I know I am not alone on my quest for good hair! I spend lots of time reading all of the magazines, blogs and watching YouTube videos about how to do an oil treatment for extra hydration, how to create the best second day hairstyle or how to get your hair to grow faster. I was born with my dad’s naturally curly hair and learning to love it and fully embrace it has been a process over time.

In my youth, I woke up early each morning before school to spend time straightening my frizzy locks, trying to obtain the perfect early 2000’s flat ironed sheen. You’d better believe I cut my hair in “The Rachel” in hopes that I may somehow channel my inner Jennifer Aniston. (Rumor has it that The Rachel is back and in high demand in 2021 thanks to the reunion show!) And there came a day that I decided I would try to work with my natural curl instead of against it. So, I read all of the blogs about proper curly hair routines and tried to create one of my own. My hair drawer has always been a plethora of bottle after bottle of products to help tame, hold, moisturize and repair and I love experimenting. I love volume, I love coloring my hair and I thoroughly enjoy trying new products. These days, I’ve decided to embrace what God gave me and I appreciate the fact that I can turn this textured, wavy mop into a head of curls or easily straighten it into a smooth, sleek style. As I’ve grown older, I recognize the importance of good hair health and enjoy learning new ways to keep it in top condition.

Johanna Stromberg, my dear friend and stylist at Symmetrie Studios in Lynden is always full of so much wisdom each time I visit her. She’s a magician behind the chair and has not only helped me achieve my hair goals but shares so much insight about the how and why to do or not do certain things with my hair. She walks me through why a particular style may or may not work well with my type of hair and how to safely achieve a color while maintaining my hair’s integrity. She understands the science behind what she does and it gives her an incredible platform to educate her clients well. I am so honored to highlight her as our next Female Iluminator here on the blog! She’s got a heart of gold, is a wealth of knowledge and has years of experience working with all different hair types. And, lucky for all of us, she’s here to share answers to some of the most commonly asked questions she gets from clients so that we can take our hair to the next level!

So, grab your cuppa coffee (or wine!) and take notes on her professional hair tips below to achieve your best hair yet!

Q: What tips do you have for growing out my hair?

1.Get frequent trims

This may seem counter intuitive, but it will help you immensely. Despite what some products may try to claim, split ends can never be repaired. When you let your split ends go, one of two things happen. Either the hair just breaks off unevenly, making you predisposed to more split ends in the future, or the split end will continue to travel further and further up the hair shaft making you loose more length when you finally do get a trim. 

2. Use heat protectant

Regardless if you are blow drying or using a thermal styling tool, always always use a heat protectant before putting any kind of heat on your hair. My favorites for wet hair are the Bumble and Bumble Heat Shield and the Davines Melu Hair Shield. One of my favorites for dry hair is the Kenra Thermal Styling Spray. 

3. Switch up your ponytail/top knot placement

For all of you gym junkies and lovers of wearing your hair up, this one is for you!! When you put your hair up, please switch up where you are placing it. If you continually put your hair tie in the same place, it will put continual stress on the hair, causing weak spots that can lead to breakage. 

4. Have a diet rich in lean protein, vitamins, healthy fats and iron

Your hair and nails are 90% keratin, which is protein, so protein is absolutely vital for healthy hair.

Q: What is your top must-have hair tool?

A: If you are low on storage space or on a tight budget, the best tool to invest in is a great flat iron.

A great flat iron is the most versatile tool on the market. With a good flat iron, you can both curl and straighten your hair. I would recommend the Hot Tools Professional Black Gold Micro Shine Flat Iron 1 1/4th of an inch. This flat iron is supper user friendly and with its round edges, it works great for both straightening and curling the hair. 

Q: What are the best ways to fix dry and over processed hair?

1.Swap out your regular conditioner with a hair mask or deep conditioner.

Major hydration each time you shampoo is a huge help! Before applying a hair mask or deep conditioner, towel dry your hair for better product absorption. Next, apply the product from mid shaft to the ends of your hair letting it absorb for five minutes for maximum effect. A hair mask I love is Morococcanoil Intense Hydrating Hair Mask.

2. Stop using oils!!

Over time, most oils create a build up on the hair and actually makes it difficult for your hair to absorb moisture. If you have been bathing your hair in coconut or argon oil, don’t sweat! Just reach out to your stylist to book a clarifying treatment and you will be good to go!

3. Transition to a lower maintenance or less aggressive color routine

For example if you have black hair, go with a brown balyage. If you are a brunette, consider embracing more of a caramel/ amber balyage. If you are a natural blonde, go for a more natural toned honey color over the icy platinum. 

4. Use a silk wrap or pillow case

Cotton is a porous material that will suck lots of moisture from your hair. Swap your cotton pillowcase with a silk one to keep the moisture in tact. Kitsch has a great pillow case that works wonders.

Q: How often should I shampoo my hair?

A: For curly hair, washing once a week is ideal. For those with more straight hair, I recommend no more than once every three days. 

Q: What is your favorite dry-shampoo?

A: IGK First Class Charcoal Dry Shampoo or Living Proof Dry Shampoo. For a lighter cleanse, the Bumble and Bumble Brownish or Blondish Hair Powder are great options. 

Q: What are your favorite products for extra volume?

1. Bumble and Bumble Dry Spun Texture Spray!

This Product is an absolute staple for myself and my clients! This is a must have for my fine haired ladies. It adds so much light texture!

2. Bumble and Bumble Pret A Powder

This adds lots of oomph and just the right amount of grit at the root and helps slippery hair hold a back comb better. 

Q: What are your favorite products for extra moisture?

A: I absolutely love the Davines Oi All in One Milk

This product delivers great moisture and shine without weighing down or making your hair feel oily. Plus it smells incredible!! I recommend spraying into your towel dried hair or give your ends a light mist after styling. 

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Johanna for sharing her knowledge and giving us the tips and tricks to take our hair to the next level. Johanna, you are the most beautiful human inside and out and the way you work to help educate and care for your clients is beyond measure. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!

Make sure you are following along with Johanna to keep up on her beautiful work and to book your own appointment with her!

Instagram @johannahairmakeupartistry @symmetriestudios