Want to be bright and shiny? Well your hair does! Nurse your hair back to good health and make it shine once again…
Sud up sporadically! Are you guilty of over washing your hair? You are not alone-we all do it. Who can resist lathering your locks after a sweaty session at the gym or after a long hot day? Well try-your hair will thank you. To avoid stripping your hair and scalp of its natural oils, which keep your locks looking shiny and healthy, ditch the daily shampooing. Wash your hair every two days (or 3 if you can hold out) with a gentle shampoo (preferably a sulphate-free one) that is right for your hair. Tip: If your hair is looking a tad greasy between shampoo days, baby powder is a fab to absorb the grease!
Finding THE one: Finding the right shampoo and conditioner for your mane is almost as hard as finding the right man. You have to test the ‘waters’ before finding the perfect fit. If your hair looks greasy/oily a day after shampooing, it’s time to toss the bottle and try a new shampoo. If you have dry or damaged locks look out for products that include words like ‘restorative, strengthening, and anti-breakage’. Come to terms with your hair type- no shampoo or conditioner will change it. Use what is right for your hair.
Drying off… before you reach for your hairdryer try get at much water out of your hair as you can. Gently towel dry your hair until it’s at least two-thirds dry- and avoid that old trick of the ‘towel turban’ that actually damages your hair as twisting strains your soaked strands.
Stay out of the heat… by making sure your locks are protected with a thermal protective styling product (pick one that calls this out on the bottle) before you begin to dry- it saves your tresses from getting completely fried.
Give the best blow job: Blow-drying is here to stay despite the fact that all that heat sucks out the hair’s moisture but you can blow better and minimize the damage. Hold your hairdryer at least 3 inches away from your hair, pointed downward, and keep it in constant motion and moving to prevent fried sections. Dry at least 50% of your hair with your hairdryer on the low-heat setting and then you can turn up the heat.
Keeping up with the conditioners: Keep your hair in tip-top condition (and repair the damage) with moisture rich conditioners and hair masks. Daily wear and tear and over processing saps hair of its natural moisture and you need to ‘give’ it back. In addition to using a regular conditioner every time you wash your hair, treat your locks to a weekly intensive hair mask. Find a product that hydrates strengthens and encourages hair growth or caters to your specific hair care needs. Make sure to concentrate on the ends of your hair as they are driest- hello split ends! And if your tresses are totally stressed leave in your conditioner overnight.
Tip top tools: Make sure your hair gets the best by keeping your tools in the best shape. Get a hairdryer that is ionic- these models encourages the hair cuticles to lie flat for a great blow-dry-and is at least 2000 watts. Make sure your hair brush bristles are in tip top condition as old and worn bristles can rough up your hair’s cuticle. When shopping for a new one, run it down your arm. If the bristles feel abrasive, ditch it as they can cause breakage.
Move on from the metal mania: If you haven’t already heard the gospel, ditch the metal hair straightener or curling iron in favour of the fabulous ceramic ones on the market. Unlike the metal models, ceramic heats up evenly and glides easily through the hair. When using your hair straightener keep it moving- don’t heat any one section of hair longer than three counts of “Vuvuzela.” If you see steam rising off your hair, you have gone too far!
Trim up your tresses… every hairdresser and hair expert say the only way to keep your hair in good condition is to go for a trim every 3 to 6 weeks to get rid of dead ends and stimulate hair growth- well that never happens! Try aim for every 2 months- it’s more realistic!
Time to scrub up: Treat yourself to a fab head massage (or do it yourself with your fingertips), because all that rubbing removes product buildup and boosts circulation so more nutrients can get to the hair follicle. Start scrubbing sista.
DIY de-stress your tresses: For a quick fix to crank up shine and strip your hair of dulling product buildup mix 2 tablespoons apple-cider vinegar or a dollop of baking soda with a squirt of your favorite shampoo in a small bowl before you lather up once a week.
Article By: Jenna Shevel