Dry and dull. Split ends. Frizz. These are the problems people most often complain about with their hair. Although hair types may vary, the problems remain the same. There are tons of hair care products out there all promising great results and some of them actually work. But basically, healthy hair care does not mean regular trips to the salon. For good daily hair care, it’s best to know a few simple hair tips and basic rules.

Tip #1: Wash Regularly

The first and foremost hair care rule is to keep hair and scalp clean with regular washing. Shampoo and condition hair (homemade conditioner is best) once every two or three days only. Any more than that will cause the hair to lose its sheen. This is to allow the hair and scalp time to rejuvenate its natural oil coating that shampooing washes off.

Tip #2: Use Actual Hair Accessories

If you must put up your hair in a knot or ponytail, use only actual hair accessories. Don’t just grab any piece of elastic band available. Try not to have the same severely pulled back bun or ponytail too often. This hairstyle, if not done correctly, puts extreme pressure on the hair strands’ strength and stresses out the scalp.

Tip #3: Use Lukewarm Water

To prevent hair from becoming dry and brittle, refrain from washing with water that’s too hot. Use only lukewarm water. And later, if you must wrap a towel around your head to dry off your hair, don’t keep it on for more than five minutes. The towel will absorb the water, yes, but after awhile, it will also absorb the natural moisture from the hair strands themselves. This causes hair to frizz. Humidity isn’t always the culprit.

Tip #4: Be careful of Hair Coloring

And now, the one thing everyone lies about – hair coloring. Going blonde may mean having more fun but it’s the one hair color that wreaks the most damage. Blonde dyes, unlike regular browns and reds, contain bleaching agents. Each time your hair gets a color treatment, it loses its sheen and becomes more brittle. Sometimes, the blonde look needs to take a rest, for your hair’s sake.

Tip #5: Use a Wide Toothed Comb

Use a wide toothed comb to remove tangles from hair after washing. Brushing is harsh on wet hair which stretches the strands with each pull. This will cause breakages as well as split ends. Already have split ends? A long overdue trip to the salon must be in order. The only recourse is to have a haircut short enough to include the shortest split-ended hair. In extreme cases, a sudden shift to a short bob may not be a suitable hairstyle. Make a series of appointments for a quick trim until all split ends have been nipped.

Tip #6: Avoid Over Drying

Blow-drying hair improperly contributes more to damaging hair rather than beautifying it. Avoid over drying your hair. This will cause the hair to become dull, dry and frizzy. When blow drying, use the warmer settings in the beginning while the hair is still damp. Use your fingers to comb through. As the hair dries, use the cooler settings. Style with your usual hair grooming products and switch to medium heat to set.

Tip #7: Give Hair Freedom

And finally, the one major basic rule of thumb for healthy hair is to give it a taste of freedom every once in a while and let it hang loose to blow in the wind.

Source:  Photo 2, Photo 3

{ 2 comments }