It has been awhile since I did a haircare post for you guys, and a lot has changed since then! The last time I focused on anything hair related was last summer, and it was all about the tools I use (read that post here).The last time I shared a full routine was in June 2022 (read that post here). While I still use every single tool mentioned in the first post, I don't use any of the products in the second, and I haven't for awhile.

So, let's kick things off with a brief explanation of why I stopped using Monat's products after several years of using only their products with great results. In the hair tools post from last summer, I talked about how my hair needs and goals have changed over time. Unfortunately, as much as I liked Monat's hair products, and despite the amazing results I had while using them, something changed, either in their formula or my body chemistry and/or hormones, resulting in non-compatibility.

Now that the explanation for the drastic change is out of the way, let's talk about my current hair routine. I have tried a lot of different brands over the years -- Cantu, Ogx, Monat, Marc Anthony, LUS, etc. -- and have found that my hair and scalp do better when I don't mix and match products from a bunch of different brands. My goal, ultimately, is to have an easy, almost effortless routine. Bonus if I don't have to spend a ton of money to achieve it, and one of the best things about Aussie products is that they run around $5 or less per product. In this post, I'll be sharing the five products I use on every wash day plus two products that help get me through the interim between wash days. That's less than $40 total, and these products tend to last me awhile.

Before we dive in, it's important to note that this is my routine for wavy hair. My wave/curl pattern is a mix between 2c and 3a, which is a deep wave and soft curl pattern.

        

 

A wash day for me typically happens every three-to-five days. In the summer, wash days tend to be closer together for obvious reasons. Here's what that looks like for me:

I start with the Aussie Miracle Waves Shampoo. It's made with plum and hemp-seed extracts, doesn't contain parabens, and is cruelty free. It has a nice lather and smells amazing. I apply only to my scalp, using my fingers or shampoo brush to stimulate my scalp and break up any products or dirt that has built up.

I follow that up with the Aussie Miracle Waves Conditioner. I like that I don't have to use a ton of this to get the desired results. It's got good slip and the same great scent as the shampoo. I apply to my ends first, squeezing it in from the bottom. I use any that's left to detangle my roots. I let it sit for 3-5 minutes, or however long it takes me to do whatever else I need to in the shower.

Three products make up my wash day styling routine: leave-in conditioner, anti-frizz cream, and curl pudding.

I start with the Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner Spray. I apply this all over my still-dripping-wet hair before I wrap it in either my Perfect Hair Care towel, which has kind of a slick t-shirt feel to it, or Turbie Twist, which is a microfiber material. I let the leave-in set for about 10-15 minutes, or about as long as it takes me to put on my makeup.

Once I take my hair out of the towel, I apply a tiny amount of the Aussie Miracle Curls Frizz Taming Cream. When I say tiny, I mean tiny. I only apply this to the top portion of my hair, concentrating above my ears and close to my part, which is where I see the most frizz usually. I just kind of smooth the cream over that whole area, then I use my fingers to "shake" my roots and lift them back up.

My final product is the Aussie Miracle Curls Creme Pudding. This, to me, is like a curl cream and gel mixed together in terms of consistency. I apply this to the bottom half of my hair, basically from my ears down, using praying hands. Sometimes I gather all my hair into a ponytail and smooth it on that way. Then I scrunch up from the ends and let the products set for a few minutes.

Finally, I blow dry it all using a diffuser until my hair is mostly dry. The degree of dampness depends on my level of running late, especially on work days, but I typically spend between 10-20 minutes drying my hair.

If I need to touch my hair after it's dry, I make sure I've applied enough Aussie Miracle Moist Intense Hydration Oil to coat my hands in a thin sheen. I also use this oil on non-wash days to replenish lost moisture. If I need to extend my wash day schedule, I use the Aussie Miracle Curls 2nd Day Curl Activator Spray.

I hope this post was helpful for those of you looking for some solutions for your wavy hair!