Hair Full of Secrets
Our hair care routines are deeply personal. From our first salon experience to the first product we fell in love with, every moment is a part of our hair story. At Byrdie, we’re fascinated by the entire journey—the styling triumphs and the lessons we’ve learned from wash day disasters. With Hair Full of Secrets, we’re bringing you the tried-and-true products, rituals, and recommendations your favorite celebrities, founders, and influencers swear by.
Monet McMichael is the Internet’s beauty bestie. Her TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram—where she connects with millions—are a treasure trove of makeup, skincare, and hair care content. The latter, in particular, is a large part of what she’s known for. Back in 2021, McMichael went viral with a slo-mo hair flip video, and the rest is history. Since then, she’s shared countless styling tutorials and partnered with some of the most popular hair brands in the world. Case in point: Her recent collaboration with Method.
McMichael worked with the personal care brand on its new “The Shift” campaign, which aims to reframe haircare from a simple routine into a meaningful ritual. “I think a lot of people know Method for their body products, but I knew Method from their hair care products first. So, it was super organic when they wanted to partner. Their shampoo and conditioner were actually some of the first products I purchased when I was in high school. I was already such a natural fan, so it was exciting to learn more about the brand, their message, and how it aligns with what I stand for.”
Ahead, McMichael talks about how she incorporates Method into her weekly hair care routine, her favorite hairstyles, and the hair tools she can’t live without.
About Her Hair
“Honestly, I’ve been more in a repair state with my hair lately. I damaged it over the summer, which is crazy because I’ve been pretty good about heat protection and things like that. Method has super-rich ingredients, and I love using the Pure Peace shampoo and conditioner—they both have rose water, peony, and quinoa protein. Both smell so good and have a lot of restorative properties. I love knowing that when I’m washing my hair, it’s being treated, too.”
How Her Routine Has Changed Over Time
“I’ve definitely come a long way. I used a lot more heat when I was younger, without heat protectants. I just wanted my hair to smell good and look good. But now, I’m a lot more intentional with my prep and the post-care. I’m also doing more natural styles. Like, it’s not always just a blowout. I have more wavy hair, and I’ve learned to lean into my natural texture more.”
@monetmcmichael / instagram
Her Favorite Hairstyle
“The first thing I thought about was the ‘Monet Pony.’ I love a good Barbie ponytail. I did one for Fashion Week, and I was just swinging that ponytail! I kept it in for a few days and was obsessed. I did get braids this summer, though—and I can’t lie, I think that ended up damaging my hair. My hair is so long that when I dipped it in the boiling water, the plastic literally seared my ends. I loved the style for what it was, though! I felt really cute, and I loved having the cornrows.”
The Best Tip She’s Gotten From a Hairstylist
“I’ve seen a lot of stylists use thickening sprays while doing my hair so it lasts and gives volume. Also, wax sticks! Normally, when I’m doing snatched looks, I’d just use hairspray, but those wax sticks really give that sleek, snatched look.”
How She Finds Hair Inspo
“I can’t even lie—Pinterest is my best friend. The girls on Pinterest are my inspo. I can search for anything, and they’ve done it and slayed it. I’ll take multiple screenshots, send them to my hairstylist, and say, ‘Can we create a baby of all these different styles?'”
@monetmcmichael / instagram
The DIY Hair Trend She’s Loving
“Rice water! I tried making it myself at home—straining my rice, letting it sit, and using it on my skin and hair. I can’t tell if it really worked, but I loved making a ritual out of it. And growing up—maybe this is a Puerto Rican thing—my mom would mix mayo, eggs, and avocado to make a natural hair mask. Honestly, nothing beats that.”
The Tool She’s Used The Longest
“The first thing I thought about is this one brush I have. It’s a super coarse brush from the beauty supply store—it’s literally 15 years old. I cannot replace her. That brush is the one. I’ve also been using Paul Mitchell tools for a while.”
The Newest Tool She’s Loving
“I recently got the Shark FlexStyle—it’s incredible.”
