Do you wish you could wake up every day with your hair looking perfect straight away?

Of course you do. We all do!

Alas, some time is always needed to make our hair look good. However, with a few simple steps and changes to your everyday routine, your hair can look great in no time at all.

Healthy hair is important. If you take good care of your hair, it’ll look fresh and feel sleek. If it looks and feels great, so do you.

No matter what hair type or style you have, here are some universal tips which can make a huge difference to the health of your hair.

1. Always Wash and Condition (but Not Too Often!)

The bread and butter of healthy and great-looking hair are washing and conditioning. However, this simple act can actually be done wrong.

As crazy as it sounds, over-washing your hair is bad. Washing your hair every day can dry it out, so washing every two or three days is actually healthier.

In terms of the shampooing process, make sure your hair is plenty wet enough before applying shampoo. Put the shampoo into your hands, rub it together, and then put it into your hair. Don’t ruffle it about, apply the shampoo gently.

As well as washing with shampoo, conditioning is very important. Using conditioner helps those split ends which can occur through everyday activities, as well as giving your hair a smoother, shinier look.

When shopping, you’ll notice different products for different hair types. Some are for if your hair is prone to greasiness, some are for dryness, or others are for if you get dandruff easily. Try different shampoos to see which one suits your hair best.

2. Use the Best Drying Techniques

Blowdrying your hair is no healthy choice. Best way to dry your hair is by toweldrying it

Image courtesy: ArtOfPhoto/BigStock.com

While ruffling your hair quickly with a towel after the shower may seem like the easiest solution, this is actually bad for your hair. This is how you damage your hair and can get those disastrous split ends.

If you want to use a towel to dry your hair, press the towel gently but firmly against parts of (or all of), your hair. The towel will soak up the excess wetness and the result is better for your hair.

There are also some blow drying techniques which are better for your hair. For example, if you blow dry your hair, be sure not to let the dryer linger too long. This can dry out parts of your hair and remove necessary moisture.

When blow-drying hair, use a medium heat and move the dryer swiftly downwards in the direction of hair growth.

3. Pick the Right Product

Much like picking shampoo and conditioner, there are hundreds of different hair products and it can be overwhelming to know where to start. What on earth is the difference between wax, pomade, and styling cream?

But different products really do serve difference purposes, and if you use the wrong one, it could actually damage your hair. For example, if you have very thin, fine hair, using a strong, thick wax could add too much pressure and have a negative effect.

Here is a quick run-down to each product and it’s primary purpose:

  • Gel: Keeping hair stationary and secure.
  • Cream: Add some shine and style.
  • Wax: Perfect for styling.
  • Pomade: Offers definition and smoothness.
  • Mousse: Gives a fuller look.
  • Serum: Reduces frizz, gives a shine.

GQ magazine can tell you more about each product and guide you on your next shopping trip!

4. Protect Your Hair When Swimming

Swimming is great for a healthy lifestyle, but that chlorine in the swimming pool is not at all good for your hair.

Chlorine is necessary for swimming pools to keep them clean for public use (which we all want!), but over-exposure is very damaging to your hair as it can dry it out and strip it of oils.

Unfortunately, some people are more prone to the effects of chlorine in their hair. If you colour your hair or have thin hair, then you may see the effects more quickly.

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to protect your hair.

  • Firstly, rinse it with clean water before getting in the pool. If your hair is already wet, then it’s less likely to absorb more water from the pool.
  • Secondly, wear a swim cap. If you are a regular swimmer, then this is the best thing you can do to protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine.
  • Thirdly, rinse your hair thoroughly after swimming, and start your shampoo and conditioning process there and then. You can even buy some shampoos specifically for removing chlorine.

If you are concerned about the effects of chlorine on your hair, talk to your barber or hairdresser and see if they recommend a certain product for you.

5. Regularly Visit Your Barber (or Hairdresser)

Going for a haircut every four or six weeks can really help your hair.

A hairdresser or barber will be able to cut off any split ends and give your hair a refreshing boost of life. After all, they are experts in hair care, so if you’re not sure about the best products to use for your hair, they are definitely the people to ask.

If you want a new style or look, they can also help you to decide. They know what kind of hair you have, and are good at judging what styles suit your face shape.

Following these simple steps in your daily grooming routine will make a big difference. Taking care of your hair is like taking care of any part of your body, it can be done easily if you know what to do.

Whatever your hairstyle, take good care of your hair and you will see and feel the benefits.

 

clare-weyersAbout the Author: Clare Weyers is the owner of Elite Beauty School in Essex. Clare offers hairdressing and barbering courses, giving people the potential to learn all the skills needed to give people healthy and great-looking hair.

 


 

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