HAIR CARE TIP #1: WASH WITH LUKEWARM WATER
That almost-too-hot-to-touch water can strip your hair of essential oils, which can leave it feeling drier and looking duller. So, the next time you step into the shower, adjust the temperature. Lukewarm water is just as effective at getting you clean, without being quite as harsh on your hair.
Special Note: The hot water you love so much? It’s also doing your skin a disservice! If you notice your complexion is dry, your steamy showers could be to blame.
HAIR CARE TIP #2: CONDITION CORRECTLY
Chances are you already know that you should use conditioner, but are you sure you’re using it the right way? Think about where your hair tends to get greasy first—typically the roots—and use it as a reminder that conditioner only needs to be placed on certain sections of your hair. Skip applying it near your roots, and apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends. Conditioning at the roots can end up weighing down your hair. As for hair tips for application, try distributing the conditioner through your hair with a wide-tooth comb, which can help detangle your hair.
HAIR CARE TIP #3: CONCENTRATE SHAMPOO ON THE SCALP
In contrast to conditioner, which should be focused on the lengths and ends of your strands, shampoo should be concentrated on the scalp, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Washing only the lengths and ends of your hair can strip strands of their moisture and cause them to become lackluster, dull, and dry. Your scalp (which produces oil and constantly sheds skin cells) is the area that really needs cleansing, so when you shampoo, keep your efforts focused on your scalp and roots.
HAIR CARE TIP #4: BE EXTRA THOROUGH WITH RINSING
You’re almost ready to get out of the shower, and that means rinsing out any remaining product. Be sure to be extremely thorough with washing everything out, as leftover product can leave you with buildup.
HAIR CARE TIP #5: DON’T DRY OFF USING A TOWEL
A towel totally seems like the obvious way to remove excess water and start drying your hair post-shower, but it may not be what’s best. One of our better hair tips? Squeeze out excess water and then dry off using an old cotton T-shirt, which is gentler than a towel.
HAIR CARE TIP #6: PROTECT HAIR BEFORE HEAT STYLING
We all love how our hair looks after a blowout or heat styling session, but excessive heat styling can do a number on your hair. While we wouldn’t expect you to part with your hot tools completely, it is a must to make one small adjustment when you’re using heat to style. Every single time, you should be applying a protective product first. Spritz on heat protectant before blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair, which is one of our most important hair tips to follow.
HAIR CARE TIP #7: BLOW-DRY WITH A BRUSH
Blow-drying your hair may not be the easiest skill to master (that’s for sure), but you may have more success if you add a round brush into the mix. Brush your hair in the same direction you’re blow-drying and use the brush to pull your hair straight for smoother results. While you’re at it, be careful to move your blow-dryer from roots to ends—not vice versa—to help prevent frizz.
HAIR CARE TIP #8: ONLY STRAIGHTEN AND CURL DRY HAIR
Think about what happens when you drop water into a hot pan, then consider if you want the same to happen to your hair. We think not! That’s why you never want to use a curling iron or hair straightener when your strands are wet or even just a little damp. It’s well worth the wait to let your hair completely dry, whether that means air drying or giving your mane a blast with a blow-dryer.
HAIR CARE TIP #9: SWITCH UP YOUR PART
Sometimes the simplest hair care tips have such a big impact. All it takes to give your hair a fuller look is to change where you part your hair. Switch to the opposite side, and you’ll instantly notice your roots have more lift.
HAIR CARE TIP #10: GIVE STRANDS A BREAK FROM PONYTAILS
Ponytails are a classic for a reason. Come on, just think about how convenient it is to be able to sweep all of your hair off your face. Still, that doesn’t mean they’re right for 100% of the time. Pulling your hair up every day can put unnecessary strain on your locks. Try wearing your hair down more often, rocking lower and looser ponytails, and using softer hair ties that won’t pinch.
HAIR CARE TIP #11: LOCK IN YOUR LOOK WITH HAIRSPRAY
You can’t forget the finishing touch when following these tips. Make sure your hairstyle lasts, no matter where you go or what you do, with a strong-hold, weather control hairspray. A quick coat of hairspray could make all the difference in how your hair looks after a few hours of wear. While you’re at it, why not check out the 6 Hairspray Hacks Every Woman Should Know? Might as well make the most out of your product pick!
HAIR CARE TIP #12: YOUR SCALP NEEDS CARE, TOO
Think about it: Your scalp is skin too, and it’s actually an extension of your face. Just like the rest of your skin, your scalp also needs regular exfoliating. Unfortunately, regular buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and leftover product can leave your scalp overloaded and less than healthy. Once or twice a month, give your scalp a good scrub.
HAIR CARE TIP #13: SLEEP ON A SILK PILLOWCASE
Cotton pillowcases can absorb your hair care products and be unnecessarily harsh on your strands. Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to maximize your beauty sleep for one of our easiest hair care tips.
HAIR CARE TIP #14: USE DRY-SHAMPOO WHEN YOUR HAIR NEEDS A REFRESH
Hair looking a little greasy? Use a refreshing dry shampoo to keep your roots looking their best. When choosing a dry shampoo, look for ingredients that will get the job done without leaving any residue behind, such as clay.
HAIR CARE TIP #15: DEEP CONDITION REGULARLY
Hair of all types, textures, and tints can always benefit from a deep conditioning treatment, which works in just one minute. Seriously, it’s that easy and quick! Swap out your regular conditioner for this deep conditioner, leave it on for one minute, then rinse and style as usual.
HAIR CARE TIP #16: AIR DRY WHEN YOU CAN
Because excessive heat styling can damage your strands in the long run, the AAD suggests letting your hair air dry as often as you can. When you do plan to follow this hair styling tip and air dry your hair. It will enhance your hair’s natural shape and definition as it dries, producing beautiful, effortless style.
HAIR CARE TIP #17: SHIELD YOUR STRANDS FROM UV RAYS
Another source of hair damage you may not be aware of? The sun! That’s why the AAD recommends covering up with a hat whenever you’re outside for long periods of time. Besides, hats can serve as the perfect accessory—especially on lazy hair days.
HAIR CARE TIP #18: TRIM YOUR SPLIT ENDS
As much as you care for your hair and keep it healthy by following various hair tips, sometimes split ends are just inevitable. Rather than trying to seal them up, book an appointment with your hairdresser and get them snipped off. Hair is already dead, so when it splits, the AAD recommends trimming them at the first sign.
HAIR CARE TIP #19: KEEP HAIR HYDRATED
Hydrated strands are happy, healthy strands—whatever your hair type, this rule is universal. In order to keep your hair healthy, use a leave-in hair cream that will nourish your strands throughout the day. Simply apply a dime-sized amount onto damp strands and work it evenly throughout your lengths and ends. Whether you have straight hair, curly hair, or hair that’s somewhere in between, keeping your strands hydrated is a surefire way to keep them looking healthy, strong, and beautiful.
HAIR CARE TIP #20: USE A WIDE-TOOTH COMB ON WET HAIR
It’s a fact, confirmed by the AAD: Wet hair breaks more easily when brushed. For this reason, it’s wise to use a wide-tooth comb when detangling damp or wet hair and also to be as gentle as possible while doing so.
HAIR CARE TIP #21: KEEP YOUR HOT TOOLS ON LOW OR MEDIUM SETTING
When it comes to heat styling, it almost always is not necessary to turn your tools up to the highest setting—those super-hot settings are actually intended for in-salon treatments! Keeping your hot tools on the low or medium temperature setting will get the job done just as well, and without causing nearly as much damage to your strands.
FINAL HAIR CARE TIP #22 From Hairstylist Mark Townsend:
To prevent a texturizing or surf spray from turning hair dull, mix it with a few drops of hair oil in your palm and then rake it through hair.