Every Product That Took My Hair From Dry And Drab To Luscious And Long

Kayla Walden
Jul 23, 2024
hair care routine

Rewind to about a year and a half ago, I had extremely fine, damaged hair from excessive heat and harsh chemicals. This caused my hair to have a lot of breakage, and no matter how short I cut it, it was still showing. After one of these spontaneous chops still left my hair looking unhealthy, I decided it was time to really invest in my hair care and find products that would revitalize it and help it grow. Fast forward to 2024, and my hair is the healthiest and longest it's ever been. I truly didn't think it was a possible for my thin, damaged hair to ever look this luscious and long, but thanks to this specific hair care routine, my hair is looking better than ever before. SO, I thought I'd share with you the exact routine (and hair products) I used to get my hair looking its best!

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Amazon

Nexxus Damage Healing Shampoo

The very first step that I took in my hair journey was buying a damage-healing shampoo that would restore my broken ends and frayed hair. This did wonders for my breakage since it's infused with keratin; this made it a lot stronger and not as easily breakable. The Nexxus shampoo really healed my hair, and helped with my flakey scalp as well! Highly recommend this for a great detoxing shampoo.

Amazon

Crown Affair Shampoo

Once I started to heal my breakage, I wanted a shampoo that I could use for a gentle, daily cleanse. One that would help clean my hair, but not be too aggressive, since I was using the Nexxus one interchangeably. This shampoo changed the game for me. It's lightweight and simple, but completely cleanses my hair. You're going to need a clean, fresh base for all of your oils and serums you're going to use next.

Sephora

Crown Affair Conditioner

Of course, I have to follow up with the conditioner! Again, I use this combo on the daily because it's that good. This immediately detangles my hair and makes it silky smooth. It's a phenomenal daily conditioner to use on your hair. Plus, it's great for all hair types!

Crown Affair

Crown Affair Leave In Conditioner

I am a Crown Affair stan, clearly. But I promise you, they're fully worth it! This leave-in conditioner goes on after your shower. I like to put it on my hair before bed, then sleep in a braid. I wake up with the fluffiest hair ever, and I only need to use a dime-size amount. It will truly last you forever. And I know this product is the real deal because when I don't use it, I genuinely notice a massive difference in my hair.

Amazon

Vegamour Growth Serum

I've put so many people onto this serum because of how rapidly and well it works. After you're taken care of your shower routine for your hair, you're going to want to start using this. Because if your hair is being repaired and healed, next up is working on that growth; and this will do just the trick. It's a great product for quick growth. I massage it into my scalp on dry hair, and even put a bit on the ends. Then, I like to take a brush, and massage the brush into my scalp so it wakes up the hair follicles a bit!

Djerf Avenue

Djerf Avenue Styling Mist

Next, we're gonna talk styling. This Djerf Avenue mist has really been saving my hair. Now that I have softer and more healed hair, I want to make sure I'm protecting it from harsh heat and preventing breakage. So, I spray this into my hair and it works as a styling spray, and also a heat protectant. Plus, it smells better than any product I've ever used... No, I'm not kidding. You will be restocking on this product for life, I can assure you. 10/10 from me!

Gisou

Gisou Hair Oil

Once your hair is styled, you're going to use this honey infused hair oil to give it some gloss and shine! This oil will be sure to make your hair look like a million bucks when you wear it. Just be prepared... people will legitimately stop you in the street, and ask you about your hair when you wear this. It's that good.

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Lead image via Kayla Walden.

7 Expert-Loved Hair Care Tools That’ll Transform Your Daily Routine

One thing I'm trying to care more about as I get older? Maintaining the best hair health I can. When I was younger, I was pretty reckless with heat styling, and not taking care of my hair with the products and tools I used. Now as I'm getting older, I'm trying to maintain my length and softness of my hair by adding the right things to my routine.

I talked with Dr. Ross Kopelman, a doctor and hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration, to get his secret tips on what the key is to maintaining healthy hair. In his work, he treats a lot of clients struggling with hair loss, so he knows just what products you should be using to prevent that! These are all the products he shared with me that you need to add to your daily routine!

The Long Hairs

Boar Bristle Brush

I love this brush, because it's made up of a blend of nylon and authentic boar bristle, letting you get all the dreamy benefits of a boar bristle brush, just on a budget. Dr. Kopelman says that boar bristle brushes are perfect for gently stimulating the scalp without tugging on thinning hair. He also says that it evenly distribute natural oils, which can improve the health and appearance of your hair, giving it a shinier and fuller look! This brush is the key first step in anyone's hair care routine!

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Wide Tooth Comb

Did you know there are different brushes you should use for the different states of your hair? Well, there are! This comb is ideal for wet hair after the shower. Dr. Kopelman let us know that this comb is great for anyone dealing with hair loss — detangling without causing damage is key! He also says that a wide-tooth comb is ideal, especially when your hair is wet and more prone to breakage. It minimizes stress on fragile strands, helping prevent further hair loss. Sounds like a winner to us!

Amazon

Scalp Massager

One thing Dr. Kopelman recommends often for hair growth? A scalp massager! He says that he often recommends these to patients, because they can help improve blood circulation to the scalp. This increased blood flow can potentially promote hair growth, making it a simple yet effective addition to your routine!

I recently started using this every night, and can say that it genuinely does make a significant difference in your hair health. My hair is shinier, and the blood circulation is also seriously helping with my hair growth.

Amazon

Microfiber Towel

Traditional towels can create too much friction, which isn’t ideal for thinning hair, according to Dr. Kopelman. He claims that a microfiber towel is much gentler and helps reduce frizz and breakage, allowing your hair to dry without added stress! After using these for a couple weeks, you'll notice a significant difference in your hair post-shower!

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Heat Protectant Spray

As we all know a good protectant spray is essential to shield your hair from further damage, if you use hot tools! So, make sure you're using a heat protectant that is going to do the heavy lifting in protecting your hair and maintaining its health. Thinning hair is especially vulnerable to heat, so using this barrier can help preserve its strength and health. I've been using this one for years, and it's seriously heavy duty! And it's under $7! Who doesn't love that?!

Sephora

Thermal Brush

If you're going to use heat, I would recommend a brush that doesn't tangle your hair too much or cause frizz. This Mane brush was one of the few brushes I've used that doesn't tangle my hair when I try to do a classic blow-dry. It's ideal for easy and quick styling that won't cause further damage.

Sephora

Gisou Honey Oil

And lastly, top off your hair with some natural oil like this one from Gisou! It will make your hair buttery smooth and soft, while nourishing it with natural oils. This oil has honey, so not only does it do wonders for your hair, it also smells heavenly! Love this one!

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Header image via Cora Pursley

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This 'One Tree Hill' Star Teases Sequel Will Have The One Plot Line Every Fan Wants

Break out your basketball jerseys because the Tree Hill Ravens are coming back! Multiple sources have toldVariety that Netflix is developing a sequel series to the beloved CW drama, which ran from 2003-2012, according to multiple sources. The news comes after multiple series stars admitted they would love to have an One Tree Hill reunion and make another installment of the show.

"I just can't see a world where something won't happen," Chad Michael Murray told E! News. "Something will happen. Whether we get everybody together and do a live reading of the show, or we create a new fictional future episode, I don't know what it will be."

"We’re all on board, we’re all friends, it would be the most fun show anybody has ever been on," Barbara Alyn Woods says in an Entertainment Tonight interview.

Here's everything to know about the One Tree Hill sequel series — including the stars rumored to return!

Who's returning to the One Tree Hill sequel?

Noam Galai/Getty Images for Netflix

One Tree Hill Sequel Cast

According to Variety, Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton would return as Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer, respectively. Daneel Ackles would also return — and all three would serve as executive producers on the TV show alongside Warner Bros. Television, who was behind the original show.

One Tree Hill also starred Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, Austin Nichols, Bethany Joy Lenz, Paul Johansson, Barbara Alyn Woods, Lee Norris, and Antwon Tanner. Check back here for the latest updates on the One Tree Hill reboot cast!

Will One Tree Hill have a season 10?

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One Tree Hill Sequel Plot

One Tree Hill doesn't have a season 10, but it's unclear what kind of sequel this new One Tree Hill series will be. After the One Tree Hill finale featured all of our favorite characters' kids, I've always wanted to see a One Tree Hill next generation series that brings the kids into high school, which is something other fans have been wanting too!

One viral TikTok imagines an intro for a fictional Next Gen series starring Dylan O'Brien, Candice King, and Vanessa Marano. "Could you imagine this as a reboot with the kids though," one comment reads. "We can only dream."

And good news for OTH fans! Jana Kramer, who played Alex during the later seasons of the show, just teased that she thinks Peyton and Brooke "are coming back as moms."

"I had spoken to Hilarie about it, about Alex making an appearance when I knew about it," she tells People. "We had discussed it before the news broke...I think their intention is to bring back people that make sense. And Hilarie was like, 'I never got to meet Alex, so it'd be fun to have us meet,' and I'm like, 'I would love that. Sign me up.' So, we'll see. TBD."

Brooke having to deal with her kids' TikToks? Peyton thinking about the future of art and AI? Mouth leading the Tree Hill podcast empire? There is so much to dive into here. But all in all, One Tree Hill is one TV show that gives me so much hope, no matter how many times I watch it. And I know that bringing back our favorite found family is the perfect way to bring some of that hope right back into today's TV.

What do you think about the One Tree Hill sequel?! Stay tuned for the latest news and read up on One Tree Hill Turns 21 This Fall — Here's How To Celebrate With The Cast (Yes, Really).

Lead image via Warner Bros. Television

This post has been updated.

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7 Best Body Lotions For Dry, Flaky Skin Under $20

The dry spell fall and winter puts on my skin is infuriating. There's nothing more I love than a good summer glow, so once it starts to cool down and dry out outside, I know it's time to pull out the big guns: my thickest, most hydrating body lotions. Moisturizing your skin on the regular (I'm talkin' every single day) can help you combat the same dryness and flakiness – these are the 7 best body lotions to use all fall and winter long to effectively hydrate your skin and supply the glow, and the most satisfying part is they're all under $20!

Amazon

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Body Lotion For Dry Skin

This $13 jumbo bottle of body lotion is my absolute go-to for daily hydration. It's formulated with antioxidant-rich coconut oil and green coffee extract that work in combination to soften and hydrate the skin for up to 48 hours. My skin always feels nourished after applying a substantial amount all over my body, especially after showering in hot water. It supplies my skin with a very healthy-looking glow, which I can tell is in part to the product's real, high-quality, and 100% plant-based formulation. It also smells like sweet coconuts, which earns it tons of bonus points in my book.

Amazon

eos Shea Better Body Lotion

This $9 (was $11) body lotion went viral for a reason. In addition to its addictive notes of whipped vanilla, soft musk, and cozy caramel, this product is a star at hydrating the skin with 7 nourishing (and natural) shea oils and shea butters. I've found the pump dispenses the ideal amount of product for each of my limbs. It works its magic best on clean skin. One thing to note about this pick is that the added fragrance could potentially irritate extra-sensitive skin.

Amazon

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Body & Face Moisturizer For Dry Skin

CeraVe is one of the most commonly recommended brands from dermatologists and skincare experts we consult for advice, making this $18 (was $19) moisturizer a very solid choice for combatting dry, flaky skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and 3 essential ceramides which help support your skin's barrier for long-lasting hydration. Thanks to this product's gentle fragrance-free, paraben-free, allergy-tested, and non-comedogenic formulation, you can use it across your body and face, or even as a hand cream! It's been developed with derms to certify safety for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, and acne-prone skin.

Amazon

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

After trying First Aid Beauty's Nourishing After-Shower Body Oil(and loving it), I had to give this hydrating cream a try. It boasts a whipped texture that's still light enough to not leave a sticky or greasy feel on the skin. I haven't found many body lotions with collodial oatmeal, which I enjoy a lot for its barrier-supporting properties. Collodial oatmeal is also perfectly suitable for extremely dry, flaky skin and eczema-prone areas because it's gentle while still hydrating and soothing. This $16 product is also clinically proven to immediately improve skin hydration by 169%!

Amazon

Jergens Ultra Healing Dry Skin Moisturizer

Jergens is another great reputable brand for fuss-free, dermatologist-trusted skincare. The $11 (was $12) formula boasts vitamins C, E, and B, which all nourish extra-dry skin up to 48 hours with no irritation. It's also loved for treating especially rough spots like your heels, elbows, and knees, all of which definitely crave extra love when fall and winter come around. With consistent use, your skin will appear visibly healthier and hydrated over time!

Amazon

Hempz Triple Moisture Body Moisturizer

When I'm not slathering my skin in the Palmer's body lotion, Hempz comes to the rescue. They make a wide variety of scents and formulations (their hand cream is heavenly), but this Triple Moisture iteration is my favorite for all skin types. It does carry a light scent of peach and grapefruit, but it's not crafted with any harsh chemicals that'll irritate the skin. This $20 (was $28) bottle contains yangu oil, natural hemp seed oil, and vitamins A, C, and E to deliver nothing but healthy radiance! The whipped texture is totally luxe, too.

Selfmade

Selfmade Corrective Experience Comfort Cream

Though more of a gel-cream than a traditional lotion, this $18 (was $30) product from Selfmade is extremely satisfying and effective in tackling dry skin. My skin looks super hydrated and glowy the instant I spread this on, and it never leaves a sticky, greasy feel after the fact. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and hemisqualene which support the skin barrier and soak in deep for exceptional moisture. It's definitely a unique take on your everyday lotion, and I couldn't recommend it enough!

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The New 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Images Recapture The Magic Of Season 1

Outer Banks season 4 (or at least its first five episodes) is dropping October 10 and I am COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS. Season 3 left us on a pretty big cliffhanger: after the death of both of their fathers, John B. and Sarah (played by Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline) return to the OBX with the rest of the Pogues, and are awarded for finding the treasure they've been searching for since the pilot. But the adventures don't stop because they're presented with a brand new opportunity: find Blackbeard's treasure, which is rumored to be hidden somewhere on the Outer Banks. Outer Banks season 4 is returning home, and the newest images promise plenty of drama. See them below, and check out why The Outer Banks Season 4 Trailer Proves The Pogues Have Everything To Lose.

The New 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Images

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

At the end of their season 3 adventure, the Pogues are making their way back to the OBX. And honestly, I'm impressed they can handle passport-less transatlantic travel so easily.

Netflix

Not only will we see surfing this season, we're also going to see a dirt bike race. Considering this scene goes along with John B. saying the Pogues have "everything to lose," I'm guessing JJ makes some kind of crazy bet around the race — maybe with Rafe?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Sarah looks ready to jump into action, while John B's jacket suggests he's teamed up with JJ for the dirt bike race.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Contemplative and summery are two words I'd use to describe this image and the Pogues in general.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

JJ and John B. are putting up the foundation of what I'm assuming is The Kildare County Surf Shop...

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

...and Kiara (Madison Bailey) and Cleo (Carlacia Grant) are helping out!

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Lookin' good, boys.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

It wouldn't be Outer Banks without a treasure hunt and some sleuthing. And nobody sleuths like Kiara.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

When Netflix said Outer Banks season 4 was coming home, they meant it. Nothing has topped the Pogues sneaking into the Crain house in season 1, but it looks like JJ, John B., and Kiara are going for round 2 with this ivy-overgrown porch.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Everyone's after Blackbeard's treasure this season, including Groff (Anthony Crane) and Genrette (David Jensen)...

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

...and Lightner (Rigo Sanchez).

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

As long as they're with the rest of the Pogues, Sarah and Cleo are ready for anything. (I also have to say that I'm loving Cleo's biker short outfit.)

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

If there's anyone that Kiara would look at with that facial expression, it's JJ.

Read up on the 9 Insane Outer Banks Theories That Would Totally Change The Show and watch Outer Banks season 4 on October 10!

Lead image via Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

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16 Memorable 'Gilmore Girls' Quotes That Prove It's The Best Show Of The 21st Century

As memorable as Rory’s white sweater, Lorelai’s love for coffee, and Luke’s love for Lorelai are, NOTHING is more memorable than Gilmore Girls’ dialogue. The show's fast-paced nature and witty banter solidified it as a singular piece of media, and also meant scripts were basically twice the length of regular drama scripts at the time. From recognizable moments in the series to lines that consistently make us laugh out loud no matter how many times we rewatch, here are the best Gilmore Girls quotes of all time.

"Oy! With the poodles already." — Lorelai Gilmore

Warner Bros. Television

This might just be the most iconic Gilmore Girls quote of all, and it captures everything we love about the show: it's a little confusing, a little quirky, and oh-so-memorable. Not to mention the fact it's totally quotable.

"No, it's National Baptism Day. Tie your tubes, idiot." — Paris Geller

Warner Bros. Television

Paris Geller never fails to provide a sassy one-liner, and this one is, without a doubt, her best. This quote comes when, after Rory and Paris run into their dorm literally dripping rainwater, a classmate asks them if it's raining. Classic.

"Where you lead, I will follow." — Carole King

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Gilmore Girls truly wouldn't be the show we know and love without its iconic opener. The Carole King song highlights Rory and Lorelai's loyalty & love, and the fact they'd truly do anything for one another.

"He kissed you and you said thank you? Well that was very polite." — Lorelai Gilmore

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

One of my favorite GG moments is when Dean and Rory share their first kiss in Doose's Market...and then Rory says "thank you" and runs out of the store. Her conversation with Lorelai is both hilarious and genuine, and it feels like the kind of conversation I would have had with my mom if I were in Rory's position.

​"People can live a hundred years without really living for a minute." — Logan Huntzberger

Warner Bros. Television

Logan might come off as a playboy, but this Gilmore Girls quote is incredibly profound. It's important to live every day to its fullest (although we don't recommend jumping off a high surface with an umbrella).

"​I live in two worlds. One is a world of books." — Rory Gilmore

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Oh Rory, the great reader. Just like Harry Potter's Hermione Granger, Rory inspired a whole generation of young women to read more, and we love her for that! (I'm also convinced if she were a teen in 2024, Rory would love Sarah J. Maas).

"​No men. Just lots and lots of Chinese food." — Paris Geller

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There's nothing left to say here, except to share our 10 Quick Chinese Recipes You Can Make At Home.

"Who cares if I'm pretty if I fail my finals?" — Rory Gilmore

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Rory Gilmore is ALWAYS reminding us where to put our priorities. (Although she still looks very, very pretty).

"​This is a jumbo coffee morning. I need coffee in an I.V." — Lorelai Gilmore

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As the sun starts rising later, and setting earlier, I'm definitely going to need more coffee. Because during Daylight Savings Time, every morning is a jumbo coffee morning.

"It takes a remarkable person to inspire all of this." — Richard Gilmore

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Not only does this Gilmore Girls quote hype up Lorelai the way the single mom/beloved inn owner deserves, but it also finally gives us (and Lor) a really beautiful moment with Richard. They share a lot of the same wit and mischief, and he doubtlessly sees a lot of himself in her.

​"I smell snow." — Lorelai Gilmore

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Gilmore Girls is definitely a fall show, but thanks to this iconic quote from Lorelai, I also think of her when it snows.

"We’re almost there and no where near it, all that matters is that we’re going." — Lorelai Gilmore

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Lorelai might be talking about a literal journey (AKA the roadtrip to Harvard), but this is also a great reminder about the journey of life. All that matters is that you're moving!

"WHY did you DROP out of YALE." — Jess Mariano

Warner Bros. Television

This GG quote shows how much Jess cares for, and understands, Rory. And it's been immortalized thanks to the internet.

"I'm so hot I may hit on myself tonight." - Sookie St. James

Warner Bros. Television

Sookie's never one to sugar coat things (well, except dessert), and that includes talking herself up! Let this be a lesson for us all.

"​Life's short, talk fast." — Lorelai Gilmore

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Gilmore Girls in a nutshell.

"It's like my life isn't even real to me unless you're there, and you're in it, and I'm sharing it with you." — Luke Danes

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There are very few Gilmore Girls quotes that sum up our favorite show like this one. GG is all about spending time with people you love. If you ask me, there's nothing sweeter.

Let us know your favorite Gilmore Girls quote on Facebook and check out The Best Fall Gilmore Girls Episodes To Bookmark For Your Rewatch.

Lead image via Warner Bros. Television

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