It’s not easy to care for your hair. Most of the time it isn’t very cheap to do so either, due to the added cost of salon visits and at home hair care products and equipment. Fortunately, there are ways to care for your hair that aren’t overly complicated or take a lot of money to implement. You can find them in the following article.
For those with curly hair, nix SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) from your hair care routine, for bouncy, care-free curls. SLS is a harsh stripping agent that robs your hair of essential oils. This creates the illusion of frizz and encourages breakage. You can spot this substance by checking the ingredients of your products.
If you are finding yourself dealing with frizz and uncontrollable curly hair, consider trying the no-poo or lo-poo method. This hair care method involves using only conditioner to wash your hair on a regular basis. Curly hair needs oils to maintain its shape and style, so shampoos which strip the oil away can cause every day to be a bad hair day. Switch to using conditioner on a regular basis and shampooing only once a week.
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.
If you use a flatiron on your hair, try a silicone flatiron instead of one made with metal or ceramic. Silicone flatirons are relatively new to the market, and they have the benefit of straightening hair with just one pass through. These flatirons can cut the time you take in half!
Get a haircut every six to nine weeks to keep your hair looking its best. Over time, your hair will break and the ends will split. This creates uneven layers that make your hair look unhealthy and dull. Getting frequent haircuts will help to keep the ends from splitting all the way up to the roots, and help keep your hair shinier and healthier.
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.
Take care of your hair when you are out under the hot summer sun. Sunshine can dry out your hair, and chlorine and salt from the ocean are even more harsh. Wear a hat when outdoors, and rinse your hair with clear water after going in a chlorinated pool or the ocean.
When you shampoo your hair, you should avoid using products that will strip it of its oils. If your hair is very oily, resist the temptation to use anti-oil shampoos to remove too much of the oil, as this can cause it to come back with a vengeance. Use a gentle shampoo which will clean your hair but not strip the oils. You may even try skipping a shampoo once per week and wash your hair using only your conditioner.
Don’t be rough when you use a towel to dry your hair. Too much rubbing with a towel can cause hair damage. Gently squeeze out excess moisture, instead. Then pat it dry with a towel. It is best to use towels made of softer fabric.
Brushing your hair allows you to spread the oils along the length of your hair. You should start at the top of your hair and brush it in long stroke that the oil are evenly spread out. Your hair will look healthier and shiny if you do this every day.
A healthy diet will show in your hair. If you eat a diet high in fat and cholesterol, your hair may appear dull and lifeless. For healthier hair, a well-balanced diet is best. Eat food that is low in fat and cholesterol, and high in anti-oxidants, protein, vitamins and minerals.
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.
Minimize the risk of hair damage that the sun causes. There are many products available that contain sunscreen to help protect your tresses. You could also try wearing a hat. It is critical that you take care to protect your skin, though protection of your hair is also vital. Your hair is also vulnerable to sun damage.
Never use hot water on your hair. Water that is too hot can dry out even the healthiest hair, leaving it dull and lifeless. Instead, rinse with cool water after you clean your hair. Not only is the temperature easier on your locks, it will tighten up the cuticle of the hair, helping to enhance shine.
Whenever you use styling products to give your hair volume, start at the roots. This is where your hair style will get the most lift. If you do not like mousse, or have had poor results, choose a volumizing spray and target it directly on your hair’s roots. Spray volumizers also tend to be lighter than a mousse.
Though it may seem a bit more costly, stick with professional-grade hair care products. Generic or low-price, low-quality products can leave you wondering what all the promises on the bottle are about. Professional level products are designed to maximize benefits with each use. If cost is a concern, look for specials on the quality products.
Hopefully, now you see that you can care for your hair with ease for a very affordable price. The tips from this article were meant for anyone who needs hair care, but that had price concerns holding them back, so please do take advantage of them. Soon your hair will be better than ever.