I hear this all the time behind the chair. And after several years of doing hair, I’ve learned that there’s usually more to that sentence than a bad hair day.
Sometimes the hair really has changed. Maybe it feels finer than it used to, doesn’t hold a blowout as well, or has suddenly developed a mind of its own when it comes to frizz. Maybe the curl pattern has shifted, or gray hair has introduced a texture you’re still figuring out.
And sometimes, you’re simply using the same routine you’ve always used on hair that isn’t quite the same anymore.
Your Hair Is Constantly Changing
Our hair is constantly changing. Hormones, color, environment, stress, medications and simply getting older can all influence how our hair behaves. The trick is learning to recognize those changes and adjusting how we care for and style it.
As a stylist, one of the first things I look at is what the hair is asking for now—not what it used to need five years ago.
When Hair Feels Drier, Rougher or Harder to Control
If your hair feels drier, rougher or harder to control, adding more hold probably isn’t the answer. You may need to start with smoothing and moisture.
Kenneth’s Smoothing Gel can help soften and control frizz, while HydraShield provides leave-in conditioning, detangling and heat protection.
When Hair Becomes Finer or Loses Body
On the other hand, if your hair has become finer or doesn’t have the same body it once did, piling on heavy products can actually work against you. I’m often looking for lightweight products that create structure without weighing the hair down.
DiaTHIX is designed to increase the appearance of individual strand diameter, while Design & Hold Foam can add volume, texture and support to fine or limp hair.
The Goal Isn’t to Make Your Hair What It Used to Be
The goal isn’t to make your hair look exactly the way it did five or ten years ago. And I know that can be easier said than felt. These changes can be surprisingly personal. Our hair is a big part of how we recognize ourselves, and noticing that it looks or behaves differently can take some getting used to.
But change doesn’t mean you can’t love the way you feel about yourself! It may simply mean getting curious about what it needs now. Your haircut may need to evolve. Your products may need to change. Even the way you style it might need a little adjustment.
Work With the Hair You Have Today
There’s a lot of freedom in learning to work with the hair you have today—and discovering that this version of your hair can look just as much like you.