It's formulated to be sheer, too, so no white cast here, babes!

Bliss Disappearing Act Niacinamide Serum

This pore-minimizing and skin barrier-strengthening serum from Bliss is so good. Since it's meant to blur your pores, it makes for a great primer before you put on base makeup. The brand has a few other formulas that tackle different skin concerns like dryness, dullness, and renewal.

Covergirl Facial Mist with Rose Water and Vitamin C

A floral facial spray will never not feel like a treat for your skin, and this rosewater one from Covergirl also mists with a dash of vitamin C to hydrate and improve your skin's texture.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

This pick from Bioderma is a #1 best-seller on Amazon. With over 40,000 5-star ratings, users love it because it's super effective at both removing makeup and cleansing the skin in one easy step!

innisfree Cherry Blossom Dewy Glow Face Moisturizer

As opposed to a traditional face cream, this jelly cream from innisfree feels sheer and light on the face, all while soaking into the skin to provide exceptional hydration. The adorable packaging and sweet scent of cherry blossom makes this skincare deal all the better!

Mario Badescu Moisturizing Lip Balm Set

This set gets you a trio of extremely nourishing lip balms formulated with a thicker consistency for longer wear and deeper hydration. If you can't go a day without lip balm, this beauty deal is the perfect chance to stock up!

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Face & Body SPF 70 Sunscreen

You just can't skip the SPF for any upcoming beach or pool days! This SPF 70 one is designed to be water-resistant, so you can do all the swimming and splashing you please before reapplying every hour or so.

Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Travel-Size Tattoo Balm

Since spring and summer call for you to show more skin, this tattoo care balm might just become your secret weapon in making your body art pop. You can use it past tats, too, as it's superiorly hydrating and nourishing on the skin.

Nails

Orange Tip Press-On Almond Nails

Gotta love an at-home mani that only takes a few steps! With these electric orange press-ons, your nails will transform in just a few minutes.

NYK1 Super Strong Nail Glue For Nail Tips, Acrylic Nails and Press On Nails

If you are a big press-on nail girly, having a strong nail glue is important for applying and reapplying. This one from NYK1 brushes on, so it's very easy and mess-free to use, and the wear will last you days upon days.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Blinded by the Ring Light

Spring nail colors are in full swing, so make sure you snag some pastel-y nail polish on sale like this pick from OPI!

Sunuv UV Light for Nails

If you've completely moved past the nail salon into fully-fledged at-home manis, this UV LED light is a must for curing and setting your hard work! There aren't any buttons on this tool, but it instead has a motion sensor that prompts the light to turn on. Furthermore, it emits non-ultraviolet light that is safe for your skin and eyes!


Gaoy Icy Jelly 6-Piece Gel Nail Polish Set

Neutral nails just got a makeover with this beauty deal! With the jelly-like formula, you're able to layer this gel nail polish to create a customized color look.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Moonlit Top Coat

For a bit more sparkle, this multicolored glitter top coat brings some fun to your basic solid polish.

Makeup

Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara

This Covergirl mascara is insane! Plus, the fact that it's made without parabens, sulfates, talc, or mineral oil is amazing. The fully-vegan formulation also boasts a mix of argan and marula oils for nourishment to your lashes.

Wonderskin Wonder Blading Peel Off Lip Stain

This viral lip stain is on a beauty deal, which means you have to see what the hype is about! This peel-off lip stain goes on dark, but then reveals a perfectly even, saturated lip color underneath. It's truly the best-kept secret to long-lasting makeup looks.

Grande Cosmetics Brow Lamination Gel

Laminated brows are still so in right now, and this clear brow gel will help you achieve the look in no time. A little goes a long way with this product, which means it's an investment worth making for months worth of sleek, slicked-back brows.

The Face Shop Fruta Veil Glow Blush

This adorable glowy blush will give you the spring flush of your dreams! It's made with fine, sparkling particles that emit a very illuminated look.

Versed Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops

In the same vein of looking glowy AF, these skin drops from Versed are the perfect one-stop-shop to shining! Just a few drops will give your face, neck, and collarbones a lively effect, perfect for donning this spring and summer as it starts to warm up.

Hydrating Moisturizing Lip Glow Oil

A seemingly dupe of one of the most popular lip oils on the market, this chunky tube is amazing at hydrating and plumping the lips, all while providing a subtle pink sheen. It comes in a few other fun shades / flavors, too, like green apple and aloe!

NYX Ultimate Paradise Shock Eyeshadow Palette

Make those beautiful eyes pop by using this versatile shadow palette from NYX! It has a good array of brights and neutrals that'll serve you past the spring and summer seasons.

Shop even more beauty deals on our Amazon storefront!

Images via Amazon.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.​

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will ​always ​be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS