Do you find yourself standing before the mirror trying to tame that mane every day? Are your messy locks getting unmanageable by the day? Are you tired of wasting money on tools and products that show no results? Then try these 14 tips for a better hair care routine.
Hair is an integral part of your personality. It can make or break your look. Irrespective of the style, shade, and texture, one wants salon-styled hair every day. But is that possible? Here are the top tips by experts for a good hair care routine! Save those long hours of restoration treatments in salons and start working on yourself.
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Washing to promote healthy hair:
A grimy and oily scalp clogs your pores with dirt. Regular cleansing prevents sebum and residue collection, promoting growth. But often, people fail to realize how much washing their hair needs. Though washing your hair every day may feel clean and fresh, it can strip the natural oils making your hair extremely weak and dry.
- Experts suggest washing hair not more than thrice a week.
- Avoid using hot water to wash hair as it removes the natural oils of your scalp making your hair rough.
Protecting your hair:
Just like your skin, your hair needs protection too. Excessive heat from UV rays or heating tools can rip off the moisture from hair, making it brittle. Sprays and creams are available in the market that protects your hair strands from heat damage. Also, minimize damage by using tools, such as straighteners, hairdryers from a distance to prevent split ends. Regular usage of heat tools makes hair dehydrated and thus appear frizzy and dull. Air-dry whenever possible.
Brush your hair efficiently:
We all suffer from stubborn tangles probably once a week. Brushing forcefully through them can create split-ends and lead to hair fall.
- Combing from the tip of the roots causes unnecessary pain. Hence, brush starting from below gently climbing above.
- Excessive brushing leads to hair fall, so it is advisable not to brush more than twice a day.
- Use first a wide-toothed comb and then a fine-tooth comb to clear the remaining tangles.
- Do not brush wet hair as it leads to breakage since wet hair is fragile.
Stay away from harsh chemicals:
Bid goodbye to hair products laced with harsh chemicals and switch to natural products. To clean your hair, most brands incorporate foaming agents such as Sodium lauryl sulfate, Diethanolamine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, etc. Shampoos with silicone used to make hair shiny can weigh down the hair and block moisture from reaching the hair cuticle. Many hazardous chemicals like parabens can cause cancer. Formaldehyde, a common carcinogen, is also present in shampoos for preservation. These chemicals can be toxically damaging and can lead to various health issues.
Condition with care:
Shampooing does not cure your hair of everything. A good layer of conditioning after shampooing should be a part of your daily ritual. Conditioned hair is frizz-free, UV and pollution protected, and tangle-free. Massage your hair, avoiding the scalp from root to tip for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly to get healthy and smooth hair every day.
Hair Oil:
Harry Josh, the creative consultant for John Frieda, says, “There are a thousand reasons hair gets dry, ranging from color treatments and heat tools to exposure to sun, chlorine, and saltwater. Adding oil or serum will help guarantee that your hair is well-nourished and properly conditioned”. A gentle massage of oil increases blood flow, restores moisture, and introduces shine to your tresses. Argan oil, coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, and almond oil are common elements for hair massages.
Trimming your hair:
A blunt shape is not only unappealing but also hinders the holistic health of the hair. Split ends that form due to heat, damage, and pollution need to be trimmed every two months.
Hydrate:
Yes, you heard it right! Beauty comes from inside out. These days, beauty industries encourage hair care on a holistic level ensuring intake of proper nutrition apart from using expensive creams. Hydration is a game-changer when it comes to healthy hair. Drink ample amounts of water to maintain the life of your tresses.
A balanced diet:
A balanced diet with enough protein, zinc, and good fats can increase collagen production, which strengthens your hair. Limit consumption of alcohol and trans fats to save those bouncy curls.
Use a silk or satin pillowcase:
Fibers from linen pillowcases get stuck in your locks while sleeping making them untidy and tangled. Therefore, switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce washing of your hair.
Analyze your hair type:
Use products that best suit your needs. Shampoos and conditioners meant for oily hair cannot be used on dry hair types. Coloured or dyed hair requires certain shampoos with color protectors.
Use natural products like hair masks:
Masking your hair once a week can improve your hair’s health.
- Egg masks are rich in Vitamin B1, B2, and B5 that make hair strong, flexible, and prevent early grey hair.
- Onion juice being anti-fungal and antibacterial prevents hair infections.
- Green tea masks are full of rich anti-oxidants which prevent dandruff and benefit the hair follicles.
Handle with care:
Unnecessary tugging and traction of hair can damage. Tie up your hair in protective hairstyles once or twice a day. Constantly tying and untying can lead to breakage.
Invest in the right tools:
The right tools and the right equipment can make a world of difference to your hair when used correctly. Mark Hampton, who is the global ambassador for Toni and Guy says that a salon-quality, powerful hairdryer and a good brush “will completely change the texture of your hair, without breaking or frying your strands.” We must invest in products with prior knowledge and proper research.
You can have those voluminous and shiny locks that you’ve been dreaming about by following these tips and tricks. Incorporate these good habits as your daily hair care routine and find out what suits you the most.
