the haircare tips that saved my locks.
Be smart, don't make the same mistakes as me.
I am not the type of person to keep the same hairstyle forever. I LOVE switching up my hair. I’ve been a brunette, a blonde and most recently a redhead (FYI, forget blonde, redheads have the most fun). It’s been every length from super long to super short, and even those awkward stages in between.
Look, I’m going to level with you. I’m not an expert. But I’ve certainly experimented when it comes to my hair. Mostly by choice, but there was a time when chopping off my hair and dying it a colour I didn’t want was the only thing I could do to salvage it.
So, to hopefully save you from making the same mistakes, here are the tips that brought my hair back to life!
washing.
Shampoo your scalp only!
Shampoo tends to strip your hair and you need as much oil on your ends to keep them moisturized and healthy. Because at the end of the day, your ends are just dead hair hanging off your head!
For the love of god, do NOT slap a big glob of conditioner on your scalp.
It will cause build up and clog up your pores. Start mid-shaft and work your way down to your ends. Whatever little is left on your hands, gently comb through the top of your head.
Distance makes the heart grow fonder.
The same is true for washing your hair. If you’re a wash everydayer, try extending to every other day and work your way up from there. Over washing leads to stripping your hair of those natural oils we all produce which in turn dries out our hair.
Put down the dry shampoo.
Repeat: Put. It. Down. I was a BIG dry shampoo fan and I still think it’s one of the best inventions ever created but it shouldn’t be a regular in your hair care routine. Use sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.
colouring.
Box dye is a no-go.
If you want to switch up your hair colour, get a professional to do it. They did go to school for it after all and they know how to keep your hair healthy! If that’s not in your budget, a beauty supply store is your next best option. If you’re overwhelmed with what products to buy, asking the people who work there for help or a quick Google search will tell you what you need to do!
When it comes to bleaching your hair, patience is key.
Especially if you have dark hair. Your best bet is to stick to a professional but again if your wallet won’t allow it, PLEASE do it in steps. I’m telling you, you will not get that icy platinum blonde in one go. And that’s perfectly okay! Embrace the process. Once you have your desired shade of blonde, only bleach your roots from there on out. Do. Not. Layer. On. Your. Ends. It will only weaken the hair more. Use a toner to revive the rest!
styling.
Get haircuts often!
I know a lot of people think the key to growing your hair out is to avoid getting a haircut but I’m here to tell you that you could not be more wrong. Split ends will ensure you’ll never get the length you desire so cut those suckers off! I recommend going to get a trim every 3 to 4 months.
Using styling tools like a curling iron or blow dryer?
Always, always, always, use a heat protectant product beforehand! Wet hair is weak hair. If you’re going to use a blow dryer to style then make sure you’re applying a product that will protect it from heat damage. Same goes for dry hair when using a straightener or curling iron!
And if you’re going to use a blow dryer at all, use the nozzles!
They’re there for a reason. Diffuser for curly hair and the concentration nozzle for any kind of styling. Not only will it eliminate frizz, it’ll control the heat as well.
sleeping.
Sleep with your hair up if it’s long.
Leaving it down can cause friction which will damage your ends. Especially if they’re split! I recommend using the brand invisibobble or a silk scrunchie; something that will hold the hair but not cause a line to run across your hair when taken out.
Two words. Silk. Pillowcase.
This is something I’ve recently implemented and it’s a game changer! Why? Silk allows your hair to slide around when you move in your sleep. Cotton does not. This means less friction, less frizz and overall healthier looking hair. Best part? It does the same for your skin! (Aka, wrinkles will be held at bay.)
