[This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pantene. The opinions and text are all mine.]

My days have sped up a bit even if that means slipping into an oversized button-down just to ensure productivity while working from the sofa… Other days I have more time (i.e. for a workout, reading and cooking….okay so maybe my fiancé is mainly involved with the latter). Lately, it feels like I’m always busy…yes, even at home.

So how have I been keeping it together? 

I’m all about spending my time wisely (and efficiently) to set the right tone. I do this by waking up extra early and getting ready (occasionally wearing jeans and makeup) and unwinding at night in my bathtub. I love experimenting with new hair products but keep going back to a brand I’ve been using for years now, my favorite go-to affordable option: Pantene. A brand that not only champions diversity, but continues to push for more genuine representation and inclusion. 

While I admit I haven’t had the urge (sometimes the time) to do much with my hair while social distancing, I knew I still had to do something other than put on makeup to feel good. So I opted for Pantene’s Waterless Collection and Nutrient Blends Collection because their products have consistently been a part of my hair care routine from the beginning.

What I’ve discovered…

Though my hair texture is naturally thin, I have a lot of it (thanks dad!) that unfortunately loves to stray when it meets the South Florida humidity, call it “misbehaved hair.” It’s taken me years to find the right balance. Over time, I realized diet helps (currently I’m 90% plant-based) but also limiting my use of heat styling tools, like my straightener, and instead using a leave-on mist to smooth things out. Allow me to introduce Pantene’s Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist from their Waterless Collection, made of Pro-Vitamin B5, Omega-9, soothing aloe and jojoba oil. Bonus? It also works perfectly on my hurried days because I don’t have to wash my hair…

QUICK TIP: In the morning I tilt my head over and spritz the product throughout my hair, running my fingers through to fluff and style it. Then, I reapply around mid-afternoon for an extra ounce of refreshing and taming. Because it feels lightweight and moisturized, it’s hard to tell if I’ve washed my hair or not that day simply after applying the product! The fact that it’s paraben free, sulfate free and the bottle fits perfectly in my tote is pretty wonderful.

Giving up heat-styling tools (as much as I loved using them to create beachy curls) and embracing my natural hair texture (which is straight) meant my shampoo and conditioner needed to do most of the legwork. I’ve tried shampoos that leave my hair feeling like a tangly mess and conditioners that make my fine hair feel too greasy. The newly formulated Hair Volume Multiplier Shampoo and Conditioner from the Nutrient Blends Collection by Pantene has helped boost my natural hair texture with volume and body while leaving it clean. The formula contains Pro-Vitamin B5, antioxidants and bamboo extract, which helps remove dirt and oils that can weigh hair down, creating featherlike texture, body and fullness. Plus, the scent is divine! 

QUICK TIP: Every other day, I massage this into my wet hair, making sure I don’t forget my ends, and rinse which helps with stray hairs as a result of not going to the salon for months. Occasionally, I leave-in the conditioner for 30 seconds (take a few sips of champagne) before rinsing it out to ensure my hair soaks up all the essential ingredients. Did I mention this too contains 0% silicones, parabens, dyes and mineral oils? It’s also gentle enough for permed or color treated hair. 

Nixing hair tools and embracing my natural hair texture while relying on good hair products has made my routine 10 times faster; leaving me with more time to read, make plant-based tacos (OK, more like my fiancé makes us tacos) and soak in the bathtub longer. Perk? My hair has never felt healthier. 

Be it wash-days or non-wash days, Pantene’s Waterless Collection and Nutrient Blends Collection have become my mane favorite!

Xo, Stephanie