Achieving healthy hair is the goal of many people and the difficulty lies in the fact that your strands are prone to dryness, static, frizzing, thinning, and so on. With such high strand stresses, it is no wonder that having healthy hair often requires extra effort to maintain it look vibrant. However, while there is no magic shortcut to healthy hair, taking care of strands to help them remain strong is definitely worth the effort. This is especially important when it comes to cutting your daily hair care routine short by incorporating products designed to help keep your locks looking healthy. Here are a few tips for keeping healthy hair that should be practised on a daily basis.
For best results, wash hair daily with a deep cleansing shampoo that is free from sulfates and alcohol. If you have naturally oily hair, you may need to supplement your shampoo with more oils or moisturizers that can work to combat the build up of excess moisture or dryness. Never let shampoo lather into your scalp, as this will result in further breakage. Always use a wide-toothed comb to detangle and comb strands to loosen them from their resting position. It is also important to only brush through your hair using a small amount of product, as even the smallest amount of product can work against you by drying out your hair. Use the appropriate detailing tools, such as thin metal combs, to create separation between your curls and ensure you do not brush through your head.
When it comes to preventing breakage and frizz, the best way to go about it is to avoid the following: too much moisture, harsh chemicals, tight curl rollers, low quality hair products, and improper hair care routines. To reduce the risk of drying out your hair or causing frizzy strands, never leave hair unattended in a hot car on a hot summer day, as this can cause irreparable damage. When taking a bath, be sure to take only a few minutes, as the heat of the water can weaken natural proteins that can break down strands and leave you with weak and limp hair. Never apply any type of conditioner or wax to dry and brittle strands. It is important to only use conditioners and waxes that are meant for the environment, and those that are designed for normal and curly hair types.
The first step to preventing dry and frizzy hair is to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner that does not contain sulfates. If you must use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioning treatment, be sure to purchase a sulfate-free version that has fewer sodium laurel sulfate ingredients. The sulfates in sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are stripped off the scalp and hair by natural enzymes, thus lessening the amount of exposure your hair and scalp have to these ingredients. The goal of sulfate-free hair products is to promote hair growth and strength. Using a sulfate-free conditioner and shampoo will also save you money in the long run as well because they are less costly to produce.
The second step towards having healthier hair is to cut away excess oil from your hair strands. When cuticles are damaged, they become less moisture-attracting and shed less hair in hot and humid conditions. When cutting away excess oil, make sure to use a wide-tooth comb, and only cut away what is necessary, to prevent yourself from pulling and tugging at your hair. Doing so can lead to more breakage, tangling, and dizziness.
Lastly, when you are attempting to grow healthy and strong hair, you need to protect your scalp and hair from the elements and damage. A good way to protect your scalp is to wear a protective hat, cap, or scarf during harsh weather conditions. You can also use a wide-toothed comb to prevent the hair strands from breaking and escaping and blow dry your hair or put it in a hairdryer for an extra dose of heat protection. Protecting your hair from the sun, wind, and damaging environments will help maintain your strands for a longer period of time.
