After years of blow-drying my hair almost every single day, plus curling it, straightening it, and using cheap shampoos and conditioners, my hair was a mess. It was frizzy, breaking off, and extremely dry. However, after taking a break from my usual hair routine — and investing in the right products — my hair went from drab to (sort of) fab in just a few months.
If you’re wanting to improve the look of your hair or are just trying to take better care of it, here’s what you can do right now to get the best ‘do possible.
Put the Hot Tools Down
I know it’s hard, but put your hairdryer, straightener, and curling iron away. In fact, try to use hot tools only when absolutely necessary. If you’re someone who uses a blowdryer every single day, start air-drying instead. Don’t be afraid to sleep with damp hair (it actually adds a little volume).
However, if hot tools are necessary to your everyday routine, please make sure you are using a heat protectant spray. You don’t want your hair to fry off, do you?
Try to Not Wash Your Hair Every Day
While it’s important to make sure you’re washing your hair enough, do your best not to wash it every day. Depending on the type of hair you have (dry, oily, etc.), you should wash your hair anywhere from one to three times a week.
This will ensure your scalp and hair are clean, while also keeping it free of buildup. Believe it or not, water can be damaging to hair, so it’s a good idea to only get it wet a few days a week.
Get Regular Haircuts
Contrary to popular belief, getting regular trims won’t make your hair grow faster. It will, however, make your hair look better. Getting regular haircuts every three to four months will get rid of split ends and help your hair look healthier.
Invest In a Good Shampoo and Conditioner
Please do yourself a favor and stop buying cheap shampoos and conditioners. It may seem like it doesn’t matter, but cheap shampoos often leave buildup behind and cheap conditioners can make your hair feel greasy. Instead, invest a little bit of money into products that are actually good for your hair.
There are plenty of quality shampoos and conditioners that won’t break the bank (check out Shea Moisture) and will leave your hair feeling silky smooth. And, if you’re curious what the best shampoo or conditioner is for your hair, ask your hairstylist the next time you go in for a haircut. They’ll be able to identify the type of products you should be using and may have a few good suggestions in mind. Never be afraid to consult the experts!
Comb > Brush
If possible, comb your hair after a shower with a wide-toothed comb. Hair is very prone to breakage when it is wet, so it’s important to use a comb instead of a brush. Make sure to let your hair air dry for a little while and then gently work the comb through your hair.
Don’t Forget the Oils
After you condition your hair, it’s probably a good idea to work oils through it as well. Oils will not only give your hair a beautiful shine, but they will also replenish it with the minerals and vitamins it needs to be strong and healthy. Lathering your hair in coconut oil for 30 minutes or so (and then rinsing it with a shampoo) every week or so is great, as is rubbing a bit of Argan oil onto your ends.
