Wouldn't it be nice to always have great hair? Fortunately, regardless of the type of hair, it is possible to always have a hair that looks healthy and shiny in any situation. In this article you will find many useful steps to always have a fantastic hair and specific sections for each type of hair. Follow all the steps or choose only the ones that suit you best to always have fabulous hair.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using Shampoo and Conditioner Properly
Step 1. Choose a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type
Using the right products can make a big difference to the appearance and condition of your hair. Read the labels to choose a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for your hair type. Also, make sure both products are sulfate-free to prevent your hair from drying out.
- If you have curly or treated hair, it is best to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
- If you have frizzy hair, try using a shampoo and conditioner that will help eliminate knots, as well as ensure good hydration.
- If you have straight or thin hair, try using a clarifying shampoo for frequent use, paired with a moisturizing conditioner.
- Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner if your hair looks flat and lacking in volume.
- If you have dyed hair, opt for a shampoo and conditioner with a formulation that extends the life of the color.
Step 2. If you have straight hair, wash it every day or every other day
It is generally not necessary to shampoo daily. However, straight hair can get dirty more quickly and appear flat and heavy, due to the accumulation of oils produced by the scalp. Wash them every other day or even every day if they look dirty. Use a coin-sized amount of shampoo and massage the product from the roots to mid-lengths, avoiding the ends.
If you exercise frequently or live in a city where the air is very polluted, your hair can get dirty very quickly
Step 3. Shampoo 3 times a week if you have curly hair
Curly hair usually needs a lot of hydration, so if you wash it too often it can become dry and frizzy. Massage the shampoo into the roots and then up to halfway through the lengths. There is no need to wash the ends too, as they tend to accumulate less sebum and product residues.
- In between washes, you can rinse your hair with water and moisturize it with conditioner to revive the curls.
- Be careful not to wash your hair too often so as not to deprive it of the oils produced by the scalp, otherwise it could become dry.
Step 4. Use conditioner every time you shampoo to make your hair easier to comb
Conditioner moisturizes your hair and helps you get rid of knots, making it an indispensable tool if you want to have a tidy and fantastic hair. Apply alone, between washes or after shampooing. Use an amount the size of a coin and massage it strand by strand. Do not apply it on the roots to avoid weighing them down.
- If possible, let the conditioner sit on your hair for a few minutes. When you shower, immediately wash your hair with shampoo, apply conditioner, and then take care of the rest of your body. Rinse your hair just before you get out of the shower.
- If you have long or thick hair, you may need more conditioner.
Step 5. Rinse your hair with cold water to make it shine
Taking a shower in hot water can be extremely relaxing, but it can dehydrate your hair. You should use cold water to rinse your hair from the conditioner as it helps to close the cuticles, trapping moisture inside the hair which will then appear shinier.
If you feel cold after rinsing your hair with cold water, collect it over your head with a hair clip and warm your body with hot water
Step 6. Use dry shampoo between washes if you have oily hair
Too frequent shampooing tends to dry out your hair, however if it's greasy you may feel embarrassed. Fortunately, there is dry shampoo that can solve the problem. Choose a product suitable for the shade of your hair, shake the bottle and follow the directions on the label to spray it correctly on the roots.
Generally, dry shampoo should be applied to areas where hair is visibly oily, holding the bottle about 10-15cm away from the scalp. Leave it on for a few minutes, then comb it to remove excess product
Step 7. Once a week, nourish your hair deeply with a mask
Make a compress to restore natural moisture to them and help them look their best. You can buy a hair mask in perfumery, online or in the supermarket. Alternatively, you can make it at home. Depending on how much time you have available, you can apply the mask to your hair and leave it on for 3-5 minutes or cover it with a shower cap and a warm towel and keep it on for up to 20-30 minutes. Remember to use cold water to get rid of the mask.
- You can ask the hairdresser for advice to buy a mask suitable for your hair's needs.
- You can make a pack with coconut, olive or jojoba oil: it will nourish your hair like a mask.
- If your hair feels like it tends to grease more quickly, reduce how often you do the mask, for example by using it every other week.
Step 8. Gently squeeze your hair after washing it, without rubbing it
Rubbing them with the towel could damage them, so press them gently between the folds of the towel to absorb excess water. Start at the tips and slowly work your way up to the roots.
Hair is very fragile when wet, so treat it very gently
Method 2 of 4: Remove Knots from Hair
Step 1. After showering, apply a leave-in conditioner to provide added moisture to the hair
Products that don't need to be rinsed are great for two reasons: they detangle your hair while making it smoother and shinier. Choose a leave-in conditioner formulated for your hair type. Spray it on the lengths if you have chosen a spray product, otherwise pour a small amount into the palm, rub it between your hands and then massage it into your hair.
- Each product is different, so read the directions on the label to make sure you apply it correctly.
- Leave-in conditioner can help combat frizz if you have wavy or curly hair, as it provides moisture.
Step 2. Invest in a good quality brush with natural bristles
The type of bristles can affect the appearance of the hair. A good brush is able to distribute natural oils from the scalp to the lengths which will therefore be smoother and more disciplined. Look for a brush with natural bristles.
If you don't know which brush to choose, ask your hairdresser for advice. He will be able to tell you which brush is best for you
Step 3. If you have straight hair, brush it twice a day
The brush eliminates knots and distributes the natural oils produced by the scalp. However, be careful not to brush them too frequently to avoid greasing or damaging them. Get into the good habit of brushing them after washing them, as well as in the morning and evening.
Brush your hair in the morning if you have a habit of showering in the evening or vice versa
Step 4. If you have curly or wavy hair, comb it with a wide-toothed comb after applying the conditioner
You have most likely noticed that if you comb them when they are dry they tend to get frizzy. The best time to style them is when you shower. After applying the conditioner, remove the knots with a wide-toothed comb. Start from the tips and slowly work your way up to the roots.
Wet hair is more fragile and delicate, but the conditioner makes it easier to comb through
Method 3 of 4: Styling the Hair
Step 1. Apply a moisturizing oil or cream if you have thick, curly or wavy hair
Curly hair generally tends to generate a lot of envy, but it is true that it is difficult to manage because it is drier by nature. Dehydration triggers the unwanted frizz effect, but fortunately the problem can be solved by using a moisturizing oil. Rub a couple of drops between your palms, then apply it to your hair starting from the tips and up to a few inches away from the roots.
Try using argan, coconut, or jojoba oil. If you prefer, you can purchase a leave-in perfume product that contains a blend of oils
Step 2. Use a volumizing spray if you have thin hair
Fine hair can be beautiful, but you might want a little more volume. Fortunately, it's easy to get fluffy hair using a volumizing spray product. Apply it to the roots and up to mid-lengths before styling your hair as you wish.
Each product is different, so read the directions on the label to make sure you apply it correctly
Step 3. Let your hair air dry whenever you have a chance to protect it from damage that heat can cause
Styling tools that use heat can help you get the look you want, but they are very damaging to your hair. Learn to accept the nature of your hair and let it air dry as often as possible. If you damage them less, they will look more beautiful.
You can also let them air dry 80% and then style them with styling tools
Step 4. Protect them from heat with a suitable product
Heat shields reduce the risk of hair being damaged when you use styling tools. Keep in mind that they serve to lower risk, but do not completely eliminate it. You can spray the heat protector on damp hair before using the blow dryer or on dry hair before using the straightener or curler. If you have chosen a cream product, pour a small amount into your palm, rub it between your hands and then apply it strand by strand.
- The thermal protector should only be used once. If you applied it to your hair before blow-drying it, you won't need to use it again before straightening or curling it with a straightener or curler.
- Each product is different, so read the directions on the label to make sure you apply it correctly.
- Read the instructions carefully and make sure it is a product that can be used on both dry and damp hair.
Step 5. Dry the hair upside down until it is 80% dry
The blow dryer allows you to achieve the desired look faster, but it damages the hair. To minimize the risks, get upside down and dry your hair almost completely, then return to a standing position and finish the job.
- Generally, the hair at the nape of the neck is less damaged because it is less exposed to the elements. Using the hair dryer upside down will protect the ones in the upper part of the head from the most intense heat.
- This technique also helps you to make your hair more voluminous.
Method 4 of 4: Good Habits for Great Hair
Step 1. Don't touch your hair during the day
Each time you touch them, the oils you have on your hands transfer to your hair, so they will look greasy over time. As if that weren't enough, when you rub them with your hands you promote frizz, so try not to touch them all day.
- Don't play with your hair, only touch it if you need to rearrange your hairstyle.
- If you have a habit of touching them often, try to keep them tied or gathered for a few days to try to break the habit.
Step 2. Use a silk pillowcase to prevent them from becoming frizzy
When you move your head on the pillow while you sleep, friction with the pillowcase can damage your hair making it frizzy. To prevent this, you can use a silk pillowcase which, being smooth, generates minimal friction. Give it a try and evaluate the result the next morning.
Alternatively, you can wrap your hair in a silk scarf before going to sleep
Step 3. Protect your hair from sun damage
Surely you know that the sun's rays can be harmful to the skin, but perhaps you have not considered that they also have the same effect on the hair. You can protect them by applying a leave-in conditioner after a shower. When you spend a lot of time outdoors, you should also use sunscreen for your hair or wear a hat.
For example, you should always apply a sunscreen spray before going to the beach. For maximum protection, you should also use a hat
Step 4. Fill up on nutrients for stronger and shinier hair
The vitamins and minerals contained in natural foods help you fortify your hair and can make it grow faster. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to meet your body's needs. Also, try to stick to lean proteins and healthy fats so your body gets all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
- If you want to make changes to your diet, ask your doctor for advice to make sure you are making the right choices for you.
- It is not necessary to follow a special diet to have healthy hair. Just try to make healthy choices.
Step 5. Take a vitamin supplement to promote hair health if your doctor agrees
To give your hair a boost of nutrients, you can consider taking a dietary supplement. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice to choose one suitable for hair health and follow the directions for use on the package leaflet. Be careful not to exceed the recommended daily dosage.
- You can find various hair health supplements in drugstores and parapharmacies.
- Consult your doctor before taking any type of supplement, even if it is made from natural ingredients. Generally, those for hair health have no contraindications, but with the support of your doctor you can be sure of choosing a product suitable for your needs.
Step 6. Go to the hairdresser every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends
Even if you take care of your hair on a daily basis, you cannot prevent split ends and the resulting frizz. If you don't remove them, your hair will become more and more brittle and will eventually break. The best way to prevent hair from being damaged is to have it clipped every 6-8 weeks by the hairdresser.
It is important to trim your hair regularly even if you want to make it grow, otherwise the ends will tend to break and still remain short
Expert Advice
To keep hair strong and healthy:
- Wash them only every 2-3 days.
- Use conditioner and leave-in sprays to make them soft and shiny like silk. Make sure that the selected products do not dehydrate the hair.
- If you want to strengthen them with a protein treatment, do not use it too frequently, otherwise you will get more disadvantages than advantages.
- Trim your hair at least once every 3 months to prevent split ends.
Advice
- Brush your hair with slow, gentle movements. Don't be in a hurry so as not to damage them.
- Wet your hair thoroughly before entering the pool to prevent it from absorbing the chlorine present in the water. Wear the swimming cap to protect them and rinse them thoroughly when you're done swimming.
- If you have curly hair, do not iron it frequently to avoid altering the shape of the curls, otherwise in the long run they could become frizzy and indomitable.
- If you go to sleep with damp hair, don't pick it up at the nape of your neck. Tie them over your head or to the side.
