Your hair goes through just as much trouble as your skin from the sun and pollution, so it's only natural that you treat your long locks with the same care. It's time to start protecting your strands with a multi-step daily hair care routine, just like you would with your skin.
To achieve your best-looking hair, you must maintain its health in all shapes and forms. It's not rocket science! If you want to maintain your beautiful, long, shiny hair, you know you need to follow a good hair care routine that works for your hair type, needs, and schedule!
As a general rule, not all hair products are created equal: different products address different issues, and some work better than others based on the type of hair you have. So, here is a simple,
Step-by-Step Hair Care Routine You Can Start Right Now.
Step 1: Use a Pre-Wash Detangler
Did you know you could now prime your hair before washing it? A pre-wash or primer for your hair prepares it to get ready for what comes next! This crucial step reduces hair breakage and falls in the shower. By using a pre-wash before shampooing, you will be detangling your locks with added moisture while avoiding the hair breakage that is common during hair washing.
Including a pre-wash detangler in your routine will change everything. It will assist you in achieving the healthy and smooth hair look you desire by reducing hair breakage and allowing your hair to remain full and easy to manage during wash days.
Step 2: Use the Right Shampoo!
Washing your hair every day is unhealthy, especially if you have thick or curly hair. Overwashing depletes your hair and scalp of natural oils and proteins, resulting in dryness. Depending on how oily your hair gets, limit your washes to two to three times per week.
Use a sulfate-free shampoo on days you wash your hair. Sulfates are known to cause frizz, making it difficult to manage your hair. Look for shampoos that are designed specifically for your hair type. If you have dry hair, look for hydrating shampoos that are easily accessible to you.
Dry shampoo is your best friend when you don't have time to shower. This product aids in the reduction of oiliness. Apply just enough product to your roots to absorb the oil. Dry shampoo can dry out your hair if used excessively, especially if it contains alcohol.
If styling your hair often causes it to break, look for shampoos that protect weak hair. They clean your hair and scalp very well and make your hair less likely to break or get stressed out from styling.
Step 3: Conditioner
A conditioner is the perfect solution to de-tangle, de-frizz, and de-stress your hair!
But how you apply your conditioner matters way more than you think! A lot of people apply conditioner all over their hair - but the key is to apply it across the lengths and tips and not on the scalp!
Let your hair soak up all the good moisture, then rinse it out. Your hair is now comparatively more protected against hair breakage.
Alternatively, you can also use a leave-in conditioner every time you wash your hair if you have dry hair or like to style and dye it often. This product will not only keep your hair moist, but it will also make it look healthier by adding shine and lustre to it.
The best time to use a leave-in conditioner is when your hair is still damp and before you use heat styling tools. But don't put the product near your roots. Use it only on the strands to keep the oil off your scalp.
Every type of hair needs moisture. Keep your hair healthy by avoiding things that dry out your scalp and using products that moisturize them.
Step 4: Styling
It is best to avoid heat on hair, but if you still like styling, coat your hair strands with heat protectant after applying your leave-in conditioner and just before using your styling tools. Heat protectants serve as a shield between your hair and the hot styling tool. This keeps the strands from becoming fried, dry, and dull.
The truth is that heat styling damages your hair, so it's critical to protect your hair from heat damage. What's the good news? This type of damage is simple to avoid. Straightening or curling your hair without causing damage is possible if you use a good heat protectant and high-quality tools.
Step 5: Drying
Finally, It's time to dry your hair after you've finished applying all of your products. Keep in mind that friction can cause damage to your hair, so avoid drying it with cotton towels.
Long-time experts agree that the best way to dry your hair is to air-dry it up to 70 to 80 percent of the way before blow-drying it completely.
Instead of a regular hair dryer, use an ionic one. This wet-to-dry hair styler is ideal for damaged hair. It evaporates water droplets faster, allowing your hair to dry much faster. Your hair is exposed to less heat, which reduces the possibility of damage.
This daily routine should hydrate and nourish your hair, preventing damage and frizz and improving its appearance. You can give your hair some extra TLC (tender loving care) by adding a step or two to your weekly routine.
Step 6: Brushing/Detangling
Detangling your hair aids in the removal of any knots that may have formed during the washing process. Brushing wet hair is not recommended by experts because it can cause breakage. It is advisable to comb dry hair, although different hair types have different needs.
Combing also aids in the even distribution of any products used in your hair, such as serum or leave-in conditioner. When it comes to the number of times you should brush your hair, there is no hard and fast rule.
How to Brush Your Hair Properly:
- Always begin by using your fingertips to detangle any clumps or large knots.
- Next, gently brush the lower half of your hair to detangle any knots near the ends of your hair.
- After that, gently brush downwards from the roots.
Basic Equipment Available For Detangling Your Hair Is:
- A wide-toothed comb
- A fine-toothed comb
- Round bristle brush
- A Brush
Depending on your hair type, invest in a high-quality detangling tool.
Step 7: Oiling
For maximum hydration, hair oils must be used at least once a week. Oils contain vitamins and fatty acids that revitalize your hair, and nourish each strand from root to tip. Oil massages also promote blood circulation in the scalp.
For a few minutes, gently massage the oil into your scalp and roots. Rinse thoroughly to keep your scalp from becoming oily.
Step 8: Diet and Lifestyle
Supplement your hair care routine with healthy habits such as adequate sleep and a well-balanced diet. This way, your hair is nourished from within, resulting in maximum shine and hydration. Smoking and alcohol intake also affect hair badly, so it is best to avoid them.
Follow a Routine that works for you!
Aside from the basic hair care routine, your routine can be tailored to a variety of factors.
Everything from the feel of your hair to the styles you prefer will influence the routine you choose.
Natural hair types (textures) mainly fall into one of four categories:
- straight
- wavy
- curly
- kinky
Each has benefits and drawbacks. Straight hair, for example, appears and feels greasy faster than curly hair because oil moves more quickly down the hair shaft.
People with straight hair are recommended to shampoo their hair twice a week - which is twice as much as those with curly hair need!
Whereas, people with curly hair are recommended to not brush their hair daily, unlike most of us! Because brushing curly hair leads to more frizz and dryness than any other hair type!
Whether your hair has been bleached, dyed, or otherwise chemically processed, if it has come into contact with dye, bleach, or chemicals, you may need to reconsider your routine. People with dyed hair should avoid washing it every day to avoid premature colour fading and dryness.
Furthermore, bleached hair may require additional nourishment in the form of conditioner or hair masks.
What do you want to do with your hair daily?
Do you enjoy having your hair straightened or curled? Or do you prefer to leave it natural?
Whether you have specific issues you want to discuss, it's normal to have at least one problem with your hair - whether it's frizz, a flaky scalp, or dry, damaged strands.
Knowing what the problem is is only half the struggle. The rest is about determining the best solution.
Takeaway
Creating a hair care routine is similar to developing a skincare routine. You must be diligent with it, just as you are with skincare.
However, finding that routine can be difficult, especially when there are countless options for people with different hair types.
Developing a hair care routine for you may take several days, if not weeks. But once that's done, you'll be well on your way to having the hair you deserve.
