My Hair Story (Embarrassing Pictures Included)

So today I thought I'd talk about something fun and light-hearted and even slightly embarrassing, and share with you guys the long, ever-changing story of my hair. Yep, my hair. I am by no means a beauty expert (which is the main reason that beauty posts around here are few and far between), and as far as makeup and skincare go, I've had pretty much the same routine for a good decade. But when it comes to hair, I'd covered all the bases - from hippie dreadlocks (true story) in my college years to bleach blonde to natural, from curly to wavy to stick strait, from bangs to no bangs back to bangs again, to my hair today (see above photo). I've admittedly never had short hair aside from the chin-length bowl cut I sported in the 80s (thanks mom!), but aside from that, I've been all over the place.

The current chapter in my hair story, about which I'll also share a little today, includes a newborn baby and toddler - which, although often overtaken by thrown-together topknots, also means a (very important!) need to feel like myself again appearance-wise. To achieve this, I've gotten a new cut (the bangs are back, man), and established a cleansing and styling routine that seem to be working in terms of keeping my hair in a happy, healthy place. But more on that in a minute.

As you can see from the collage of pics above, I've gone down quite a winding road of hair adventure. From super-hippie dreadlocks (I had them for five years) to long and straight and 100% natural, from cherry red emo streaks with side swept bangs to straightened and blonde with blunt bangs, from long and wavy and highlighted to dark and bed head messy, my hair has been around the block. There were actually about twenty more pictures showcasing my hair's intrepid journey but I had to stop myself before things got out of hand.

While we're all embarrassed to some degree by the ghost of hair styles past, I honestly think that, just like anything else, it's important to embrace the choices we've made and changes we've experienced with our hair - because ultimately, it's brought each of us to where we are today. I love looking back through old photos of my hair styles, unfortunate decisions and all, because it takes me back to who and/or where I was at each of those times.

And that brings me to my hair today. I'm genuinely happy with my hair cut, style, and condition right now, but I gotta tell you guys, it hasn't happened on its own. Although I don't want to admit that it could possibly be age-related, my grey roots are becoming more plentiful with time, which means monthly root dying (done by yours truly in my bathroom) - and dye means damage. Let's add to that the joy of postpartum hair effects (ahhh, sweet, sweet shedding), the dry air of wintertime, and the fact that the combination of a newborn baby and a two year old and a job don't leave much time for hair upkeep, and my hair has taken a beating. To remedy this, I got a brand new haircut recently that involved lopping off four inches and adding textured bangs after a couple of years growing them out, and I grabbed some of the new Dove Regenerative Nourishment Collection at Target and started using it religiously. Getting rid of damaged ends and even just changing up my 'do made a massive difference. And the shampoo, conditioner, and Serum in Oil from the Dove Regenerative Nourishment line have nourished my hair and gotten it to a place where it's healthy, renewed, and visibly damage-free, by replenishing nutrients and reinforcing my hair inside and out - essentially making it smooth and strong against breakage. I use the Serum in Oil both on my damp hair right out of the shower and when it's dry to give shine and prevent fly-aways. It also prevents split ends, which is a major bonus for me. I plan to keep up this routine of regular cuts and Dove Hair goodness as part of my busy (aka constant state of train wreck) mama self-care, and hopefully I'll continue to be in a good place for this chapter of my hair story. (If you're looking for a hair pick-me-up, I highly recommend getting a cut or even just a trim, and grabbing the NEW Dove Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo, Conditioner and Serum in Oil the next time you're at Target. Your hair will thank you!)

Okay, spill it guys. I know you can't post picture in the comments, but tell me about some of your past hairstyle and/or how your hair has changed over time. Or leave me a link to a picture. I want to know!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Hair, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #MyHairStory #DovePartner http://my-disclosur.es/OBsst

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