I have a lot of friends who have extremely long hair. With extremely long hair comes the reality of damage - but this isn't just a problem for the long hair folk. There are also those of us who are chemical junkies, heat styling addicts or, worst of us all - the triple threat. Long hair who can't stop colouring and require a blow dry & flat iron every single morning!
So, I've come up with a list of things you can do to help your hair through the toughest of times!
Hair How To: Hair Damage and How to Prevent it!
1. Regular Hair Trims
The absolute best thing you can do for your hair is to see your hairdresser for regular hair trims. This is especially important if you are trying to grow out your hair. While I know you don't want to lose the length you have worked so hard to gain, getting rid of the broken ends will help with having longer, stronger hair!
2. Rock Second Day Hair
Some people can't do this, I get it. I struggled with it too at first, but learning quick hairstyles that allow you to not wash your hair every single day makes a big difference in the damage done to your hair! I don't wash my hair every day, and I work in the hair industry! Learn how to pin back your bangs and do braids. I often curl my hair on the second day... you already have product built up in there from yesterday and the oils from your scalp will help protect your hair from the heat. Try a dry shampoo, there are lots on the market that work really well, and if you really must wash it before work every day, try to give it a day of rest on the weekend! Your hair will thank you!
3. Shampoo
I actually have a post all planned out on how to pick the right shampoo, but this is really important! Using a shampoo that is for your hair type is important, and it's the basis for your daily style! Always make sure you are only scrubbing at your scalp. Rubbing shampoo into your ends roughs up your hair making it seem more damaged than it already is, and if you have coloured hair, it fades it much faster! Roots and scalp only!
4. Conditioner.
Along with shampoo, using the right conditioner is important too. Make sure to use a wide tooth comb to coat every strand while you're in the shower to seal down all the rough parts of your hair. Conditioner doesn't only apply to your daily rinse, but make sure to try and do a repair mask once in a while (once a week is best if you are ambitious enough!) Also consider a leave in conditioner for your after shower routine - find one that is light and moisturizing, and only apply it to your ends, especially if you have fine hair!
5. Don't Over Colour
If you are like me and you are a colour addict who can't stop going from light to dark and back again, be prepared for the consequences. If you can help it, try not to change your colour every 6 weeks and stick to changing it with the seasons - or just summer and winter. You need to let your hair rest between colourings, and going overboard with highlights and colour does a number on the health of your hair. Also, try to avoid colouring your hair at home if you can, this does substantially more damage than getting it done in the salon!
6. Learn To Use Your Hot Tools
Teach yourself, or get your hairdresser to teach you, how to curl and flatiron your hair. There are ways to use your hot tools that prevent more damage than necessary. When possible, allow your hair to air dry, and if you must use hot tools every day use a product that protects your hair from heat before you blow dry and before you use your irons! (If you are really stumped on how to use your hot tools, don't fret, I've got you covered with picture tutorials for how to curl and flatiron your hair in the coming weeks!)
7. Sleep With Your Hair Up
I was talking to some friends about this the other day, sleeping with your hair up or braided really makes a difference, especially if you are a toss and turner like I am! Pile it up on top of your head and it won't get in the way! I've been doing it for years, and not only is my hair not a huge disaster in the morning, but I don't have to spend 10 minutes trying to brush it out and creating more breakage than it already has. If you really can't sleep with your hair up, try to find a satin pillow case. It's one of those urban myths that's actually true!
8. Brush Your Hair Right.
9. Keep it Out of the Sun
While I know that we all love the natural highlights that the sun gives us in the summer, wearing a hat not only protects your scalp from burning, but protects your hair too. The UV light from the sun (and tanning beds too!) damages the outer layer of your hair, and can lead to frizzy, dull hair. Blonde and grey hair are the most susceptible to damage from the sun, but remember if you are a bottle red or brunette that the sun fades out your colour too!
10. Be Healthy
Being healthy changes your hair dramatically. Things like stress, eating poorly and not exercising can lead to unhealthy and brittle hair. Medications can also affect your hair's health, and while we can't all avoid medications, taking only what you need when you need it can save your hair (and skin) from unnecessary stress! If you find your hair seems more damaged than it should be, try to change your diet and see if that helps!
Nothing feels quite as good as soft, smooth, healthy hair! Try these ten tips, and see how healthy your hair can be!
For the love of your hair,
Kyleigh.
All photos used in today's post come from www.sxc.hu and are used under their CC license. Their license waves me from any liability due to copyright infringment. No copyright infringement is intended.
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