The Modern Nonna Hair Guide
on Aug 30, 2025, Updated Apr 21, 2026
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You can find the full list to all my favourite hair products 👉🏻 HERE.
My hair journey has been just that, a JOURNEY 😅! Most of you don’t know this (unless maybe you know teenage Sneji), but I was a die-hard blonde for most of my teenage years and early 20s. The constant hair bleaching, coupled with my curly texture, resulted in some major damage. My hair was brittle and dull, and it never really lived up to its curly potential. I eventually chose to embrace my natural hair color and focus on nourishing it with the right products and healthy hair habits. And what 👏 a 👏 transformation 👏! Over the years, I have managed to transform my hair into a silky, shiny mane that I’m incredibly proud of and get complimented on. The Modern Nonna Hair Guide is all about spilling my hair secrets that took my hair from dusty to deluxe 💁🏻♀️!

My Favourite Hair Products
Just like flawless makeup starts with proper skin prep (TikTok taught me 😌), sleek, shiny, healthy hair starts in the shower 🚿. Below is a list of my favourite shampoos, conditioners, pillow cases, and post-shower hair oils. Just a note, take a look at the different types online as each formula is designed for a specific hair type.
- Kitsch Shampoo & Conditioner Bar
- Kerastase Liquid Shampoo
- Kerastase Liquid Conditioner
- Satin Pillow Case
- Kerastase Post Shower Hair Oil
- Amazing Hair Saviour Hair Growth Oil – use code: HAIR
Table of Contents
Things To Keep In Mind
I can’t believe I have to say this, but if I don’t, someone will inevitably come for me claiming my recommendations didn’t work. Say it with me 🗣️: hair type and hair texture differs from person to person. What works for me may not necessarily work for you. Having said that, the suggestions I share in this guide are suitable for all hair types.
For context, I have thick, wavy-to-curly hair with a mix of type 2 and type 3 curl patterns. My strands are fine, but there are a lot of them. I also like to wear my hair both straight and curly, so I gravitate towards products that are versatile and work for both styles. My mindset is, why keep 3769398 hair products 🧴 when a few solid staples can do it all? That’s exactly what The Modern Nonna Hair Guide is about – sharing my healthy hair habits and that keep my hair thriving.
Game Changing Hair Habits
First, I want to take a moment to talk about some game changing hair habits that truly made a difference for me. Healthy hair isn’t just about what you put on it, it’s also about how you care for it day-to-day. These are some of the habits I’ve adopted (and still stick to) to keep my hair in its best possible shape – the very habits that define The Modern Nonna Hair Guide approach to healthy, happy hair.
1. Give the hair coloring a rest ✋
Who doesn’t love a good hair color transformation? I get it – I miss my blonde hair sometimes too. However, if you’re struggling with dry, brittle hair, and you color it often, it’s time for a break. This doesn’t mean you can never colour your hair again. It just means it’s time to space out those balayage appointments, or let your natural shade grow until your hair feels stronger and healthier. Transitioning from bleach blonde to full brunette wasn’t easy – I went trough 13 stages of awkward ombre. But it was well worth it, and gave me a fresh start to embrace my natural color, love my texture again, and truly revive my hair.
2. Get regular trims 💇🏻♀️
A bit counterintuitive, no? If I want long locks, why would I keep trimming my hair? Trust me, I had the same mindset. However, once my hair stylist educated me on why trims are important for hair health, I really understood the assignment. Firstly it prevents split ends from spreading, stopping any hair damage from moving higher and causing breakage. This helps your retain more length over time and keeps your hair looking thick and healthy. I go and get trims every 10 weeks or so. But, how often you should get trims depends on your hair type, length, and goals. Here’s a general guide:
- For very damaged or chemically treated hair: Every 6–8 weeks to prevent breakage from worsening.
- For long hair or growing it out: Every 10–12 weeks to remove split ends without losing too much length.
- For medium-length styles: Every 8–10 weeks to keep the shape fresh and ends healthy.
- For short cuts or precise styles: Every 4–6 weeks to maintain the cut’s structure.
3. Limit heat 🔥
This one is pretty obvious, but I still have to mention it. If you’re on a healthy hair journey, limit the amount of heat you use on your hair. Heat makes your strands more brittle and prone to breakage, strips moisture and causes split ends. Therefore, limit the frequency, or use heatless tools like the viral heatless curling rods. If you absolutely must use heat, or you’re thirsty for a bouncy blowout, use heat protectant and lower the heat setting on your blow dryer and/or curling iron.
4. Do regular hair masks 💆♀️
Hair masks are important for reviving your hair because they deliver intense, targeted nourishment that regular conditioners can’t match. I use a hair mask every 1–2 weeks, switching up the type each time. I usually go for natural masks with minimal, all-natural ingredients. If you prefer DIY, here are a few tried-and-true recipes you can make with ingredients you probably already have at home:
- Dryness & Frizz – Coconut oil + honey → deep hydration, locks in moisture
- Brittle/Weak Hair – Avocado + olive oil → repairs, strengthens
- Dullness/Shine Boost – Banana + yogurt → smooths cuticles, adds elasticity & shine
- Scalp Irritation/Itch – Aloe vera + argan oil → soothes scalp, nourishes roots
- Thinning/Fine Hair – Egg + olive oil → protein strength, softens & adds body
- Oily Roots/Dry Ends – Aloe vera + lemon juice + coconut oil → balances oils, hydrates lengths
- Heat Damage/Breakage – Shea butter + jojoba oil → repairs, seals in moisture
5. Use a satin pillowcase 🛌
I always thought satin pillow cases were one of those bougie things that weren’t necessary. But, as a curly haired girlie, I am here to tell you – it’s very much necessary. Cotton pillowcases create more friction, which can cause hair to snag, tangle, and break. Satin’s smooth surface lets hair glide over it, reducing damage. Less friction also means fewer knots in the morning and smoother hair overall, which is especially helpful for curly or textured hair. Also, cotton tends to absorb natural oils and hair products, leaving strands drier. Satin doesn’t pull moisture from your hair, helping it stay hydrated and soft.
6. Getting to the root cause 👩⚕️
I am by no means a medical professional, and this is not medical advice – just a girl speaking from experience. Sometimes, hair loss and brittle hair is a sign of something deeper going on in your body. In my opinion, the best way to fix a problem is by addressing the root cause. Visiting a physician or naturopath to examine your hormone levels or identify any vitamin or mineral deficiencies can provide valuable insight into why your hair health might be suffering, and how to go about improving it.
Hair Growth 101
My dream was to have that “are those extensions?” length, but years of bleaching left my hair dry, damaged, and breaking before it could get there 🥲. This changed when I began hair oiling. I discovered Amazing Hair Saviour (use code: HAIR for a discount) through my friend Amber, the founder, who created it to regrow her own hair after alopecia areata. Not only did it work, her hair flourished, and she set out to help others achieve thicker, stronger, longer locks. This plant-based blend of rosemary 🌿, black seed oil, almond, and coconut deeply nourishes, hydrates, and revitalizes hair. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and designed to boost density while reducing shedding.

My Hair Oil Glow-Up
When I started using the oil, I noticed that my hair was much softer, shinier, and my scalp itchiness and dryness was completely gone. But after using it weekly for about 8 months, I noticed how much my hair had grown. I’m talking thick hair all the way down my back! Even the thinning parts around my hairline were growing baby hairs 🥹.
I typically use the oil on my hair wash days. I work a dropper into my scalp, massage it in, and leave it on for the day before washing it out. You can also apply it at night, sleep with it in and wash your hair in the morning. The point is, if you use it consistently and stay patient, you will have the locks of your dreams – just be ready for the extension accusations 😏.

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I love everything about your site!! Keep up the good work!! Warm greetings from the Netherlands !
Thank you so much, Cynthia! I’m so happy you’re here โค๏ธ!
The hair products seem to have excellent ingredients that have been shown to help hair. Why the scary disclaimer to use at our own risk?
Hi, Donna! I’m so glad you found the Hair Guide informative. Just as you wouldn’t build a home without a foundation, the same goes for hair care! Achieving the proper balance of hormones, vitamins and minerals may help lay the foundation for your best hair yet – which in turn gives your products the chance to really shine! โค๏ธ
This guide is so helpful! I have naturally wavy hair and sometimes struggle to find the right products and routines that work without weighing it down. I love how simple and practical your tips areโdefinitely trying them in my routine!