Buzz
Our hair can suffer damage from various factors, including the temperature of the water we use to wash it and the surrounding environment. Damaged hair often appears brittle and coarse both to the eye and to the touch, making it more challenging to style. To achieve healthy and shiny hair, simply follow a few straightforward steps, such as being mindful when selecting hair care products, washing your hair less frequently, and shielding it from harmful environmental elements.
Steps
Washing Your Hair
Avoid washing your hair every day. Try to wash your hair every 2-3 days instead of daily. Overwashing can strip away the natural oils produced by your scalp, which are essential for maintaining hair health. When these oils are removed, your hair can become brittle, and your scalp may start overproducing oil, leading to greasy hair.
- By reducing the frequency of washing, you’ll notice your hair stays cleaner for longer after each wash.
Tip: You can use dry shampoo if you feel the need to wash your hair on days when you’re not using regular shampoo.
Use sulfate- and silicone-free hair care products. Many store-bought products contain chemicals like sulfates that can further damage your hair. Ingredients such as silicones can clog pores responsible for producing natural oils, leading to dryness. Opt for natural products made from gentler ingredients.
- Finding the best products for your hair often involves trial and error. If a product makes your hair feel flat or dull, try switching to another one.
- Choose products based on your hair type. You can ask your hairstylist for recommendations tailored to your hair’s needs.
Gently wash your hair with shampoo. Shampoo helps cleanse your hair, removing dirt and excess oil buildup. To use shampoo correctly, wet your hair first, then apply a small amount to the top of your head and scalp. Use your fingers to lather the shampoo and work it through your strands. Avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent damage.
- You can also try applying shampoo by pouring a small amount into your hands. Use your fingers like a comb to distribute the shampoo through your hair instead of vigorously rubbing your scalp.
- Purchase anti-dandruff shampoo if you have dandruff.
Apply conditioner to the ends of your hair. When using conditioner, focus on the mid-lengths and ends rather than applying it directly to your scalp. Conditioner on the scalp can make your hair greasy and weighed down. Use your fingers to work the conditioner through your hair, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
- You don’t need to use conditioner after every wash, especially if your hair tends to get oily, but it helps protect against split ends.
Rinse your hair with cool water. Hot water can damage your hair just like heat styling tools. To avoid this, adjust the water temperature to lukewarm or cool when washing and rinsing your hair.
- Pay extra attention to using cooler water when rinsing out shampoo and conditioner, as high temperatures can react poorly with the nutrients in the conditioner. Cool water can also enhance your hair’s shine.
Try using a deep conditioning treatment once a week. While you don’t need to condition after every wash, you’ll notice your hair becoming healthier with a weekly deep conditioning routine. Here’s how to use a deep conditioner:
- Apply the conditioner to the lengths of your hair. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
- After rinsing, follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner. When rinsing out the conditioner a second time, gently run your fingers through your hair instead of scrubbing to remove the product.
- Finish by rinsing your hair with cold water to seal the cuticles and restore shine.
Clean your combs and brushes regularly. Along with washing your hair, make sure to clean your combs frequently. Oily hair can transfer grease to your comb, which then gets redistributed back into your hair when you brush.Wash your comb with warm water and shampoo, then let it air dry completely.
Let your hair air dry naturally. Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel or using a blow dryer. If you wrap your hair in a towel while it’s wet, the friction can cause split ends and frizz.
Instead of a towel, try using an old t-shirt or pillowcase to gently absorb moisture. These fabrics are softer than towels and less damaging to your hair.
Microfiber towels are also gentle and can dry your hair without causing frizz or damage.
Use hair care products and tools to maintain healthy hair
Determine your hair type. If you’re unsure about your hair type, it’s essential to figure it out to choose the right products and care methods. Consider factors like length, thickness, and texture to identify your hair type.
- You can always keep your hair healthy and beautiful, whether it’s thin, thick, curly, or short.
Use dry shampoo for greasy hair. If your hair starts to look oily but you’re not ready to wash it, dry shampoo can help it appear fresher. Hold the dry shampoo about 10 inches away from your scalp and spray it in short bursts onto the roots. Then, massage the product into your scalp and brush through your hair.
Try natural oils to moisturize your hair. If store-bought products leave your hair greasy, natural oils can add shine and softness without the oily residue. Apply ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) of oil from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair. Natural oils help lock in moisture, leaving your hair smooth and glossy.
Note: Just like with shampoos and conditioners, finding the right hair oil for you may require some trial and error. Popular moisturizing oils include coconut oil, almond oil, avocado oil, castor oil, and Moroccan oil.
Use natural hair powders for conditioning. Certain natural powders can soften and nourish your hair. Simply apply a small amount to your scalp and hair.
- Popular hair powders include mustard powder, ginger powder, Brahmi powder, and amla powder.
Choose the right comb or brush for your hair type. Consider your hair type and any challenges you face when selecting a comb or brush.
- Boar bristle brushes are ideal for long, thick hair, providing smoothness and shine.
- Nylon bristle brushes work well for medium-length hair and are great for detangling even the knottiest strands.
- Plastic brushes are versatile and suitable for all hair types, especially very thick hair.
- Fine-tooth combs are best for short, thin hair.
- Wide-tooth combs are great for short, thick hair.
Avoid brushing wet hair. Wait until your hair is almost dry and use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle. Hair is at its weakest when wet, making it more prone to damage.
- Some people with curly hair avoid brushing altogether. If you have curly hair that tends to frizz, consider reducing how often you brush.
Limit how often you brush your hair. Over-brushing can make your hair greasier. Try to brush only once in the morning and once at night.
- Use your fingers to detangle your hair if it gets too knotted.
Use hair ties that don’t damage your hair. Hair ties can cause breakage and split ends. If you frequently wear high ponytails, opt for hair ties designed to minimize damage and tangling. Also, tie your hair loosely instead of tightly pulling it back, as tight styles can cause additional stress to your hair.
Use heat styling tools responsibly
Invest in high-quality heat styling tools. While it’s best to minimize heat styling, there are times when you need tools like straighteners, curlers, or blow dryers. Opt for high-quality products, as cheaper tools often cause more damage due to lower-grade materials. Additionally, budget tools may lack adjustable heat settings, forcing you to use unnecessarily high temperatures.
Apply a heat protectant spray before using styling tools. Before using a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron, use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage from heated tools. Wait until your hair is about 50% dry to apply the product, then use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute it evenly.
- Dry your hair on medium or low heat settings for added protection.
Tip: Avoid using silicone-based products before heat styling. These can penetrate the hair and strip away moisture. Wait until after styling to apply products like anti-frizz serums.
Avoid using concentrator nozzles on blow dryers. These attachments direct heat to specific sections of hair, increasing the risk of damage. Instead, simply point the blow dryer downward to achieve a similar effect.
Avoid heat styling damaged hair. If your hair is already damaged, steer clear of heat tools until it recovers. These tools can worsen dryness or breakage in already fragile hair.
Try heatless styling methods. Instead of daily blow drying, straightening, or curling, experiment with techniques that don’t require heat. For example, use ribbons, hair ties, or headbands to style your hair. Here are a few more ideas:
- Boar bristle round brushes are great for smoothing and straightening hair without a flat iron. Large brushes can also add shine.
- When your hair is slightly damp, twist it into a bun and secure it with bobby pins if needed. Leave it for about an hour before releasing for soft, natural waves.
- Braid your hair while slightly damp before bed, and in the morning, undo the braid for effortless waves.
Maintain Healthy Hair
Avoid pulling or tugging at your hair. If you frequently play with your hair, it can become greasier due to the natural oils on your fingers. Also, refrain from pulling or picking at split ends, as this will only worsen the condition.
Trim your hair regularly. If your hair is prone to split ends, regular trims are essential to keep it looking healthy. Aim to get a haircut every 3 months, and consider trimming your hair every 6 weeks.
Tip: If your hair is severely damaged, consider a drastic cut to remove all dead ends, which may leave you with shorter hair.
Don’t change your hair color too often. Avoid frequent dyeing, as hair dye can cause significant damage. The strong chemicals in hair dye can lead to dryness and breakage.
- If you want to continue coloring your hair, wait until your roots grow out a bit before reapplying dye.
Eat nutritious foods. By choosing the right foods, you can promote hair growth, repair damage, and prevent hair loss. Without sufficient daily nutrients, your hair may become thinner.
- Ensure you consume enough protein. Hair is made of protein, so include meat, eggs, and other protein-rich foods to provide the nutrients needed for hair growth and repair.
- Look for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential fats, such as fish oil (like salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and almonds.
- Vitamins B6 and B12 are also beneficial for hair.
Courtney Foster
Beauty Specialist
Beauty Specialist
Your diet and water intake significantly impact your hair. If you don’t get enough essential nutrients from food, your hair may start thinning or falling out. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
Drink plenty of water. Hair needs water to stay healthy, so ensure you stay hydrated to provide your hair with the moisture it requires. Water also hydrates your skin and nails and helps you feel more energized.
Protect your hair from environmental damage. Pollution, dust, and cigarette smoke can dry out your hair. Avoid smoking or being around smokers, and steer clear of heavily polluted areas.
Protect your hair from the sun. If you spend a lot of time outdoors under strong sunlight, shield your hair by wearing a hat or bandana to prevent sun damage.
- If hats aren’t your style, use hair products with UV protection, such as dry conditioner or diluted sunscreen spray.
- Avoid products containing alcohol before sun exposure, as they can increase hair damage.
Shield your hair from harsh chemicals. When swimming, protect your hair from chlorine by applying a dry conditioner before entering the pool. To minimize chlorine absorption, avoid wetting your hair or wear a swim cap.
- If chlorine has damaged your hair, try mixing a bit of vinegar with shampoo to restore its natural strength, or add a teaspoon of olive oil to your dry conditioner for added nourishment.
Tips
- Avoid washing or styling your hair if you’re staying home. Give your hair a chance to recover during downtime.
- Ensure your heat styling tools have ceramic plates to minimize damage.
- Use a blow dryer to speed up drying, but switch to a cool setting if you plan to straighten your hair afterward.
- On windy days, consider wearing a hooded jacket to keep your hair from tangling.
- Create a DIY hair mask using natural ingredients like olive oil and mayonnaise to infuse your hair with vitamin E, then rinse and enjoy soft, shiny locks!
