When Your Hair Decides to Humble You (Again 😅)

About 10 years ago, my waist-length hair and I went through a major plot twist.

A medication change caused severe breakage and hair loss, and I went from long hair to a short bob with some very… unplanned shaggy layers. Not exactly the hair look I'd been used to 🫠.

Over time—slowly, patiently—my hair did grow back. It wasn’t the same texture as before, but it was full, long, and healthy, and the experience completely changed how I approach hair care, both personally and professionally.

And now here we are again.

Another medication change, another round of shedding and breakage.

The difference this time?

👉 I’m not panicking or ignoring it—I’m tackling it head-on and doing everything I can to minimize damage while my hair goes through it.

Abby Yung Sparked a Good Conversation 👀

Like many of you, I’ve been seeing the Abbey Yung Method everywhere. While I’m not obsessed with every product recommendation, the logic behind the routine makes sense.

It focuses on layering products, intention, and understanding why each step exists—not chasing miracle products. I took the structure of the method and customized it for my hair.

What I’m Doing for My High-Porosity, Straight Hair

(And honestly… winter hair in general ❄️)

Let’s talk about daily moisture—because this is where a lot of people accidentally do more harm than good, especially during cold, dry winter months.

You can't just spray water on your hair every day and call it hydrated…unfortunately. 😬

💡 Water alone is not enough, and for high-porosity hair (or winter-dry hair in general), it can actually leave you drier if it’s not sealed properly.

Cold air, indoor heat, hats, scarves—all of it pulls moisture out of the hair. High-porosity hair just feels it faster.

My Daily Refresh Routine (Simple, Gentle, Effective)

Instead of nothing this time around, here’s what I’m doing:

• Lightly mist hair with water and applying a light leave-in conditioner or refreshing spray (think damp, not soaked).

• Seal immediately (non-negotiable):

Apply a lightweight oil or serum to the mid-lengths and ends to trap moisture.

I personally love Kenra Platinum Luxe Oil, and when my ends need extra smoothing—especially in winter—I’ll use something a bit more substantial. Lately I've been grabbing Tame The Frizz.

• Daily leave-in conditioner if hair still feels thirsty.

A Quick but Important Side Note: Clarifying 🧼

When you’re using a lot of hydrating products (leave-ins, oils, serums, masks), occasional clarifying is a must.

Product buildup can:

• Block moisture from actually getting into the hair

• Make hair feel limp, greasy, or oddly dry at the same time

• Contribute to scalp issues and extra shedding

I’m using a clarifying shampoo occasionally (definitely not daily!) to reset the hair and scalp so all that hydration can actually do its job. Think of it as hitting refresh—not stripping.

Why Using Only Water Backfires

• Hygral fatigue: Repeated wet/dry cycles can weaken hair over time.

• Fast evaporation: Open cuticles + dry winter air = moisture gone fast, leaving hair brittle instead of soft.

What’s Actually Helping Long-Term

(Especially Right Now ❄️)

✔ Leave-in conditioner daily

✔ Oil or serum on the ends every night to prevent moisture loss

✔ Deep conditioning masks frequently — weekly or more as needed, especially during winter and times of shedding or breakage. Huge fan of Wella Invigo Brilliance 👏

✔ Occasional clarifying shampoo to prevent buildup

✔ Satin or silk at night (bonnet or pillowcase = less friction, less dryness)

The Real Goal ✨

(No Protein Pressure)

This isn’t about forcing keratin or protein into the hair—because for a lot of people, that leads to more dryness and breakage, especially when hair is already stressed.

The goal is moisture + retention:

• Add hydration gently

• Seal it in consistently

• Keep hair soft, flexible, and protected—not stiff or crunchy

If protein works for your hair, great. But it’s not required for healthy hair—especially during medication changes, seasonal dryness, or both.

Well, here I am, sharing what I’m learning, and adjusting as my hair adjusts. If your hair feels extra dry, fragile, or “off” this winter—you’re definitely not alone 💛