This Blogger Took a Vacation From Her Normal Hair Routine

Like most social media celebs, Hapa Time’s Jessica Ricks never really gets a day off — and neither does her hair. Creating the looks her devoted followers love can cause dry, dull strands, which is why Nexxus invited Jessica to take the #LockIn24 Challenge and experience the deeply hydrating powers of Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo, Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisture Conditioner, and Nexxus Encapsulate Serum while on vacation in Hawaii. Read on to find out what happened when she tried the three-step, seven-day challenge while hopping from island to island.

Day One

It’s Jessica’s first day in Hawaii and time to start her new routine. The Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo and Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisture Conditioner include a unique caviar and protein blend and lock in moisture to unleash hair’s smoothness right in the shower. “The first thing I noticed is how nice it smells!” she exclaims.

Next, she runs the Nexxus Encapsulate Serum through her thick, long strands. The unique formula features conditioning oils in caviar-shaped beads, which deliver rich moisture that is also lightweight. “The serum blends in so seamlessly that I didn’t feel like there was anything in my hair,” says Jessica. “It makes it look smoother and feel nicer as I style it.”

Day Two

A full day spent lounging at the hotel and then boating in the ocean leaves Jessica feeling as if she’s been battered by the sun, salt water, and the wind. “I can’t wait to get home and wash my hair!” she says. While Jessica usually washes her hair every other morning, the consistent exposure to the elements has her washing it nightly, which she says is like rinsing the day’s activities out of her mane.

Jessica admits she doesn’t use treatments at home because she feels they make her hair feel drier. Not the Nexxus Humectress, though: “The conditioner feels like it actually makes my hair smoother — when I run a comb through it, it already feels much better.”

Day Three

Jessica straightens her hair and creates two loose braids for a day of poolside relaxation. Since the sun can be harsh on your hair, Jessica has a sneaky tip to protect and hydrate it when you’re headed outside. “Wet your hair and then run some conditioner through it before you braid it,” she advises.

To get the sunscreen and sweat out of her hair, Jessica takes her nightly shower, then applies Nexxus Encapsulate Serum and blow-dries her hair. “Since I’ve colored my hair, I used to think washing it daily would make it feel damaged. Now that I’ve been using the shampoo, conditioner, and serum, I think it’s really helped protect it,” she notes.

Day Four

What better way to experience the beauty of Kauai than a mountain hike? While she curled her hair in the morning, the intense climb compels her to pull it up into a high ponytail. Even though she’s sweaty and sticky from the heat (not to mention the surprise rainstorm that rolls in), her hair still looks gorgeous thanks to a combination of the now loose curls and the light tousling from the wind.

Since her hair was put through a lot today, she opts to skip the blow-dryer and go to bed with damp hair. A few pumps of the serum, and then it’s lights out for the evening.

Day Five

Jessica starts her action-packed day — helicopter tour! Ice cream! Plane trip! — with a softly curled half-pony, which she likes because of the more feminine look it gives the style.

After enduring the gusts from the helicopter and a top-down car ride to Lappert’s Ice Cream shop, Jessica takes her hair down to reveal a tousled style. “When the wind messes up curled hair, it can still look good,” she says. “It almost looks styled when it’s naturally windswept.”

At the end of the day, she hops onto a quick flight to her next location, Oahu. The night ends as most great nights do: with take-out pizza.

Day Six

Jessica jumps straight into the shower to freshen up after her long day of travel. “I love applying the conditioner, it makes my hair so soft!" Jessica gushes. She opts for straight hair today but adds a touch of flair by tying a pretty pink ribbon around her low ponytail.

Because a style expert’s work is never done, Jessica spends the morning answering emails, editing photos, and doing a few quick shoots in the room. “It was kind of a rushed feeling because I wanted to get out of the room and enjoy Oahu, but that’s life,” she says.

Day 7

For her final day of the challenge, Jessica heads to the pool for a dip and then hits the beach one last time. To protect her hair from the wind and saltwater, she pulls her wet locks up into a bun. Afterward, she shakes out the bun and allows her hair to air-dry for a fresh-from-the-ocean texture. At the end of the day, she hops into the shower to rinse out all of the saltwater and repair her hair after her busy day. “My hair drinks up the conditioner and serum as usual,” she laughs.

So, what did she think after finishing the #LockIn24 Challenge? “I really felt the difference using the products and I actually wanted to use them. I felt like I needed them.” When asked if she will continue using them, she enthusiastically confirms they will now be a regular part of her routine. “I’ve got really big bottles of them so they’ll last me for a while,” she laughs.

Even though she’s a hardworking, jet-setting, always-busy woman, Jessica knows that taking some time out of her hectic life to treat herself is crucial. “It’s really important to not forget to take care of yourself because how you feel about yourself every day really affects your quality of life overall.” And, thanks to Nexxus, now she can experience a little touch of luxury every time she washes her hair.