Fans will no doubt be drawn to Isabella’s confidence and magnetism, which is a direct result of Underwood’s on-screen presence. However, Underwood admits that she is actually shy in real life – unlike her character. “I don’t walk into rooms like Isabella, but playing her was so fun because I got to see a different side of me,” she explains. “I feel like I honestly learned something from her. Playing her made me a little more confident and outspoken in my everyday life. It was really fun. I’ve never played a role like her. It was fun to play so confidently It girl type vibe.”

For this edition of Wash Day Diaries, Lexi Underwood walks us through her favorite products (including a homemade mix!) to keep her hair healthy.

before poo

I first divide my hair into four parts. I love a good aloe vera treatment, so I mix aloe and castor oil together. I actually buy an aloe vera leaf from Whole Foods, which is right down the street from where I live. The aloe vera treatment stays in my hair for about three to five hours. Sometimes I sit under a hood dryer or I put on a cap and get a few things done around the house. Then I just wash it out.

Shampoo

I love Olaplex. I start with the shampoo and then begin the detangling process with the shampoo to ensure I get all the tangles out of my hair. After that I rinse it out and move on to the conditioner.

conditioner

I also use Olaplex’s conditioner. I’m cutting my hair again because it’s easier to keep my hair that way. I really focus on every part of my hair. I’ll put a cap on for 20 minutes to let the conditioner sit while I do the rest of my shower routine. Next I will rinse it out. The shampoo and conditioning process usually takes about an hour to complete. My routine changes a bit when I’m with my mom because she’ll help me wash my hair in the sink.

Olaplex No 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

Leave-in conditioner

I keep my hair in the four sections after I rinse out the conditioner. I detangle my hair again and then use the Olaplex leave-in conditioner. I also use the Mielle Organics Avocado Hair Milk, which I really love. I mix the two together and put it in my hair. I make little rings with my curls and put them in a double strand twist to set and dry my hair. Then I sit under a dryer that I have at home. Sometimes I will study for a self-tape. I also have my own production company. I’m currently writing, so I use that time to focus while I’m under the dryer.

Mielle Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk

Styling

At this point it is usually night. I go to bed and in the morning I take out the double strand twist and shake my hair. If there is any shrinkage, I take a hair dryer and go through it. Then I still use hair milk. I use Eco Styler gel as an edge control but I try not to use a lot as it tends to make my hair a bit flaky. I put a small amount on my edges and then that’s it. My hair is fresh and curly. My favorite style when my hair is in its natural state is a good updo. I love a good pineapple. I usually throw it in there and then go about my day.

Paulina Jayne Isaac is a writer and editor based in Philadelphia. Follow her on Instagram @paulinajayne15.