hair

JUST ADD WATER

PHOTOS/POST: KRISTIN ESS

We tend to have braids on the brain 24/7 during these hot summer months in California. Best part is that braiding can often save us from excess heat styling with blowdryers + curling irons, which is very helpful when dealing with dryness or trying to nurse damaged hair back to a softer state. Recently we were introduced to Pantene Pro-V’s Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner and because it’s so moisture-packed we immediately thought of using it as a braid aid! This is a really simple way to braid + moisturize at one time so you’re getting a double dose of healthy hair (conditioning + saving on heat styling) while sporting your favorite braided look. We’re essentially creating our own leave-in conditioner and turning it into a styling product! Here’s how we did it…

• Grab a small empty spray bottle.
• Fill half way with warm water.
• Fill to the top with Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner.

• Shake well.

• Apply to wet or dry hair.
• Braid as desired!

TIP: I love using this trick before heading to the gym in the morning. I shower, shave, wash my hair, get out, apply this spray and braid. Then when I’m done at the gym I can just do a quick rinse in the shower and go instead of a taking a full “normal” shower.

You can do this on dry hair too, of course! I tend to focus more from middle to ends and only use a tiny bit toward the root. Focus on dryness and places where your hair gets the least amount of natural oils: middle to ends.

Once you apply spray and braid your hair, wait about 10 minutes for it to absorb and dry a little, then gently pull at your braid to loosen it up. The conditioner serves as a great texturizer because as it dries it feels a little more like a styling cream.

When you go to rinse the conditioner out, you’ll feel the benefits and as your hair dries, you’ll see them! Now we really wonder how many “conditioner hacks” there are out there. Do you have one? If so we’d love to hear it in the comments below!

(this post was created in partnership with our friends at Pantene)