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Tahoe Mountain Hair

  • personal
  • hair-care
  • routine

I've been battling frizz and a lack of curl definition in my hair since moving to San Francisco. A city of micro-climates, but with a commonality of humidity and soft water. Then, a trip to Tahoe gave me the best hair day in a year, all from only a light wash and hotel shampoo. The result was due to the mineral rich water there and the lower humidity in the air helping the cuticles to seal and lay flatter on my head. I now aim to reproduce this environment at home as a hair routine to achieve mountain hair. The solution is a weekly routine that compensates for the naturally soft water in San Francisco with a hard water shampoo and an apple cider vinegar solution. A protein rich mask to strengthen the cuticle. Finished off with a gel to protect the cuticle from the unfavorable environment.

Products

  • Clarifier: Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo
  • Bond treatment/mask: CURLSMITH Bond Curl Rehab Salve
  • Acidifying rinse: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
  • Defining gel: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
  • Scalp treatment: Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment
  • Refresh oil: Organic Jojoba Oil (lightweight)

Routine

Preparation

  1. Create an apple cider vinegar solution by mixing 1 tbsp ACV in 1 cup water.

Weekly wash

  1. Clarify: Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo. Work the scalp first, then lengths. Rinse thoroughly.
  2. ACV Rinse: Apply ACV to scalp and massage in for 60-90 seconds.
  3. Bond/Mask: Work CURLSMITH Bond Curl Rehab Salve into the hair by scrunching together in your fingers. Let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
  4. Define and Seal: On wet hair, apply Ouidad gel in sections. Scrunch to encourage clumps.
  5. Dry: Microfiber towel or T-shirt blot, then air dry or diffuse on low. Hands off until fully dry.

Daily

  1. Keep hair dry in the shower
  2. Mist jojoba oil as needed