So, you wanna know the secret sauce for awesome hair? Well, it starts right from your basic hair care routine. But, here’s the deal most of us doing it quite wrong and most of us don’t know the basic way to care for your hair.
Think of this as your go-to guide for getting those strands to behave just the way you want them to. Whether you’re dealing with hair that’s more frizzy than a fuzzball or locks that are flatter than a pancake, we’ve got some tricks up our sleeve just for you.
We all want hair that makes us feel fabulous, right? But sometimes, it seems like our hair has its own plan. Don’t worry, though; we’re about to change that. I’m here to share some super simple tips that’ll turn your hair woes into wows.
So, let’s get started and turn that hair don’t into a hair do!
Step 1. Cleansing
Cleansing is really important and is actually a foundation of any hair care routine. It involves washing your hair thoroughly and to remove dirt, oil and product buildup on scalp and hair.
But, here’s how to do it properly:
• Frequency : It depends on your hair type, but the ideal times should be at least 2 – 3 times a week. Over-washing can strip natural oils, while under-washing can lead to buildup.
• Water Temperature : Opt for lukewarm water or cool water —it opens up those cuticles for a thorough cleanse without drying out your scalp and strands. Never ever use hot water to rinse your hair while you feel good. But, for your hair’s health it is huge no-no. It’s same as applying heat tools to your hair, sounds damaging, right? It is so stay away, please for love of hair goddess!
• Choosing The Right Shampoo : Be picky about your shampoo. Most basic choose a good sulfate free shampoo because it is very drying for your hair and we need that hair shine! Find one that suits your hair type and needs, focusing on the scalp and giving it a good massage to get that blood flowing. Massaging even for 1 minute can have a good benefit to your hair health and growth. Let’s aim 5 minutes when you are not in hurry.
• Rinsing Ritual : Rinse like you mean it. Make sure there’s no shampoo residue left behind—it can lead to dullness and buildup over time.
Step 2. Conditioning
Treat conditioning not a choice but a need and see how your hair thanks you for it. Conditioning is like a tall drink of water for your hair, replenishing moisture and smoothing the hair cuticle for improved manageability and shine.
Here’s what you need to know:
• Application Technique : Focus your conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, where it tends to be driest. Use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the product and detangle any knots gently.
• Dwell Time : Allow your conditioner to work its magic for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water. This helps seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture for lasting hydration.
Step 3: Detangling
Detangling can be a hair-saving step, preventing breakage and minimizing frustration when styling.
Here’s how to tackle those knots:
• Tool : Opt for a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently work through knots and tangles without causing unnecessary stress to your strands. It is best to detangle your wet hair if you applied conditioner before. If you didn’t use one please don’t try to comb your hair wet, it’s more prone to breakage and fizz.
• Technique Tips : Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots, gently easing out knots as you go. Patience is key—rushing through this step can lead to more breakage and damage.
Step 4: Drying
When it comes to hair, each little steps makes a huge difference. Proper drying techniques are essential for maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.
Here’s how to do it right:
• Towel Time : Blot, don’t rub. Use a microfiber towel or old soft t shirt to soak up excess water without roughing up your cuticles. The idea here is to treat your hair like skin, Gently!
• Air-Dry A-OK : Whenever possible, let your hair air dry to minimize heat damage. If you’re in a rush, keep the blow dryer on a low heat setting and keep it moving.
Step 5: Styling
Styling your hair is all about expressing yourself, but it’s important to do so without causing damage.
Here are some tips:
• Heat Protection: Before reaching for hot tools, always apply a heat protectant spray or serum to shield your strands from damage. Love your natutal hair, style it, learn about it. And, only limit use of heat tools to your special occasions.
• Product Picks : Choose styling products that cater to your hair’s specific needs and desired look, whether it’s adding volume, defining curls, or taming frizz.
Step 6: Moisturizing
Just like our skin, our hair needs hydration to stay soft and strong. Moisturizers help to keep hair from becoming dry and brittle, which can lead to breakage.
Here’s how to lock in that moisture:
• Leave-In Love : Treat your hair to a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to add an extra layer of hydration and protection throughout the day.
• Oil Obsession : Consider incorporating nourishing oils like argan, coconut, or jojoba into your routine to seal in moisture and add shine without weighing your hair down. This is a step, I recommend doing as pre wash ritual. You cab simply apply oil 2 hours before or a night before hair wash day. You can use rosemary oil and castor oil too for hair growth and thickness.
Step 7: Protective Hairstyles
Protective styles safeguard your hair from environmental damage and reduce manipulation, which can lead to breakage.
• Loose Updos : Opt for loose updos like buns or braids to keep your ends tucked away and protected from damage. Try to limit tight hairstyles because they are often so damaging and can cause hairloss, alopociea and headaches.
• Night Time Care : Switch your cotton pillow cases with Silk pillow cases, it is so much gentler for your hair and skin. It reduces friction and prevents moisture loss which in turns prevents tangles and breakage in your hair. Similarly, you can also wear a silk bonnet instead and get that beauty sleep for real!
Step 8: Treatment
Treatments like masks or protein packs address specific hair concerns, such as dryness or damage, and help maintain overall hair health. And, best part is you get to have a little spa day or selfcare day. Let’s get that self love with at home pampering.
• Deep Conditioning : Use a deep conditioning mask weekly to intensely hydrate and repair hair.
• Protein Treatments : Apply a protein treatment every 4-6 weeks to strengthen hair and reduce breakage.
Step 9: Diet and Lifestyle
You are what you eat, and so is your hair. Feed it junk, and it’ll look blah. Give it the good stuff, and it’ll shine like the top of the Chrysler building. Your hair reflects your overall health, so a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are essential.
• Nutrition : Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins to support healthy hair growth and strength.
• Hydration : Drink plenty of water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated, preventing dryness and brittleness.
Step 10: Trim Time
Trimming—keeping those ends in check! Schedule regular trims every 8- 10 weeks to keep split ends at bay and promote healthy hair growth. Think of it as giving your hair a fresh start—a chance to grow stronger and more beautiful than ever!
So, there you have it the best and most practical care hair routine to follow in your day to day life and see your shining like a star! And, please be patient while following this remember, it takes time to undo the neglect and damages but keeping these tips and following it religiously will surely have you flaunting the hair of your dreams in no time.
So, tell me know which steps were you already following from this blog post and also, what is your current hair care routine? Comment below 👇🏼