Confessions of a Hair Care Rookie: Sharing the Untold Hair Care Tips Everyone Should Know
Welcome to the truth of some basic haircare rules and rituals (that we should have actually been told YEARS ago, and not just finding out now in my 30’s).
We’ve put together some of the best techniques and hacks from professional stylists and hair dressers around the world, without going down a rabbit whole of products (which will need its own blog), but on how we can maximise how effective our products are, how to take care of our hair with minimal effort and maximum health, and what is actually worth putting our money into!
So if you’re like me, a hair care rookie (apparently) then lets dive right in.
Shampoo just your roots? and twice?
I was shocked to hear that for 20 years I was washing my hair all wrong while I was getting my hair done the other week, and this caused a spark of interest and excitement in me to further investigate what other basics of haircare I didn’t know about!
Shampoo was first. I have curly hair and struggle with frizz, and found out double shampooing is the secret to cleaner, healthier hair. The first quick shampoo loosens up all the dirt, oils, and product buildup that's sitting on our precious strands. The second quick round ensures that our hair is squeaky clean and ready for whats next.
Another thing to focus on when shampooing is only shampoo your scalp down to mid-shaft, not the ends of your hair. WHAT? Well, apparently our scalp is where all the sebum and oil production happens so by giving our roots a little extra love, we banish excess grease and create a solid foundation for voluminous, bouncy hair. So let those fingertips work their magic and SCRUB.
condition damp and down, apparently
Conditioning your hair only from the mid-shaft down to the tips is a crucial step in the pursuit of locks that are soft, smooth, and gloriously hydrated. Why, you ask? Well, your scalp naturally produces oils that nourish the roots, but those precious oils struggle to reach the ends. By focusing the conditioner on the mid-shaft to the tips, you're replenishing the moisture that your hair craves, preventing dryness and split ends.
Once you've applied your conditioner, give it some time to work its magic. Let it set for at least 60 seconds, allowing the nourishing ingredients to penetrate each strand, repair damage, and restore vibrancy. It's like a mini spa treatment for your hair, and who doesn't want that? So take a moment, close your eyes, and let the conditioner do its thing. Your hair will thank you for it.
Lastly, (I know its a lot!) before applying conditioner, wring your wet hair in the shower. This step may sound a bit unconventional, but trust us, it's pure genius. By squeezing out excess water, you're creating the perfect canvas for the conditioner to work its magic. With less water diluting the formula, the conditioner can penetrate deeper into the strands, delivering maximum hydration and nourishment. Wring it in the shower, you can even gently towel pat but not ruffle, and see the difference in how much your hair wants to then soak up the treatment!
the “correct” way to brush wet hair
So what I learnt is that wet hair is a delicate diva that demands special treatment (sounds familiar). When your hair is wet, it becomes more vulnerable and prone to breakage. The strands are in a weakened state, making them more likely to snap or stretch under the tension of a brush.
When it comes to brushing wet hair, leave your brushes aside and reach for the ultimate hero—the wide tooth comb. This trusty tool glides effortlessly through damp strands, minimising tugging and minimising the risk of damage. Begin at the ends, gently detangling any knots, and gradually work your way up to the roots.
Patience is key, people! Take your time, show your hair some love, and watch those tangles vanish without a fuss.
The Art of ‘hair Blotting’
It's time to bid farewell to that vigorous towel-rubbing session (oops…) and embrace the gentle touch of blotting.
We've all been there—fresh out of the shower, ready to dry our hair, and then we commit the ultimate hair care sin: vigorously rubbing our locks with a towel. But here's the thing, that rubbing motion is a one-way ticket to frizz town. When you rub your hair with a towel, the friction disrupts the hair cuticles, resulting in a rougher texture and, you guessed it, frizz.
Enter the art of blotting—a technique that requires a light touch and a gentle hand. Instead of rubbing your hair vigorously, opt for a soft, absorbent towel and gently press it against your strands. Blotting helps remove excess moisture without causing friction and disruption to your hair cuticles. This simple change in technique can make a world of difference in preserving your hair's natural texture and minimizing frizz. By incorporating the blotting technique into your hair care routine, you'll notice a significant reduction in frizz and a smoother, more manageable hair.
bye bye hot stuff. Low to Medium Heat = frizz free
While it may seem tempting to crank up that hairdryer to the highest setting, it's time to exercise some heat restraint. High temperatures can suck the moisture out of your hair, leaving it dry, dull, and more prone to frizz (I don’t need any more of that, thank you). Opting for low to medium heat ensures a gentle and gradual drying process, preserving the natural oils and moisture that keep your locks looking fabulous.
When you expose your hair to extreme heat, the cuticles open up, leading to unwanted frizz and flyaways. By using lower heat settings, you minimise the chances of frizz-causing cuticle damage. Embrace the calm and let your hairdryer work its magic at a gentler pace. Your strands will thank you with a smooth, sleek finish.
Cheeky Hack: The cool shot button! Once you've dried your hair to perfection, finish with a burst of cool air. This magical trick seals the cuticles, locking in moisture and providing an extra layer of protection against frizz. It's like a refreshing cooldown for your hair, giving it that coveted salon-worthy finish.
want healthy, looong hair? then cut it
We get it—the idea of cutting your hair to make it grow seems counterintuitive. Why sacrifice precious inches when your goal is length? Well, here's the inside scoop.
When you neglect to trim your hair, split ends wreak havoc by traveling up the hair shaft, causing breakage and stunting your growth potential. By keeping those ends in check, you prevent this damage from spreading and encourage your strands to flourish. Think of trimming as weeding a garden—by removing the dead and damaged parts, you allow your hair to grow stronger.
Now, I’m not suggesting you go scissor-happy and chop off all your hard-earned progress. No, no, we're talking about a strategic, regular trimming routine. Aim for a trim every 8 to 12 weeks, depending on your hair's individual needs. Communicate with your stylist about your growth goals, and they'll know exactly how much to trim to keep your hair on the right track.
the bottom line
You've now been armed with the ultimate arsenal of hair care wisdom. From shampooing and conditioning techniques to blow-drying hacks and the truth about trimming, you're well-equipped to tackle any hair challenge that comes your way.
Remember, hair care is an art, and you are the artist. Experiment, have fun, and do what feels great for YOU and your hair type. Whether you're aiming for long and luscious or short and sassy, these tips will guide you on your journey to your best and healthiest hair.
Get ready to unleash your inner hair goddess and rock those fabulous locks with confidence.
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