The Best Season of My Life (And What I've Been Putting in My Hair)

I have to be honest — I am just really happy right now.

I got engaged. I taught my first extension class. I'm training for a triathlon. And somehow in the middle of all of it, I keep coming back to this feeling of deep, genuine gratitude for the clients and community who have been with me along the way. You've watched this whole thing unfold. You've trusted me. And so much of what's happening right now feels even better because of that.

This month I wanted to share a little of what's been going on — the good stuff — and also the products I've been relying on to keep my hair in great shape while life is beautifully, wonderfully full.

Getting Engaged

I'm engaged. I still kind of can't believe I get to say that.

I've spent years in the chair hearing love stories. Clients coming in flushed and excited after a first date. Retelling proposals with shaky hands. Planning weddings appointment by appointment. I have always loved getting to be part of those chapters — and now I get to have one of my own.

It feels like one of those moments where everything you've been working toward just quietly, happily arrives. I am so excited for what's ahead.

Teaching My First Extension Class

This one surprised me with how much I loved it.

I've been doing extensions for years, but teaching is its own thing entirely. Walking a room full of stylists through something I've spent so long refining, watching it click for them in real time — that energy was something I didn't know I needed until it happened. The questions were so good. I left feeling genuinely lit up in a way that reminded me why I got into this industry in the first place.

I'm already planning the next one for August. If you're a stylist wanting to add extensions or level up your technique, that's the one to be at.

And a Triathlon, Because Apparently That's Happening Too

Yes, I'm also training for a triathlon. Life is full and I am completely here for it.

What this means practically is that my hair is getting washed more, worked harder, and really needs to hold up — which brings me to what I've actually been using.

What I'm Using on My Hair Right Now: Monat

When life is this active, I need a routine that's simple, effective, and genuinely supports my hair and scalp rather than just sitting on top of it. Monat has been exactly that.

Monat is a hair and scalp care line built on the idea that healthy hair starts at the scalp. It uses naturally derived ingredients, leaves out the harsh sulfates, and is formulated for hair that's being asked to do a lot — color, extensions, hormonal changes, or just the wear of a really full life.

It's what I recommend most for:

• Thinning or shedding related to stress, postpartum changes, or aging

• Scalp sensitivity or buildup from product or hard water

• Color-treated or extension-wearing hair that needs something gentler

• Fine hair that wants body without the weight

These are the women I see every week. This is the line I trust.

The Products I Keep Coming Back To

MONAT Revive Shampoo My starting point. It cleanses well without stripping — which makes a real difference when you're washing frequently. Your scalp should feel clean and balanced afterward, not tight. For active clients, new moms, or anyone dealing with buildup, this is the one.

MONAT Restore Leave-In Conditioner If you're wearing extensions or dealing with dryness mid-length to ends, a good leave-in is everything. This one layers cleanly under heat protectant, doesn't cause slippage at the bond, and keeps hair looking great between appointments.

MONAT Intense Repair Treatment I use this on myself after heavier training weeks. Once or twice a week, it restores what washing and activity take out. Clients going through postpartum shedding or hormonal shifts consistently notice a difference with this one.

MONAT Volumizing Mousse For fine-hair clients who've tried every volume product and been let down — this one holds. No crunch, no collapse by noon. I've been reaching for it on days when I want body that actually lasts.

Shop everything here: product.mymonat.com

Your Hair During Big Life Seasons

Here's something I genuinely believe: the moments when you feel like you have the least bandwidth to think about your hair are often exactly when your hair needs a little more support.

Big transitions — a new baby, a body working harder than usual, a season that's fuller than normal — show up in your scalp and strands. Not dramatically. Just really. The right products during those times aren't extra. They're just good maintenance, and they make a noticeable difference in what you see six months from now.

Your at-home routine is half the equation. What we do together in the chair is the other half. Both matter.

So Much Gratitude

I keep coming back to this: so much of what makes this season feel so good is the people who have been here for the whole thing.

Clients who have been in my chair for years. Who have cheered me on, referred their friends, and trusted me through every version of their own lives too. You are part of this story and I don't take that lightly.

Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

If you have questions about Monat or what might work for your hair specifically, reach out — that's always a conversation I love having.

— Claire