Hair care can improve your hair or damage it, depending on the methods used to clean and style it. Taking the time to develop a good hair care routine will keep you looking and feeling great! This article contains some great tips so you can have hair to be proud of.
Go ahead and forget the old adage about brushing your hair 100 strokes a day. Over brushing can actually lead to hair loss, breakage of strands and increased oil production. Normal brushing of your hair once or twice daily is sufficient to keep it healthy and free of tangles and build-up.
If you are a ponytail addict, put the ponytail in a different place on your head each time you wear it. Even using soft, fabric-covered scrunchies, can cause repeated stress to that area, which will result in eventual breakage. Give your head a vacation from ponytails!
Use leave in conditioner on your hair on a regular basis. This is particularly useful for those who have dry and brittle hair. Using a leave in conditioner is equivalent to using a daily moisturizer on the face. It will help keep your hair healthy and replenished and prevent damage.
Do not shower with extremely hot water. Only set the temperature to a nice warm water. This will help to keep the scalp from drying and becoming irritated. Once your scalp is unhealthy, your hair will quickly become unhealthy. If you get a hot shower, rinse your hair and scalp with cold water before getting out. This will reduce some of the damage done from the hot water.
If you enjoy swimming in pools during the spring and summer, take time to protect your hair before hitting the water. Either soak your hair in regular water to discourage the absorption of chlorinated water, or wear a bathing cap to avoid drying out your delicate tresses. Your hair will thank you for it.
If you want to prevent split ends from forming, it’s important that you have your hair trimmed regularly. If you keep your hair short, you should have it cut every 6 to 8 weeks. If you have long hair or would like to grow your hair out, it’s still essential that you trim it on a regular basis.
Do not put hair up into tight ponytails when it is wet. This can cause you to have split ends where your ponytail is located. Your best bet is to either dry hair completely before hand, or slick it back and use a headband. This simple tip will keep your hair stronger than ever.
If you insist upon blow drying your hair, you should do so with care. If you use a vented, wide-toothed brush and a low heat setting, you can minimize the damage you inflict on your tresses during styling. Ideally, you should keep the dryer about six inches from your head and moving at all times.
Limit your sun exposure. It is widely known that the sun’s rays are harmful to your skin; however they can be just as harmful to your hair as well. The ultraviolet radiation can weaken your hair on its own, and if it is combined with harsh pool chemicals, such as chlorine, the effects can be devastating.
Treating your hair from the inside out is the best way to achieve the look that you desire during the day. Make sure that you drink and eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, which are packed with antioxidants. These foods can help to reduce toxins in your body, yielding a healthy scalp.
If you battle with dry hair, take a colder shower than normal. Hot water could dry your scalp and hair, which could cause a lot of problems. Warm water is much better for your hair and your body. A final rinse with cool water before you get out of the shower will give your hair some extra shine.
Beware of cotton pillowcases. Cotton pillowcases can cause your hair damage through the night when you toss and turn. The hair catches on the cotton and breaks and splits. You can try wearing a silk or satin head wrap on your head when you are sleeping at night to protect your hair from damage.
Take the time to read the labels on all of the hair care products that you plan on using. You may find that your favorite products contain harsh chemicals or other ingredients that you’d rather not place in your hair on a consistent basis. In fact, some of these ingredients may have a short term hair benefit, but in the long run, they can damage your hair even more!
Squeeze your hair dry with a towel after shampooing. Do not rub your towel vigorously all over your head in order to dry your hair. This ruffles the hair cuticles and causes tangling of the hair. Instead, gently squeeze separate sections of your hair to get the excess water out.
When brushing your hair, start at the ends and work towards the scalp until all of the knots are gone. Once you have untangled and smooth hair, brush your hair from the roots right down to the tips. That way, the brush transports essential oils from your scalp and distributes them evenly along the hair shaft.
Feel confident in the knowledge that every minute you can devote to the care and maintenance of your hair translates to significant improvements in its look and feel. Lean about various colors, styles, and cuts to make choosing easier. Use what you’ve just learned to achieve hair that you can brag about.
