Your hair says everything about you, and it's important you look after it. Here's a selection of my favourite hair care tips from around the web. Remember, if in doubt, ask your hairdresser.
1. Don't Condition Your Scalp.
If your hair feels greasy immediately after a fresh wash, it might be because of how you apply conditioner. Instead of soaking it into your entire head of hair, avoid the scalp: Mark Townsend told InStyle you should actually only work it in up to three to four inches away from your scalp, which helps prevent the conditioner from weighing down your hair. As for your scalp, it has natural oils that will keep it properly hydrated.
2. Less Is Better.
If you’re using shampoo every time you shower, stop what you’re doing immediately. According to Reese Witherspoon’s stylist, the process dries out your hair, making it hard to achieve shiny, moisturised strands. Instead, use a little dry shampoo or go for a chic low-pony on days you’re feeling a little greasy: “If you can, the least amount of days is every other day,” Cervando Maldonado told TODAY.
3. Teasing for Volume.
Teasing is a great way to give your hair some quick volume, but if done incorrectly, it will look like a bunch of tangles on top of your head— not so flattering. According to stylist Phil Smith, using layers can prevent the unwanted peep-show and give the illusion of soft, bouncy hair. “If you want to backcomb your hair to give add a little volume, remember to leave the surface section of the hair smooth,” Smith told Glamour. “Backcomb underneath, then once you’ve backcombed, smooth over and this will disguise all the stray backcombed hairs underneath.”
4. Blow Cool.
Yep, there’s a reason your blow-dryer has a cold air setting. Using it throughout the entire time you’re drying your hair can make your strands greasy, but Oscar Blandi — stylist to Drew Barrymore and Emma Stone — told InStyle the key is giving your hair a few quick blasts. After your hair is totally dry, you can use the cold air in sections to lock in your look.
5. Use the Right Brushes.
Using one brush for everything is easy, but not the best for your hair. Stylist Charles Baker Strahan makes a case for keeping a haircare tool kit of sorts so you can handle your strands properly no matter the circumstances. “Different brushes are designed to provide different functions,” Strahan told Glamour. “Boar-bristle brushes enhance smoothness by polishing the cuticle layer. There are also wet brushes with soft bristles and flexible pads to gently de-tangle wet hair more quickly. Paddle brushes are designed to de-tangle long hair, and Denman brushes are great for anti-static and provide good tension for optimal styling. There are also various sizes of round brushes designed to help straighten, build body and volume, and enhance soft waves.”
6. Avoid Excessive Heat on Your Hair.
Hair dryers, hair straighteners and curling tongs can style your hair in a great many ways but this comes at a price. They are fine in the short term but prolonged use can dry out your hair or cause split ends. They can even cause excessive shedding. Minimise this risk by choosing a cooler setting on your hair-dryer or use curling tongs which don’t need to be heated.
7. Have a deep conditioning treatment.
Give your hair a deep conditioning treatment once a week as this will prevent dryness, strengthen hair strands and provide extra nutrients which promote hair health.
8. Comb Correctly.
To begin combing, first separate hair into small sections. Untangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb, carefully working from the ends in a downward direction only. Use only a wooden or tortoise shell comb – never rubber. Do not pull or yank on your hair. Brush hair only when dry. Hair is weakest when it is wet and brushing can easily damage it. Even when hair is dry always comb before brushing.
9. Sleepy Head.
Comb your hair before going to bed, but do not leave bands or clips in. Even the way you sleep can affect your hair. Restless sleepers may actually be breaking hair as they sleep. If you’re a restless sleeper, try a satin pillowcase so that the hair glides when you move in your sleep. On regular cotton cases hair can get caught and break. Putting hair up to sleep is also helpful. Hair should be put in a ponytail on top of the head. Always use rubber bands that are rapped in cloth.
10. Diet.
A well-balanced diet, rich in silica, calcium and iron, will help reduce or prevent hair loss. Green, leafy vegetables, especially sea vegetables, are good mineral sources. Raw oats provide silica. Eat plenty of iron-rich foods, like liver (avoid if you are pregnant) and other organ meat, whole grain cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, dates, and raisins. The hair is comprised mostly of protein, therefore to encourage hair growth, adhere to a diet rich in protein.
Sources:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
www.bestlifeonline.com/top-hollywood-hair-tips/
6, 7
www.medic8.com/healthguide/hair-loss/hair-care/hair-care-tips/
8, 9, 10