Changing your hair care habits can be challenging, and it may take some trial and error to find the right regimen for your hair. A good starting point is using products that you’ve found to be effective. From there, you can customize your routine, finding products that work for you and your budget, and ensuring that the regimen is sustainable.
Avoid blow-drying wet hair
Blow-drying wet hair is a very bad idea. It dries hair too quickly and traps water inside the strands, causing damage. Instead, let your hair air dry or use a hair dryer on a low heat. This will reduce your chances of damaging your hair, but still allow you to get the look you want.
While it’s tempting to use a blow dryer to dry your wet hair, remember to be gentle. Avoid brushing too harshly, which can damage the hair follicle. Blow-drying your hair for a long time can also damage the hair’s structure, causing the shaft to become weak and dry. To dry your hair properly, make sure to target the length of the hair, the scalp, and the roots. While you’re at it, try to take regular breaks to let your hair air dry.
Avoid over-shampooing
Over-shampooing can be harmful to your hair. Over-shampooing will only cause your hair to become drier. So, the first step in repairing over-washed hair is to cut back on how many times you wash it. You can find out the optimal frequency of washing your hair based on your lifestyle and hair texture.
Using too many shampoos will strip the natural oils in your hair, leaving your hair looking dull and lacking in shine. Instead, use sulfate-free shampoos to slow the process of stripping hair of natural oils. But even these will still be harmful if over-washed. Your hair needs natural oils to stay healthy and shiny.
Avoid hot showers
The hottest water in the shower can damage your hair. It strips away the natural oils on your scalp, causing dryness and itchiness. Hot water also damages your hair cuticles, which protect your hair shaft. This leads to excess drying of the hair and can also lead to dandruff.
Hot water dries out your hair, leaving it brittle and frizzy. It also opens your hair strands, making them more porous and prone to breakage. Moreover, hot water dries out your scalp, making it prone to dandruff and itchiness. Also, hot water breaks down the bonds of keratin, which makes your hair break easily.
Avoid blow-drying during winter
During winter, it is better to avoid blow-drying your hair and opt for air-drying instead. Not only is this healthier, but it also saves time. Winter temperatures make damp hair incredibly cold, increasing the risk of breakage and damage. By using air-drying tools, you can dry your hair faster and keep it healthier all winter long.
Blow-drying during winter can also damage hair strands. The drying process sucks moisture out of your hair, making it brittle and prone to breakage. To avoid this problem, you should embrace the natural texture of your hair, and avoid blow-drying as much as possible.