The number one thing people ask me about is my hair. I get emails after shows, people stop me around town to inquire about my routine, and once a sweet woman left a voicemail asking me to call her back with my list of hair products, which I did. And now, I’m sharing my hair care routine with all of you!

Photos by Veronica Reeve

First off, I don’t color my hair. I never have. Ok, ok, I got highlights once in high school (terrible idea) and my freshman year of college, a dance show experiment went horribly wrong. I learned valuable lessons from those awful outcomes. The good Lord wants me to celebrate my hair’s natural state, and so I do. I love my dark hair. I think it sets me apart. Not everyone has mutual affection for my dark locks. I had a professor in college tell me repeatedly I should lighten it because it “looked like a hat on camera.” I respectfully, repeatedly declined and said I like my hair’s hue, thankyouverymuch. Can you imagine me a blonde? Puh-lease. Now, the day may come when I need a color touch up, but for now tweezers can handle the occasional silver strand (gasp! Sometimes I tell myself they’re just extra shiny hairs. Sh-yeah right). But I digress…

I’ve got a bit of natural curl. About once a week, I go au natural and do the beachy thing. But usually I prefer a more polished look. Alright, here is my routine!

1. I shampoo at least every other day, usually every day. I’ve tried the dry shampoo thing, and I can go a day or two without washing again, but I just love clean hair too much. I know some girls can rock the unwashed locks, but I’ve always loved a good scalp scrub. As far as shampoo and conditioner, I switch it up every other bottle with a different line. I heard once when I was young that your hair gets too used to one product after awhile, so I rotate between two or three different brands. Redken, Alterna, and Bumble and Bumble. My absolute favorite s&c is Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo and Super Rich Conditioner. Maybe it’s in my head, but every time I use it, I know it’s going to be a good hair day.

2. About once every six weeks, I use a clarifying shampoo. My fav is Sacha Juan. It’s invigorating, and gets rid of buildup, which is what a good clarifying shampoo should do.

3. Once my hair is clean, I comb through it, then put about a dime sized amount of Bumble and Bumble Straight styling creme in the palm of my hand, work it together for a moment, then run my hands through my damp hair, from root to tip. This creme smooths any frizz, conditions a bit, and protects my hair from the dryer heat. And it smells lovely. I just love lovely smelling cremes. They make me feel like a girl.

4. Next step, I dry my hair with a hair dryer, and use my hands to comb through it as it drys. A few times a week after putting on the creme, I just let it air dry. I think this gives my hair a nice break, and Ruby is usually napping when I get out of the shower and I don’t want to risk turning on the dryer and waking her up.

5. The next step varies, depending on how much time I have. I’m pretty low maintenance, so all of my styling routine is pretty simple. If I’ve got some extra time (which isn’t often), I round brush my hair. If I only have about 5 minutes, I use these velcro rollers. They give me about the same look. I start on the top of my head, grab a small section of hair, and roll it onto the roller. They stay put on their own. I only use 4 total, then use a straightener on the rest to smooth it over. I then hold them in place while i run the dryer over them for a few seconds and drive to work in them. The drivers next to me love it. I’m sure I’m on someone’s instagram feed rocking rollers behind the wheel. When I get where I’m going, I pull them out and voila! Volume, and a round brushed look without the tired arm or extra time.

6. If I don’t use velcro rollers, I typically curl my hair in sections using a large barrel curing iron. This iron (I have the 1 1/2 inch) is my favorite because it gets super hot and doesn’t take long to curl. Sensing a theme? I’m always short on time. Sigh.

7. I don’t use a lot of hairspray– just a little before I head out the door, and again right before I go on air. My favorite is Biolage Finishing Spritz because it’s a soft, natural hold and back to the smell, it smells yummy.

*My stylist is phenomenal. I’ve been going to him for a decade. Yes, he is that good. Shep Studio in Provo. His team is amazing, and the salon is top notch.

**If I feel like I my hair is looking a little dull, Bumble and Bumble Shine gives me an extra boost. A little spritz goes a long way– don’t go overboard or you’ll look like a grease bomb.

***When I get home at the end of the day, I always give my hair a good, long brush with a quality brush. I listed my favorite below. It stimulates my scalp, gets rid of all of the tangles from the day, and helps me sleep better.

And there you have it! If I’m wearing my hair natural and curly, I have a different routine. But, this is a typical day. I’d love to hear you feedback/questions, if you have any!

1. Sacha Juan clarifying shampoo

2. Biolage Finishing Spritz

3. Bumble and Bumble Straight

4. velcro rollers

5. On my days off, you can find my hair in a pony or bun. These are the very best elastics.

6. Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo and Super Rich Conditioner

7. My favorite paddle brush

8. Bumble and Bumble Shine

And, can’t forget the winner of the Little Town Boutique Giveaway! Drumroll please…

Brittany who said: Oh my goodness those are adorable! Definitely need some because I agree with you dainty little bows are more out style too! My fave is the coral and mint lace bow! But they’re all adorable! Oh How I’d love to win for baby Opal

Congrats Brittany! Email me at jen{@}withheart.com to claim your $50 credit to darling Little Town Boutique. Thank you to all who entered!

Here’s to great hair, for all big and small.