That effort, however, doesn't have to take up all of your time or break the bank. In fact, the only thing you need to do is put in the short amount of time necessary to follow this simple daily hair care routine. It's that easy!
Step #1: Brush Your Hair
It may seem like the obvious thing to do, but maybe what you didn't know is that brushing keeps your hair tangle free and distributes its natural oils throughout the hair. This promotes healthy growth and shine.
Step #2: Wash Your Hair
How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type and texture. Work out what's best for you by seeing how your hair reacts to washing and hair care products, and develop a schedule from there. For instance:
- Your hair is coarse/dry if it often feels brittle- this means you only need to wash it every second or third day.
- Your hair is fine/oily if it feels greasy the day after you wash it- this means you need to wash it daily.
- Your hair is normal if you wash it one day and it's not too greasy the next- this means you can get away with washing it every other day.
Shampoo Tips
- Remember to shampoo in small, circular movements; don't forget to target dirt collecting areas such as the nape of your neck.
- Massaging your scalp will increase blood flow which encourages growth and will stimulate your hair's natural oils (producing shiny locks).
- Coarse/dry hair will benefit from hydrating shampoos.
- Fine/oily hair should be washed with a clear shampoo (one that doesn't look creamy).
- Normal hair can use just about any type of shampoo- just remember to always use good quality products for the best results.
Conditioner Tips
- Similar to body lotion for your skin, conditioner is moisturizer for your hair and will keep your strands hydrated and manageable.
- For an even application use your hands and a wide-toothed comb.
- If you've got coarse/dry hair try a hydrating conditioner and apply it right from your roots to your ends.
- For fine/oily hair use a lightweight conditioner and avoid putting it on your roots (evenly distribute it from the mid-lengths to the ends).
- For normal hair you can use just about any kind of conditioner, applied from your roots to your ends also.
Step #3: Apply Hair Styling Products
If you have a hairstyle that needs to use hair styling products- hairspray for hold, wax for hold and shine, or serum for shine and to maintain fly-away pieces- then don't use too much! You might end up weighing your hair down and reducing its volume, or just making it greasy and dirty. Often less is more.
Also, don't forget to protect your hair. If you style your hair with a hair straightener or blow-dryer, it's very important to protect your hair with heat protecting products, and to give your hair a break every few days from the stress of using hair accessories and hairstyling tools.
Step #4: Style Your Hair
Everyone styles their hair, whether they're elaborate updos, professional looking hairdos for work, or casual wash-and-wear looks. Styling is required daily and should be done as gently as possible.
Step #5: Brush Your Hair Again at Night
Brushing your hair again at night will help you to untangle any knots that made their way into your locks during the day.
Step #6: Secure Your Hair at Night
Securing your hair at night with a simple ponytail or plait will make sure your locks don't get snagged or tangled as you sleep.
There you have it, a simple daily routine (and some great hair care tips). It's not hard to follow, it won't have you spending all of your hard earned cash, and most importantly, it will get your hair in the best condition possible.
Now that you know how to look after your hair, why don't you find a style to show off your fabulous locks! Log in to your account to see our huge number of virtual hairstyles.