Over-washing your hair can strip it of essential oils and cause it to dry out. According to stylist Harry Josh of John Frieda, most women should only wash their hair about three times a week. Those with dry hair, however, should consider washing less often. This will mean less blow-drying, which can also cause damage. Here are some ways to reduce the amount of time you spend washing your hair. Listed below are some simple ways to improve your hair care habits.
Avoiding hot showers
Many of the benefits of a hot shower aren’t apparent until you notice how bad they are for your hair. Taking a hot shower can strip your skin of its protective oil barrier, resulting in dry and frizzy hair. Plus, hot water can damage your hair’s cuticles, making it more vulnerable to excessive drying. If you’re having trouble with your hair’s texture or loss, it’s time to change your shower routine and buy a shower filter.
Avoiding blow-drying
One common mistake people make when blow-drying their hair is to place the dryer too close to their hair, causing damage. By using a concentrator, you can direct the airflow to your head while adding inches between your hair and the hot metal. If you have time, air-dry your hair naturally instead of using a blow dryer. Afterwards, use a heat protection spray and apply it every few days.
Avoiding salt water
Although sea water has many beneficial qualities for your hair, it’s important to avoid it for hair care purposes. It’s highly drying, especially if you have naturally oily or coarse hair. It can even fade color treatments, so you should avoid salt water more often than once per week. Thankfully, diluted sea salt is harmless. But if you don’t live near the ocean, you can still use sea water in your hair care regimen.
Avoiding chlorine
The effects of chlorine on hair are not always easy to detect. Regular tap water does contain traces of chlorine, but swimming in chlorinated pools is especially harmful. Chlorine forms a hard coating on your hair, weakening it and causing it to change colour. It can also damage keratin content. In addition to damaging the structure of your hair, chlorine contact can also strip your hair of natural oils, causing it to look dull, brittle, or even break.
Avoiding chemicals
The cosmetics industry has come under fire recently for its use of harsh and potentially harmful chemicals in hair care products. Some shampoos and conditioners are loaded with a variety of toxins. Health-conscious consumers have begun to craft their own products, though some still prefer to buy ready-to-use products. While there are many natural brands on the market, there are also many chemical-laden products on the market that can be harmful to your health. You should look for labels that state the ingredients used in the product, as it will give you a clearer idea of the safety of the product.
Avoiding hot irons
While using a flat iron is a common beauty practice, it is important to avoid overheating your hair. Temperatures can range from 450 degrees to more than 650 degrees Fahrenheit. While you may be tempted to use a higher heat setting, it is advisable to use a lower one, if possible. This way, you can determine the best temperature for your hair, without risking burning it. Also, wear a hat or protective hair-wear when using a flat iron.