Is your hair dull and boring? Would you like to do something about that? There are simple steps you can take to make your hair look healthy and shiny today. To make the most of your locks, read on to enjoy wonderful tidbits to help you update your look.
You should try to wear a cap when swimming in pools whenever possible, in order to protect your hair from the chlorine that is added. If you do not wear a cap when swimming, you should make sure to wash your hair and then, condition it, right after you are done.
While it is practical to use a blow dryer, you should limit the amount of time that you exposure your hair to the heat that is generated from them. Always towel dry your hair as much as possible so that you will spend less time exposing it to so much heat.
If you have hard water at home, avoid the use of highly lathering shampoos. Hard water makes it difficult to rinse soap well and the build-up of the shampoo in your hair can make your scalp itchy, dry and scaly. No- and low-lather shampoos are available, especially in areas where hard water is commonplace.
You should avoid using styling products with alcohol, as it will dry out your hair and contribute to breakage. You can try natural styling products to achieve the style you desire. Otherwise, synthetic products without alcohol will do the trick without the fuss or the damage. Check the ingredients list on your next shopping trip!
When you are drying your hair, refrain from staying in the same spot for a long period of time. This can essentially burn your hair and leave your strands very weak and fragile. Move your hair dryer back and forth and keep it away from your scalp to maintain hair health.
Avoid exposing your hair to the frigid weather during the cold fall and winter months. Cold weather may dry up your hair and lower the amount of healthy oils and nutrients on your scalp. Make certain you bundle up if you are going to leave the house for a while.
If regular conditioners leave your hair feeling greasy or limp, consider switching to a lightweight leave-in conditioner. These formulas are available as both, light lotions and sprays, and they tend to be much lighter than the moisture-heavy versions you use in the shower. Look for a leave-in that matches your hair type, such as color-protection sprays or anti-frizz sprays.
You should make sure your diet includes protein if you want your hair to look its best. Like the rest of your body, your scalp and hair require proper nutrition to stay healthy. A balanced, well-rounded diet will improve the overall quality of your hair, and including plenty of protein will make it more lustrous.
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.
Choosing your shampoo and conditioner can seem overwhelming. Manufacturers spend a great deal of time and money coming up with formulas for particular hair types. Use the labels on the bottles to find the products that match your hair type. Match your conditioner to your shampoo and try different brands, if you are unhappy with the results that you get.
Do not brush or comb your hair while it is wet. Hair is very fragile when it is wet, and it is important to make sure you wait until your hair is, at least, mostly dry before you comb or brush it. The brush you use should also have soft bristles.
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.
Check hair care products before you buy them as they may contain harmful ingredients and chemicals. Avoid alcohol in gels as it will dry your hair. Parabens, which are found in many products, have a possible link to cancer. Mineral oil may also be another carcinogen and glycerin may actually dry instead of moisturize.
Prior to putting on shampoo, get your hair very wet. This will help your hair stay protected, as the washing process takes place. In addition, aim to apply about a quarter-size dab of shampoo onto your head, rubbing it in your hands before putting it on your hair. Too much shampoo could make your hair look drab and lifeless.
Use water to perk up your curls. If your curls tend to fall between shampoos, mist your hair lightly with water. Once your hair is slightly damp, curl your hair with your fingers. This will help add some pep to your curls until the next time you shampoo your hair.
If you value your hair color, wear a swimming cap before jumping into a chlorinated pool. Chlorine causes hard metals, present in all water in various concentrations, to oxidize, and that in turn can add a green tinge to any hair color. Applying a coat of conditioner before swimming can help, but most public pools frown on that practice. Stick to swimming in lakes and ponds to keep hair from looking like it belongs on a Martian.
Make your hair fit your individual style. Your hair says a lot about your personality. Whether you are sophisticated and elegant, or if you like something more fun and carefree, find the right style to suit you. This will allow any first impressions you make, to be accented visually by your personality through your hairstyle.
With any luck, the ideas in this piece are ones you can simply combine into your everyday habits. Apply some of the things that you’ve learned here, and notice a positive change to the look and feel of your hair.