We all want to look healthier. We want to look amazing in those Instagram selfies, without filters or professional graphic designers needed to Photoshop the picture to perfection. A thick full head of hair is sometimes a byproduct of living a healthy lifestyle, but it at least helps us look healthy. And when we look good we feel good and make better decisions in some cases. It boosts confidence for sure, and confidence is key.
While there are some tips to improve the look and growth of your hair that take time, like eating certain foods or taking specific the B-vitamin Biotin for example, there are also a few tips that can give you better hair in the snap of a finger. Try out these tips for healthier hair that will make them stop and stare:
1) Consistently Condition
Good conditioner is also crucial when it comes to any hair type but particularly thick, curly tresses. “For curly, highly textured hair, always deep condition,” says celebrity hair stylist Ted Gibson. “No two minute conditioners here. Deep conditioning involves using a conditioner that will add moisture and strength (protein) back to hair. You should use heat by either applying conditioner to hair while taking a shower and let it sit while showering or by covering the hair with a plastic cap and applying heat from an outside like a hair dryer. “I believe it’s important to use leave-in conditioners and also not to shampoo so often. Rinse it if you want to but don’t necessarily shampoo it.” To make sure your hair really absorbs the conditioner, towel-dry hair after shampooing. Excess water will mean the conditioner won’t be able to penetrate the hair shaft and deliver the necessary moisture to keep hair looking healthy and shiny. If you’re short on time, at least squeeze out excess water. Try: TIGI S-Factor Serious Conditioner Approved by some of the best hairstylists in the business, TIGI’s conditioner banishes fluffy ends and frizzy bits, making thick, coarse and colored hair so much more manageable. Mazuri Shea Butter Fresh Start Conditioner is a natural conditioner harnesses shea butter and coconut oil to detangle, nourish and impart a glossy luster. Our hair has never felt silkier. And where you apply it matters, too.
“Conditioner only needs to go on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair,” says stylist Kerrie Urban. “Try not to put the conditioner on the roots as it will cause your scalp to get greasy faster.” It’s also a good idea to think ahead and anticipate situations where your hair might dry out. “While you exercise, you perspire, which means that your hair gets damp with sweat that can actually make it dry,” says LA-based hair stylist, Andy LeCompte. “Before you hit the gym (especially during the summer, but this works year-round too) wet your hair and add in some conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends. Rinse out the conditioner post-workout and you’ll be left with shiny, hydrated hair.”
2) Beauty Brushing
No-one wants a matted mess for a mane, so brushing is always necessary, but don’t tear through your locks mindlessly. According to Guy, being too aggressive will only cause damage, and no-one wants to contend with fluffy, split ends. “For perfectly shiny, healthy and untangled hair, you should be brushing your hair twice a day,” suggests hairstylist Laura Superbi. “Once in the morning and once before going to bed, for about a minute each time.”
So what’s the best technique? “Brushing from the roots causes damage – always brush from the bottom and work up,” advises hair stylist Tracey Cunningham, especially if you have long hair. And the tools you employ should change when your hair is wet to avoid snapping and static. “When your hair is soaking wet, it is weaker, fragile and more susceptible to breakage,” says hairstylist Nicky Clarke. Save your brush for when your hair is dry and invest in a wide-tooth comb. The teeth are designed to glide through wet hair - especially if coarse, wavy or curly - much easily than brush will, and there’ll be much less damage to contend with when it’s dry. Try the 3 More Inches by Michael Van Clarke Safety Comb. Handmade from vulcanized rubber, it minimizes snagging, so the hair cuticle remains smooth.
3) Protect Positively
Hair can be damaged by both UV and heated tools, like hair straighteners, tongs and even your trusty hairdryer, so it’s important to give your hair as much protection as possible. “When you dry your hair at home always use a heat protector,” says hairstylist Mark Wooley of Electric Hairdressing. Try the ghd Heat Protect Spray With UV Protection to condition from the inside out and shield against damage from straighteners and color-zapping rays. And when drying, be sure not to hold the hair dryer too close to your lengths, to prevent split, fluffy ends. “As a test, blow the hairdryer onto your hand and see how fast you pull away when holding it close to your skin.”
4) Beautiful Blow-Drying
A good blow-dry should last at least a couple of days depending on your hair type, and there are several products that will help prolong the life of your style. You can also bypass hot tools by multitasking your hair style, as celebrity stylist Dan Sharp explains: “Styling doesn’t always have to involve a hot tool. If you give yourself a fierce blowout on Monday, rock it out on Tuesday and on Wednesday do a fab high ponytail. Making your style last a few days will really help prevent damage.” The perfect at-home blow-out is not as tricky as it sounds and if you invest in a few good tools it’ll make it even easier. “Start by flipping your head upside down, and shake your hair around while you blow-dry,” says hair care expert Harry Josh. “The more you move, the more volume you’ll get. Once it’s about 80 percent dry, flip back up and blow-dry hair in sections to smooth, focusing on polished ends. The last three inches are key: Move your brush and dryer right down to the very end of the strands and take your time. It will make all the difference. Most people come at their heads from the side, which makes hair frizzy and staticky by pushing it all over the place.”
5) Tools Of The Trade
Think of your hair like your skin - what you put on it will affect it. Investing in good quality products and tools will keep hair looking and feeling healthy and strong. “People are cheap with what they use on hair but wouldn’t dream of treating their cashmere jumper in that way,” says hair stylist and Redken Ambassador Tracy Cunningham. “At home, you should have a round brush for blow-drying, a Mason Pearson brush for styling and a tail comb to move hair around a little,” says hair legend and Redken Global Creative Director, Guido Palau. Good brushes are worth investing in and although might have a heftier price tag than others, if they’re looked after they will last forever. Keep your brushes clean and free of dead hair, oil and product build-up by washing them in a mixture of baking soda and warm water once a month. For more help, visit Divine Designs Hair Salon in Everett MA.
Make Sure Your Hair Looks And Feel Its Best On A Budget
Looking your best can help you feel confident, powerful, and healthy and that can lead to better behaviors. Keep these tips in mind and enjoy healthier hair and better beauty.
I hope you enjoyed this article about how to get healthier hair on a frugal budget.
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