The GAHD Blog
Building a Brand That Feels Like Home
If there’s one word I keep coming back to as we step into 2026, it’s connection. When I look back at how far Good Ass Hair Day has come, I feel equal parts proud and humbled. What started as a solution to my own frustration has grown into something that feels bigger than products on a shelf. It’s a community. And honestly? That’s always been the part that mattered most to me. Looking Back: Growth Isn’t Always Linear Growth looks cute on Instagram. In real life, it’s a mix of wins, lessons, pivots, and a lot of figuring-it-out-as-you-go moments. Some things really worked: Showing up honestly instead of perfectly Building products that actually fit into real life Listening (really listening) to feedback from you And some things didn’t: Trying to move too fast Saying yes when I should’ve slowed down Learning boundaries the hard way But every misstep taught me something important: people connect to what’s real. What 2026 Is Really About This year isn’t about “more” just for the sake of more. It’s about going deeper. You’ll see: More behind-the-scenes More real conversations More of me showing up as myself And more chances to actually meet you Because this brand was never meant to live only on a screen. Community Beyond Social Media That’s where The Eclective comes in. We didn’t create The Eclective just to open a store. We created it to build a space that feels like walking into a friend’s home, welcoming, creative, and a little inspiring. A place where you can come as you are, learn something new, shop thoughtfully, or just hang out. What This Means for You As we move forward, expect: More events More education More ways to get involved More opportunities to connect in real life Whether you’ve been here since the basement days or just found us recently, you belong here. This Is Just the Beginning As we approach our three-year anniversary this February, I keep thinking about how surreal this journey has been. And how excited I am for what’s ahead. If you’re reading this, thank you for being part of it. Thank you for trusting us, cheering us on, and helping shape what GAHD is becoming. Here’s to growing together.Here’s to building something that feels like home. And here’s to what comes next 🤍
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From My Basement to This Community
If you had told me a few years ago that something I started in my basement would turn into this, I probably would’ve laughed and said, You’re dreaming, buddy. Good Ass Hair Day didn’t start with a business plan or a perfectly curated launch. It started with frustration, curiosity, and a gut feeling that there had to be a better way. And honestly? It started with all of you. The Early Days (aka: learning as I went) In the beginning, GAHD looked like: Packing orders by hand (usually late at night) Less-than-perfect labels A lot of “let’s try this and see what happens” Me figuring things out in real time I didn’t have all the answers. I didn’t wait until things were perfect. I just started. From the jump, I knew I wanted to do things differently. Simpler ingredients, less waste, products that actually last. Hair care that works with your life instead of adding more to your plate. It wasn’t fancy, but it was honest. It Was Never Just About Hair Yes, GAHD makes hair products.But this brand has never been just about hair. It’s always been about confidence.Feeling good in your own skin.Taking care of yourself without guilt.Creating routines that support you, not stress you out. When your hair feels good, you feel good, and that changes how you show up. That’s the feeling I wanted GAHD to give people. Community Is (and Always Will Be) the Heart One of the coolest parts of this journey has been watching customers turn into supporters, cheerleaders, and friends. That sense of community is what led to The Eclective here in Eau Claire, a physical space rooted in creativity, connection, and supporting one another. It’s real-life local love and a constant reminder of why building something together matters. GAHD isn’t a one-way conversation. It’s something we’re growing side by side. Looking Ahead As we move into 2026, I’m feeling incredibly grateful and really excited. Yes, there’s more coming.Yes, we’re dreaming bigger. But the focus stays the same:Less perfection.More connection.More community. Thank you for being here. Thank you for supporting this little basement idea and helping it grow into something so much bigger than I ever imagined. This brand exists because of you, and I can’t wait to keep building what’s next, together. — Katelynn
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Why I Stopped Settling for “Good Enough”
I Stopped Settling And Built the Dry Shampoo I Wished Existed Two years ago, I hit a breaking point. Not because nothing worked, I was using a dry shampoo I already knew and trusted. But the more I used it, the more I started questioning it. Every time I applied it, it felt like clouds of product were swirling into the air, and I couldn’t shake the thought: This can’t be great to be breathing in every few days. Around that same time, I kept hearing the same thing from so many of you. Over and over again. No one had found a dry shampoo they truly felt confident using, something that actually worked and didn’t feel harmful in the process. It was always a trade-off: performance versus peace of mind. And I was tired of settling for “good enough.” I was tired of products that worked, but came with compromises I wasn’t comfortable making anymore, especially when it came to ingredients and long-term scalp health. So I stopped. And instead of searching endlessly for another option, I had a thought that changed everything: What if I just made the one I wish existed? So I did. I started experimenting, testing, and reformulating until I landed on something that felt right, not just effective, but intentional. A dry shampoo made with simple, all-natural ingredients. Formulated with scalp health in mind. Designed to be used regularly without worry. And a bottle that actually lasts months, not weeks. Honestly? I didn’t expect what happened next. It sold out. Then it sold out again. Suddenly, my DMs were filled with messages that sounded just like my own thoughts from the beginning:“I’ve been looking for something like this.” That’s when it really clicked. Good Ass Hair Day isn’t just about hair products. It’s about doing things differently. Choosing better ingredients. Creating routines that work with your life instead of against it. And not settling, ever, when you know there’s a better way. If you’re here, thank you. Truly. This brand exists because of this community, and I’m so grateful you’re part of the journey. - Katelynn
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New Year, CLEAN You: My 2026 Hair Reset
Is it just me, or is that “fresh start” energy already starting to hit? We’re officially in that weird week between Christmas and New Year's where we all start looking at our habits and thinking, “Okay, 2026 is the year I finally get my life together.” Usually, that means gym memberships or green juices, but let’s be real, I’m starting with something way more manageable (and honestly, more satisfying): my hair. If you’ve been wanting to prioritize your hair health but don't want a 12-step routine that takes two hours, I’ve got you. This is the easiest routine to take into the new year, and it’s exactly how I keep my hair healthy while doing the absolute least. You guys know I’m the queen of the 7-day hair cycle. I wash every Sunday (it’s my favorite part of my Sunday Reset), and I go a whole week between washes without ever looking like a greaseball. Here is exactly how I’m doing it in 2026: Step 1: The Reset The first thing I do when I hop in the shower is use Clean Sweep Scalp Cleanser as a pre-shampoo. This is my secret sauce for resetting my scalp. It breaks down all that old product buildup and "life" so my scalp can actually breathe. Step 2: Wash Day (The GAHD Way) Next, I grab my Rootin’ For You Shampoo & Conditioner Sticks. These are my holy grails for getting that deep, concentrated lather without the harsh sulfates or "junk" fillers found in traditional bottles. Then I follow up with the conditioner stick on my mids and ends to lock in all that moisture. Step 3: The "Deodorant" Trick I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but this is such a crucial step! I apply my OG Dry Shampoo to CLEAN hair. Think of it like deodorant, you put deodorant on before you start to smell, right? The same goes for dry shampoo. Applying it to fresh hair creates a barrier that soaks up oil the second it starts to peek through, instead of fighting a losing battle on day four. Since it’s made with clean, simple ingredients, I don't have to worry about it sitting on my scalp all week. Step 4: The Long Game Now, the best part: I just go about my week! I add a little more dry shampoo each day to keep things fresh. (If you need a play-by-play on how I style it, check out my blog: How to Actually Make It a Full Week Between Washes, where I talk about how I style my hair each day to make it to day seven.) Once I hit next Sunday? I repeat. Ready for your best hair year yet? If you want to make this as easy as possible, grab The Ultimate GAHD Bundle. It’s got everything I use, Clean Sweep, the Rootin' For You sticks, our Dry Shampoo, and my FAVORITE brush from Ergo Tools, all in one spot so you can start fresh with ingredients you actually trust. I promise, this is the lowest-maintenance way to have the best hair of your life. Let's start 2026 off right. New year, clean YOU!
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The Good Ass Gift Guide: For Everyone On Your List
Whatuuup?! Holiday gifting is officially in full swing, which means it's time to wrap up something cute, thoughtful, and guaranteed to make someone's day… without the last-minute panic spiral. If you're still hunting for gifts this month (or building your stocking stuffer stash), we pulled together our Good Ass Gift Guide, filled with go-tos we know will deliver instant joy and some good ass hair days. There's something here for everyone: the traveler, the gym-goer, the clean beauty friend, the busy mom… and the person who simply refuses to wash their hair more than necessary. (Honestly? Same.) Let's jump in. 🎁 The Perfect Gift: The Starter Kit When we say this is the gift that keeps on giving, we really mean it. Over a YEAR of dry shampoo in one box.One habit, one product, 400 hours back in 2026. (Yes, applying dry shampoo at night is life-changing.) It's simple, sustainable, easy to wrap (especially with the optional gift box), and one of those presents that makes people go:"Wait… thank you. I needed this." Whether you're gifting your mom, your best friend, your sister, or the coworker who always shows up with wet hair and a prayer, the Starter Kit never misses the mark. → Shop the Starter Kit ← ✈️ For the Travelers For the friend who considers the airport their personality: Travel Size Dry Shampoo (TSA-friendly + a lifesaver) Shampoo & Conditioner Sticks (light packers LOVE these + no spills) Small but mighty. Packs easily. Saves space and sanity. → Shop Travel Picks ← 🏋🏻 For the Gym Girl New routine for 2026? Great.Just don't forget your travel-size dry shampoo, trust me. For the gym girl in her sweaty era: Clean Sweep Scalp Cleanser for the post-workout reset Dry Shampoo Bottle to refresh your hair all week long It's the perfect "I believe in your routine" gift. → Shop Gym Essentials ← 🌿 For the Clean Beauty Friend For the ingredient-reader, label-checker, wellness queen: Unscented Dry Shampoo, no added fragrance, simple + effective Shampoo & Conditioner Sticks, eco-friendly, low-waste, and made with clean, thoughtful ingredients She'll appreciate the simplicity, sustainability, and scalp-friendly formulas that align with her values. → Shop Clean Beauty Favorites ← 👩👧 For the Busy Mom The multitasking legend in your life deserves something that gives her actual time back. Dry Shampoo Bottle: Instant refresh on kid-chaos days. The Ultimate GAHD Kit: Low-maintenance haircare with high-impact results. More good hair days with less effort. → Shop Busy Mom Gifts ← Let's give Dry January a New Meaning. Dry shampoo > dry martinis. Our best-selling powder formula is here to carry you through sweater season, gym season, and "I refuse to wash my hair today" season. (Arguably the most important one.) 6 Things I'd Rather Do in 2026 Than Wash My Hair A short list from me to you: Eat a chocolate croissant Stop at a local coffee shop for a caramel latte Curate my outfit to perfection Hang out with my boys, Biscuit & Gravy Catch a few extra zzz's Literally anything else If washing your hair isn't bringing you joy in 2026, it's time to outsource that job to a powder dry shampoo. ✨ Don't Forget: Buy 3, Get 1 Free! If you're tackling multiple gifts or stocking up for 2026 (smart), our B3G1 deal is still live. 👉 Add four products to your cart👉 The discount applies automatically 👉 One gift becomes four. Easy. Extra gifts, zero extra stress. → Shop the Good Ass Gift Guide ← Shipping cutoff is December 17th, so get those orders in. Here's to good gifts, good hair, and a much less hair-washing-filled year ahead.
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12 Days of GAHD - Katelynn’s Winter Hair Wisdom
1. Watch the temp! If you have fine hair, keep your iron around 250-300°. 300-350° for medium-density hair, and 350-400° for thick or coarse hair. Start low and only bump it up if you need to. 2. Leave out your money piece, and don’t touch it with a hot tool until the very end. That way, you can turn the temp way down before you get to the most fragile part of your hair. Blondes… you already know (hand raised). Protect the pieces around your face. 3. Use tepid water in the shower. I know, no one wants to hear that. But rinsing with tepid water all winter long will change your hair (and your skin). Your skin is easier to moisturize than your hair, so start with the hair. 4. Apply your dry shampoo like deodorant. We don’t put deodorant on after we’re already sweaty and stinky, and dry shampoo is no different. Beat the grease before the grease beats you. 5. Incoming product plug: Get 👏 the fucking 👏 Scalp Cleanser. 👏 If you’re going more than 3 days between washes, it is non-negotiable. Even if you wash every day, a “Clean Sweep” once a week will change your scalp health. Take care of your scalp so your shampoo can actually do its job. Conditioner tip: Once you’ve applied conditioner in the shower, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle. Thank me laterrrr. Shower cap! I don’t believe you when you say you “just throw it in a bun” and it stays dry. No, it doesn’t. Parts are getting wet, and it messes with the magic. Get a shower cap. Mine is literally $2 and it’s elite (LMK if you have a rec!). Pro tip: when you get out of the shower, keep your towel on and wipe the inside of the cap with your hand, twisting as you go. Makes it last longer and keeps it from getting gross. Apply dry shampoo before bed. Let it work overnight. Apply to clean, dry hair. Add more each day. Apply in sections (!!!!!!). Then brush or massage it in. Blow-dry smarter. Ideally, you blow-dry your hair after washing, but let it air-dry to about 80% first. It’ll save your arms and be so much easier on your hair. Static? Add a little hair oil (I love Verb Ghost Oil) to your mids and ends. Sounds counterproductive, but listen: oily roots need dry shampoo. Dry ends need oil. They’re different problems. You are amazing, and I love you for being here. This is your reminder that your hair routine should work for you. My goal is to give you tips and tricks that help you be more intentional, because good things take time. With the right tools and knowledge, your hair shouldn’t only look good when you leave the salon. Happy Holidays, my friend. Here’s to Good Ass Hair Days and to 2026 blowing our fucking socks off in the BEST way possible. 💛✨
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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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