If you're one of those lucky ladies who wakes up with perfect, shiny, frizz-free hair, then congratulations. And if you're not one of those ladies, well, join the club. There are so many of us walking around with dry, damaged strands, even though it's really easy to get healthier hair.
Sure, some people are born with manageable locks, but most of us will face a some sort of struggle when it comes to their hair. I personally have dry hair... that also for some reason gets oily very easily. I know, it doesn't make any sense. But over the years, I've figured out how to take care of my hair in such a way that I don't really have much of a problem any more.
Take a second and think about how you care for your hair. Do you blow dry it within an inch of its life? Do you wash it every morning and every night? Do you pull it back extra tight? These habits can all have a negative effect on your hair, regardless of how oily or dry or silky or rough it may be.
If you want healthier hair, there are some beneficial things you can add into your routine, as well as some bad habits you should just quit entirely. Here are some of those tips.
1. Don't Shampoo It Too Much
Of course everyone's hair is different, and you should take your hair's texture, as well as your lifestyle, into account when deciding how often to wash it. But one thing is mostly true for everyone — you don't need to wash your hair as often as you think. According to Cat Quinn on Refinery29.com, "Stretching a blowout to three or even seven days isn’t just a badge of honor, it’s key to maintaining healthy hair. Not only does less frequent washing keep you from stripping your hair of its natural oils, it also tends to simply look better." Instead of washing every day, rinse your hair with conditioner, or spritz in a bit of dry shampoo.
2. Get Frequent Trims, But Not Because It Makes Your Hair Grow
It's widely regarded as truth, but unfortunately regular hair trims do not make your hair grow any faster. (Sigh.) They do, however, prevent split ends that can cause your hair to snap off and appear shorter. As Samantha Escobar notes on Goodhousekeeping.com, "While six to eight weeks is a safe bracket to stay within, your hair can give off warning signs that it needs a trim sooner rather than later. If you notice your ends looking more split or fried than usual, or if your hair is dryer than normal, consult with your stylist about what to do."
3. Try Not To Fry It With Styling Tools
The heat from styling tools dries out your hair, making it brittle and more prone to damage. So figure out some other hairstyles that require a little less styling. For example, consider a top knot instead of wearing it down and straightened. But according to an article by Alexis Rhiannon on Goodhousekeeping.com, if you absolutely have to use hot tools, such as blow dryers or curling irons, always use a spray-in heat protectant first.
4. Use A Silk Pillowcase
It kind of makes sense — silky pillowcase equals silky hair. So go get yourself one ASAP. According to Rhiannon, the smooth texture of a silk pillowcase won't rough up your hair cuticle when you sleep the way cotton does.
5. Don't Go Crazy With Towel Drying
If you're like me then you probably get out of the shower, turn your head upside down, and give your hair a good, vigorous rub with a bath towel. But apparently this can cause frizz and damage. As Alison Freer notes on XoJane.com, "Rubbing your hair dry with a regular old bath towel is a fast track to frizzy, damaged hair — as the terrycloth texture causes friction and roughs up your hair cuticles ... Plus, if you are a gal who likes to put her hair up while she gets ready and does her makeup, the weight of a regular old bath towel on your head can cause breakage around the roots ... " To avoid damage and frizz, use a microfiber towel, such as this one here. It will gently suck all the water out of your hair.
6. Give It A Rest
When you think about all the pulling, drying, and styling your hair goes through, it's a wonder any of it is still left on your head. So give your hair a rest for a couple of days. Put down the flat iron, take out the tight pony tail holders, and just let your hair do it's natural, beautiful thing.
Images: Jose Luis Raota / EyeEm/EyeEm/Getty Images; Giphy (6)
