The Do’s and Don’ts of Using a Hair Diffuser

What are the benefits of leave-in conditioner?

One of the best things leave-in conditioner does for you is moisturize dry or damaged hair. It helps to really lock in the moisture so that it can look healthier as well as preventing your hair from any future damage that it may be exposed to. Hair stylist and expert Marwa Bashir says this about leave-ins, "A leave-in conditioner is one of the most beneficial products for your hair. A leave-in conditioner will protect , moisturize and nourish all hair types. In my arsenal of products the first step for my wavy hair is always a leave-in conditioner, my favorite is SUNCATCHER from R+Co. This product is great to use on damp hair, as well as dry when the hair may feel a bit dehydrated."

Is leave-in conditioner good for your hair?

Leave-in conditioner is great for your hair because it has time to really soak into the hair and soothe any dry or brittle ends you may have. It also strengthens any dry ends to allow them to get stronger and prevent them from breaking as easily in the future. It can also prevent your hair from damage via sun, rough sleeping, or heat. Our resident hair expert, Marwa Bashir says, "A leave-in conditioner layered over dry waves or curls can also help revive the shape of the coils or ropey waves." We love to hear that!

Briogeo Don't Despair Hair Treatment

I've been using this hair treatment for about two years now and it has to be one of the BEST things I've done with my hair care routine in a long time. I use a lot of heat from curling irons and blow dryers so my hair has a lot of dryness. I was looking for something that would help with my breakage and dead ends so I could grow out my hair more and this seriously worked like magic. It made my hair feel so hydrated just after two uses and now that I've been using it for so long, I don't think I can go back; it's just that good! Could not recommend this one more! Definitely add to cart.

Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream

With over 800 reviews at Nordstrom, most of which are 4 stars and above, this is one of the most highly-rated leave-in conditioners I've seen. It is certainly well loved with reviews saying things like, "Do yourself a favor and go ahead and order! This stuff is amazing! It adds tons of shine and closure to ends. Cuts out all frizz nicely. My hair feels great...not to mention, the smell is AMAZING! I have extremely thick hair and I literally use a dime size amount. I know it seems expensive up front, but it will last a long time. I’m hooked!!!" Wow that sounds like a stellar product to me!

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

This is one of those products I hate because it's so good!!! I used this once and genuinely noticed a big difference in my hair and hated that because of its more expensive price point. But I promise you, it actually does work and IS worth the hype unfortunately. Try it once and you'll see! The difference in your hair is immediate and game-changing. Another product that lives up to the hype!

Oribe Leave-In Detangler

Another amazing Oribe product that I love. This one can be used to help detangle your hair and smoothen it from any clumps to prevent further breakage. It just helps loosens up the hair and moisturizes it leaving it with a silky, smooth finish. This is a great one to use after the shower to give it an extra shine.

Moroccan Oil All-In-One Leave-In

This is a budget friendly option listed at only $14! It also has amazing reviews and is the complete package as an all-in-one item! It helps to detangle your hair, soften any breakage or split ends, and prevent damage from heat. It's also perfect for any and all hair types!

Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In

Over 2300 stunning reviews?! Sign us up! This product is well-loved for a reason! Another hair product for all hair types but this one helps to protect from heat of up to 450 degrees! That sounds so ideal for me, as someone who frequently uses heat on her hair! I would say this one is perfect for you if you heat-style your hair often.

Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream

Where are my beautiful curly-haired girlies at?! I have the most amazing leave-in conditioner for you that is only $12 and has incredible reviews. This mask is so helpful because it moisturizes your hair while improving your curl texture. We love a dual purpose! This mask is definitely a must for anyone with curly hair!

Since our hair expert Marwa Bashir said that leave-ins even work well on dry hair, we definitely recommend trying it that way to revitalize some of your curls for some extra bounce!

Aveda Botanical Intensive Strengthening Mask

If you have intense breakage or pretty frail hair like me then look no further! This mask does an amazing job of strengthening those frail, broken ends on your hair and preventing any further damage from occurring. I love it because I notice my hair get stronger and not have as many broken ends. It's also paraben-free which I love. You just leave it in for a few minutes and voila! Your hair is shiny and luxurious!

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.