The GAHD Blog
We Spent Over 2 YEARS Making This Scalp Cleanser (And It’s Finally Here)
If you’re someone who washes your hair once a week (or stretches it even longer)… You already know what’s happening up there. Dry shampoo, oil, sweat, product, it all builds up on your scalp. And no matter how great your shampoo is, it can’t moisturize or cleanse through layers of gunk. Back in summer 2023, about six months after we launched GAHD Dry Shampoo, I knew we were missing a key step. If we were going to help people go 3-10 days between washes, we also needed to help them wash well. So I started formulating. Then reformulating. Then testing… and testing again. And now, after two years of perfecting it, Clean Sweep is officially here. 🎉 What Makes Clean Sweep Different Clean Sweep is a pre-shampoo treatment, the cleanse before the shampoo, designed to clear out everything sitting on your scalp so your wash day actually works. It comes in a pointed-tip bottle, so you can apply it directly to your scalp (think of it like you’re laying a bead with a hot glue gun). Once you’ve applied, gently massage. You’re targeting dirt, oils, dry shampoo, product buildup, and all the stuff living on your scalp that your shampoo doesn't always get to. How to Use It Apply Clean Sweep directly to your scalp using the pointed tip Gently massage it in Rinse Shampoo and Condition like normal When to Use It Use once a week for a deep, refreshing cleanse. If you wash daily or a few times a week, pick one day to add Clean Sweep into your routine. Depending on your hair type, you may only need it once a month; use your discretion. The Good Stuff Inside Here are the ingredients that do the heavy lifting: Salicylic Acid: breaks down buildup Charcoal: draws out impurities Peppermint: cooling, refreshing, spa-day vibes Zinc PCA: helps balance oil + support scalp health And because it’s super concentrated, a little goes a long way. Two Years Later… She’s Finally Here Your scalp deserves as much care as your hair, and now it finally gets it. I would love for you to try the product that has taken years to perfect, and tell us what you think. 💛 👉 Get your hands on Clean Sweep
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How to Actually Make It a Full Week Between Washes (Without Looking Greasy)
Suppose you've ever tried to stretch your wash day and ended up caving by Day 3 with a greasy ponytail and shattered confidence. Hi, welcome. Washing less really is better for your hair… but it takes a little strategy. Think of it like building a magic hair forcefield. You do a little more work at the beginning, and it pays off with more good ass hair days later in the week. The Non-Negotiables if You Want to Go Longer Between Washes: These things matter more than any hack you see online: Blow-dry your hair fully on wash day (unless you're a curly-haired gal) Put dry shampoo on as soon as your hair has dried Add a little more dry shampoo each day where needed Wear a shower cap on non-wash days Trust. The. Process. There will be a slightly oily era; push through it! My hair is fine but thick, meaning each strand is tiny, but I have a ton of them. Basically, the perfect recipe for flat, oily hair... but I've figured out how to stretch my wash days consistently. If it works for me, it can work for you. The Breakdown: Day-by-Day Game Plan Day 1: Wash + Blow-Dry Shampoo, condition, and blow-dry until your hair is 100% dry. Not 75%. Actually dry. I wrote a whole blog post about why this matters, but the short version is: your cuticle doesn't seal until it's fully dry, and that affects everything that comes next. Once it's dry, apply dry shampoo all over. Yes, on clean hair. Wear it smooth for a day or two, or go straight into curls or waves. Day 2: Light Refresh This day is usually easy. Add a little more dry shampoo if needed, then brush it through. If you curled it, touch up a few pieces. Overall, no major intervention yet. Day 3: The Oil Shows Up Apply more dry shampoo, but only where you need it. Add a heat protectant and curl or wave your hair. And when you shower: use the damn shower cap. I don't believe anyone can wash their body without getting their hair wet, and even a little moisture can ruin the magic of your hair care routine. Day 4: Peak Hair Day Your hair is at its prime. Stick your fingertips in there to lift it off your scalp, tease that cowlick shut, and get out the hairspray (light hold is totally good). Day 5: Clip + Half-Up Territory Hell yeah! We're reaching for the clip or going for a half-up look. Get your hair off your face and get to business. Day 6: Choose Your Final Form Messy bun, slicked back, or a hat day. BOOM! If you hit day 6, you're a fucking rockstar, and I want to hear your thoughts! TL;DR (The Cheat Sheet) Wash + condition Blow dry 100% Apply dry shampoo on day 1 Style smooth or curl/wave Shower cap on non-wash days Add more dry shampoo each day Adjust the style instead of starting over (If you have bangs and they get weird, twist/braid/pin them back. Don't start from scratch). Your hair isn't the enemy; it just needs a plan. Some days it needs a full restyle, some days it only needs hairspray, and some days the front pieces need to go in a headband, and we pretend they don't exist. That's part of the process. And just when you start thinking, 'Okay, but what about scalp health?' Ohhh, don't you worry. We've been working on something very exciting for that. Stay tuned.
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Shop Small This Holiday Season
Whatuuup?! It's that time of year again, and I hope that I am catching you before your holiday shopping list gets too long! As a small business owner, I think about this all the time: I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of people who love GAHD and the incredible team behind it. So, I want to shout it from the rooftops for all you early birds and last-minute shoppers, where you spend your money truly matters. This season, try shopping small and being intentional with your gifts. I know a lot of amazing makers (myself included, hehe) who would be so dang grateful for your support. Here's a list of some of my favorite handmade goodies you can order online or shop in store at The Eclective. Perfect for spreading love locally and beyond. Sugarwood Caramels The perfect gift for anyone, especially when you have no idea what to get them! They also make an amazing hostess gift that everyone can enjoy. I know Jon, the owner, personally and these caramels come from his late wife's grandma's recipe. You can practically taste the love (and butter) in every bite. Fern Westover Earrings Does your daughter already have dry shampoo, and you're stumped on what to get her next? Fern Westover Earrings are the way to go! Every time I wear a pair of Fern's earrings, I get so many compliments. I have three colors and love matching them to my outfits. Hiker Coffee You can't go wrong with a good cup of coffee. Hiker is healthy, toxin-free, and totally transparent about their process, plus, it's roasted right here in Eau Claire! Good Ass Hair Day For anyone on your list who doesn't wash their hair every day (aka most of us), Good Ass Hair Day is the move! Need stocking stuffers? Done. Shopping for a dry-shampoo fanatic? Grab the starter kit. Have a brother-in-law who's always on the road? The shampoo and conditioner sticks are perfect travel companions. The coolest part? I've personally met each of these makers. They're hardworking, passionate, and full of heart, the kind of people who make you feel good about every dollar you spend. So, get started early, shop small, and make it a season full of intentional gifts and good vibes. You can find all these products (and more) at The Eclective, located at 403 Water Street. Store Hours: Monday–Friday: 10 AM – 6 PMSaturday: 9 AM – 6 PMSunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
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Gym to Work in 5 Minutes (Flat)
Let the Sweat Dry (Yep, Really) You’re probably going to cringe a little…But trying new things is part of the deal here, so let me just hold your hand through this next part: Let. The. Sweat. Dry. Seriously. It’s a salty liquid, basically nature’s sea salt spray. It gives your hair some texture. Look at you, moving your body and creating a Good Ass Hair Day. Hell yeah! 💃 If that’s not your thing… Totally get it. If you’re not into walking into work with damp, sweaty hair, just grab your blow dryer and give it a quick pass. Once your hair is dry: Add dry shampoo to soak up any oil Brush it through Add whatever product you’re into, hairspray, texturizer, pomade, whatever fits Style it your way Half-up, all the way up, left down… do what feels good and makes you feel like you. Then head out and do your thing, knowing your hair looks great because you worked with it, rather than washing the life out of it. Proud of you. And if this part’s still stressing you out, send me a message. We’ve got this. 🙌
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The Dirty Truth About Dry Shampoo (And Why We’re Totally Here for It).
Does Dry Shampoo Actually Clean Your Hair? Absolutely not. But no one needs to know that. We’ve got things to do, and washing our hair doesn’t always make the list. Plus, freshly washed hair never looks as good as day 4, 5, or even 6 hair. That’s a hill I’ll die on. 🫡 Our Good Ass Hair Day Dry Shampoo (OG) has a magical little mix of starches, clays, and vanilla essential oil. It soaks up oil, tones down the grime, and leaves just enough scent to keep things fresh, even if you’ve been dodging wash day all week. Is it actually cleaning your scalp? No. Is it giving you another 48 hours of good-ass volume and zero judgment? Yes. If you’re feeling like a million bucks, who cares what anyone thinks about your hair routine? Your scalp, your rules. ✨🫶🏻
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What the Hell Is a Shampoo and Conditioner Stick? Let Me Tell Ya.
I was on a flight to Mexico in January 2024 when I realized I forgot to pack shampoo and conditioner. Great. Now I’m not only beating up my hair with salt water, blazing sun, and ocean breeze, but I have to wash it with garbage hotel shampoo and conditioner? Love that for me. 🤦 And honestly, transferring liquid products into small travel bottles, stuffing them into a plastic bag, and hoping they don’t explode? Major pain. So… at 30,000 feet, I’m thinking to myself: Shampoo bar, but better. Let’s stick it in a deodorant container. Make it easy to travel with, easy to use, and NOT some slimy, disintegrating lump sitting on the shower sill. Fast forward a year and a half... We’ve got what we now call Rootin’ for You and Thirst Trap. Good Ass Hair Day’s very own Shampoo + Conditioner Stix. Total travel game changers. Bonus: they’re way better for the environment. (Did I mention they’re refillable!?) Save my contact for 2026, because these are the stix of 1,000 swipes.Yep, we tested it. And we can safely say it takes at least 1,000 swipes to get through one. You'd better book some trips and get swiping. How to Use Them: For the Shampoo:Stick in one hand, rub with the other. Swipe, swipe, rub. Work it through your whole head until you’ve got enough suds to get down to the scalp. Rinse thoroughly and repeat. If you're a dry shampoo lover (ehm, me), you know the deal: double 👏 cleanse 👏. I’ve got like 7 days of gunk in there by the time I’m washing, no shame. For conditioner:Tilt your head to the side and only apply to your mids and ends. Run a soft-bristled brush (hi, Ergo mini brush 🤭) or a comb through your hair while the conditioner is in, so you’re not yanking through tangles later. And… wa-la. 💃
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The Refill That’s Changing the Dry Shampoo Game (And Saving the Planet, Too)
A Refill for Your Dry Shampoo Bottle!? Yeahhh baby. When you know better, you do better, and now that I know refills are possible, we’re reducing plastic waste and doing our part for Mother Earth. One poof at a time. Once your bottle’s down to about a ½ inch of product, you’ll probably notice it’s not poofing like it used to. That’s your cue to refill. A few things to keep in mind: Don’t overfill. The pump needs space to work. If it’s packed too tight, it can’t do its poofin' magic. Our refill pouches hold a bottle and a half of product. They’re only $17, which, compared to most aerosols, is a freakin' steal. And the best part? You’re reducing waste without giving up your good-ass hair days. Want to make refilling even easier? Grab one of our refill funnels.
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Update About The Eclective!
We're less than one month away from our Grand Opening Weekend, and things are finally starting to take shape. Over the past few weeks, I've been thrifting fixtures, tables, shelving, and a couple of vintage hutches to bring The Eclective's 2,300 square feet of possibility to life. A space this size can feel overwhelming, but by taking intentional steps toward the vision each day, I trust it will all come together beautifully. Along the way, we've started connecting with incredible local consigners, makers, and artists who truly fit The Eclective's vibe. We can't wait to start receiving their pieces and begin merchandising the shop. If you're local and interested in consigning, email us at theeclective@agoodassday.com. We'd love to hear from you! Upcoming Classes Education and creativity are a huge part of what we're building here. For salon professionals: Our very first class is on the books! The Art of the Blow Dry™ will be taught by a stylist from ERGO Tools, guiding a group of 10 stylists through the best techniques for achieving a flawless blowout. Find all the details and register on our website. For everyone else: Don't worry, there's plenty for you too! I'll be offering braiding and haircare classes (stay tuned for dates and registration info). We're also dreaming up community workshops, like pottery painting and sushi-making nights. While those details are still in the works, we're excited to keep exploring creative ways to bring people together in the space. __________________________________________________________________________ Join Us for the Grand Opening We'd love for you to be part of our big moment! Mark your calendars and join us for our ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebrations. Check out our Facebook Event for more information! 🎀 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | Thursday, October 23 at 4 PM 🎉 Grand Opening Festivities | Friday, October 24, 10 AM - 6 PM and Saturday, October 25, 9 AM - 6 PM 📍 403 Water St, Eau Claire, WI We can't wait to welcome you in and celebrate this new chapter together!
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Bad Hair Day? Blame Your Shingles
Like shingles on a roof… Did you know, the cuticle of your hair looks similar to shingles on a roof? That is one bit of information that I think about at least weekly. Something my Phase 1 cosmetology school teacher, Lyndon, taught me that I'll never forget, and it's something you should know too, because it can help you have better hair! No one wants ruffled-up shingles on their house (leakage) or their hair (frizz, damage). Things you can do to get ruffled shingles include getting your hair bleached, having wet hair, blow-drying without intention, and sometimes even just having hair can be enough (everyone uses different products and has different routines). Yay! I shared in a TikTok video that if you aren't blow drying your hair to 100% dry, you're doing it wrong. When hair is wet, the shingle is open and your hair won't be smooth. Or, if you're blow-drying with your hair flying all over, it's essentially providing a tornado for your locks. Yikes, time for damage control. This is why silk pillowcases became so popular: to prevent ruffling the shingles. This is why smoothing your hair in one direction while blow drying is important, so as not to ruffle the shingles. This is why it's important to see a trusted stylist, so they don't blow your shingles off if you're lightening your hair. If your hair is naturally curly, it tends to be more dry (I don't make the rules), but you most likely lean towards a shampoo and conditioner for dry hair, that's great! A drink for your hair is helping to close the shingles! If your hair has been lifted (bleached), you are probably using products geared toward damage control. Wahoo! You're helping to close the shingles! If your hair is limp, maybe you use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner and then follow it up with more volume products and a blow drying session with your head upside down, a paddle brush, and intentional movement to close the shingles! YAAASSS! I hope that this little shingle-smoothing run-down has found you having a good ass day, and helps you get one or even 2 steps closer to your own Good Ass Hair Day!
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