It’s that time of year again. A new year (and new decade!) are officially upon us. For many, January 1st represents a fresh start. It’s a chance to pause and reflect on what we want to achieve in the next 12 months, whether that’s cutting out old habits or turning over a new leaf. From the ambitious (hello gym membership) to the simple (drinking a glass of water every day), New Year’s resolutions are a great way to set yourself up for a healthy and productive year. New year, new you, right?
If you're ready to transform your hair this new year, we challenge you to try our 30 day hair reset challenge. Simply save the image to your phone or print it off and check off each day as you go. Be sure to share your results with us in the comments below.
When it comes to making 2020 your best year yet, one great place to start is your haircare routine. Forget cutting out your morning latte—kick off the new year with some hair resolutions that will keep your locks feeling happy and healthy. Be it a full-fledged hair detox or mastering a new hairstyle, there are plenty of ways to make your mane dazzle and shine all year long. Consider making your baths extra pampering with candles and classical music, adding a drop of your favorite essential oil into your shampoo, or keeping a hair journal where you track your hair’s progress. No matter which resolutions you make, your locks are sure to feel extra loved this year. Keep scrolling for realistic hair resolutions that are guaranteed to bring you better hair days and go all the way to the bottom for a 30 day hair reset challenge you can save.
Hair resolutions for 2020
1. Toss out old hair products
Now is the perfect time to toss out all of your old and expired hair products. Anything out of date can actually cause damage to your hair. Begin your bathroom cleanse by throwing away unwanted shampoos, conditioners, or other grooming products. As a general rule of thumb, any shampoo, conditioner, or hairstyling product over two years old should go. Keep in mind that all-natural products tend to expire more quickly, while products with pumps are generally more sanitary. If the product is separating, changing color or smells weird, it’s probably best to kiss it goodbye.
2. Establish a winter weather haircare routine
Now that your bathroom has all this extra space, you can start thinking about new products you want to add into your haircare routine. Winter weather can lead to brittle and dry hair, so it’s a good idea to moisturize hair with a nourishing shampoo, along with a weekly deep conditioning mask. Coconut oil or any other hair oil will banish frizz and prevent pesky split ends from forming, while a scalp scrub helps keep dry flakes at bay. For those of us on the go, dry shampoo can work wonders for limp hat hair (a common winter weather problem). Carry a small bottle with you to revive your style. Adding these winter hair products into your haircare routine will keep your hair looking and feeling great.
3. Schedule regular trims
Between the holidays and the start to a new year, it’s understandable if you have been feeling a bit busy and overwhelmed recently. Luckily, 2020 is the perfect year to get back on track with regular salon appointments. Not only will this give your hair a fresh start, but you will start the year off on a good note. Getting a regular trim (we suggest every 6-8 weeks) will banish split ends and make sure they do not climb up your hair. If split ends are left untreated, they can make hair weaker and prone to breakage.
4. Eat hair-friendly foods
Did you know that you can eat your way to luscious locks? One of the best ways to promote hair growth is by piling your plate high with foods rich in vitamins and minerals. From avocados to sweet potatoes, there are plenty of veggies that contain specific nutrients to help your hair grow. So go ahead and order those sweet potato fries! It’s in the name of beauty, after all.
5. Start a hair journal
From dreams to food, there are diaries for just about everything these days. Including your hair. The process of hair journaling is simple. You keep track of the products you use, when you wash your hair, and how it looks and feels at the end of the day. By paying better attention to your habits you can start to notice what is working for you and what is not. You can develop a better knowledge and understanding of your hair, thus becoming you own hair expert! Who knew writing about your hair could help it look better?
6. Challenge yourself to go heat-free
From curling irons to blow dryers, many of us are faithful to our trusty hair-styling heat tools. But these heat tools can actually strip hair of its natural oils and proteins, leaving locks fried and damaged. Taking a break from heat styling and letting your hair breathe is one of the best steps you can take toward healthier hair. While it may be hard to put away your beloved curling iron, challenging yourself to try heatless curls and waves for a week or a month can help your hair reset and protect it from damage.
7. Experiment with unexpected hairstyles
What better way to ring in a new decade than with a completely new ‘do? Along with switching up your product routine, it’s not a bad idea to consider trying out an unexpected hairstyle this year. Always wear your hair long? Why not go for a classic bob. Bangs have been super in this year, so if you haven’t tried them out yet now is the time! From blunt bangs to face-framing fringe, there are plenty of different types to try. You can also take some clip-in bangs out for a spin first, before making a commitment to one style. Some of the best clip-in hair extensions will let you experiment with different lengths and colors, without taking out the scissors. If you aren't sure whether to get bangs, take our quiz here.
8. Consider switching to a silk pillowcase
Upgrade your beauty sleep by switching to a silk pillowcase this year. While regular cotton pillowcases can cause friction and lead to frizz and breakage, silk is the answer to crazy bedhead. The material’s super smooth texture is gentle to your hair and lets hair glide freely through the night, making it visibly smoother and shinier in the morning. Silk pillowcases also do wonders for your skin, since they can help prevent wrinkles and build up fewer bacteria.
9. Wash your hair less often
While many believe that washing hair every day is the best way to keep grease at bay, shampooing too often can leave your hair stripped of natural oils. Most experts say that overzealous washing is drying and damaging, particularly for longer hair. Combat this by washing your hair less often in the new year. (Hello free time!) From topknots to braids, there are plenty of fun ways to style your second and third-day hair, and you can also use dry shampoo to keep your locks looking fresh between washes.
10. Love your hair!
We tend to be our own worst critics, so why not try being your hair’s biggest cheerleader this year? If you catch yourself thinking about something you dislike about your locks, remind yourself about all the positives your hair’s been blessed with. Whether you love your hair’s unique color or naturally curly texture, there’s something beautiful to love about every type of hair. One of the most important resolutions to take into 2020 is to love and accept your hair—on good and bad hair days.
