Having silky and sleek hair is everyone’s dream. However, those shampoos and tools you see in ads don’t always work. Did you know that some of your small daily habits can actually damage your hair even further? Read on to find advice from professional hairstylists and stop the breakage and frizz forever.
Wash Strategically and Use Masks
A lot of people wash their hair too often, thinking that this will lead to better results. Actually, you should limit washing to only two to three times a week. Always go for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, and don’t use hot water. In the end, rinse with cold water for a smooth finish. This will also keep moisture in your hair and help close the cuticle.
Conditioning is important, too, but sometimes you need to go for deeper treatments. Doing a mask once a week will give you shinier and smoother hair. However, don’t do this too often, as it can weigh down your strands and make them look greasy rather than bouncy and shiny.
Be Careful With Blow Drying and Heat
After you get out of the shower, don’t immediately grab the blow dryer. Wet hair needs more time to blow dry and, therefore, gets more damaged under the heat. It’s better to wrap it in a microfiber towel turban and wait until it’s about 80% dry. It will keep your locks shiny.
Along the same lines, the lower your blow dryer heat is, the better. It should be your motto. Also, don’t forget to use a heat protectant. It doesn’t fully protect the hair, but it’s still better than nothing. Finish off with a shine-boosting serum to make your hair look like you’ve just left the salon.
Brush Well and Protect Your Locks Overnight
You can brush your locks daily, but do it the right way. If your hair is still wet, use a wide-tooth comb instead of a standard brush. Another useful tip is to brush from roots to ends, but only after fully detangling. It will help to distribute the natural oils evenly.
In addition, when it comes to protecting your hair, sleeping with a normal pillowcase can cause friction and damage. Silk or satin pillowcases are the solution, as they will keep your hair looking smooth and shiny. It’s also not recommended to sleep with wet and tied-up hair because it may cause the cuticle to shrink while drying and cause breakage.
Consider Your Diet and Frequency of Trims
Dull hair can often be a result of a poor diet. Make sure you add enough healthy fats such as fatty omegas, extra virgin olive oil, avocado, fish, and more. These will help your hair be shinier. Remember that beauty comes from within!
Regular trims are also important as they help you get rid of split ends, especially if you use heat tools on your hair frequently. You should visit the salon every eight weeks to three months, depending on how damaged your hair is.