Hair There, Gone tomorrow!

Oh… what a difference great hair makes! From framing our face to enhancing our best features, those gorgeous locks hold the power to change our entire look! While we spend loads of money to channel our inner Rapunzels, little do we recognise the great responsibility that comes with great hair. In fact, instead of showing appreciation and the TLC that they deserve, we subject them to torturous ways…bleaching, straightening, perming, blow drying, hair spraying…the list is endless!

Many of these things which are done in order to achieve perfect hair are exactly the things that ruin our hair.

It’s simple maths, the more chemically treated your hair is, the frizzier, fried and the more vulnerable it’ll be, which will only result in the requirement of further treatments. It’s needless to say that treatments are bad news. We all know that! But did you know that there are some other everyday habits that also cause our beloved hair, much wear and tear?

So, even if you are a product junkie or fore runner in the “leave the hair alone” squad, here are a few things to keep in mind so as to keep your crowning glory as luxurious as it were, because when it comes to hair care, precaution is definitely better than the product!!

• And one shampoo to all! – No!! it doesn’t work like that. Buying shampoos without reading labels can come at a cost. Shampoos should be bought based on the knowledge of your hair type, the condition of your scalp and finally taking into consideration the season in which you are. So, of course then it becomes necessary to change the hair care as the season changes.

 

• Skipping haircuts – An important part of hair health and growth is a regular trim. It helps shed off the dead ends and keeps your hair looking fresh and bouncy. The amount of time you can allow to pass between haircuts depends on the type of haircut you have. Certain styles take a lot of work to maintain (for example a bob), then you need to cut it about every 8 weeks. Pixie cuts or bangs need to be cut every 6 weeks. The only time you can allow yourself more time between the cuts is when you want your hair to grow out of the existing style and transcend into a completely different look. Pre-booking your next appointment before leaving the salon is a great way to keep yourself on track without having to think about it later.

 

• Conditioner overload – Soft, silky, manageable tresses is a dream that all of live by. In order to achieve this, we tend to go overboard with the conditioner. As is the case with shampoos, remember to pick a conditioner that’s best suited for your hair type and weather conditions. Use only the required amount depending on the length and thickness of your hair. A rule of thumb to follow here is that – shampoos are for the scalp but conditioners are for your hair. Make sure to rinse of the conditioner with a cold blast of water to lock in the shine.

 

• Brush, it right – Tresses will be less stressed if detangled right. The right brushes play a key role here, use the wrong tool and you are bound to have a bruised scalp and hair that breaks easily. Start by detangling at the ends of your hair, working your way up to the roots. Make sure you clean your brushes once a week with an anti-bacterial soap. The ‘sharing is caring’ rule doesn’t apply for a tooth brush and it most definitely doesn’t work for a hair brush. Nylon brushes are your best bets, they glide easily through hair and the little bulbs on the ends are great for massaging the scalp. 
• Let them loose – A neat and put together look often requires the hair to be away from our face. But be careful while tying up the tresses. Tie them loose and tie them in bands that won’t harm the shafts of your hair. Scrunched back ponytails and tight hair up dos all result in a prolonged tug at the root of the hair, resulting in a severe receding of the hairline.

 

• Scare spray – Whether it is to tame the fly aways, or to set a style…to have a non-greasy mid-week look or just a convenience on an outdoor trip…. Setting sprays and dry shampoos have become the holy grail products in our getting ready schedules. Hardly do we even think of the product aftermath that takes toll on our hair and scalp while using these products so ceremoniously. Give your hair a breather and go product free at least once a week in a month. Your hair will thank you to no end.

 

• Manhandling wet hair – Often quickest way to dry hair may not be synonymous with the best way. So, before you swaddle your hair in a big towel or plug in that hair dryer take a moment. Wrapping hair in an over – sized towel will overwhelm your wet roots. Instead use a light weight micro-fiber wash cloth to dab out the excess water and let the hair air dry at least 80% before using any heating tools on it. Cleansed, moisturised and serumised hair becomes a tempting playground for the heating tools. So, it’s needless to say that a heat protection spray is a must at this stage.

 

• Eat your way to fuller and stronger hair – Skipping meals, going on crazy diets and having unhealthy eating habits leaves your hair looking parched and vulnerable. So, eat right and give your hair the much-needed nourishment with foods that are rich sources of protein, iron, zinc and biotin. Coconut, flax seeds and foods rich in omega3 are guaranteed to give you naturally lustrous hair.

Some other tips -A simple hair care routine is a clear path to keeping hair looking amazing. Wash hair with tepid water and a cold-water rinse in the end to close the shaft cuticles. This will help the hair shine. No matter what your hair type, use a hair protein mask once a week for healthier and more manageable hair. At least once a day flip your head down and brush hair against the roots, this improves blood circulation…also the volume that it lends when you flip hair back becomes an added bonus!

Last but not the least, show your locks that you love them by eating and sleeping well!

Here’s to your crowning glories staying healthily stylish.