Style
Second day hair is so much more incredible (and by "incredible" I mean obedient) than newly washed hair. All of the options for how to style second day hair only make skipping my shampoo all the more tempting! There isn't a hairstyle around that doesn't prefer hair that isn't squeaky clean. Beachy waves, sleek ponytails, fishtail braids, bouffant buns — all work better on slightly disheveled hair that boasts a bit of natural texture and the smoothness that only comes when hair has had a chance to lay flat for a day or two.
Think about how frustrating it is to do anything with just washed hair — hair ties are more slippery, creating texturized waves is a pipe dream if your hair is straight, and mini half-inch baby hairs seem to pop up out of nowhere along your hairline, which, let me just say, I find extremely adorable!
None of this is to say that second day hair doesn't require a bit of a boost to create volume, lift, and shine so that a night or two of sleeping on your mane doesn't flatten it completely. These amazing products can help bring fullness and life back into your hair — and give you the tools you need to achieve some of the second day hair styles we covet.
1
A Dry Shampoo That Doesn't Turn Your Hair White
Batiste Dry Shampoo, $8, Amazon
You may already be a dry shampoo convert. You may be completely hip to the ways in which dry shampoo can sap your scalp of excess oils and give your roots a lift that instantly revitalizes your blowout on days when you plan on skipping shampoo. But if you're still battling the worst side effect of dry shampoo — a white or grey cast on your hair from the powder that takes forever to brush out — you probably aren't using Batiste Dry Shampoo, which comes in five tinted versions, including Dark & Deep Brown for brunettes and Light & Blonde.
Spray your roots with dry shampoo and give it a few minutes to dry. Using a brush or your fingers, work the product into your hair and then tease a bit at the crown for extra height. Style your hair into a bouffant bun, half up/half down updo, or just leave it all down for a tousled I-just-got-up-out-of-bed-and-I'm-French-but-not-really look.
2
An Argan Oil Hair Serum For Shiny Sleek Ponytails
Herstyler Hair Serum With Argan Oil and Aloe Vera, $9, Amazon
Like 100 million other people, I'm kind of obsessed with Bella Hadid's super shiny slicked back hairstyles. Hers is the kind of hairstyle that begs for second day hair and a dime-size application of Herstyler Hair Serum, which is made with good-for-your hair argan oil, aloe vera, and Vitamin E. This non-greasy formula can be applied to hair after you dampen it a bit (run a wet brush over locks) before styling it into a sleek low ponytail. The serum reduces frizz, activates and refines curled hair, and adds incredible gloss and shine to straight hair.
3
A Texturizing Powder For Better Braids
Big Sexy Hair Powder Play, $9, Amazon
Braids are still a big deal, with texturized styles like fishtails, mermaids, and slightly messy braid crowns coming up at top. There's a chance your second day hair feels a bit limp. If this has happened, don't fret — Big Sexy Hair Powder Play is a top-rated volumizing and texturizing spray that helps pull the hair up at the roots and gives hair piece-y texture that makes braiding easier and helps give your braid fullness.
Use this powder the way you would dry shampoo: sprinkle some on your roots, rub it in, and then tease your hair slightly at the roots before styling.
4
A 5-In-1 Curling Iron That Gives You Options
xtava Satin Wave 5-In-1 Curling Iron And Wand Set, $40, Amazon
It's always easier to curl second and third day hair than newly washed hair, which (in my case, at least) falls out of tight curls super fast unless I attack it with gallons of hair spray. After applying a little dry shampoo to locks, stand back and survey the many options you get with xtava Satin Wave 5-In-1 Curling Iron and Wand Set and then decide if you're in the mood for beachy waves, tight ringlets, bouncy curls, or something in between.
5
A Hair Milk Refresher Spray For Limp Locks
Carols Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing & Conditioning Refresher Spray, $11, Amazon
Whether you have curls, coils, kinks, or loose waves, this hair nourishing and conditioning refresher spray from Carols Daughter provides a lightweight mist infused with moisturizing agave nectar, sweet almond oil, and wheat protein to bring next day hair back to life. The spray smoothes the hair and adds a major dose of shine that some reviewers say does an incredible job of making your hair soft, but never greasy.
6
A Lightweight Lotion That Smoothes Split Ends
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Fresh Cut Split End Mender, $24, Living Proof
If your split ends are in full view and your debating whether to give in, wash your hair, and give it the full blowout treatment or skip work and get a haircut, stop everything and opt for Plan C: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Fresh Cut Split End Mender. This lightweight lotion can be applied to second day dry hair and will act like a conditioning layer that softens hair, flattens split ends, and makes your mane shinier and healthier looking. After you've styled your hair, use a dime-size drop, focusing on the ends of hair, and work the product in until fully absorbed. If you choose to dampen your hair first, apply this lotion as your first step and then follow up with other styling products.
7
A Hair Donut For When You Want A Quick Updo
Styla Hair 3 Piece Donut Hair Bun Maker, $11, Amazon
Updos look amazing when done on second day hair — the lit bit of oil in your hair helps prevent frizz and flyaways throughout the day and provides a stronger hold. A hair donut makes creating sleek or messy buns a breeze. To use, simply gather your hair into a high ponytail. Next, thread your hair through the donut. While holding the donut in place with one hand, use your other hand to wrap your hair around the donut. Finally, secure the hair with bobby pins. For a sleeker look, pull the hair taught while styling. And for a messier look, pull out a few face-framing pieces in the front!
The Styla Hair 3 Piece Donut Hair Bun Maker comes with three donuts, so you can create a variety of bun sizes in medium or long hair. It's available in three colors, for brown, black, or blonde hair.
8
A Shea Butter Revitalizer That Wakes Up Curls
Cantu Next Day Curl Reviver, $9, Amazon
Without mineral oil, sulfates, silicones, or parabens, Cantu Next Day Curl Reviver refreshes curls, adds shine, and banishes frizz so that your second day hair is smoother and more manageable. Reviewers say this is an "exceptionally light product" and that shea butter helps keep hair moisturized and soft without added chemicals that can damage hair.
Spritz this product onto dry hair and separate hair into small sections. Using your fingers or a curling iron, re-shape and style curls until they get back their natural bounce. For a sweet, vintage second day hair look, leave your hair down or create a messy topknot and accessorize with a printed silk scarf.
9
A Citrus-Smelling Spray That Removes Frizz Without Buildup
TRESemmé Fresh Start No-Frizz Creme, $5, Amazon
If frizzy hair usually drives you back to your shampoo and conditioner sooner than you'd like, incorporating a lightweight no-frizz creme like this 4.2 out of 5 star rated one from TRESemmé can revitalize second day hair without weighing it down or leaving you to deal with product buildup and residue. Ideal for all hair types, start by rubbing a pea-size drop of this creme between your palms and then applying it evenly through your hair. Then, style your hair as your normally would. One reviewer said this is the only anti-frizz creme that works for her naturally curly hair in Georgia humidity — you couldn't hope for a better endorsement!
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