In the world of beauty, there are few things as bad as a bad hair day. Your precious strands are constantly exposed to environmental stressors, harsh chemicals, and heat styling that can cause less than lustrous hair. Dullness, thinning, dryness, breakage, and frizz are all signs that it’s time for your hair routine to turn over a new leaf. Following these 10 simple steps will ensure your hair stays happy, healthy, and hydrated year-round.
1. Start in the shower
Throughout life, you spend a significant amount of time in the shower. Why not make it an enjoyable experience for you and your locks? First things first, always use cool to warm water when you bathe. Hot water on a regular basis can irritate your scalp and damage your precious strands as they grow out. After your hair is wet, utilize a shampoo and conditioner with ingredients that have root-to-tip benefits. Ingredients like olive oil, jojoba, aloe, and rice proteins will help nourish your hair from the inside out.
2. Don’t skip the scalp
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. If you’re dealing with dryness, flaking, or itching of any kind, it’s time to show your scalp some love. Exfoliating with a gentle, non-irritating scalp scrub once a week or bi-weekly will get rid of unwanted buildup so your other products can work effectively. Another great method for improving scalp health is massage. Giving yourself regular scalp massages will promote circulation, improving the transition of oxygen and vital nutrients to your hair’s roots.
3. Eat a balanced diet
You’ve heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.” When it comes to hair, this rings very true. Your hair is mostly made up of protein. Therefore, eating a well-balanced diet of foods high in protein can only stand to benefit your hair. Foods such as fish, meat, eggs, and beans are great sources of protein. Also, vitamin-rich foods such as berries, spinach, and avocados will aid in boosting collagen production for longer, stronger strands.
4. Stay hydrated
Water has been and will always be the key to overall health. Unfortunately, dehydration is one of the quickest ways to stunt hair growth. Your hair needs hydration to look and feel its absolute best. Drinking enough water day to day helps you avoid less-than-desirable damage like dryness, split ends, and thinning. When your hair is properly hydrated, you will not only feel the difference, but you will also see it.
5. Preserve your style
Like the rest of us, you probably learned later in life that washing your hair every day is not in your best interest. Oil isn’t all bad and washing your hair too frequently can strip away more of your hair’s natural oils than you bargained for. When you go a few days between washes, you can train your hair to produce less excess oil and prolong the lifespan of your styling. Don’t forget to cover styled hair with a bonnet or scarf while you sleep to prevent tangling and frizz.
6. Take time for hair masks
Although your shampoos, conditioners, serums, and oils are all equally beneficial, sometimes your hair needs something a little more intensive. Investing in a quality hair mask or deep conditioning treatment can make all the difference in replenishing moisture. Apply these babies at least once a week, especially if you use hot tools or have color-treated hair. They pack a punch and will leave your hair feeling soft and supple.
7. Commit to a long-term routine
When you begin your hair journey, you may be overwhelmed. Everyone’s hair is different, and what works for someone else may not be what’s best for you. Nevertheless, once you have a solid routine of products and practices that make your hair happy, you’ll never look back. Healthy hair doesn’t happen overnight but committing to your hair goals long-term will pay off in the end. Fortunately, the style pros at GLAM Beauty Boutique get hair and have seen just about every type imaginable, so for expert input to products and styling techniques that will work best for your vibe, be sure to reach out by scheduling a consultation here.
8. Find a supportive stylist
Professional stylists and colorists are trained to keep hair health a priority. Finding someone who cares about the condition of your hair is beyond important. When you feel you’re at a crossroads with your hair, a professional can help guide you in the right direction. Whether it be through product recommendations or simply being an ear to listen to your concerns, your stylist is there to help.
9. Sleep on silk
If you want to make the most of your beauty sleep, switch to silk pillowcases. Your old cotton pillowcases encourage damaging friction between the fabric and your hair. This can cause tangling, frizz, and breakage while you sleep. The tightly woven structure of a silk alternative will protect the cuticle layer of your hair even in the deepest of slumbers.
10. Take a deep breath
Change can be hard. There is a wealth of knowledge about haircare online and you might feel like you don’t know where to begin. The best thing you can do for your hair (and for you!) is to give yourself some grace. Your whole body is connected. So, if you’re stressed, your hair is as well. Remember to take a deep breath, try to stay positive, and keep moving forward.
When it doubt, leave it to the professionals
Turn your new haircare routine up a notch by scheduling an appointment at GLAM. Call 205-873-1953 or click here to book an appointment online.