Take care of your hair and bid adieu to frizziness this summer!
It’s more than simply which shampoo you use to keep your hair as healthy as possible. The smoothness, lustre, and strength is influenced by a variety of things. Sure, some of it is natural—you have to work with the locks you were given—but a lot of it has to do with how well you look after them. Here are the biggest hair care mistakes to avoid, myths to ignore, and healthy habits to start right now for your healthiest hair ever, from switching shampoos every now and then to scheduling regular hair cuts.
(1) Haircuts on regular basis.
Experts all agree that avoiding the salon is harmful to growth. “The ends are drying up and separating, so you’re not getting the length,” says Stephen Pullan, a trichologist at the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic. Regular cuts ensure that split ends and breakage are kept to a minimum. Pullan suggests trimming your hair every six to eight weeks.
(2) Maintain a Balanced Diet.
This healthy habit may appear to have nothing to do with your hair: a well-balanced diet. Pullan explains that “protein is the building block of hair since hair is keratinized protein.” Because hair is a non-essential tissue, the body prioritises sending protein to essential organs like the heart and liver. However, if you eat enough, the body will be able to distribute protein to wherever it’s needed. Iron is another essential nutrient. Pullan explains, “It’s an energy source.” “It’s a mineral that the hair necessitates.” Iron deficiency has been associated to female patterned hair loss in research. If you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry—protein can still be incorporated into your diet.
(3) Hot Tools Should Be Avoided.
If you insist on blow-drying every day, use caution: don’t leave it on the highest setting for an extended period of time. “Keep it moving at a lower rate and on a cooler setting,” Pullan advises. “It takes a little longer, but a little more attention and time will pay off.” Use a protective spray before curling or straightening with a hot wand or iron, according to Bumble & Bumble colorist Amelia Trammel’s number-one rule for clients.
(4) Don’t brush too much.
Brushing your hair is a good habit (and you can’t show up to work with bedhead), but Bordone recommends against brushing more than once a day. Excessive brushing, on the other hand, “stretches the hair and damages weak ends,” according to Holly Ivey, master stylist at Alibi Soho Salon. Brush your teeth at least once a day with a plastic brush. According to Pullan, bristle brushes are especially harsh.
(5) Avoid Scalding Hot Showers.
Yes, taking a hot shower after a long day feels nice (especially in the winter), but scorching hot water isn’t good for your hair. In fact, it dries it out and washes away colour faster than cold water for colour clients. While a cold shower may not seem appealing, Bordone suggests opting for a lukewarm shower instead, which is also beneficial for your skin.
(6) As much as you can, go natural.
Your hair requires a break from the stresses of the week. Lindsey Bordone, a dermatologist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, suggests allowing your hair to rest over the weekend. Allow it to air dry if possible, avoid using heated styling products, and avoid wearing it in a ponytail or tight headband to avoid straining on the hair shaft. To put it another way, sometimes you simply have to let your hair down a notch.
While it’s a misconception that your hair develops “resistance” to products, it’s true that certain products are better for different seasons. According to Bordone, your products should be moisturising and hydrating in the winter, but you can definitely switch to something lighter in the summer that won’t weigh your hair down in the heat and humidity.
