It’s our fourth and final FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL over here for 2025!
Mades has watched her three big siblings head out for their first days of school over the last two weeks, and she is R-E-A-D-Y for her turn.
I’ll have more pics and deets from everyone’s first days of school later this week, but for now, I am going to share OUR VERY FAVORITE COOKIE RECIPE today (only four ingredients!) plus, below, I have my current HAIR ROUTINE with a dash of TRAVEL TUESDAY. While you’re reading this, I’m going to head off to do my favorite “first day of school routine”. I’ve been saving it until they were allllllll back…and that’s today 🙂 .
Alrighty, one of the most popular questions/statements/thoughts every day in my DMs is about my hair.
One of the funny facts about blogging for 18 years is that you get a really good look at your hair morphing with time and age. My routine has varied just about as much as my hair has…and by that, I mean A LOT.
Last year, I shared MY HAIR ROUTINE IN EASY STEPS…
…and honestly, nothing has changed (except it’s continuing to get darker). BUT…since this is a very big topic in my DMs, I thought I’d share the 2025 edition.
TWO THINGS from women who inspire me before I share…
First, you know how much I love me some Fiona Ferris. Well, I was reading in one of her books this year, and she said something to the effect of how she can get by with cutting a lot of corners in her life and no one is ever the wiser, but when she cuts corners with her hair, everyone can see. That resonated with me. As much as I would love to wash my hair once a week or once every five days, it just does not look nearly as healthy and shiny. I try really hard to wash it every other day.
The second thing little inspiration came from Shannon Ables who, on a podcast episode, was discussing hair, and she pointed out that French women typically keep it clean, keep it brushed and keep it simple (and longer is typically easier than shorter, overly-styled hair). That one inspired me too. I don’t need to spend hours “fussing” with my hair if it’s clean and brushed and a healthy length.
So, with all of that said, I took pics recently of my CURRENT HAIR ROUTINE IN EASY STEPS…
Good morning! I just came from a VERY sweaty hot weight lifting class. My hair needed to be washed STAT!
This is without a doubt my favorite SHAMPOO and CONDITIONER. Don’t forget, you can get them both 20% off with code Shay20!
After my hair has been washed and dried, I always use THESE SHOWER TOWELS. They have a little button in the back which means it always stays put on my head. Hair wrapped up, and then, I put on my clothes for the day.
All four of the girls in our house use this LEAVE IN CONDITIONER/TANGLE SPRAY. According to my Amazon account, I have purchased exactly 20 bottles of this over the years.
After I spray…
…I use a traditional hair pik to get any tangles out.
On this day, I was going to let my hair air dry a bit, so I used NO DAMAGE HAIR TIES to pull my hair back while I applied my makeup…
…hair pulled back and ready for makeup…
…all done.
And if I can, I let my hair air dry as long as possible. Here I am up at my desk working while it dries.
Okay, after about 90 minutes…
…my hair is pretty dry. It’s time to finish it up with…
…my DYSON DRYER which I’ve had now for 8 years. It is the best of the best.
I always use THIS BRUSH when drying my hair (and then later to brush out my curls)…
…after it’s officially dry, I add a little bit of…
…SHINE SERUM and then, it’s time to…
…pull it up into sections (I always use THESE CLIPS) and…
…and off I go to start curling.
I curl each section and then…
…lightly spray it with HAIRSPRAY before moving on to the next section.
Before you know it…
…all three (I do three…bottom section, middle section and then top section) sections are curled and sprayed.
After that…
I take my BRUSH and brush it out…
Now, don’t forget, I have been using and LOVING…
…Nutrafol for over two years now. Right now, they are offering $50 off your first 3 month order or $106 off your first six month order.
This has made a HUGE difference for my hair health!
You’ve seen MY TANK and MY TENNIS SKIRT a million times. Love them both!
And because it’s Tuesday, if you want a dash of “travel” today, make sure you stock up on my favorite travel essentials which always include…
…my very favorite HAIR CARE IN MINI SIZES (great if you want to try it before buying the full sized bottles!).
And you know that I do not go ANYWHERE (from an overnight trip to a three week vacation) without…
…both my TOILETRY BAG and my MAKEUP CARRIER FOR TRAVEL…
I love them both so much!
Okay, I’m off to enjoy my own personal first day of school routine 🙂 .
I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday! I’ll see you back here tomorrow. xx
Amy Azza says
Your hair is gorgeous! I am chuckling at how this is a “simple” routine lol. I could never do this many steps, I admire you! I have it washed and combed in ten minutes tops. I want to be more like you though, in this and so many ways.
Mix and Match Mama says
Do you just let it air dry and go? That would be really nice!
Elspeth Mizner says
Looks so easy! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Lisa D says
The your hair routine works for you. But it’s a lot of steps for me.
Meredith says
Thank you for the tips! What about when you walk later in the day? This is why I have a hard time keeping my hair clean and looking good throughout the day!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just use one of those hair ties and loosely pull it back. I’ll brush it through again if I need to smooth it back out later in the day.
Rachel Wible says
Have you ever tried the heatless curls with the kitsch set? It’s amazing! If your hair holds curl for a few days, I would recommend! Haven’t used heat on my hair since March and do my hair every 3 days.
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t! I will look it up now. Does it curl it quickly without heat or do you have to let it sit?
Valerie says
@realniasanchez has a great tutorial on Instagram.
Rachel Wible says
You have to let it sit! I wash my hair at night, let it completely air dry during dinner and evening chores, then wrap it up in the curls and go to bed with it. It took me a few days to get used to sleeping with it but I only have to wear it every 2-3 nights! In the morning, I take it out right before I walk out the door!
Beth Valenta says
Enjoy your day out looking at pumpkin joy!
Melanie says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Colleen Rothschild hair products!!
My hair is fine and thin and the shampoo and conditioner make my hair smell so good.
I also use the serum & boy my hair is full and fluffy!
Emilee says
Happy (last) first day of school! We’ll need an updated morning routine post once you have one nailed down. 😉
Kacey says
Love a good hair wash day! I’m a 1-2x a week washer, but it took me a while to get there. Clarifying shampoo has been a game changer for me! Blue Lagoon is my go-to. Their products are amazing! I need to get back on Nutrafol – love that there’s a sale right now! That’s how you got me the first time =)
Karah Stracener says
Your hair is gorgeous!! I need to look into this shampoo and conditioner. I am always looking for something different. Enjoy your first day of school outing sipping coffee and looking at pumpkins. 🙂
Charlene Cunningham says
Do you use the same toiletries bag when you fly? Wouldn’t you have to put most of it in a quart sized baggie for tsa? Has there been a time there was no where to hang it and you have to lay it on a counter?
Mix and Match Mama says
I always always use those bags. You do not have to pull out the clear baggies for TSA any longer.
Charlene Cunningham says
Yay!
Sheaffer says
The CR hair products truly are the best of the best!!!!
Hope says
Do you use makeup remover wipes or just facial cleanser?what is your girls skincare routine?My 10 yr old wants moisturizer etc and I’m like no you just need to wash your face at night and use sunscreen. I said that does more than you know.
Mix and Match Mama says
I remove all of my makeup with the Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm. I keep a cleanser in the shower for after my morning workouts when I just need to quickly clean off my face (but there isn’t any product/makeup on there). My girls all use Colleen Rothschild skincare. Madeley is 10 and doesn’t really have a “routine” yet, but she washes her face and puts on a little of CR moisturizer (when she remembers…).
K.K. says
Hobby Lobby day! How fun!!
I also appreciate your hair tutorial. I have a hard time not washing my hair everyday due to workouts and how hot and sticky it can get (esp here in TX). I’ve tried to not do daily, but I feel better that you wash yours fairly often too!
Paula Hobbs says
#HAIRGOALS!!! I’m on my 3rd month of Nutrafol and it’s done wonders for my hair and nails. I hope you enjoyed your annual back to school Mama day!!! 🙂
Brianne Cole says
Do you use any heat protectant before you dry your hair?
Mix and Match Mama says
I do not.
Heather says
The ‘UNITE’ product actually protects your hair from heat. 🙂
Your hair looks so healthy and is gorgeous!
Eliza says
Oh have the best day!!! Enjoy all the feels & smells of Hobby Lobby!🍂🍁
Natalie Bayliff says
Thanks, Shay! I bought the CR hair mask and felt it smelled perfumey. Does the shampoo and conditioner smell similar?
Mix and Match Mama says
They do have a very similar scent!
Leslie Fama says
where is your beautiful necklace from? Love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Love Shack on Nantucket 🙂
Katherine May says
Wow!! You look over 10 years younger with your natural darker hair and it makes your eyes pop! Such a gorgeous and French look!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Please be my best friend. xx
tricia manfolk says
Years ago, you used to use a product from Dry Bar that was like a spritzer that smelled amazing. The scent was very beachy. Very coconut! Do you use anything like that now?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I still love that for days when I just let it air dry and do nothing else (especially in the summer). It smells amazing. I do that more May/summer months.
L Hunter says
You have to try the “L’Oreal Gloss Hair Mask with Glycolic Acid”! Changed my hair! It makes my hair so smooth! I think you will really like it!
https://www.amazon.com/LOreal-Paris-Lamination-Treatment-Smoothness/dp/B0DKG9CMH8
sandi says
I love reading about other people’s routines! It’s oddly fun to see what others do. I’m in the minority and wash my hair on Sunday’s for Jesus. Even without dry shampoo and working out most days I can somehow make it a week without washing my hair. I recently switched to Viviscal products (had been using Biolage) due to a little hair thinning with age. After washing on Sundays, I use a little Sebastian Thickefy Foam, dry and curl. During the week I can quickly touch up the curls or let it be a little messy. Over the last year, the ends have started getting dryer quicker so I need to figure out some type of oil for the ends only.
Heather says
Awhile ago you posted asking for dandruff recommendations. Did you ever find anything that worked? 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Good old fashioned Head and Shoulders 🙂