For most people, women especially, their hair is their crowning glory. And for a good reason. Whether it’s long and luscious locks, wavy and voluminous tresses, or short and fun curls, your hair is going to be the first thing that others notice about you. So if you’ve worked hard to keep your hair as beautiful and healthy as they can be, of course, you’re going to be proud to show them off.
However, for some, taking even basic hair care steps is too much work, so they don’t bother. The result? Unhealthy scalp, dandruff, dull hair, maybe even minor infections. And the unhealthy hair is even more noticeable than healthy hair so others might come to think that you’re a generally unhygienic person if you don’t take notice of your hair.
Fortunately for everyone, keeping one’s head of hair nice and healthy can be quite simple and inexpensive. Sure, celebrities and social media influencers might boast about using dozens of hair care products every week and employing a professional stylist every day, but not everybody has the time or money for such luxury. For the average joe, some extra time in the shower, a couple of cleansing oils (or homemade alternatives), and diligent attention in brushing is going to do just as well at a fraction of the price.
Follow these few rules and tips, and you’ll find yourself with healthier, more beautiful hair that you’ll be proud to flaunt wherever you go.
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Hair Care Rules
Shower and shampoo properly
Did you know that there’s actually a professional way of applying and rinsing off shampoo in the shower? You might be used to lathering on as much product on your hair and then washing it all off as fast as you can, but it turns out you might be doing more harm than good.
Experts actually suggest squeezing out only a small, coin-sized portion of shampoo on the palm of your hand and rub both palms together slowly. Then start applying the product from the top of your head to the bottom in a circular motion. After every inch of your hair and scalp is sufficiently lathered up, it’s time to rinse it all off. It’s worth noting that rinsing is going to take more time than applying the shampoo. You’ll need to rinse your hair for at least five minutes, as professionals recommend it. Another tip is to wash your hair with cold water near the end since it can make your hair cuticles stronger and your hair strands shinier.
Exfoliate your scalp once a week
You might find this a surprise, but you actually need to clean your scalp regularly. This means using a specific clarifying shampoo which will remove dirt and bacteria from your scalp without stripping away essential moisture. If you can’t find the right shampoo, apple cider vinegar is an excellent alternative because it’s naturally clarifying and has anti-microbial properties.
Wash your hair every other day
Generally, it’s not a good idea to wash your hair that often. Hair produces natural oils that keep it strong and healthy. If you wash your hair too much, you’ll also be washing away these much-needed oils. Your hair will either look dry and dull or noticeably greasy (since hair tends to produce more oils when you washed too many times a week).
Stylists recommend people to wash their hair three times a week at most. This is applicable for basically all hair types. Speaking of, you should also use a shampoo that’s suitable for your hair type. Identify what type of hair you have and then find the appropriate shampoo for it. Don’t just use whatever you can grab. Dry hair needs a shampoo with more moisturizing properties while oily hair needs something more purifying instead of hydrating.
Plan your hairstyle
If you have long hair especially, choosing how to wear it before you go out will most likely take a lot of trial and error before settling on the hairstyle of the day. Not only will you be wasting your time brushing and tying, but you’ll also be causing quite a lot of stress on your hair and scalp before the day even begins.
Professionals suggest that you plan ahead on what hairstyle to wear the night before. That way, you won’t be tugging and brushing your hair in front of the mirror for most of the morning. With a hairstyle in mind, you’ll be done and out of your house in a snap, saving your long locks minutes and hours of stress.
Hair Care Diet Plan
What you put on your hair and how you treat are important but so is the vitamins and minerals you intake. For a good hair care diet, you’ll need to get more protein and iron. Protein-rich food like milk, soy, cheese, and peas can strengthen your hair. While iron-rich food such as cereal, beans, fish, and leafy greens will give your locks a healthy shine.
Remember that hair cells are the first ones that will be affected if you start eating unhealthy insufficiently. Your hair could lose its luster, or you could lose more hair strands than normal.
Blood circulation is key
Proper blood circulation is very important to bring nutrients and oxygen to your scalp and hair follicles. Massaging your scalp on a regular basis can stimulate healthy blood flow. You can also use essential oils or serums if you have the time. Or you can give yoga (or light stretching) a chance to really get that blood circulating. With yoga, you’ll be caring for your hair, and the rest of your body will benefit too. That’s two birds with one stone!
Protection from the sun and elements
Lastly, in order to keep your hair healthy and clean, you need to learn how to protect your hair when you go out. If the sun is shining bright, wear a hat of some kind, especially if you plan on staying outside for extended periods of time. You can even wear a scarf if you prefer.
UV radiation can cause a lot of damage to your scalp so always be careful.