Influencer YouMe on How Her Hair is a Part of Her Cultural Identity

To celebrate our newly reformulated collection of shampoos and conditioners, we’ve asked creators and makers to give us a glimpse of their Living Proof haircare routines. Here’s what YouMe had to say.

In many ways, my strands serve as a direct nod to my cultural identity. My hair is one of the first things people notice about me, and although it has taken quite some time to fully embrace the dark, stiff, wavy-ish straight Asian hair I was born with, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

How my hair journey started

I didn’t always feel that way, though. I grew up as one of few Asian kids at my school, and it wasn’t until I moved to New York for college that I started to see more people like myself embracing their Asian features. In the big city, I was exposed to a multitude of ideas of beauty, and instead of feeling like I needed to alter my appearance to fit one unrealistic beauty standard, I was able to lean into the idea of loving and flaunting the skin I’m in from head to toe.

Prior to coming to terms with my strands and all they represent, I viewed taking care of my hair as a chore. I didn’t think much about the products I was using, and I had no hesitations about turning to damaging hot tools on a daily basis to achieve a texture I deemed acceptable. I was convinced that my hair was something to be disguised. It wasn’t until I came to terms with my own identity that I was able to see my hair as one of the things that makes me myself. From there, the desire to care for it properly was instinctual.

How my hair journey has evolved—and my current Living Proof lineup

This is when the fun began! I was able to start experimenting with new products and approaches to hair care, not in an effort to alter the hair I hated, but to embrace and enjoy the experience of taking care of my strands. After endless trial and error, I found my way to a couple of secret weapons that helped me to not only love my hair but get it looking its absolute best.

First, I found the rest of my routine was rendered obsolete without creating a strong foundation for healthy hair, aka a great wash. I invested in a good shampoo and conditioner and treated my tresses to a thorough cleanse every few days. Living Proof’s Perfect hair Day™ (PhD) Shampoo and Conditioner gave me just the right amount of softness and shine, and they’re still my favorite combo to this day.

From there, I built up an arsenal of products I could turn to on days when I didn’t have time for a full-on cleanse—and as an entrepreneur juggling a million things a day, there was many an occasion for which I’d want to look good with little time to primp. The second I was introduced to Living Proof’s PhD Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo, I knew right away that it would be a staple in my routine. Aside from saving time between washes, it gave my hair the perfect boost of volume and body, in addition to a super-clean feel. With this in regular rotation, my second- and third-day hair always looks the best.

Where I am today

As someone who once struggled to make peace with her hair, it thrills me to now be at a place where I can recommend products that make me feel good—and look good, too! Our most unique features

contain powerful stories about who we are and where we come from and developing a spiritual and physical connection with my hair has been the most rewarding journey.

Looking to start your own Lp. hair journey? You can easily find the right shampoo, conditioner, treatments, and stylers for your individual hair type and concerns by taking our hair quiz — think of it as your starting point to a whole new redux on wash day. In suds we trust