When hairdressers were forced to close their doors earlier this year, more and more people started to think about how they could look after their tresses themselves. Healthy hair can be your crowning glory, so how can it be maintained and improved at home?
1. Buy products from reputable beauty companies
It should go without saying that when buying new products to try on your hair, you should be careful to only spend your money with trusted retailers. Take Sally Beauty reviews on Feefo.com as an example. They supply beauty products to trade and the public including known hair brands, such as L’Oreal, Olaplex and Redken, to name just a few.
You can buy with confidence, as you know you’ll be receiving genuine products rather than counterfeits, made from who knows what ingredients!
2. Invest in your tools
The right hairbrush can make a huge difference to the condition of your hair. Different lengths and textures need specific brushes to prevent tangling and, ultimately, breakage. That’s why there isn’t a one-brush-fits-all solution. Few people realise that they might be using the wrong brush, but it’s easy to find out what’s best.
For example, African-American type usually needs something with a wide-tooth design, to allow for easier styling of the thick and tightly curled hair strands. In contrast, long straight hair benefits more from a large paddle brush, with bristles close together. This increases shine and manageability.
3. Use the right shampoo formula
The shampoo market is laden with different types of shampoo and conditioner – yet so few of us are actually using the right formulation for our locks. Do your homework on what products are there that will specifically address your hair’s needs.
For example, if you are suffering from greasy roots, it is best to steer well clear of shampoo formulated for the dry type. Similarly, if your hair is curly, don’t go for shampoos that are made with straight hair in mind.
4. Lower the heat
It’s not enough to just use straighteners or curlers less frequently, as the daily blow-dry is exposing your hair to too much heat as well. Heat makes your hair fragile and causes a lot of damage, if left to take hold. Remember that split-ends can’t be repaired, only cut off, so if you’re trying to grow your hair, this is an exceptionally important tip for you.
If you can, try washing your hair less frequently and allowing it to air dry wherever possible. If this isn’t going to work with your schedule, using a recommended heat protector can help immensely. Ask your stylist for some advice before buying.
5. Use snag-free bands
The joy of ponytails and topknots is that they are so easy. You just scoop up all your hair, wrap a band around it and you’re done, but some elastics are more damaging than others. You want something thick and soft that doesn’t pull at your roots. If you start to get a headache, you’re wearing your hair too tight anyway, but a softer elastic will prevent hair breakage at the same time.
Never, ever use a standard elastic band in your hair. They cause a lot of damage and hurt when you try to pull them out.
6. Wash less
If you have greasy this is a tricky one, but washing every day is not good for your hair. Shampoo actually just strips out all of the natural oils that your scalp produces in order to keep your hair healthy; It’s the ultimate irony. It also doesn’t help that most people are washing their hair incorrectly.
Instead of lathering up a huge amount of shampoo all through your hair, creating knots, you should be cleansing your scalp only and letting the shampoo rinse out, through the length. For very greasy hair, this can be repeated.
7. Try dry shampoo
For those that do suffer from greasy hair, and those who are trying to wash their hair less, it can be a great idea to invest in a dry shampoo. There are so many formulations out there now, which can address your own specific hair needs without damaging it.
Dry shampoo can be worrying to some that their hair may be dried out and become brittle but, with the right product, this shouldn’t be an issue. Plus, ensure that you use it correctly. Just spraying a little on your roots at night before you go to sleep can mean you wake up with hair that is ready to quickly brush and go.
8. Add masks into your rotation
A once-weekly mask is an excellent addition to any self-care routine and it isn’t hard to do. You can either research some homemade mask recipes, or simply buy a container of something indulgent.
For the best mask results, apply throughout your hair and wrap in a warm covering. Then, just sit back and relax for 30 minutes or so. Make sure to rinse thoroughly, or your hair might feel a little greasy.
9. Use silk and satin
Certain fabrics increase the friction that your hair experiences, making it knottier and more prone to breakage, which is why experts are recommending silk or satin pillowcases. It might sound extravagant, but if it means that brushing is less of a chore and your hair stays shiny and healthy, it’s an investment worth making.
Silk is the recommended pillowcase option, but for a vegan-friendly alternative, satin works too. Just be aware that you might need to tame some static in the morning!
10. Trim your own ends
You don’t always need to get to the salon, as some gentle end-trimming can be done at home. Buy some proper hairdressing scissors first and just take a millimeter or two off at a time, to keep those ends healthy. Half the battle with split ends is not letting them get too big, so a quick trim will get rid of them entirely.
Healthy hair can be achieved by following just a few simple steps and once it’s in great condition, maintaining it is even easier.
