There’s no getting around it: times are strange and scary and confusing. Some of us are lonely, and some of us would do anything for a moment of solitude. Getting groceries has become impossibly complex, but it seems like all of Instagram is competing on Top Chef. And if one more person tags you in a push-up challenge, you might lose it. But there’s only one thing to do in the face of this uncertainty—aside from setting up frequent FaceTimes and Zoom meetings with your family, friends, and beloved coworkers (hi, Moroccanoil fam!)—and that’s make the best of it. It’s in that spirit that we bring you the official Moroccanoil WFH Hair Detox. Because as long as you’re working from home, you might as well make sure you—and your tresses—reap the maximum benefits.
Wash Less
Washing your hair too frequently can contribute to dry, brittle texture, and even increased oil production. Even knowing that, though, most of us still wash more often that we need to. After all, who wants to show up at work with greasy hair? But we know from experience that video conferences are a tad more forgiving than bright office lighting, which makes now a great time to experiment with less frequent washing. As part of your hair detox, try adding an additional day between washes.
Need reassurance? You’re probably also reaching for styling products and hot tools less often than usual—more on that in a second—which will help you get some extra mileage out of every wash. Once you take excess product buildup out of the equation, you might be surprised by how good your hair looks on Day 2—or even 3!
Switch to Sulfate-Free
Eventually, of course, you’ll have to wash your hair—but why not do things just a bit differently? You’re probably somewhat familiar with the concept of sulfate-free shampoos, but just in case you’re not, we’ll do a quick primer. Sulfates are a common component in shampoos and other bathing products. They’re responsible for creating suds and lather—and in the case of shampoo, contributing to that squeaky-clean feeling you get after a wash.
The problem? Sometimes they’re a little too effective at stripping away grime and take the natural oils from your hair and scalp along with it. This can lead to dry hair and even scalp irritation. If you’ve tried sulfate-free shampoos in the past and felt like they didn’t get your hair quite clean enough, now’s a good time to revisit the idea. “Clean” shampoo formulas have come a long way in the last few years, and they're worth revisiting as part of your hair detox. Furthermore, if you have to kiss a few frogs before you find your sulfate-free prince, no big deal. We’re willing to bet that your quarantine crew won’t mind. (Pro Tip: You can shop our sulfate-free shampoos here.)
Actually Commit to Hair Masks
Most of us probably have a hair mask somewhere in our bathroom. But most of us probably don’t use it as often as we should. No shame—it’s hard to make the commitment! Even 5 minutes can feel too long when you’re running late for work or ready to jump in bed. Now that you’ve stopped commuting, use the extra time to dig out your favorite hair mask from whatever bathroom shelf it’s been gathering dust on and commit to using it once or twice a week. And if you want to go the extra mile, try a Color Depositing Mask. After all, when will you have a better opportunity to take Rose Gold strands for a spin?
Take a Break from Blowouts (For Now!)
It’s no secret that hot tools aren’t exactly your hair health’s best friend. (Not to say there aren’t ways to mitigate that—like using a heat protectant or choosing tools that help reduce thermal exposure.) Take advantage of the fact that you no longer have to go into the office every day and make a hot tool break part of your hair detox. In addition to giving your strands a break from the heat, this is also an ideal opportunity for nailing your air-dry routine. Usually, it’s just a matter of finding the right product to apply to damp hair. For instance, a little bit of Curl Defining Cream goes a long way when it comes to keeping curls frizz-free while they air dry. And for straight hair, Hydrating Styling Cream adds moisture, smooths strands, and adds just a little bit of hold to keep you looking put-together.
Most Importantly…
Of course, not everyone is able to work from home during this time. We wanted to take a moment to share how very grateful we are for healthcare workers, the people keeping grocery stores and pharmacies running, and those continuing to do the absolutely crucial and all too often thankless work—delivering mail, collecting garbage, driving trains—that society would collapse without. We also know that many individuals are temporarily out of work, including the hairstylists who are at the heart of the Moroccanoil family and without whom our brand would not exist. Our hearts are with them and with everyone else affected by the COVID-19 crisis.