how to: grow out highlights
how I returned to a brunette, naturally
While I have worked in the beauty industry for 7+ years, and am very, very, very obsessed with my hair and hair health, I am surprisingly low maintenance–I only go for a professional cut/color 1 or 2 times a year, max. I decided a year and a half or so ago, that my blonde highlights no longer agreed with me–my natural hair has gotten darker over the years, and I don’t frequent the salon enough to mask my roots well. My skin tone and complexion looked much better as a brunette (I know brow blindness but is blonde blindness is also a thing?) Side note: there is absolutely no product that replicates the shine that natural, uncolored hair has. Below are they key products I used to grow out my highlights without professional color correction.
Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask: this is a hair mask that deposits a minimal amount of color on the hair, temporarily. It is a life-saver when growing out blonde highlights specifically. I use the shade warm chestnut and leave on my hair for 10 or so minutes in place of conditioner ~monthly. It tones down the blonde ends of my hair, helping to create a more even overall look while deeply nourishing hair. This is a salon-level gloss at home.
Mason Pearson Brush: This brush genuinely changed the look of my hair while prolonging the life of each wash. The boar bristles help to distribute oil from the scalp down the shaft of the hair, acting as a natural “dry shampoo” and hydrating the usually dry parts of the hair. It also feels like a scalp massage, and stimulates the scalp for better growth. I spend time brushing my hair from scalp to tips, and after several minutes, you can literally see the results. The roots look refreshed and less oily, and my hair is silky.
Agent Nateur Collagen: An essential for strong healthy hair and rapid growth. It actually does matter which collagen you use, as the collagen needs to be bioavailable (easy for your body to absorb, recognize and utilize). I use a hand frother to mix this into my coffee–this has been how I ensure I take it every single day the last few years. Cool that collagen is now being acknowledged as legit by the scientific community
Crown Affair Towel: Wet hair is much more susceptible to damage and breakage than dry hair. Post-wash, I use this microfiber towel to wrap my hair. This towel is well-made and durable. I have had this since the very early days of Crown Affair (maybe 4 years now?!) and it is in perfect condition. It helps to wick away water from my hair gently and quickly, and the towel shape and elastic holds all your hair securely without pulling.
Dyson Airwrap: Unfortunately, worth it. This tool is so incredible. With minimal damage, I can use this as a replacement for all other heat stylers, blow dryer included. I have hair that tangles very easily, but if I finish an air dry with the Dyson brush attachment, it seals my cuticle in a way that seems to prevent further tangling, also making my hair SO soft.
Emijay Clips: I wear my hair up almost every single day, always in a claw clip, never in an elastic. It helps me feel polished during a hair color transition, and between cuts when I am in need of shaping and texturizing. I used to swear by the Forever 21 claw clips- the quality was AMAZING, they were so strong- but they no longer sell the same variations they used to. After many years of trial, the Emijay clips have proven to be the absolute best: durable, strong, and able to hold a lot of hair. I am partial to their (archived) camellia clip, but the “big effing clip” is also incredible.
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