Whether you’re trying to keep your long, luscious locks looking glam or trying to grow out the darling bob that is starting to sag, these simple tips can help you keep your hair looking shiny and fresh.
Watch the shampoo
A lot of crucial hair care happens in the shower. It is important, however, not to pamper your hair to death by over-shampooing it. Your scalp naturally produces oils to moisturize your hair. Washing it daily strips your hair of those natural conditioners. Avoid washing your hair more than two or three times a week and don’t ever shampoo without conditioning. When you do apply shampoo, make sure to focus on the scalp. The suds will work their way down and the roots are really what need it the most. When you condition, focus on the middle and ends.
Scalp care
Brushing your hair, periodic deep-conditioning treatments and exfoliating scalp masks are all methods you can easily use to maintain a healthy and happy scalp. When you shampoo and condition, try to stay away from harsh chemicals or residual ingredients that leave your hair feeling dull and heavy. Additionally, infuse a few drops of essential oils that promote circulation a few times a week right before bed and wash it out when you shower the next day. Paying attention to your scalp helps prevent your hair follicles from clogging and also keeps your hair from growing dry and frizzy.
Turn down the heat!
You’re probably aware that excessive heat is bad for your tresses. Try to limit how often you blow-dry, straighten or curl your hair. When you do need to heat-style it, make sure to use a heat-protective spray. Curlers and hair texturizing sprays are a no-heat alternative to styling. Taking out the heat in the shower also benefits your hair. Rinse your scalp in cold water at the end of your shower to lock in moisture, prevent frizziness and to prevent heat damage.
Trim it often
Regardless of how careful you are with your hair, split ends are inevitable. To prevent them from spreading and causing further damage along your hair shaft, getting trims regularly will actually help keep your hair healthy and long. How often you trim depends on how often you use heat to style your hair and maintain its overall health. If your hair is dry and brittle, you might need to get a cut more regularly – every six to eight weeks is recommended – whereas if your hair is in relatively good health you might be able to hold off until 10-12 weeks.
Let it down
Tight buns and ponytails cause stress and breakage – especially if you put your hair up while it’s still wet. If you do need to put your hair up, opt for clips or soft scrunchies that won’t pull on your hair. Also, change up your hairstyles so that your hair doesn’t start to fracture by being repeatedly bent in the same spot day in and day out. Let your hair down or put it into a loose braid for low-stress styling.
