Things you should know… …ABOUT HAIR CARE

WRITER: ANGELA GIANGROSSI // ILLUSTRATOR: ANTHONY CASTO

1. DON’T WASH YOUR HAIR EVERY DAY

Every two to three days is enough. Washing your hair too frequently can sometimes contribute to further damage and frizz. Dry shampoo is a great fix for in-between days.

2. AVOID DAMAGING SUBSTANCES

Avoid too much UV exposure, cigarette smoke, and stress. All three can make your hair dry, brittle, and contribute to hair loss.

3. BE GENTLE ON WET HAIR

Hair is in its most fragile state when it is wet. Therefore, when combing out wet hair use a widetooth comb and go slowly. Also, use a detangling spray for longer hair to avoid extra breakage.

4. PROTECT YOUR HAIR FROM DAMAGING HEAT

Blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can cause unneeded damage. Use a thermal protectant product on your hair before you dry and style your hair. There are many kinds on the market so make sure to read the product’s instructions; some you apply to wet hair and some are sprayed on directly before using tools. Also, ask your stylist for a product recommendation.

5. WANT LONG HAIR? CUT IT

Your hair should be trimmed every six to eight weeks. Split ends do nothing but dull your looks and travel up the hair shaft. If you neglect trimming your hair, you will only have to cut more hair later. Maintaining healthy ends is the key.

6. HEALTHY HAIR STARTS AT THE ROOT WITH A HEALTHY SCALP

Take a few extra minutes when washing your hair to massage your scalp. Not only does it feel good, a good scalp massage increases blood flow and stimulates lymphatic drainage in the head, which results in stimulated hair follicles to promote maximum hair growth.

7. DIAGNOSE YOUR HAIR TYPE

Oily, dry, chemically treated, thinning, or normal... there are lines of products for every specific hair type. Use what is appropriate for you. If you do not use the right product, you will always come away from the mirror unhappy with how it looks.

8. COOL DOWN THAT CUTICLE

Rinse conditioner out of hair with a cool water rinse. It helps close the cuticle of the hair, which promotes shininess and helps reduce frizz.

9. STAY AWAY FROM HOME USE HAIR CHEMICALS

You may think you are saving time and money, but in the end, your hair will look bad and it is expensive to fix. Do you love your highlights? Save a bit of money and opt for partial highlights in between doing the full head. It costs less, requires a shorter appointment, and does not create a nightmare for your stylist to fix later.

10. FOR GREAT LOOKING HAIR, DON’T SHOP-HOP

Find a stylist you can communicate with and trust. If you are constantly changing salons, you will never find two stylists who will give you the same thing. When you find a stylist you like, stick with them. Most stylists prefer you book ahead so just rebook before you leave. It helps eliminate emotional hair disasters and you are assured your time with your stylist instead of getting “fit in” at the last minute.

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