Earlier this year I shared that I would be wearing my hair in protective styles to meet my hair length goals. These hair styles also prevent my little one from literally pulling my hair out. You can see my minimalist hair regimen for 2018 here.
The only two hair styles that you will find me in daily are either a basic low bun or a banded ponytail.
These two styles may be too simple, but I’ve been loving it! For a girl who was obsessed in the past with wearing big curly hair as much as possible, this is a HUGE freedom to no longer be concerned with my hair. My attempt to start locs last year could have something to do with it. Regardless, I’m just thrilled to be focused on something else.
As a new mom I actually don’t have a choice to be completely honest. The days of luxurious pampering are nonexistent at the moment. I think that is the main reason that I am pleased to have found something extremely simple to do with my hair without stressing over it. There’s no fancy night time regimen either. I just sleep with my hair in a loose bun with a soft scrunchie.
I’ve made a few changes to my hair regimen that allow these styles to flourish.
For starters I’ve been stretching out my wash days much longer because I switched from using shea butter in my hair to organic safflower oil. All I can say is this has been a game changer when I never thought anything would work better for me than shea butter. I recently learned that safflower oil is a ceramide oil which I originally wrote about the benefits of ceramide oils years ago here. No wonder I love it so much!
I’m able to get smoother results banding my hair to stretch out my curls on wash day with organic safflower oil along with an easier time brushing my hair out afterwards. (I band my hair in two ponytails to stretch my hair). Another benefit is that the organic safflower oil that I buy is high in linoleic acid which means no breakouts from what I’m putting in my hair.
So there you have it, a quick update on my simple hair regimen.
One Love!
(Images by my hubby & me/Dawn Michelle)
Margaret says
Hi Dawn!!! You look beautiful as always! How is your family. I bet your little one is so cute!!! I cannot believe how organic safflower oil has taken the place of Shea butter. So you are just using the oil throughout after washing and conditioning? Afterwards banding in 2 braids? Is it parted in the front? I love the hair fork in your bun also. Your hair has really flourished!!! How often are you washing? I enjoy reading about your lifestyle, hair care regimen, wife and motherhood. Blessings to you and your Family!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Margaret,
Thank you so much! My family is very blessed, I appreciate you asking. Yes I stopped using shea butter. I can’t believe how much I prefer just oil. One of the benefits is cleaner hair longer, and my hair does not attract lint as easily.
As for using only safflower oil, since I am wearing my hair up exclusively, I just keep my hair very lubricated. My hair literally just soaks it up. I do wear my hair with a center part.
I am no longer washing my hair on a schedule, just when I can. My hands are full between taking care of my son full time, attempting to blog when I can, and working on my skin care line nonstop. My hair is the least of my concerns at this time although I do want it to continue to flourish. I hope this answers your questions and I hope all is well with you.
Sandy says
Your hair looks great! I’m going to try the organic safflower oil. Shea butter is a little to heavy for my hair.( fine and wiry)
Thanks for sharing this tip.
The little ones grow up fast, right?? Cherish every moment.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy,
Thank you! I’d love to hear what you think about safflower oil if you do try it. And yes the little ones do grow quickly. Every moment is a gift.
Naya says
Safflower is amazing!! I tried it for the first time maybe 2 years ago and it’s one of my favorite oils for my hair now. I loved raw shea for years but with a more zero waste regimen, it’s a lot harder to wash out.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Naya,
Wash day is now quicker with safflower oil plus I don’t have build up if I use too much shea butter anymore. It really is a win win!
Janine says
Thank you for sharing this. I was going to ask how you maintain the banded ponytail at night. I’ll do the loose bun tonight because I’m currently wearing that style. It is an easy one for certain.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Janine,
I only sleep with my hair banded if I am stretching my hair with two banded ponytails on wash day. If I wear one banded ponytail as a style I remove all the bands at night, oil my hair if needed, and put my hair in a loose bun with a scrunchie.
Lina says
Hello. Well wishes to you and your family. So how often do you apply oil through out the week?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lina,
Thank you for the well wishes. I apply oil as needed to my hair throughout the week. I usually will spritz my ends with water and then add a bit of oil if I braid my hair at night. Sometimes I will do a loose bun in the evening instead and not add any oil at all. It just depends.
Tramaine says
I loove your post! Please where did you buy the pretty wooden hair comb in the second picture with the bun? I would like to try this style sometime as a new mother myself:) Cheers!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Tramaine,
Thank you. I purchased this hair comb on Etsy from a shop called Alpenlandkunst. It is amazing quality and the best one I’ve had to date.
April says
Dawn,
I can’t believe I’m finding this so late, but it is a game changer! I’ve always disliked shea butter but kept using it because it’s considered THE natural hair moisture ingredient. I’m so glad you mentioned safflower oil, because I had just about given up keeping my hair moisturized. I’m switching ASAP and will hopefully be happier! (I’m sure I will, since I also prefer oils)
Thank you for your wisdom!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi April,
I hope that this does work well for you. I love using oils for my hair. There are so many amazing ones to choose from. Safflower oil is a new favorite.
Janice says
Hi Dawn,
Congratulations on your new addition to the family (I know it has been over a year now).
Are you doing the water only method any longer? If not, what is your current regimen?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Janice,
Thank you so much! My son will be three this month. Time flies. I’ll be updating my hair regimen here soon. Happy new year!
Destiny says
This hair clip though. Pleaseeee tell us where you got it !!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Destiny,
I found this wooden hair fork on Etsy by the seller Alpenlandkunst. I have another as well that I enjoy. They are amazing quality and reasonably priced.