One of the first things a person notices about you is your hair. It is a huge part of your image. If you expect people to see you positively and respect you, your hair has to look and be healthy, inside and out. Use the following information to get the hair that you desire.
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.
It is crucial that you get a haircut every 5 to 6 weeks. This is because human hair grows about a quarter to a half an inch every month, and when hair grows, split ends tend to form. Getting a haircut this frequently will prevent split ends from occurring, while getting rid of any you may have.
Those with curly hair should avoid styling with heat regularly. Irons that reach over four hundred degrees can actually permanently alter the helices of your curls. This creates curls that are not uniform, and continues a dependence on the hair iron or blow dryer. Learn to love your curls and they will reward you with confidence!
Make sure to clean out your brushes and combs, and wash them periodically. A good rule of thumb is to clean them with soap and water around once a week. This will minimize the amount of build up that you will incur on your hair follicles and you will have healthier hair.
For minimizing breakage, be sure that your hair is completely wet prior to applying shampoo. Don’t use any more than about a quarter-size dollop. Then proceed to rub the shampoo in between your palms to start with. Be sure to lather up for no more than 30 seconds or so.
If you are frustrated because your hair will not grow at the rate you want it to, take a look at your diet. Your hair will not grow quickly without adequate nutritional support. Brainstorm ways that you can increase your protein intake, and minimize any junk food in your diet.
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.
Buy the correct shampoo and conditioner. Only buy the type of shampoo and conditioner that is suitable for your hair type. This isn’t necessarily the most expensive brand! Also, don’t wash it too often or you will strip the natural oils from your hair. A good rule of thumb is every other day for oily or normal hair, and twice weekly for dry hair.
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.
When you wash your hair, be sure to really clean your scalp. The shampoo that you use will remove the buildup of dead skin, oil, dirt and hair products that could be clogging your hair follicles. If your follicles begin to become clogged, you may start to suffer from hair loss or slowed growth.
When you see gray hair start to appear on your head, you should not pluck them. Most people believe that it’s because two will grow back in its place, but the real reason is because you can damage the root of your hair by pulling it out. That could lead to an infection at some point.
Upon exiting the shower, it is important to towel dry the hair gently, and not be too rough. Too much rubbing with a towel can cause hair damage. Rather, gently squeeze excess water from the hair. Then pat it dry with the hair. This is best done with a soft towel, not a rough one.
If you suffer from dry hair, take a warm shower instead of a hot shower. Hot water is drying to the hair and scalp. Warm water is a much better alternative as it is easier on your body. If you want to really turn up the shine in your hair, use a quick blast of cold water right before exiting the shower.
If you find yourself free of dandruff after using a shampoo for that purpose, keep on using it. If you stop using that shampoo, it is likely that dandruff could reoccur because of the fact that there is no cure for dandruff. The shampoo you are using is keeping it away, so you should keep using it.
Hair care products like sprays and gel should not be applied directly to the scalp. This may clog your scalp’s pores, which could lead to growth issues or even scalp pimples. To avoid these problems, simply take care when applying your styling products and keep them on the hair itself.
For the best hair possible, add massaging your scalp into your weekly routine. Massaging your scalp can loosen up and clear out dandruff and increase circulation to your head for optimum hair growth! This does not need to be done daily to be effective, once a week is enough to see great results.
Taking care of your hair is a daily affair. One hair care mistake can take a long time to repair. Your hair is as important to your beauty as your skin, nails, and teeth. Use the previously mentioned tips to have gorgeous, healthy hair that will turn heads and bring a smile to your face.