Healthy looking hair is all about strength and shine. Try these simple tips for durable locks so your tresses are ready to take on any style you like.
Washing and conditioning
- Always condition hair if you are prone to breakage to give your hair the nourishment it needs to stay strong.
- When applying conditioner, focus on the mid-shaft to ends where the most damage is. You don’t need to moisturise the roots. Rinse conditioner out well, as residue left on your hair will weigh it down and not allow you to get the most optimal style.
- Very dry or brittle hair may benefit from having a little conditioner left on the ends after rinsing.
- If you have fine hair, heavy conditioners will only weigh it down, so use an appropriate conditioner and rinse well. You can even apply conditioner first in the shower and then shampoo your hair. That way, your hair gets the moisture it needs, and you’ll get the clean, full-bodied feeling of a fresh shampoo.
- At the end of your wash, do a final rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and leave hair looking extra shiny.
- Once a week, deep condition your hair to leave it ultra-soft and super strong. Use a deep conditioning treatment or oil. You can even apply your usual conditioner all over damp hair and wrap in a shower cap or towel for ten minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Brushing and styling
- Hair is most fragile and delicate when wet so do not rough dry wet hair out of the shower with a towel as the friction causes damage. Blot your hair instead to remove the moisture, and allow it to air dry and avoid brushing until most of the moisture has evaporated.
- Brushing hair before washing is recommended to reduce tangles, and if necessary, use a detangling spray and wide tooth comb on damp hair if you must. Never use a metal or bristle brush on wet hair.
- Getting the right brush is key to frizz-free hair. Invest in a boar-bristle brush with a rubber base to smooth and straighten hair, or other brushes designed to detangle with minimum damaging effects.
- Do no use elastic bands with metal clasps on them. Always tie up your hair with covered or snag-free elastics.
- Try not to sleep with your hair tied back, leave it down as often as possible at night to prevent breakage.
- If your hair is especially delicate, sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase, which will not snag your hair or cause friction like cotton, which can rough up the cuticle of extremely fine hair.
Nutrition
- For naturally stronger, healthier- looking hair make sure you have a well-balanced diet that includes essential nutrients: omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B5, A, and C, and iron to name a few. When the body is lacking in proteins and other nutrients, hair, low on the list of vital functions, is the last to receive them. Your hair is a reflection of you inner health, so design your eating habits accordingly.
These tips are brought to you by Tresemme.