Many people do things to their hair to achieve the style they want. Unfortunately, the practices they often use are not good for the overall health of their hair. Anyone can have the hairstyle they desire, while still maintaining proper hair care, as you will see in the following article.
If you have got really dried out and damaged hair, try olive oil! At a time when you won’t be going out, apply the oil in downward strokes to hair length and let it sit overnight. Olive oil will give your hair some much needed nutrients and restore some of that luster.
For those with curly hair, nix SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) from your hair care routine, for bouncy, care-free curls. SLS is a harsh stripping agent that robs your hair of essential oils. This creates the illusion of frizz and encourages breakage. You can spot this substance by checking the ingredients of your products.
When shampooing your hair, make sure that your hair is completely wet before applying a quarter-sized amount. This minimizes breakage due to tugging and tangling, and it helps the shampoo to effectively cleanse each strand. Do not lather for more than 30 seconds, and rinse with a blast of cool water to seal in moisture.
If you can, try not to blow dry your hair too often and do not color your hair frequently. Both of these can cause your hair to dry out, damaging it in the process. If these products have already dried your hair out, you can use coconut oil twice a week to add moisture.
Make sure your hair is thoroughly wet before you apply shampoo and begin washing it. If you start to scrub your hair and scalp without getting it wet enough first, you are much more likely to have strands of your hair break off in your hands. When the hair is wet, it is more pliable and will resist breakage better.
Using appliances that are hot on the hair can prove to be very damaging, so you should limit your use of them. When using a blow dryer on your hair, it is a good idea to use the cool setting or the low setting, so that you will decrease the chances of hair getting damaged.
Make sure that you do not use shampoo each and every day. This can lead to your hair becoming very fragile and also dandruff over time. Try to shampoo and wash your hair two or three times per week if you want to achieve the best possible look and feel.
Make sure you only apply conditioner to your hair and not to your scalp. It is the hair shaft that needs to be conditioned and have the oils and moisture replaced. Applying conditioner to your scalp will only make it more oily and weigh your hair down. Start putting the conditioner on your hair from about midway down all the way to the tips.
Limit the number of chemical services you have done on your hair at any given time. If you opt to go with coloring, avoid processes like perms. When your hair is subjected to this kind of chemical over-treatment, you can have a long road ahead to get your hair back to a healthy state.
Use your heat-styling implements, such as curling irons or flattening irons, on the lowest effective heat setting. Heated metal can cause your hair serious damage, especially if you have curly or dry hair. Use conditioners to lock in moisture and add strength to your hair before using these types of styling tools.
Avoid clinging to one shampoo and conditioner brand. If you switch the brand every now and then, you will see your hair react positively. Another brand may be better at removing build-up or adding volume.
Make sure that the shampoo you use (and the way you use it) does not eliminate all of the natural oils in your hair. Even if you’re hair is oily and you use a harsh shampoo, it can remove all of your hair’s oil, making it oilier. Instead, use a really gentle shampoo. Many people will wash with conditioner only, a couple of times a week.
You must drink lots of water to have the healthiest hair possible. Water not only hydrates your body, it also hydrates your hair. Drinking plenty of water makes sure that your hair is hydrated, which leads to less frizzy days! As a goal, always try to drink about eight glasses of water every day.
Conditioner is important to the health of your hair. Most people know this, but they stay away from leave in conditioners. These types of conditioners are actually best for your hair because they hydrate your hair continuously and promote the overall health of your hair. Instead of using your traditional conditioner, try using a leave in conditioner.
Limit your sun exposure. It is widely known that the sun’s rays are harmful to your skin; however they can be just as harmful to your hair as well. The ultraviolet radiation can weaken your hair on its own, and if it is combined with harsh pool chemicals, such as chlorine, the effects can be devastating.
Check hair care products before you buy them as they may contain harmful ingredients and chemicals. Avoid alcohol in gels as it will dry your hair. Parabens, which are found in many products, have a possible link to cancer. Mineral oil may also be another carcinogen and glycerin may actually dry instead of moisturize.
If you have long hair and want to grow it even longer, make sure you get a trim about once every two to three months. If you do not do this, it will split at the ends and cause your hair to look like it is not growing whatsoever.
So there you have it, no one has to sacrifice the health of their hair for the hairstyle they want. Any practices do currently do that may be harming your hair can be cast aside if you adopt the hair care techniques from this article. You’ll notice that your hair looks better in no time.
