How to spend a hair restoration day from a stylist
“If you’re going blowout-to-blowout, especially if you have naturally textured hair, try a recovery day between blowouts,” says professional hairstylist Matt Newman in a recent TikTok video.
Even if you’re not creating a fluffy warm blast, any normal use of a hot tool requires a day of recovery. In fact, even those who refrain from exposing their hair to heat can benefit from a little extra nourishment from time to time.
To do this, Newman recommends washing your hair and using the “deep conditioner” method: “By this I mean applying the conditioner from roots to ends and letting it sit for at least five minutes,” he says.
For those with very dry locks, consider using a thicker hair mask for this step. You may be hesitant to apply it to the roots for fear of leaving your strands looking greasy after washing, but for recovery day, that doesn’t matter! (More on that in a moment.)
After you get out of the shower, you’ll want to apply your favorite hair oil. Newman advises to ditch any styling products and leave-in conditioner for now and focus on that simply butter. “Hair oiling is a hugely important part of many cultures around the globe, dating back thousands of years as a way to nourish and protect the hair,” Newman says of the ancient practice.
Allow your hair to air dry, then style it however you like—a bun, a long braid, a quick ponytail, etc. Or you can just leave your hair down and embrace the shiny locks for the day.
Remember, “It’s not a routine for your best style; it’s a recovery habit,” Newman explains. So, if your hair is starting to show a little fur when it dries, don’t worry – it’s all for recovery.
If you can, leave it in the oil for a full 24 hours. If this time frame is simply not realistic for you, then do this procedure in the evening and wash your hair the next morning, then style your choice. You’ll be shocked at how healthy your locks look, and they’ll thank you for the much-needed rest.