What’s Old is New Again, and Keeping Hair Fresh Between Washes
It occurs to me that my Sunday news emails and Monday musings are becoming very similar. I’m planning to change things around a bit in the new year…which is, shockingly, not that far off! This week, I’m musing about some random things, including ways to keep hair smelling fresh between washes.
They’re back
In yesterday’s newsletter, I mentioned that the large, bold earrings we wore back in the 70s – 90s are making a big comeback. These vintage-inspired earrings make a strong enough statement that you can forgo necklaces and let the earrings do all the talking.
For women like me who gravitate to more minimalistic fashion, it’s a fun way to jazz up an outfit. You may even have some of these vintage pieces in your jewelry box, so have a peek and play with the look.
*Style tip- At our age, we need to ensure our fashion choices are modern enough that we don’t look out of date when we revisit jewelry trends.
How to Keep Hair Smelling Fresh Between Washes
We know that an outdated hairstyle can age us quickly, but we also need to consider that just because your hair looks clean doesn’t mean it smells clean and people do notice. Each woman’s hair gets to the smelly point at a different speed, and since most of us don’t wash our hair daily, we need to use products that keep hair smelling clean.
I had an epiphany last week while playing a game with a group of ladies. It was hard to miss that more than one of them had smelly hair. I’ve been planning to update my post about {grooming mistakes that make you look older}…but this experience made me think more specifically about our hair, and I’d like to offer some solutions.
Products to freshen hair
- Use a dry shampoo: This is my favorite because it also adds body to my thin hair. Choose one with a fragrance you enjoy, which can help mask any hair odor.
- A quick blast with your dryer: Give your hair a quick once over with your hair dryer, along with thorough brushing to help remove the mustiness that hair can get when it hasn’t been washed.
- A scalp treatment: Your hair odors may be coming from your scalp, so try one of the many scalp treatments available. I like this charcoal and tea-tree scalp treatment.
- Hair perfume: There are special fragrances made just for hair. You could spritz your brush lightly with your favorite fragrance before brushing your hair.
- A dryer sheet: You read that right. In a pinch, you can lightly rub a dryer sheet over your hair to mask any offending odors.
- Clean your hair tools: wash your hairbrushes, combs, and hair accessories often. I use a gentle shampoo on mine. This removes oils that build up and prevents product buildup from transferring back into your hair.
- Regular brushing: Brushing your hair helps distribute the natural oils down the hair shaft rather than staying on the scalp. Be sure to brush the roots every morning, which reduces odors.
- Change your pillowcases: Sleeping on a fresh pillowcase can make a big difference in how fresh your hair smells. Swap out your pillowcases more often.
{Dove makes an interesting product} called a dry conditioner. It’s great for second or third-day hair… or simply after you’ve been to the gym. This {Oribe Hair Refresher Spray} also cuts static electricity as it freshens the hair.
PRODUCTS THAT HELP HAIR SMELL GOOD WHEN YOU DON’T WASH IT
And while we’re discussing hair…I’ve been spotting far too many swirls these days. You know, that flattened swirl you get on the back of your hair from sleeping on it? It may not be obvious to you, but it is to everyone else. It’s a telltale sign that you didn’t brush the back of your head that morning.
The days of a standing beauty parlor visit for the once-a-week wash and set are long gone. Luckily, we are all more hands-on with our hair these days. Please take the time to check the back of your hair and brush it every morning.
A Few Outfits I Wore Last Week
On Monday, I had a bunch of errands and an eye doctor appointment. I wore my {Sezanne striped top} over this {organic white shirt} and my {Pistola high-rise cigarette crop jeans}. You can see the jeans are ankle length on me. The silk neckerchief {similar} helped play up the French vibe. I wore simple silver hoops you can’t see and my animal print flats {similar}.
Thursday, I was in the dressing room at J.Crew Factory, which I’ll have for you later this week. I wore my {Navy Endless pants} with a navy Johnny collar sweater {similar} and {Ecco Soft 7 slip-on sneakers}. I’m wearing simple silver earrings, which don’t show, and I had {this denim jacket} on over the sweater.
I worked around the house Saturday, so I just wore my new {Lou & Grey tunic} over the {side pocket ponte leggings} with my semi-worn-out slippers. I’m in the market for supportive slippers with decent arch support, so if you can recommend a good brand, please let me know in the comments! These leggings are thick and substantial, so I will be wearing them with knee boots and a long jacket around town. I skipped any earrings or jewelry.
Sunday, I helped bring the tree in and started unbending the branches…an epic job! Later in the day, I trekked down to Whole Foods. We needed our favorite soup fixings, and I wanted to stock our pantry for the cooler weather. I’m wearing a cotton Target sweater {similar} from several years ago in my very favorite shade of green. I wore it over my {J. Jill knit wide-leg jeans} and {Rag and Bone Retro runners.} Since I was going out, I popped on my {Jenny Bird two-tone Faye hoops.}
I promise I got dressed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday…I just forgot to get a snap of it.
Now, back to those slippers. What do you wear, and what do you recommend that has lots of cushioning and support?
I love my Ugg slippers but if Iām going to be in the house all day and want more support, the Birkenstock Buckley clog is my go to. Theyāre wonderful!
Good to know!
Last winter I developed a horrible and long lasting case of plantar faciitis. I’d had it years before and went to a podiatrist who recommended several exercises… I know not your question. š But it dawned on me that I’d lived in my Ugg mule slippers for several months which is typical in the winter at home and they had negligible arch support. I have had pairs of Vionic shoes which have great arch support and bought two pair of mule slippers from Amazon. Together, they were just about the same price as one pair of Ugg mules. They have saved my feet! I will say they are a bit heavy which I’ve grown used to but have done the trick! Good luck!
Good to know Leslie!
After having had a bruised heel I’m looking for some supportive slippers too. Currently I’m wearing leather moccasins from Cabela’s and I put some inserts in them. That’s helped but not enough I’m afraid. So I’m anxious to hear what brands might be good. Thanks.
Readers have great ideas here. Iām taking notes and ordering some to try
I love my Birkenstock slippers for my finicky feet. I wear them year round. I have a short pixie cut and rarely feel put together unless I have fresh hair.
I know daily washing probably isn’t great but I use a good shampoo. After all my years of short hair, I just like how my hair behaves clean. Love your Monday Musings and your newsy Sunday posts. Such a joy to read.
My hair always looks best the day I wash it too. I totally understand.
Hi Jennifer, Iāve been wearing these Vionic slippers for years. They offer lots of support which I have learned is very important, even in a slipper!
I just ordered them to try, thanks!
Thank you for the reminder about hair freshness. I ordered the Dove and the Oribe products you recommend. Can’t wait to try them!
I ordered the Oribe too! I get a lot of static when I wear hats.
Jennifer~ this is such a good reminder regarding our hair freshness. Guilty as charged with the cowlick at the back of my head. It sometimes doesnāt get the attention due.
On another note, I have high arches & I am on my 3rd pair of Taos wool slippers. I can slide in them & they are great support. Uggs are also a favorite.
Thank you. Coffee on me todayā¦
Happy Monday Julie! You do know Iām talking about the swirl from sleeping, not natural cowlicks!! Thanks for the slipper suggestion.
Hi Jennifer, I found your blog on make up, particularly, Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint. I have been using it also and the same shade as you use. I recently started using Dermatology moisturizer and their Vitamin C cream. I need some advice since it seems that the Ilia doesn’t look good over this cream. Is it not compatible or am I doing something wrong? Your help or the help of another reader would be much appreciated.
I love your blog and your honesty.
I havenāt tried the Dermatology brand. Iām wondering if it could be too much moisture underneath the Ilia tint. I find that serum quite moisturizing on its own so perhaps thatās part of the issue.
Jennifer, I wear OrthoFeet slippers. They keep my feet very comfortable.
They sound very comfy!
I bought some great slippers from Quince.
Awesome!
Vionic sleepers great arch support
I love the UGGs moccasin house shoes; they have a regular bottom so I wear them out of my house to the grocery store, etc. I had surgery last year and wore them to physical therapy for several weeks. I have purchased a pair the last 2 winters and plan to pick up a new pair this week. I have arch issues but these are so comfortable that they work great for me; fyiāI am 70 and not a regular UGGS wearer.
Thank you Nyla! Another vote for Uggs ā„ļø
I highly recommend Minnetonka moccasins for slippers. I have had mine for years and they still look good. Mine have an indoor/outdoor sole that gives them some support. They run true to size and look cute.
I spotted those and wondered because they do mention arch support. Thank you
Good morning! I wear Vionic slippers and also Birkenstock slippers. They both have great arches. I get the Vionics from Zappos. The Birkenstocks took awhile to break in but were worth it. I also wear a pair of the Ecco slip on sneakers in the house for the arches. Thanks for your great posts.
Great Jan. Thanks
You might want to check out Vionic slippers. They have many with good arch support like their shoes.
I wondered about them. Thanks
LL Beanās womenās Sweater Fleece slipper scuffs are comfortable and supportive.
Thanks!
I donāt shampoo my hair daily. If I were to notice an odor, it would most definitely need a shampoo! I would not add additional deodorant rather than simply bathe. Sometimes, the coverup is far worse.
I always check the back of my head too. I have a natural cowlick and it requires extra attention.
I love this post. It addresses our basic everyday issues that we can all relate to. Maybe, more than ever, we need to be vigilant about our personal care.
I agree, we do Jan Iām sure these gals couldnāt smell their own hair. Thatās why we need to be more aware and vigilant.
Good morning Jennifer, what a great topic today, I enjoy the variety of your post. Slippers, I have been a longtime wearer of Dearform Slippers, the slip on style. They come in several colors and are available at Amazon. (I launder them with my towels).
Have a great day
Happy Monday Pat
I bought new Dearform Slippers last week and am very pleased with them. ($14.00 at Walmart!)
Those are great
I love the Dearfoam slippers also (I have several pairs). Like Pat, I toss them in the wash with the towels and let them sit on the dryer to dry. Not sure they would work for all as they have no arch support. But, they are the first thing I put on when I get home.
Hi. I wear Birdies as indoor shoes/slippers.
When I wear socks I have a comfy pair of Clark’s.
Great outfit ideas in this post. Thanks.
I wear Capri slippers in Camel from Orthofeet (currently 25% off). These offer more support for my high arches, comfort for bunions & hammertoes. Like a shoe/moccasin with a furry inside for winter.
Thanks Pat
Last winter I tried many pairs of slippers, looking for something with good support. The ones I kept are Haflinger. They offer excellent support, and are comfortable to wear around the house all day. My only complaint is that they donāt make them in a size small enough for my feet, so I can only wear them with very thick socks. Thatās a minor drawback, and overall Iāve been very happy with them.
You could try Strive or Birkenstock for supportive slippers. Both have good arches.
When I was having a lot of foot problems and I was told by the doctor not to be bare feet at all, I found Orthofeet Charlotte slippers. They have lasted well and I also replaced the insert with a sheepskin insert when the inside got tired. Not a fashion statement, but really good for my feet and back.
If Iām not going out, comfort is all I want ā„ļø
I have a strong opinion on your slippers questionā¦..Keen Womenās Howser have been my go-to indoor footwear since my first bout with plantar fasciitis about 15 years ago. Theyāre warm, supportive, washable, and they come in many colors. I think Iām on my 4th pair! In the summer I just wear Birkenstocks.
Thanks! My feet arenāt happy in my āhouseā rubber Birks anymore I have to up my game
I am also loving the keen slippers for warmth and arch support. They also work for a quick trip to the mail box or dog walk.
For house shoes, I have some Clarks with fur or Sherpa type lining in a clog style that I have liked very much the past two years.
Thatās a great idea
I love Haflinger (wool clog) slippers, similar cork bottom as Birks. Also just got some Ugg mule slippers that I donāt want to take off. They are cushy and shearling lined. . Both ok for indoor/outdoor wear. I have hardwood floors and noticed knee and back pain before I got supportive slippers. They are a must!
Awesome! I have been eyeing the Haflingers
After many orders and returns, I landed on these gems from LL Bean. I need arch support and a not-so-sloppy fit. These have been wonderful!
LLBean: Women’s Wicked Good Slippers, Squam Lake
They sound great!
Last winter with dry indoor air, an itchy scalp had become my new issue. Briogio Scalp treatment is great for it . Just a drop or two after shampooing makes a huge difference. I wouldn’t be without it any more.
Agreed! Itās great
Please let us know if you find a cute, supportive slipper. I know Vionic carries a slipper and Iām thinking of trying it.
Iām eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Lou and Grey tunic. Iām still working at transitioning to a more casual wardrobe. Thanks for all your great suggestions and style inspiration.
I will let you know what ends up the best for my feet. I love that cozy tunic.
I personally wear Allbirds wool runners as slippers as they are warm and supportive then put on some cosy sheepskin mules when I relax in the evenings. I hear Vionic make good slippers with their usual arch support. Love the Sezane breton on you, I have been eyeing these up for a while.
Itās a really fabulous quality shirt.