Hey, Nikki here. Up until about four months ago, I was dealing with chronic breakouts on my body and dry, brittle hair that lasted over a year and a half. No matter what I tried—medications, topicals, you name it—nothing worked. I had no idea that my hair and skin issues were actually connected.
After what felt like trying everything under the sun, I finally discovered the cause: the ingredients in my shampoo, conditioner, and likely a few other products I was using on my skin and hair. I have very sensitive skin that reacts to ingredients like shea butter, heavy oils, fats, and certain alcohols—so anything containing those is a no-go for me.
Once I eliminated those ingredients from my routine, everything changed. The products I now use contain little to none of those ingredients, whereas the ones I was using before often had six or seven problematic (for me) ingredients in a single bottle. That’s when it all clicked—my skin breakouts and hair issues were coming from the same source. I also realized that the proteins in some of my previous products just weren’t right for my hair type.
Below, I’ve included some before-and-after photos of my skin. If you're struggling with similar issues, I highly recommend checking out the products I share below—they’ve truly made all the difference for me.
Shower Routine
Virtue
Recovery Shampoo + Full Conditioner:
I love the science behind Virtue—they're more of a biotech company than a traditional haircare brand. Any protein that your hair doesn’t need gets rinsed away, so there’s no risk of “protein overload.” I use both of these to balance each other out. My hair has a bit of damage, but since I’m not currently coloring it, I still want it to feel light and healthy. Restorative Treatment Mask:
I just love the scent of this mask—and it truly makes my hair feel incredibly soft.
Redken
Extreme Length Shampoo and Conditioner: I love this one because it promotes length through Biotin, and it has zero added proteins and only 7 ingredients total. As soon as I incorporated this, my hair started feeling better (and the price point is unbeatable)
Color Extend Conditioner: I use this when I just want a little tone added to my hair
K18
Detox Shampoo: In my opinion, it's our best clarifying shampoo
Molecular Repair Mask: I used this more when I was blonde, but I still use it maybe once every 6 weeks!
Oribe
Mirror Rinse Hair Gloss: My hair is always in need of shine, and this treatment does not contain any of the ingredients that break me out. Perfect solution!
Skincare
(you will notice that I don't use much, I have cut all the extras out and really streamlined it to avoid breakouts)
Cleanser:
La Roche-Posay Toleriane: I use this for lighter makeup days and for other days when I am wearing foundation etc, I will just use regular Dove Bar soap.
Moisturizer:
Living Libations Best Skin Ever Sandalwood: This is kind of my hero product. Even though it looks like an oil it doesn't contain any oils and it's not heavy, it's more like a silky serum. I use it for my morning moisturizer.
Urisec 22% Urea cream: Urea is an amazing ingredient because it kind of speeds up skin turnover and locks in moisturizer without being super occlusive. This is another hero product for me and one of the only "lotions" I can use on my face or arms that won't break me out. (I can't even use lubriderm lotion)
Extras:
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50T and Masque Vivant: If you know this brand you know these products (IKYK). These are my splurge products in my mostly boring skincare routine, and again, don't contain any of my trigger ingredients.
Other Haircare
Prep Products
Virtue:
Virtue 6-In-1 Styler: This is my main one now as it's the perfect amount of hold and moisture, and it's light.
Virtue Damage Reverse Serum: This one I add in maybe every 3 weeks, but realistically you don't need to use it every time you are styling your hair.
Balmain Leave In Conditioning Spray and Argan Elixir: I will combine this with the Virtue Damage Reverse Serum for days when I really want some silky hair.
Style Products
Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse: Still my favorite mousse for airdrying! It's such a popular item at the salon too.
Balmain Salt Texturizing Spray: This is a product that does not get enough love! I spray it in as a blowout spray, you can airdry with it in or use it after waving hair. So versatile.
K18 Dry Shampoo: We can't keep this on the shelf, it's a cult favorite, and I honestly cannot live without it.
Mason Pearson Mini Pocket Brush: I am obsessed with this little guy! You would need a bigger one for thick hair but this is perfect for mine. I love taking it on nights out for my smaller purse. I am going to buy my niece one so she can have one for life.
Fragrance
My two ride or die signature scents are Maison Margiela Jazz Club, I've been wearing this for about 4 years, and the Jo Malone Myrrh and Tonka. As soon as I smelled the Jo Malone one my mind was made up. As long as it's around I will be buying it. I get so many compliments on both.
Here are the before & afters:
