PROTECTING YOUR HAIR

We put our hair through so much: styling, dyeing, and trying everything that comes along with it. Making sure we give our hair the proper care ensures that we can keep playing and experimenting with it without provoking damage. Here are some tips to keep your hair happy:

1: Knowing your hair type:

Knowing your hair type is the first step to creating a hair care routine that will nourish your hair. Is it dry? Curly? Straight? Depending on the type of hair you have, your hair will need different products to target what it needs. Do some research first about what products have worked well for people with your hair type and try out some new products.

2: Getting the right products

So much research has come out over the past decade about harmful ingredients that are in popular hair care products and brands. It is important to be aware of these ingredients not only for the sake of your hair, but for the sake of your health.

As mentioned in step one, some products that work for others may not work for you, or ingredients that some may steer clear from may actually work really well for your hair. For example, silicones are an ingredient that many avoid at all costs, but for some, it makes their hair look fantastic. While trying new products can be pricey, there are always cheaper alternatives on the market– not to mention, you can always get sample sizes to try!

3: Create a weekly hair routine

Creating a routine of products that you use throughout the week ensures that your hair will receive all of the things it needs throughout the week. For example, before my wash days I will sit with an oil mask in my hair as long as possible before going into the shower with my shampoo and conditioner. If I have been doing a lot of heat styling that week, I will make sure to incorporate a deep conditioning mask to bring back needed moisture. I also switch up the type of shampoo I use depending on what I think my hair needs. For example, as a blonde, I need to use purple shampoo once in a while when I see my hair is getting a little brassy. Olaplex is also my BFF, and I make sure to use my Olaplex products at least once a week to repair the bonds in my hair that were damaged from bleaching. You know your hair better than anyone, so making a weekly routine of products will help you give your hair all the TLC it needs.

4: Protection

Besides the fact you should always be using heat protection when using hot tools, there are other ways to protect your hair from damage even when you’re not heat styling. Tying up your hair with a scrunchie, sleeping in braids, wearing protective styles or using a silk bonnet when sleeping protects your hair from breakage that may occur. Use hair ties and other hair accessories that are gentle on the hair, like silk or velvet scrunchies which are much softer and silkier than the typical elastic hair ties.

On today’s market, there are so many products and accessories that are out there for you to try out– you’re bound to find your new go-to! With the help of social media, find a creator with similar hair type and hair needs as you to look to for inspo, styling techniques, and product advice. The better you take care of your hair, the better it will behave for you!