Whether you have straight hair, curly hair, dry or oily, everyone is always looking for handy tricks to give their hair just that extra touch of shine. While you may think that you have perfected the ultimate hair care routine, you may be surprised to find that there are a few common mistakes that we have all been making. So, to ensure that your locks remain gorgeous on the outside and healthy on the inside, we have put together our top 8 hair care tips!
The Regal Envy Guide To Hair Care Tips
We’ve all fallen victim to a bad hair day, whether you wake up with a head filled with tangles or notice that your locks are beginning to break. While split ends can sometimes be inevitable, there are a number of ways that you can keep your hair filled with nutrients, smooth and ready to be styled into your favourite look. And don’t worry, there will be no need to give your hair care routine a complete overhaul, there are just a few handy tips to keep in mind:
- Minimise Heat Damage
- Always Avoid Overwashing
- Reduce The Water Temperature
- Shampoo & Condition Correctly
- Make Homemade Hair Masks
- Use The Right Brushes
- Go Boujee With Silk
- Consider Your Diet
1. Minimise Heat Damage
So first things first, let’s talk about heat damage. Heat can cause all manner of damage to your locks from split ends and breakages to a rough and stringy texture; all things that can cause our overall hair to look a little drab rather than fab. But the thing with heat damage is, we all know that constantly using straighteners, curlers or heated rollers is bad for us, but it’s just so convenient to use them to perfect our favourite style! So, instead of telling you to lock your heated tools away in a cupboard forever, we’re going to give you some super simple tips to keep your hair healthy, along with alternatives to achieve your signature style through heatless techniques!
If you simply cannot live without heated styling tools, then heat protection spray should always be your best friend. Heat protection spray is designed to create a barrier over the hair shafts which, in return, protects the cuticles from the damage caused by heat – just like sunscreen does for your skin. They are also filled with lots of beneficial ingredients to not only nourish the hair but also give you that glamorous Hollywood shine. So, next time you reach for the straighteners, curlers or even hairdryer, be sure to spritz on a generous amount of protector before going ahead!
Alternatively, if you’re planning to give your hair a heat detox, then why not experiment with heatless styling? While it may take a little more time and preparation, often the night before, it couldn’t be easier to nail your favourite style without having to cause any damage to your locks. Whether it may be mermaid-inspired beach waves or sleek and straight, there are so many straightforward techniques to achieve the hair of your dreams. Find more gorgeous no-heat hairstyles on The Everygirl.
2. Always Avoid Overwashing
So many of us are guilty of being in the routine of washing our hair every day, and while it may mean we always have fresh locks, it, in fact, couldn’t be more damaging. Overwashing will start to strip your hair and scalp of all of its natural oils, making them both feel super dry. Shampoos are designed to clean dirt from the hair and remove excess oil from the scalp, which if your hair is greasy, is perfect, but if it is not will cause both to become incredibly unhealthy. Oil is essential in keeping your hair and scalp nourished, and without it, you’ll find that your locks will be brittle, dull and filled with split ends.
Luckily, there are many different ways that you can slowly start to ease yourself away from the everyday hair washing routine. First, switch to washing your hair every second day – we promise that your hair won’t be as greasy as you think and even if it is, just pop it up or spritz some dry shampoo. There are tonnes of cute hairstyles that are perfect for disguising greasy hair, whether it may be a sleek topknot or French braids. We love the 20 hairstyles featured on The Right Hairstyles! You could also balance your schedule with days that you know you can get away with having unwashed hair. For example, Sundays are always a chilled day, so why not allow this to be your extra day before washing on Monday morning?
3. Reduce The Water Temperature
Although we have already covered heat damage caused by styling tools, you’d also be surprised to discover that washing your hair in water that is too hot can also impact the health of your locks. Not only will hot water, again, strip your hair of its natural oils, but it will also leave your scalp super dehydrated, which is likely to cause dandruff. Then when it comes to styling, you’ll probably find that your hair is frizzy and static, making it so hard to control.
So, to stop your hair from feeling the brunt of high temperatures, we suggest turning your shower down a few degrees. In fact, if you are brave enough, you could even try giving your hair its last rinse with cold water. While it may be a little unpleasant, cold water has been proven to close your cuticles which will help them to stay cleaner in the days ahead, as well as making your hair shinier. Cold water will also improve the overall blood circulation of your scalp, keeping it healthy and filled with essential nutrients.
4. Shampoo & Condition Correctly
Even though we’ve all been washing our hair for as long as we can remember, there are a few handy tips that will help you to keep your hair super healthy – it all starts with your choice in shampoo and conditioner. If possible, we’d always recommend opting for natural hair products as through using these; you know that you’re not using any harmful ingredients on your precious locks. Sulfates, parabens and plasticizers are all incredibly common in your average hair care products but will strip your hair of its nutrients. Instead, get into the routine of checking the ingredients on the back of the bottle before making your purchase. You can find more information on what to look out for and what to avoid when searching for products on Ecology Center.
Once you have tracked down your favourite shampoo and conditioner, its time to perfect your washing routine and in fact, it’s pretty straightforward. All you need to remember is that shampoo should always be focused on the roots while the conditioner is mainly on the mid-length to the ends. In doing this, you can prevent a greasy scalp while still maintaining sleek, shiny locks. If you wanted to use hair oil, then the best time to apply this would be before you wash your hair.
5. Make Homemade Hair Masks
For those who love all things organic and natural or simply adore trying their hand at creating DIY products, making your own hair masks would most definitely be an afternoon well spent. Hair masks are the perfect way to give your locks well-needed TLC, helping to nourish, soften and strengthen your hair. And even better, almost all recipes include ingredients that you more than likely have tucked at the back of cupboards or the bottom of your skincare drawer, making them super affordable to make. Take a look at some of our favourite conditioning mask recipes for different hair woes below:
- To Repair – Mix 1 tablespoon with coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of honey and heat until melted. Apply to the hair, leave for 20 minutes then rinse.
- To Combat Oil – Mix the egg white of one egg with the juice of half a lemon. Apply to damp hair, cover with a shower cap and leave for up to 45 minutes before rinsing.
- To Tackle Frizz – Blend one banana with 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt and a tablespoon of honey. Apply to damp hair, cover with a shower cap and leave for up to 45 minutes before rinsing.
- To Encourage Growth – Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon before massaging into the scalp. Leave to sit for 45 minutes and then rinse.
6. Use The Right Brushes
We have a question for you, how many years have you been using your trusted hairbrush? Have you lost count on how long you’ve carried it around to just about everywhere you’ve visited? Well, if the answer is yes, then it may be time to invest in a new brush, and luckily, we have some tips for you.
While you may be used to an all-in-one solution, we recommend picking up both a boar bristle brush and a wide-toothed comb. A wide-toothed comb is ideal for detangling your hair after washing as it prevents the hair from breaking while it is more fragile. You could even opt for using the comb to detangle while the conditioner is still in your hair. As your hair will be smoother, it will be much less painful and considerably easier to get rid of those stubborn knots. The bristle brush, on the other hand, can then be for everyday use when your hair is dry. Never use something like a round or metal brush to detangle as these are designed only for drying, not for attempting to remove knots and tangles. When you are brushing, remember to start from the bottom and work your way up!
7. Go Boujee With Silk
If you’re looking to treat yourself to something a little more boujee (and we don’t blame you), then we have you covered! Silk pillowcases should most definitely be your next investment as not only do they look gorgeous on your bed, but they are also super beneficial for your locks. As you toss and turn in your sleep, you cause friction against the pillowcase, which causes your hair to become brittle and eventually split ends will begin to form. With a silk pillowcase, you can move as much as you wish and there will be no friction, meaning that you won’t have to worry about frizz and breakages. They are also great for your skin as, unlike other materials, silk does not harbour germs and dirt, which means that you’re less likely to wake up with breakouts and blocked pores. It really is a win-win!
8. Consider Your Diet
Although it’s important to follow the above tips to keep your hair healthy, you would be surprised how much your diet contributes towards successful hair care. As your hair is made primarily of protein, it’s vital to ensure that you are eating enough protein, along with other nutrients, to keep the follicles and scalp in full health. Below is a list of the best foods to keep your locks looking and feeling fabulous:
- Eggs
- Avocado
- Spinach
- Whole Grains
- Salmon
- Grapes
For more information on the best foods for hair growth, take a look at Good Housekeeping.
And It’s As Easy As That!
Keeping your hair flawless from the inside out needn’t be a tedious task, and it’s all about adapting your routine to give your locks just that little extra TLC. Finding products, whether it may be shampoo, conditioner or oil, is all about trial and error, but we promise that you will find the perfect routine for you!
