Healthy, glossy hair starts with a routine — just like skincare.
If you’ve ever followed a Korean skincare routine, you know it’s all about steps: double cleanse, prep, protect, and seal. Your hair deserves the same kind of care. With the right products and consistency, your color will last longer, your extensions will stay healthy, and your hair will look like its own luxury accessory.
Here are the five products (and practices) I recommend to every color client — the “skincare routine” for your hair.
1. Cleanse & Condition: Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash + Rinse
Think of this as your cleanser step. Most people only shampoo once, but that’s not enough — especially if you wash your hair every other day or less.
I always recommend a double shampoo:
The first wash loosens buildup and product residue.
The second wash truly cleanses the scalp and hair.
After that, finish with a lightweight conditioner to rehydrate. My favorite is Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash + Rinse — it gives fullness and body without weighing the hair down, leaving it clean, fresh, and ready to style.
2. Prep & Protect: Leave-In Care for Every Hair Type
Just like skincare has serums or primers, your hair needs a protective layer before heat styling.
For medium to thick or coarser hair, I recommend Unite 7 Seconds Leave-In Spray. It detangles instantly, adds moisture, and provides heat protection in one easy step. Spray roots to ends, brush through, and you’re good to go.
For finer hair, I love Kevin Murphy Heated Defense. It’s a foam that feels weightless but protects up to 450°. Apply it to damp hair, comb it through, and style as usual — your hair will feel soft, smooth, and never sticky.
3. Monthly Detox: Malibu Blondes & Hard Water Packets
Think of this as your monthly exfoliation. Los Angeles water is full of minerals that can dull color or make blondes look brassy.
I recommend Malibu C Blondes (lavender packet) for blondes and Malibu C Hard Water packets for everyone else. These little packets act like a reset button — gently removing mineral and product buildup. Use once a month, ideally about four weeks after your color service, to keep your balayage or gloss looking fresh.
4. Protect from the Source: A Shower Filter
You wouldn’t wash your face with harsh, mineral-heavy water — so why do it with your hair? A simple shower filter makes a huge difference for both skin and hair.
I recommend the AquaBliss shower filter (around $35 on Amazon). It’s renter-friendly, easy to install, and filters last about three months. Clients who switch almost always tell me they see a difference not just in their hair, but in their skin too.
5. Seal & Shine: Finishing Sprays & Serums
The last step in skincare is always locking in moisture — and the same applies to hair. After styling, I like to finish with a serum or shine spray to seal everything in and add a polished look.
For finer hair, I recommend Kevin Murphy Shimmer Shine, a lightweight mist in a gold bottle that adds instant shine without heaviness.
For thicker hair, Kevin Murphy Young Again serum works best to smooth, control frizz, and seal in the blow-dry.
This final step gives the hair that glossy, “glass-skin” effect — healthy, radiant, and camera-ready.
The Bottom Line
Healthy hair is about routines, not quick fixes. If you want your color to last and your extensions to stay strong, treat your hair like you treat your skin: cleanse, prep, protect, detox, and seal. With just a few pro-approved products, your hair can look and feel its absolute best every single day.
👉 What’s the one product you can’t live without in your hair routine? Comment below — I’ll share your answers in the next West Hollywood Hair Edit.