There are seasons when hair care feels effortless, such as warm summer days that allow you to air dry, and then there are seasons when even wash day feels like too much, ie cold winter days when even the thought of getting in the shower can fill you with dread!
Winter, busy schedules, low energy… it all adds up. When motivation dips, hair care is often the first thing to slip. Not because you don’t care, but because you’re human.
The good news? Your hair doesn’t need perfection. As long as you cover the basics, you’re doing enough.
Low Motivation Doesn't Mean You're Failing Your Hair
Skipping a wash day, living in a bun, or choosing a quick routine doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your hair. Hair health is built over time, not on your most productive days.
There will be weeks where:
- You don’t style your curls fully
- You stretch wash days longer than planned
- Your routine becomes very minimal
All of the above is OK. What matters is that you’re still covering the bases, the non-negotiables that keep your hair protected and healthy until your energy returns.
The Hair Care "Bare Minimum" That Still Works
When motivation is low, simplify everything. Strip your routine back to what matters.
My Top Three Bases to Cover:
1. Cleanse
Your scalp needs cleansing to stay healthy, but it doesn’t need rigid schedules.
- Wash when your scalp feels uncomfortable, itchy, or overly oily
- A gentle cleanse is enough, it doesn’t have to be a full ritual
- Even a quicker wash day is better than forcing perfection
2. Moisture Is Non-Negotiable
If you do one thing consistently, let it be moisture.
- Use a conditioner or leave-in that keeps hair soft and flexible
- Focus on the mid-lengths and ends
- If styling feels like too much, moisture alone is still a win
Soft hair tangles less, breaks less, and survives can’t be bothered phases far better.
3. Protect Your Hair Between Wash Days
Protection buys you time and keeps low-motivation weeks from turning into damage. You don’t have to strive for definition every week. Sometimes the healthiest thing is to leave it alone
- Loose buns, braids, or twists instead of tight styles
- Satin or silk pillowcases, bonnets, or scarves at night
- Avoid excessive friction from coats, scarves, and rough fabrics
Let Go of Guilt (Your Hair Isn't Keeping Score)
Your hair doesn’t know:
- What day it is
- How productive you’ve been
- Whether you followed a routine perfectly
But does respond to:
- Gentle handling
- Consistent moisture
- Basic protection
Missing a deep treatment or skipping a styling step doesn’t undo months of care.
When Motivation is Low, Don't Overthink It
Decision fatigue is real and it affects hair care more than we realise. If you’re feeling stuck:
- Stick to products you already know work
- Avoid introducing new products “just because”
- Repeat the same simple routine until it feels automatic again
Consistency beats creativity during low-energy seasons.
This is a Season it’s Not Forever
Your hair routine doesn’t need to be impressive at all times. As long as you:
- Cleanse
- Keep your hair moisturised
- Protect it from unnecessary stress
You’re doing enough! Caring for your hair isn’t about doing the most. It’s about doing what you can, when you can and trusting that it counts.
Love Claire x
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