My Hair Transformation Steps

Written By Amy M. Koberling

If you have been following me for a minute, you’ve probably heard a bit about my hair journey. If you haven’t, I have been on both ends of the hair spectrum. I’ve had hairdressers complement me for how healthy my hair feels/looks, but in a previous life, I’ve also experienced brittle ends that honestly seemed beyond repair. Trust me, if I could turn my damaged hair around, you can too! In this blog, I am going to provide you with the right tools, routines, and strategies. Whether your hair is dry and damaged, or you’re just looking to elevate your routine, this blog has something for you.

A Bit About My Hair Journey

Over the years, my hair has been through everything: bleach blondes and dark browns (my natural color), perms, heat tools, & countless products that worked (and plenty that didn’t).

The result? Damage, dryness, and ends that broke off faster than I could grow them out. But through research and experimentation, I discovered how to not only stop the damage but reverse it. I should preface that my routine primarily focuses on dry and damaged hair, but the tips here can benefit anyone—no matter your hair type or concerns.

Products That Changed My Hair

Similar to skincare, investing in a haircare routine can be a big investment. I want to emphasize that building a haircare routine doesn’t mean buying 15 products at once. Start small and add one item at a time only as needed! I truly believe even incorporating one of these items, can make a huge impact! Here’s what I keep in my hair arsenal and some of the routines I swear by:

1. Pre-Shampoo Oil 

Before washing, I apply oil to the mid-lengths and ends of my hair—never the roots. This coats the cuticle, creating a barrier that prevents shampoos from stripping natural oils.

  • How I Use It: Apply to dry hair and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before shampooing.

  • My Favorites: Oils rich in fatty acids. Here are a few of my favorites:

2. Scalp Care: 

I promise not to go on a tangent about scalp care (you can read my entire blog on the scalp, if you’re interested), but I will leave you with this: healthy hair starts at the scalp—literally. The scalp is home to hair follicles, the structures responsible for producing healthy hair. A buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and product residue can clog follicles, potentially stunting growth and leading to scalp irritation or flaking. Here is my approach to scalp care:

  • Scalp Scrub: I love a VERY gentle scrub for removing buildup and soothing irritation. I typically reserve this for days when my scalp feels itchy or greasy. Look for ultra-fine scrubs to avoid damaging your scalp (I love Briogeo’s Scalp Revival). No joke, I have probably gone through 4 containers of this!

  • Detox Shampoo: Before starting a detox shampoo, I struggled with a ton of buildup from products, oils, and hard water. My scalp has honestly been transformed since using one! My go-to is the K18—it’s color-safe, balances the pH, and even targets metals in hard water. The Ouai also has one that I love particularly for oily scalp types!

3. Double Shampoo Method

I already know what you are going to ask, and yes, double cleansing applies to your hair too! For someone like me who uses leave-in products and doesn’t wash daily, this ensures my hair is properly cleansed. 

  • Step 1: Use a clarifying shampoo to remove dirt and buildup.

  • Step 2: Follow with a gentle shampoo tailored to your hair’s needs (hydrating, volumizing, etc.). Here are some that I cycle through

4. Conditioning Hair Masks

Hair masks are a game-changer, especially for damaged hair (and especially in colder months). They smooth the cuticle, reduce breakage, and add immediate hydration.

  • How I Use It: After shampooing, apply in sections to ensure even coverage. Comb through with a wide-tooth comb, then pin up your hair and let it sit for a few minutes while you finish your shower routine. Make sure to check the back of your mask for directions! Each one suggests a different amount of time to leave the product in.

How I Wash & Style My Hair

Here’s a rough breakdown of my typical wash day:

Other Hair Habits I Swear By

  • Avoid Tight Hairstyles: I know the sleek bun is in, but as cute as it is, it’s only causing tension and breakage! Opt for loose buns or ponytails with silk ties.

  • Sleep Set Up: Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent split ends. I also love a silk turban!

  • Supplements: I have been using Nutrafol for years now! It’s completely transformed my hair density and growth. **They also have a postpartum one that I loved while breastfeeding**

Extra Treatments I Swear By

These are bonus steps, if your budget allow:

Consistency

I want to finish this blog off by saying hair health isn’t about overnight fixes—it’s about consistent care and listening to your hair’s needs. Start with the basics, be patient, and adapt your routine over time.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into haircare, my Comprehensive Hair Guide is officially HERE! My team and I have been working on this for months now! It’s filled with quizzes to determine your hair type, tips for creating a routine, and product recommendations, it’s everything you need to achieve your best hair yet.

I hope this helps you in your haircare journey! Message me any questions you have and I can’t wait to hear what you think of the hair guide! If you haven’t had a chance yet, make sure to listen to my podcast on this topic, I go into even more detail.


**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and may contain products gifted in PR. This means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase via these links at no additional cost to you (thank you! It helps me keep things up and running)… As always I ONLY recommend products, goods and services that I stand behind and personally love and use.

Amy M. Koberling
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