Simple ways to get healthy hair

One of the biggest question I get from clients is "how do I keep my hair so healthy"? Well, for one thing, I do work in a hair salon. I have a wide variety of top products available to me whenever I please to use them. Plus, many of my friends are hairdressers. As soon as I'm in need of a haircut, I get one. Even when I don't want it, I'm forced to sit in a chair while scissors are taken to my head against my own will. Being in the industry has given me an abundance if experience in taking care of my hair the proper way. I'm very fortunate to have all of these things available to me. However, you don't need to work in a salon to have healthy hair. All you need is a few key hair products and a solid regime at home to be on the right track for healthy, shiny hair. 

1. The one thing most young girls and women don't want to hear 

              

            GET A HAIRCUT. Yes, I understand you want long hair down to the bottom of your waste and you think getting a haircut once a year is enough to get you by. False. Once those ends start splitting, go to a professional and get them cut off. There are many products out there that claim they
they will repair your split ends and magically put them back together again. Don't fall for the false advertising. When hair splits in half, it continues to split further up as time goes on. When it splits
further up, then your going to have to cut more hair off.  Getting a regular haircut every six weeks
will ensure your hair stays healthy. The more regular trims you get, the less hair you will have to cut off each time. Remember, short healthy hair is better than long, dull, lifeless hair. 

2. If your going to burn it, please protect it 

             When I was younger, I went through a phase from middle school to 11th grade. I had to have my hair straight everyday. I burned and scorched it until there was not one wave or crease to be seen. I thought that was the only way I should ever wear my hair. I wish I could go back in time and yell at myself. I see the same pattern today in mostly young girls. As they reach into their 20's and on, I see it transform into the blow dryer and curling iron. I can't possibly tell women stop to using heat on their hair. I know I never would. It's our only hope to not looking like we have a birds nest growing from our head. When a client tells me they use heat on their hair at home, my first question is "Do you use a heat protectant"? I can't stress enough how important it is. When a heat protectant is applied to your hair, it is adding a layer of moisture over the hairs surface. This way, the heat isn't going directly on the hair and is preventing the hair to become dry and damaged. Two of my favorite heat protectants are Ciment Thermique by Kerastase and Hairdressers Invisible Oil Primer by Bumble and Bumble. Both lightweight and moisturizing, they will ensure your hair is protected. 

3. Products do matter 

              The quality of your hair products actually do matter. I'm not talking about that 5 dollar shampoo you get at your local drugstore. Throw it away, it's not helping. Many drugstore products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your hair, such as sulfates. Sulfates are harsh detergents in shampoos that go into to your hair and can strip it of its moisture and natural oils that your hair needs. This is especially important for those who color their hair. Sulfates cause color to oxidize more rapidly. Opt for a sulfate free shampoo or shampoo that has a low percentage of Sulphates. Read the back of your bottles, the lower it is on the ingredient list, the less your shampoo contains. My favorite sulfate free shampoo the Hairdressers Invisible Oil Shampoo by Bumble and Bumble. It contains six different oils that moisturize your hair but are also light enough to not weigh it down. 

4. Deep conditioning is actually important

                Many times I will hear from clients that they just don't have the time or patience to deep condition their hair. It really doesn't take as much time as women think it does. They have this idea it's this whole big process that takes an hour when it really can all be done in just 10 minutes,1 to 2 times a week. When you put it like that it doesn't sound so stressful. A good way to deep condition your hair is right in the shower. The hot steam from the water will help the conditioner penetrate deeper into your hair while opening up the cuticle. After you're done shampooing, take a towel and blot your hair in the shower, removing all excess water. This will help the conditioner actually stick to your hair and not just slide off from all the water it's holding on to. Apply the product thoroughly and put your hair in a bun while you finish everything else you need to do. By the time you wash your body, shave, etc. 10 minutes has passed and It will be time to rinse out your deep conditioner. Two of my favorite deep conditioners are Creme De Cico by Bumble and Bumble and Masqueintense by Kerastase.

Taking care of your hair doesn't take much.  Solid regime at home can make all the difference. Healthy, long, shiny hair is possible, you just need to actually take care of it.