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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Shades of Shay, Shay ·

Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Beachy Hair


This is me…
…and this is how I wear my hair.  There is only one word to describe this mess…beachy.  (Which is just a really polite way of saying kind of messy, with no real rhyme or reason.)
During high school and college, I really, really, really wanted my hair to look like this…
Cher from Clueless
or like this…
Rachel from Friends
but it usually just looked like this…
Monica from Friends when her hair met the humidity 
No matter how many products I used, how much heat I applied, or time I spent in the bathroom, I never had the results I wanted.  Then right after I got married, I met my new hairstylist (and now my dear, dear friend) Jojean who told me right off the bat a few very important things:
1. I had a lot of natural wave in my hair that I was overlooking because I was too busy blow drying it and then flat ironing the heck out of it.
2. I needed to be able to do my hair in 10 minutes because any longer than that is just ridiculous.
3. I needed to embrace the hair I had and stop trying to change it.
Wow.  That last point really hit home.  
So, for the last 10 years, I have really tried to embrace the hair I have.  And whether my hair looks decent or not isn’t really the point…I am just so darn worry-free because even on bad hair days, at least I know my hair is doing the best it can…and I’m not wasting my time trying to make it something it’s not.
That’s my biggest hair advice to you…embrace the hair you have.  If your hair is super curly, leave it!  If your hair is fine, own it!  If your hair is thick, stop trying to get hair cuts for hair that’s not as thick…just own your hair type…and embrace it.  This doesn’t mean you’ll always have good hair days…it just means you won’t constantly be fighting a losing battle…because that’s just exhausting.
So…because you guys asked me, I am going to tell you how I do my hair on a daily basis.  This is what works for me, if you think your hair is similar to mine (thick with some wave), it might work for you too.  First, a few little facts about my hair:
1. I have been getting highlights since I was 12.  My mom let me get two little highlights when I went with her one time at the age of 12 and I haven’t stopped since.  After 20 years of highlighting, I have no idea what color hair I really have..probably light brown or really dirty blonde.  But what you see isn’t what God grew out of the top of my head.  It’s what Jojean put on.
2. I try and only wash my hair every 2 to 3 days.  If I swim, I wash it that night but other than that, I personally think my hair looks its best if it’s only washed a few times a week.  I love this dry shampoo to use on days when I haven’t washed my hair…
It smells great, it’s inexpensive, and it doesn’t make my hair crunchy or gunky at the top.
3. I only blow dry my hair about 10 times a year.  Yes.  And maybe not even that many.  My hair just doesn’t look great blow dried.  It gets dry, brittle, not good.  I would say 90% of the time, I wash my hair at night and go to sleep with it wet.  I use this shampoo and conditioner…
I have tried every shampoo/conditioner combo out there.  Seriously.  I have tried $3 a bottle stuff and then one time (because I had completely lost my mind), I tried $45 a bottle stuff.  But Moroccanoil Moisture Repair is what I’ve decided works best for me.  I use a quarter size amount of the shampoo, wash it out, then apply a quarter size amount of conditioner and leave it in while I shave/wash up, etc., then I wash it out very last.
When I get out of the shower, I comb my hair out with a giant pick that looks like this…
I honestly think it was $1 at my grocery store.
Then, I apply this…
Sebatian Potion 9…this is like the best stuff ever!  I read about it on Pinterest (what did we do before Pinterest?!),  and the reviews were out of this world, so I bought a bottle.  I just rake a quarter size amount through my wet hair and that’s it!  Since I sleep with my hair wet, I then twist it up into a bun and finish out my night and then go to sleep with it twisted up.  
The next morning, when I wake up, my hair is dry and I style according to my mood/ how much wave I want.  Here are my two options:
1. Sometimes, I don’t want the beachy wave and so I throw hot rollers in (yes, hello 1992!).  I love hot rollers because I can stick them in, get ready, get my kids ready, do all of my morning stuff and then pull them out right before I leave.  I use basic old cheap curlers with 3 different sizes (big curlers go around my face and smaller curlers go toward the back of my head).  I use these right here:
These hot rollers are only $19.99 and will last you forever!    Right before I put them in, I put a quarter size amount of this on my clean strands:
It’s the basic Moroccanoil to help tame frizz and maximize shine.  Any type of Argan/Moroccan oil will work.
Then, after I pull them out, I just mess the curls up a little with my hand (so they’re not too perfect), spray with this hairspray:
No, I’m not getting paid by Moroccanoil (I wish I were!), I just really like their products!  If you don’t want to pay for this (or can’t find it), another great hairspray is this:
This is found at all grocery stores.  I just really like a hairspray that you can comb out if you need to and that doesn’t feel sticky or crunchy.  Both of the above do just that (plus they hold your hair style!).

Now, here is option 2 for me in the morning if I want the beachy waves…

2. When I wake up, I pull my hair out of the bun and again, put on a quarter size amount of this…

…to make sure my waves are smooth and frizz-free.

3. Then I take this fabulous product…

…Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray and spritz it in my hair while scrunching up and tousling the waves.  You can use this spray on wet hair but I really like it on my dry hair.  It gives you that “I just came from the beach and my hair is a little salty” look.  I don’t use a ton…you’ll know when to stop.

4. If my hair still needs a little oomph or a little polish, I then use this guy, to help…

I am in love with my BaByliss Nano 1″ curling iron.  I have tried a gazillion curling irons and this one is the absolute best.  Trust me.  You will love this!  I take a few sections and twist them up to give me just a little extra something.

5. And then I spray my hair with this…

…to set everything.

That’s it!  That’s how I do my hair (well…when it’s not up in a ponytail or bun!).  If I do blow dry my hair (on that rare occasion), I just do everything above but instead of twisting it into a bun, I dry it with a diffuser and the proceed once it’s dry.

I have a feeling you’re going to ask questions…I just do.  And that’s fine!  I will answer all of them!

The best part about the beachy waves is that they look better on day 2…so try not to wash them out right away!

Thanks for stopping by today!!  I can’t wait for your questions :).

And don’t forget, embrace the hair God gave you (with maybe a highlight or two extra!).

Speaking of embracing…you should totally embrace my
Butterscotch Neiman Marcus Bars…

The recipe is up on my food blog today…easy and fabulous!  Perfect for a summer pool party (or just a random Tuesday).
Have a great day everyone!!
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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    Hi! How do you wear your bun at night? High or low? I always sleep with a bun but when I we up my hair is still damp!!! Love your blog 🙂

  4. Emily says

    I just bought all those products! you've inspired me! I have the same hair type as you and never know what to do with this mess in the summer 🙂

  6. Amy F. says

    I loved this post!! I'm going to have to try some of these products. I feel like I find a product, and I get "set in my ways" so it's good to have recommendations of other good products. When you work out and shower/ get ready afterwards, do you wash your hair again?

  7. ginnbelle says

    Love your blog! How do you get your bun to stay at night? Do you mind telling us how you do your bun? I have hair very similar to yours. Seems like it has gotten a natural waver in the past few years. I sleep with mine up in a twist every night but with dry hair, but never thought to go to bed with a wet head. Interesting! Thanks for the tips!!

  8. Anonymous says

    I think your hair looks great. I have thick wavy hair and would love to try your tips…my problem is I work out every morning at 5:00 am and I sweat like crazy! How do you do your hair after a hard workout? Thanks and I enjoy both your blots!

  9. Aubs says

    I'm with Kelly Jo, I need to find myself a Jojean too!! =) I'm pretty clueless when it comes to all things hair, so this is so great for me!! it actually sounds like our hair is somewhat similiar! And I'm so glad you suggested a dry shampoo ~ i've tried a couple but they both smelled weird and made my hair feel gross. Can't wait to try some of these products & tips! =)

  10. Anonymous says

    I have super thick, curly hair. About 2 years ago I became fed up with using the flat iron and wasting so much time on my hair. Embracing what god gave me has been the best decision. I love my hair now, and have accepted it. The trick is finding the right haircut and the right products. Thanks for encouraging this.

  11. Angel says

    I love your beachy hair-but mine is stick straight. I'm embracing it.

    I'd love for it to be curly like yours or Kim Kardashians but that would take me 492 minutes and "Aint nobody got time for that!" Especially this mama.

    Loved this post Shay!

  12. Sean McKenna says

    Love the surf spray as my hair is Monica! What do you do after the workout though? I sweat like …ok…bad and I feel gross unless I wash my hair. I sweat so much I have to wear the nike hat, as I will look ridiculous! Help with best solution for daily wash idea after the workout and keeping beachy look…:)

  13. Becky says

    I have thick wavy hair as well. People have said I look like Chelsea Clinton, which I do not like to hear. Anyway– I use hot rollers daily and have for the past 5 years. Love them! So easy also to de-frizz.

  14. Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says

    Oh my gosh, Shay. I SO enjoyed this post because we are hair soul sisters, even down to the products we use. Yes, my trusty pick has been detangling my wet hair since 1989. 🙂 I only wash 2-3 times a week too, but I do blow dry. I'm thinking about doing a blog series where I let my hair air dry and rock the curls. Your hair always looks incredible.

  15. Whitney says

    I'm right there with ya on highlighting since I was 12! Don't know what my natural color is and really don't care to find out! haha Love your blog!! 🙂

  16. Rebekah Daniel says

    Hi Shay, thanks so much for this post! I think I have pretty similar hair to you, and trying to maintain the frizz in Dallas humidity kills me. Even though I've lived in North Texas my whole life! I'm definitely going to try out your products!

  17. Kara says

    I just discovered Bumble & Bumble Surf spray last month and ordered two more bottles pronto! I do your same routine and it saves so much time in the morning. I used to wash my hair at night, sleep on it wet, rewet it in the morning and blow dry and curl. Too much time for sure! Now I just spritz with Surf spray at night and sleep on it wet and curl some pieces in the morning before spraying with surf spray again and hair spray. Day two hair is great and Day three hair is even possible too now 🙂 Although, I have to agree with anonymous, if it gets too sweaty in workouts I have to wash it :/

  18. Laura Fuller says

    I also have wavy, thick hair. And, I LOVE the Moroccanoil products. The curling cream is my favorite. Apply just a little and dry with a diffuser for just a minute…beach hair perfection!

  19. Anonymous says

    Ahhhh, love this post!!! I've been trying to embrace my waves, but have not found the perfect combo for my hair yet. Definitely going to try these! 🙂

    Andrea Gleason xo

  21. {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    I love it…'your hair is doing the best it can' — that's how I feel about my hair a lot..'bless her heart' 😉

    thanks for the great product tips! I'm a non-frequent-washer too, and always wash it at night. My hair likes to be crazy curly underneath, and straight and frizzy on top. #sigh

  22. Sabrina says

    I love this! I have the same type of hair–my hair has similar texture to it. I can't wait to try some of these products-especially the one that you put on your hair wet and let it dry while you sleep. I recently discovered the beauty of sleeping with my hair wet, adding a little product to it the next morning (dry) and styling it..it's the beach look that I love…and it's QUICK!!! I declared it my summer hair style…because why waste time to fix hair that the 100 degree Alabama weather will melt!! Ha!!

  23. Tracy says

    Hi Shay! I really love your blog! You have inspired me in many ways.:) It sounds like my hair is pretty similar to yours, so I'm loving all your tips and can't wait to try some of these products. Thank you!

  24. Anonymous says

    I love your recommendations. I can't wait to try them! I have really curly/wavy hair and usually let it air dry as well. I wash it every other day but I find myself pulling it back in a pony tail on that 2nd day. It never seems to look as good so I hope the products you use will help my locks look fresh again. How do you get rid of the dent in your hair from pulling it back in a bun? I have to wash my hair in the morning because I can never get rid if it!
    Thanks,
    Annie Cox

  25. Leah says

    Have you ever used the organix line for the Moroccan Oil? Just curious since it's cheaper.

    Loved this post!!!

  27. Brigid Ann says

    I totally agree…embrace your hair! Only I have always wanted wavy hair. I have completely straight hair. It will not curl whatsoever! I am in the same "hot curlers" club as you. LOL…my friends make fun of me! Curlers are the only thing that will give me a wave for a couple of hours, then my hair is straight again. Any tips on how to keep straight hair wavy let me know!

    Brigid
    Bits of First Grade

  28. Hayley says

    Hey Shay!

    Can you explain how you curl your hair with the iron? I have naturally curly hair and I can never figure out how to curl my hair without getting funky kinks in it.

    Thanks!

  29. Cassie says

    Have I read on your blog before that you've used Oribe Beach waves spray? If so, which do you like better? The Oribe or the one you mentioned above?

  31. Cassie says

    Have I read on your blog before that you used Oribe Beach spray? If so, which do you like better? The Oribe or the beach wave spray mentioned above?

  32. Jenna {Real Simple Girl} says

    I have the same type of hair and used to always wear it straight. I still do sometimes, but I've been embracing the beachy waves a lot more, and it's so much easier!

    I just haven't quite figured out how to style it on the 2nd day. I usually just spray some more surf spray it in and scrunch it up, or if I have time I hit it with the curling iron. Curious what you usually do.

    P.S. I'm all about hot rollers! They've always worked best for my hair!

  33. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace} says

    I too have naturally wavey hair, and I straighten it…oh…99% of the time (mostly b/c I am terrible at doing my hair and that's the easiest thing for me to do). I need to embrace the wave! Thanks for the product info!

  34. Amy says

    I am definitely checking out these products!! My hair is thick and kind of curly but not consistently curly so I rotate between air drying at night for a curly/wavy style, and straightening when I wash my hair in the mornings. Going wavy all the time would certainly help my mornings when my 8 month old wakes early!! I have been wanting to ask you this silly question forever… when you pull the top of your hair up, what kind of clip do you use to hold that section back…bobby pins, jaw clips?? LOVED this post!! Thank you!

  35. Susan says

    I'm also wondering if you've tried (or anyone else that wants to chime in) the Organix Moroccan Oil products. I am using the shampoo now and don't really like it so I would definitely consider the Morroccanoil line…just wondering if you had compared?!

  37. ali says

    I have the same type of hair- but I end up blow drying it most of the time because I workout/play tennis during the day and then shower. If I let it air dry it would be wet ALL day…so I blow dry it straight. It is a pain and takes awhile to do, but it is good to go until the next time I work out and wash it (every 3 days or so.) So do you only wash your hair at night??

  38. Blondie says

    I got to the Sebastian Potion 9 link, clicked on it, ordered it through Amazon Prime and can't wait to try it when it arrives. You're right, the reviews are fantastic!

    Thanks for all the great tips!

    Nikki

  39. Blondie says

    I stopped reading when I got to the Sebastian link, clicked, ordered it, and then went back to reading the rest of the post. When you and Sheaffer rave about something, I've learned to listen.

    Can't wait to try it! Thanks for all the awesome tips!

    Nikki

  40. Elle says

    I'll make this short and sweet because I'm sure you've answered a billion questions but how do you wear your bun so it isn't uncomfortable to sleep on?

  41. The Lovely One says

    You posted a picture of your beachy hair, but can you post a pi of your hot roller hair so we can see the difference?

    I have naturally curly hair that my husband loves and it's so easy to style curly…. but I always think it looks better on me when I try to spend an hour straighening it! I should just embrace the curl!

  42. Aubrey says

    Your junior high hair icons are exactly the same as mine. I have thick, coarse, wavy hair, so those never worked for me either. Any Monica reference is a sure fire way to make me laugh…and relate.

    P.S. So glad I'm not the only fool stuck in 1992 using hot rollers! 😉

  43. Kimberly says

    Sounds fun! I have naturally curly hair that I wear in phases of curly and straight. Either way it must be fast and easy to maintain! Looking forward to trying a few of your suggestions! I never knew how to fix my hair when I was younger so I was a big frizzy humid mess!

  44. Anonymous says

    Like others, I'd love for you to add a pic or short vlog of how you do your bun at night! Thanks!

  45. Shelby says

    I seriously just went & bought all of these Moroccan Oil products (& the surf spray!) I am so ecstatic to get my dry hair under control! Thank you for this post, Shay!!

  46. Meagan says

    I just spent $100 on amazon on hair products (gulp!) I'm super excited though! 🙂

  47. Anonymous says

    Hi! What do you do when you work out? I assume you wear your hair up for this so do you was it that night always?

  49. Anonymous says

    On the days you don't wash your hair do you sleep in a bun ? I want the look without washing everyday

  51. kimm atwood says

    have you ever had a keratin treatment done? i like my beachy waves and am wondering if a keratine treatment will do more than take away the frizz, if it will elimiate my waves

  52. Mix and Match Mama says

    Two years ago, I did a Keratin treatment and it really just didn't work well enough on my hair to repeat the process. Some people have amazing results, I just wasn't one of them.

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