When you ask your friends what healthy hair care looks like, chances are you’ll get different answers from each person. Healthy hair care varies so widely depending on the types of products you’re using, the frequency of treatments, the condition of your hair and scalp, and much more. It can be difficult to figure out what works best for you and your lifestyle without spending hundreds of dollars on trial-and-error experimentation with various products and techniques—but luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way!

The Importance of Shampoo

Many of us think that shampoo is just one thing that we need in order to look good. The truth is, if you don’t have healthy hair you won’t be able to use your shampoo efficiently and the nutrients and proteins are not getting into your scalp as they should.

You should always start by shampooing your hair at least twice a week but no more than three times because it can over strip the protein from your scalp and cause hair loss. While this does not sound like it would happen, It has happened to many people before, and I know it is possible.

You need to use a shampoo that matches the types of color of your hair. That way there will be less damage caused from other products that you are using. Shampoo removes oils from your hair so make sure you condition afterward or you may end up with frizzy unmanageable hair.

Be sure to find out what type of shampoo works best for your type of hair. If you have long, curly hair then avoid shampoos that are heavy on detergents which could weigh down your curls and dry them out which can lead to breakage. If you have oily hair, then stay away from clarifying shampoos which could leave the residue behind and make things worse. You want to find something milder on your scalp while still cleaning well.

The Importance of Conditioner

The importance of using conditioners cannot be underestimated. You could have the most expensive shampoo on the market, but if you’re not conditioning, it’s just taking up space on your shelf. Conditioner is used to prevent damage and breakage caused by exposure to heat and chemicals.

Here are some great natural ingredients that make excellent conditioners: avocado, mayonnaise, olive oil, coconut oil, honey and yogurt. These products will give your hair a good balance of moisture, protection from styling tools and UV rays, and much more! 

Here are some steps to follow when applying these products: After you shampoo with any product of your choice (be sure to get a deep cleanse!), apply the chosen conditioner liberally from roots to ends. Be sure to comb through with a wide tooth comb or brush before leaving it in for five minutes or more. Rinse thoroughly before applying any other products or styling hair as desired. Follow this regimen at least once per week for healthy hair! 

If you want to use an all-natural conditioner, there are plenty out there to choose from. Just be careful about which ones contain fragrances or colorants because they can irritate your scalp and dry out your locks. There are many options available, so experiment until you find what works best for you!

Heat Protection

The best way to protect your hair from the heat is to get some sort of protective style. Braids, twists, and buns are a few simple styles that can help shield the hair. Another way to avoid heat damage is by using a product with argan oil or silicone when styling hair with blow dryers or flat irons.

Argan oil helps prevent breakage and will leave the hair shinier and softer. Silicone also helps repel water which prevents frizz and other split ends. Remember that not all silicones are created equal! Some products have polysiloxanes in them which only coat the hair instead of protecting it.

Polysiloxanes are made up of multiple ingredients so check for dimethicone as an ingredient before buying it. There are also serums on the market such as Moroccan Oil that offer heat protection along with moisturizing benefits to give you healthy looking locks.

Do I need to use styling products?

You may be asking do I need to use styling products? The answer is it depends on the health of your hair. For example, if you have chemically-treated hair that can only be tamed with heat, then a heat protectant product would likely be necessary to use with any blow dryer or curling iron styling tools.

If you want to keep your hair healthy and moisturized but not necessarily styled then water or natural oil like coconut oil are best. If you want long lasting definition, mousse is a good option. Finally, gel is usually better at holding styles in place over the course of many hours, whereas waxes and pomades offer more texture than hold.

How do I choose the right shampoo and conditioner?

Worried about the health of your hair? So are we! For healthy hair care, you’ll need a shampoo and conditioner that work for your individual needs. With so many choices out there, it can be hard to know what’s best. Here are some pointers to help you choose the right shampoo and conditioner. 

1) The ingredients should be things you understand and recognize.

2) Be sure to look at how long each ingredient is listed on the label – if there are five different types of proteins, then they’re all likely in minute amounts. This will ensure that one or two better protein brands don’t throw off the chemistry balance just because they’ve taken up more space on the label with their name.

3) When shopping for shampoos, make sure to read the product labels closely. If you have dry hair, stay away from anything with silicone near the top of the list.

4) As far as conditioners go, keep an eye out for products that use natural oils like coconut oil and olive oil as opposed to chemical derivatives like sulfates and phthalates. These natural oils not only nourish your hair follicles but also add shine while minimizing frizziness and tangles.

When should I apply a moisturizer?

Many people tend to use moisturizer too often, which can make their hair even more dry and unmanageable. Generally, it is best to apply a moisturizer when you notice your hair becoming a little dry or lifeless. It’s important that you follow the instructions on the package and then listen to your own hair.

If your moisturizer leaves your hair oily or weighed down with product, try using it less often or switch brands until you find one that works well with your hair type! For an extra boost of moisture in winter months, add a few drops of oil to your moisturizer before applying it.

At-Home Solutions for Dry, Damaged Hair

Dry, damaged hair can happen to the best of us. The days and nights of getting chlorine in your hair, too many hot tools, or too much time in the sun can leave your locks feeling dry and brittle- making it difficult for the natural oils your scalp produces to fully coat your hair.

Try out these at-home solutions for dry, damaged hair. A well-rounded regiment of products like protein treatments and repairing masks as well as helpful tips like staying away from salt water or opting for a deep conditioner are all things you can start doing today that will keep you strands healthy and happy.

Long-Term Advice for Healthy Hair

Follow these basic guidelines for long-term hair care:

1) Eat a balanced diet that includes lots of protein, vitamin B and iron, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and unsaturated fats.

2) Moisturize your hair with deep conditioning treatments every week. Try leaving it on for 30 minutes or longer. Olive oil is an excellent conditioner because it nourishes the scalp as well as the hair shafts while sealing in moisture.

3) Get a trim or two each year before winter months when you stop growing hair so you can stay at a length that suits your style without needing cuts every few weeks to keep up with split ends from breakage from constantly trimming away split ends.

4) Avoid using heat styling tools (blow dryers, flat irons) too often if possible. If you must use them, apply a heat protectant product beforehand like creams or serums to reduce damage.

5) Avoid washing your hair more than twice per week unless absolutely necessary! I know this sounds like strange advice but most people wash their hair way too often which strips out natural oils and causes excessive dryness resulting in unmanageable tangles (plus we wash our hands way more often than our head). 

6) Be careful about the shampoos and conditioners you use – many contain ingredients like silicone, sulphates, and preservatives that are not healthy for your scalp’s natural oils!