Everyone wants their hair to look like they just came from the stylist’s chair, but how can you achieve that look at home? With a few professional hair care tips, you can start to vamp up your look. The following styling process is suggested for straight to mildly curly hair. This process will not work for thick curly hair. I will post a similar article for you Curly Girls Soon! I will also share the name of the product in each category that I am currently using, with a little review from a professional.
Shampoo Your Hair the Correct Way is Key
Shampooing your hair every day is not good for your hair. Whether you buy the shampoo your stylist suggests or buy the grocery store brands (ugh – you should try to avoid this!), product isn’t always the issue. The brands at the grocery store can be damaging to your hair and scalp for different reasons, but for this article we are focusing on the number of times you shampoo your hair. The general rule of thumb is to wash your hair only three times in a seven-day period. Washing every third day, even better! Over washing strips your hair and scalp of natural oils and proteins that keeps it healthy. Also, only use about a large pea sized amount of product in your hair. You can always add a little if needed. Rub the shampoo all over your hands. Starting at the nape of your hairline (the neck) start scrubbing your scalp thoroughly all around the hairline. Continue through to the crown area. Then gently wash the hair shaft and ends. Rinse your hair in lukewarm water. Rinsing hair in hot water can damage the cuticle of your hair. It will also fade your color.
My current brand that I am using is REDKEN extreme shampoo strength repair regimen for damaged hair. I color my hair and use heat on it when I style it. (I have a Dyson Blow dryer) I love the extreme system, (shampoo, conditioner and Antisnap leave in conditioner), because it strengthens, restores damage and it prevents future breakage. It also smells Amazing!!
Conditioning Is Always a Good Idea
Using a conditioner is always a good idea directly after shampooing. Use a conditioner that is meant for your hair type. When conditioning, always start at the ends of your hair and use the conditioner up the hair shaft. It is not necessary to condition your scalp during your normal routine. (You can save that for deep conditioning routines.) Be sure not to waste your conditioner. Using about a teaspoon sized amount in the palm of your hand should do the trick. Again, remember, you can always add a little extra. Leave on your hair for a few minutes prior to rinsing. Rinse in lukewarm water. Be sure to rinse conditioner out thoroughly.
Again, I am currently using the extreme system that I listed above.
Use the Right Combs and Brushes
It is a good idea to invest in a wet brush because when your hair is wet it is at its most fragile state. Use a wet brush or a wide tooth comb to get through wet hair. Concentrate on starting to comb from the ends of your hair to the roots. Never pull or rip through knots in your hair, as this will only lead to breakage as you pull the knot out. The same goes for brushing or combing dry hair. Try to separate the knots in your hair with your fingers first. Then you can gently comb through, always starting from ends to roots. If needed, spray a little leave in conditioner to your hair. Remember the saying “Less is More”. The last thing you want is to put too much leave in conditioner, it will make your hair look greasy and it will be flat.
Don’t Twist Your Hair into A Towel
For the same reason that you don’t want to rip your knots out, twisting your hair into a towel while it is wet will damage your hair and cause breakage. The best thing to do after conditioning is to towel blot your hair and comb through with your fingers then a wet brush or comb. It is best to towel blot out as much moisture that you can prior to blow-drying. The less wet your hair is, the less heat damage you will get from the blow-dryer. If your hair is completely dry when it comes time to style with the blow-dryer, spritz it with some water. Your hair should be damp prior to blow-drying. You won’t be able to style it as well if it is almost dry.
Blow Dry Like A Pro
Blow drying doesn’t have to be difficult. Always apply a leave in heat protectant prior to using any heated appliance. If your hair is very thin, skip the leave in conditioner mentioned earlier. Remember to towel blot as much moisture out of your hair as you can prior to blow-drying. Again, if you hair is already dry, spritz your hair with a bit of water before styling with the blow-dryer. You won’t be able to style your hair the same if it is already dry. Flip your hair over and blow out up to 80% of the moisture in your hair while using your hand. Then use your styling brush to style your hair. It is quicker and a bit easier if you can section your hair and blow dry in sections. Try to keep the heat exposure on your hair from the blow-dryer to a minimum by always using the concentrator that comes with your blow-dryer. (That is the smaller attachment). Don’t forget to “set” your style by pressing the Cool button.
I am currently using the Redken extreme product called Play Safe 450 degrees fortifying and heat protection treatment for hot tool damage. This product is a leave in protectant that fortifies hair and protects it from heat up to 450 degrees. This doesn’t disappoint and also smells Amazing !!
Less is More
Remember to wash your hair less often, use less product and always rinse with lukewarm water. Use conditioner sparingly on your hair, not scalp, leave in for a few minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Try a leave in conditioner and a leave in heat protectant before blow-drying or curling. Remember to be gentle with wet hair because it is extremely fragile. Avoid pulling or ripping knots out and comb through with your fingers. Try to get up to 80 % of moisture out of your hair before using a styling brush and blow-dryer. Try to limit the heat exposure as much as possible and always use the concentrator that comes with the blow-dryer. Give your style a “set” by blasting it with the cool air button. If you implement these professional hair care tips, your hair will look great. Ultimately, all we need is Love and Great Hair.
