I was so excited about moving to New York City for college. The energy in the city was contagious; the opportunities were endless, and adventures were just waiting to unfold. But little did I know, the Big Apple had a dark side especially for my hair🥺. Pollution, humidity, and city stress turned my silky smooth locks into a frizzy mess. Well, my day-to-day was busy enough without having to put up with bad hair days, so I knew I needed a game plan.
The Desperate Search for Solutions
At first, I tried everything: shampoos, conditioners, serums, and treatments.
My bathroom counter started looking like a cemetery of half-used products promising miracles and another heap of disappointment(LOL🤣🤣😢). It felt heavy with residue, and the frizz was constant; something systematic had to be done. Finally, after hours of research, experimentation, and maybe a bit of trial and error, I found a routine that helped revive my hair.
Here’s the step-by-step journey that worked for me — and can work for you, too:
Step 1: Clarify and Start Fresh
Why: Pollution and the accumulation of products will kill your hair over time and leave it dull and lifeless.
What to Use: Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo saved me every week in a detox.
How to Use: I interchanged my regular shampoo with this one every week. The first time, after using it, I could feel my hair sighing with relief as it was getting rid of all that build-up.
Step 2: Hydrate, Hydrate
Why: New York’s weather sucks the life out of everything, particularly hair.
What to Use: This week, it was all about the OGX Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner, providing the deep hydrating treatment that my hair craved.
How to Use: I used these products religiously on every wash day, ensuring that the conditioner was worked into the ends of my hair and left to sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing.
Step 3: Deep Conditioning—My Weekly Ritual
Why: The usual conditioners do wonders, but sometimes, you just need something extra.
What I Used: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque was a game-changer.
How to Use: Applied once a week after shampooing, I’d put this mask on, cover my hair with a shower cap, and leave it in for about 20 minutes. My hair felt like silk every time I rinsed it out.
Step 4: Leave-In Conditioner and Hair Oil—The Dynamic Duo
Why: The leave-ins will help maintain moisture balance throughout the day, and those oils add luster and smoothness.
To be used: It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product fused with Moroccanoil Treatment. How to Use: After towel-drying my hair, I applied a small amount of leave-in conditioner and then some drops of hair oil. This combo not only tamed the frizz but also made my hair look glossy and healthy.
Step 5: Protect from Heat
Why: Heat styling tools are harsh and can be brutal; they cause hair breakage and dryness.
What to Use: TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray became my protector.
How to Use: I sprayed this all over my damp hair just before blow-drying or using any hot tools. This forms a protective barrier to avoid frying hair.
Step 6: The Secret of the Silk Pillowcase
Why: Regular cotton pillow cases generate friction which occurs in frizziness and breakage.
What to useHigh quality silk pillowcase from Slip.
How to Use: One of the most straightforward changes I made was switching to a silk pillowcase. It reduced breakage, and I experienced smoother hair when I woke up.
Step 7: Nourish from the Inside Out
Reason why: Healthy hair comes from within. What you put into your body, by way of food and drink, affects how healthy your hair is.
What I Did: I increased my water intake and included in my diet some hair-friendly foods such as salmon, avocados, nuts, and dark leafy greens. I also made a habit of swallowing down one multivitamin every day.
Step 8: Regular Trims—Stay Fresh
Why: A trim will stop split ends from traveling up the length of the hair, keeping it in better condition.
What to Do: I got trims every 6-8 weeks. Not only did this keep my hair looking neat, but it also made it a lot easier to manage.
The Happy Ending
Within a few months, my hair changed after following this religiously. It was more like a fairytale: the quality of my unruly, generally dehydrated hair began reversing to what it was before—silky and smooth. More than anything, I felt confident and happy. Now, even the hustle and bustle of New York City can’t faze me—or my hair. If frizzy hair has been a battle for you when surrounded by an urban setting, try this routine. There’s no other way to it than a lot of time and patience—yours will pay off and be worth it. Here’s to conquering frizz and silky fabulous hair, no matter where you live!
