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It's 2019: We all know that washing our hair every day is no longer necessary, and any effective hair care routine includes a generous dose of dry shampoo. In today’s hair care world, skipping a wash for a day or two (or more) helps maintain moisture and keeps hair healthy, especially if you have thinning hair—Kérastase Bain Densite is one of the best shampoos to try for this. But it also means learning how to style second-day hair properly.
Contrary to what some believe, second-day hair does require special care. Treating it as if it’s freshly washed can harm it, undoing the benefits of reducing daily washes. While certain second-day hairstyles don’t involve heat, if you plan to use styling tools like straighteners, curlers, or crimpers to freshen up your look, follow these tips from stylist Koni Bennett.
1. Avoid a Second Blow-dry
You likely blow-dry your hair after a shower to achieve a sleek look. Blow-drying adds volume, reduces frizz, and lets you shape your hair more easily without the intense heat of flat irons or curling wands. However, blow-drying second-day hair—even though it’s already dry—might seem like a quick fix for limp strands, but the additional heat can damage the hair and affect areas that don't need any extra attention.
2. Style in Sections
Instead of applying heat to your entire head of hair with a blow-dryer on day two, divide your hair into sections—focusing on the areas that have fallen flat or crimped, and leaving the parts that are still looking great. Use heat tools only on the sections that genuinely need it, minimizing damage and helping your hair stay as hydrated as possible.
3. Absorb Oil Before Styling
No matter your activity level, oil will accumulate in your hair, especially around the roots. While a little natural oil is fine, too much can make your hair look greasy (a clear sign it’s time for a wash). Before restyling second-day hair, make sure it's as fresh as possible—this is where your trusty dry shampoo comes into play. Follow the instructions on the product and comb or brush the dry shampoo through your hair to distribute it evenly and soak up as much oil as possible.
Applying heat tools to hair that still has even a bit of oil can cause the oil to burn, leading to further damage. Be sure to use dry shampoo if you're planning to straighten or curl your hair, and pay extra attention to your roots (especially the neck area), where sweat and oil tend to build up after exercise.
4. Skip the Extra Heat Protectant
It may seem counterintuitive, but applying more heat protectant to dry, second-day hair can actually cause more harm than good. If you used a heat protectant before styling your freshly washed hair, you're all set—it's still there to safeguard your strands. Adding extra can make your hair greasier and give heat tools even more chances to damage it. Instead of more protectant, after using dry shampoo, opt for a moisturizing or rehydrating mist—Bennett recommends Dove Care Between Washes Restyler Re-Hydrating Mist (walmart.com)—to hydrate without adding excess oil that can burn.
5. Protect Your Hair Overnight
Whether you're stretching your wash cycle to two days, four days, or even a full week (yes, some people do!), preserving your style from one day to the next is essential. At night, you’ll want to minimize oil buildup and prevent any kinks, creases, or tangles that could form as you sleep. If you want added texture, consider braiding your hair (it’s easy to learn how to braid hair if you haven't already). For those looking to preserve a blowout or curls, try loosely gathering your hair in a bun at the top of your head before bed. With some luck, your hair will look freshly styled in the morning.
