If your hair is dry, look for a shampoo that boasts extra hydration. Dryness can be a major factor in keeping your ends looking rough. A lot of people color their hair, and the process of dyeing your hair can cause damage. If you color yours, look for products that offer color protection. Look for a shampoo that lists vitamin H and silk protein in the ingredients. These will help boost shine and silkiness. Try different shampoos and conditioners. Your hair will react differently to each brand, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the one you like best.
Look for a light weight spray. A spray conditioner makes it easy to target specific areas, such as the ends of your hair. The benefit of a leave-in conditioner is that it keeps adding moisture to your hair. This makes it much harder for your hair to dry out or develop split ends. If you have fine hair, look for a formula that does not contain oil. Otherwise, you risk weighing your hair down. Leave-in conditioners are great for smoothing out thick out. Since they act as a natural de-tangler, you will do less damage to your hair when combing it out.
Try giving yourself a hot oil treatment. You can use a variety of oils that you probably already have at your house. You can use coconut, olive, avocado, or almond oils. Gently heat a small amount of your chosen oil. Start with about 1/4 cup and heat in the microwave or the stove until the oil is hot, but not too hot to comfortably touch. Before starting the hot oil treatment, wash your hair but don’t dry it. When hair is damp, gently massage hot oil into your hair. Wrap your head with a warm towel. Cover that towel with another to help seal in the heat. After an hour, rinse the oil out of your silky hair.
For example, you can combine the flesh of one avocado with 2 tablespoons of egg whites, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mash together with a fork or spoon until you get a creamy consistency. Apply the mixture to your hair and cover with a shower cap. After 1 hour, rinse your hair and wash with a gentle shampoo. Try using the above method with different ingredients. Another great combination is the flesh of one papaya and 1/2 cup of plain yogurt. You can also use beer to help make your hair silky and smooth. The proteins and sugars provide a lot of beauty benefits. Put beer in a spray bottle and spritz on hair. Rinse thoroughly and then wash with shampoo.
One option is to have a chemical straightening treatment. This will give you smooth, shiny locks. Ask your stylist about thermal reconditioning. This is another chemical treatment that is suitable for thicker, curly hair. A Brazilian Keratin treatment is a popular option. It is less harsh than other chemical processes. Chemical treatments can be expensive, so make sure to inquire about price before booking your appointment.
Avoid vigorously rubbing or massaging your head. Putting more pressure on your strands can actually cause fly-aways and rough ends. Rinse shampoo out before conditioning. Make sure to get rid of excess water by gently squeezing or wringing out your hair. Rinse your hair with cool water. Hot water can damage your color and your hair. You don’t have to take a cold shower, but you should turn the water temperature down before you rinse. Only wash your hair every other day. This allows the natural oils in your hair time to repair. On the days you don’t wash, you can still rinse with water or dry shampoo.
Air dry as often as possible. Daily blow drying can quickly cause your hair to loose it’s luster. Using a straightening iron can make your hair appear shiny and soft temporarily. But in reality, it damages the hair by weakening the follicles and drying it out. Try to limit straightening your hair to once a week. Look for other ways to style your hair, such as experimenting with texturizing sprays. When you do use heat, use a protectant. There are many sprays you can use to limit the damage done by hot tools. Ask your stylist to recommend a good one.
Use a wide-tooth plastic comb. This is the most gentle tool for your hair. You can get a great one for under $5 at your local drugstore. Avoid tugging on your hair. It can be tempting to yank on tangles, but that can cause breakage. Take the time to gently work tangles out, using the comb and your fingers. Keep your comb clean. A dirty comb can spread unwanted chemicals and dirt through your hair. Wash your comb with a gentle soap at least once a week.
If you purchase a mask, consider buying one that contains Moroccan oil. This ingredient does a great job of adding moisture to hair, especially the ends. You can use a lot of different food products to make moisturizing masks. Try mixing 1 overripe banana with 1 teaspoon each of olive oil, honey, and coconut oil. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until very smooth. Apply to hair and let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. You can also had a handful of fresh strawberries, and 1 tablespoon each of honey and coconut oil to a blender. Mix until pureed, then apply to hair for anywhere from 10-50 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Make time in your schedule for air drying your hair. This might mean that you need to get up earlier or start washing your hair at night. Plan ahead each week. This will help you figure out the best days to wash your hair and the best time to use dry shampoo. Take time each week to give your hair extra hydration. For example, apply a moisturizing mask each Wednesday evening.
Do your research. Ask family and friends to recommend a stylist that they love. Read online reviews. This can help you get a sense of how good your potential stylist is. Consider price. It might be tempting to head straight to a fancy salon, but if you have to scrimp and save to get a hair cut, you’ll be less likely to regularly go.
You should get a trim every 2-3 months. If you go longer, your hair can look uneven and straggly. Schedule appointments in advance. That way, you don’t have to worry about your stylist not being able to fit you in.
Make sure to get plenty of healthy fats. Walnuts are a great source of omega-3s, which can help your hair look strong. Salmon is also a good healthy fat. Pair some in a salad with avocado. Blueberries contain anti-aging properties. This can help your hair look young and fresh.
