Our hair is a big part of our identities and self-expression. We can make a bold statement with hair color, style, and length, and it can be closely linked to our confidence. For these reasons, we should do everything we can to protect our hair from damage.
From which products we use to how often we wash or trim our hair, here are some simple but highly effective tips that can help to prevent damage, and restore dry or damaged hair.
Hair Masks
Do you complain that your hair is too frizzy, flat, dull, dry, or brittle? Hair masks boast a range of benefits for your hair, from reinvigorating curls to brightening dull highlights. They can repair, protect, and increase shine, boosting your confidence and restoring your hair health. You can get a good hair mask at a reasonable price, and you only need to use it once every week or two, so it is not a big commitment, but can make all the difference.
Don’t want to purchase a hair mask at your local drug store? That’s ok, you can make your own! There are a range of recipes, using simple ingredients like banana and yogurt that are easy to come by and inexpensive. Homemade hair masks use natural ingredients to restore your hair health and have the added benefit of being fun and exciting to make!
Regular Trimming
It can be hard to admit it’s time for a trim, as many of us want to grow out our hair, and a hair cut can feel like we’ve taken two steps forward only to take one step back. However, as many a hairdresser has told us in our time, regular hair trimming can actually increase the hair’s health and capacity to grow.
Split ends and tangled hair are signs that you are ready for a hair cut. When the ends of your hair are thin, ragged and dry, or easily tangle, this is a clear indication of depleting hair health, and doesn’t look great either.
Getting rid of those dry ends will reinvigorate your look, and your hair will grow happier and healthier! If you avoid the hairdressers because they might cut off too much, or you’d rather avoid the cost, you can always buy a set of professional hair shears and give the ends a trim yourself. With the help of online videos, blogs and hair care advice, as well as a professional, high-quality set of hair sheers, trimming your own hair just got a whole lot easier.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair
We’ve all heard the hair-care myth that you should avoid washing your hair every day and allow the natural oils to do their work protecting and moisturizing the hair. However, this is not always what is best for your hair. Depending on your hair type you might be better off washing your hair every day.
If you think about how often you wash your face and your body, it follows logically that you should afford your scalp a similar level of attention, as dirt and grease build-up can cause irritation on the scalp, and healthy hair cannot grow from an unhealthy base. Especially if you have thin hair, as long as you are using a high-quality shampoo, it is recommended to wash your hair every day or two.
For Afro-textured 3a-4c hair, which can be more dry and brittle, the advice would be to wash your hair every week or two. Adding oil to your hair can also protect it from breakage and maintain a healthy shine.
Hair Sunscreen
If you live in a sunny part of the world or you are going on holiday somewhere warm, something to bear in mind is that those lovely sunny rays can cause hair damage. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays can cause the hair to become more dry, brittle, dull, and lead to split ends. Luckily, hair sunscreen is a cheap and cheerful solution, and even smells good!
Also try to avoid using heat on the hair too much, as this too can cause damage. You can lower the heat of your straightener or curler, or only blow dry your hair every other day, where possible. Heat protection sprays are also recommended.
You’re On Your Way to Healthier Hair!
Following these four hair-care top tips will have you well on your way to happier and healthier hair. With hair masks to repair and protect, regular trimming to rejuvenate and shape, a clean scalp, and heat protection, your hair will feel restored and your confidence will soar.
Your hair deserves it, and so do you!
