Introduction
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of our everyday life, we often forget to take out some time and pamper ourselves. And by pampering, we don’t necessarily mean an expensive spa day or a salon appointment to get your nails done. Self-care can be as simple and relaxing as a basic hair care and skincare routine.
Taking care of our hair must be part of our daily routine. Since it gets exposed to a lot of pollution and dirt regularly, hair care is of high importance. Long, healthy, and lustrous hair cannot be achieved unless they are properly taken care of and maintained. And hair care is more than just shampoo and conditioner! If you want a #goodhairdaay every day, make sure you have a proper hair care routine in place.
Starting a hair care routine is similar to following a skincare routine. Once you’ve found one that works for you, you rarely detour from it. Finding that routine, however, might be a little challenging, especially when there are several options available for those with the same hair type.
Know Your Hair Type
Your hair’s curl pattern is the primary factor in defining your hair type. Your hair follicle controls how curly your hair will be. The type and shape of your hair follicle determines whether your hair is:
- Straight
- Wavy
- Curly
- Coily
The more oval or irregularly shaped your follicle, the curlier your hair will be. So, what determines your hair type in the first place? Yes, it’s the DNA. Although you can change your hair curl pattern with heat, chemicals, hormones, or prescription medications, your DNA determines your fundamental curl pattern.
Each hair type has its own pros and cons. For instance, straight hair typically feels and looks greasy more quickly than curly hair as oil travels more quickly down the hair shaft.
Your hair care routine depends on many factors, including your hair type. Although your hair type and other concerns will change some aspects of your hair care routine, there are a few basic steps that everyone can follow.
8 Basic Steps In A Hair Care Routine
This hair care routine is simple and easy to follow. Make sure you incorporate this into your everyday routine at the earliest!
1. Cleanse
Cleaning is always the first step in any hair care regimen. Washing your hair will make them fresh and clean by eliminating any products, grease, dirt, and dead skin cells that may have accumulated in your hair and scalp. And without a proper wash, there are chances of sebum accumulating on your scalp and leaving it feeling oily.
Choose a mild, sulfate-free moisturising shampoo, as it will be better for the long-term health of your hair and scalp.
2. Condition and Nourish
Conditioning is the next crucial step in the washing process. Conditioning your hair provides moisture, seals the cuticles, and helps in detangling. It restores whatever moisture your shampoo may have taken away and helps detangle any tangles or knots that may have formed from rubbing your shampoo into your hair and scalp.
Choose a lightweight, silicone-free conditioner that won’t weigh down your hair.
3. Moisturize and Seal
You should start this two-step moisturising and sealing procedure to give the hair even more hydration. This special step in between conditioning and detangling suits the most for curly and coily hair types that are more prone to breakage and dryness. With a moisturising product and sealing oil, moisture should be sealed in, leaving your hair feeling and looking healthy and shiny.
4. Detangle
Detangling your hair, especially when wet, will reduce the chances of breakage and eliminate complicated knots. You can use a leave-in conditioner to detangle your hair more easily. As a result, your hair will become smoother and silkier, making it easier to comb through knots with a brush or wide-tooth comb. Using a hair oil or serum can also be an option.
Detangling tip: When brushing or combing your hair, always begin at the ends and work your way up to the roots.
5. Protect and Style
With the help of various hair styling tools and products, you can style your hair however you want! Before using heated tools like a blow dryer, curling iron, or straightener, always prep your hair for it. Along with preventing breakage, this will also improve styling outcomes and guarantee long-lasting hairstyles!
To get your hair ready for styling, use a quick-drying styling primer. It improves the texture of hair and cuts down on drying time. And don’t forget to use a heat protectant before you blow-dry your hair or even just step out in the sun!
6. Moisturize
You should re-moisturize your hair after styling it or allowing it to air dry. Your hair may benefit from increased hydration even on days when you don’t wash it.
Here comes the role of hair oil. Hair oils are excellent in reducing frizz and avoiding dryness in hair. Warm up the hair oil between your palms and fingertips before using it on your hair. Apply the product by combing it with your fingers to distribute it uniformly throughout your strands.
7. Treating Your Hair
You can add one of three treatments—a mask treatment, an oil treatment, or a scalp treatment—to your weekly regimen to give your hair some extra TLC. Regular hair treatments will enhance the overall look and condition of your hair while addressing particular hair issues including damage, dryness, and an oily, flaky, or dry scalp.
You can choose any of these treatments based on your hair concern, hair type, and other factors influencing the look and feel of your hair.
8. Spot Treatment
Spot treatment is a bonus step in this basic hair care routine. Spot-treating your hair simply involves identifying a bothersome spot in your hair/scalp and taking action to address it.
For example, getting a protein treatment done if your hair is too frizzy or applying a nourishing cream to a dry and flaky spot in your scalp are examples of a spot treatments.
8 steps to a great-looking and healthy-feeling hair awaits you!
Hair Care Tips For Men
Yes, men have to take care of their hair as much as women do too. You don’t get to overlook hair care just because you’re a man. With a few exceptions in the routine, hair care for men and women is almost very similar.
So, for all the men out there who want their hairstyles to look as great as they were intended to, make sure you follow these tips!
- Stop overwashing your hair: Every man makes the mistake of frequently shampooing his hair. You should wash your hair only 2-3 times a week and always condition it immediately. This would protect your hair health and prevent essential scalp oils from drying out!
- Dry your hair gently: Wet hair is typically weaker and more brittle. Don’t rub your hair after washing it, as doing so can cause considerable breakage. Instead, pat it dry to ease pressure on the scalp.
- Use minimum hair products: If you use too much hair gel, wax, spray, or any other hair product, your hair will look heavy and unnatural. When it comes to properly styling your hair, use a minimal amount of these products.
- Avoid tight hats or other hair accessories: Tight caps, tight ponytails, and other hairstyles can result in “traction alopecia,” a condition that can result in hair loss, sometimes permanently.
Hair Care Tips For Women
Before you go out of your way and completely change your hair care regimen by buying a ton of hair care products, you can start by following these simple and easy hacks to improve the condition and look of your hair.
- Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair: When you get out of the shower, pre-dry your hair with a microfiber towel. A terrycloth towel shouldn’t be used as it might tangle your hair severely, make it frizzy, and cause breakage.
- Use soft hair bands: When tying up your hair, use only soft hair elastics. Rubber bands and hair elastics with a metal clasp in the centre should be avoided as they can pull on your hair and cause breakage.
- Always use a heat protectant: Never skip this step! Always apply a heat protectant to your hair before straightening or curling your hair or using other heated tools. This acts as a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing irreparable damage to your tresses. You can also apply this before you step out in the sun.
- Use a soft satin pillowcase at night: Sleep on a pillowcase made of silk or satin or cover your head with a silk scarf. Cotton pillowcases are rougher on your hair and scalp and frequently cause frizz and breakage in your hair.
Get the best hair care from hair experts at Toni&Guy!
Want a trendy cut? Or a hair loss repair treatment? From neat haircuts to attractive hair colours and styles, Toni&Guy is your one-stop solution for all your hair needs! No matter what stage your hair is in, our haircare professionals will analyse your needs and give you the best tips and advice on what kind of hairstyle will suit your face shape and look.
With the right hair care tools and a consistent hair care routine, having the hair of your dreams is not as hard as it seems!
Conclusion
Figuring out a hair care routine can take some time. For some, it can be a few days, while for others, it can take up to many weeks. The key lies in finding the right hair care products that work well for your hair type and other hair concerns. Remember, you can’t see results overnight! Keep following a consistent hair care regimen for healthy and gorgeous hair.
FAQs
What causes damage to my hair?
Practices like skipping conditioner, brushing your hair when wet, drying it by rubbing it on a cotton towel, and not applying heat protectants before styling can damage your hair.
What fruits are best for my hair?
Fruits like bananas (potassium and natural oils for soft hair), papayas (excellent for hair growth), and apples (to prevent hair loss) are great options!
Which oil is best for my hair?
Coconut oil is one of the best hair oils for hair growth and thickness due to its abundance of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and carbs.
What causes hair fall?
Hair fall may be brought on by genes, hormonal changes, illnesses, or the natural ageing process. Anybody can experience hair loss, but men undergo it more frequently.
What kinds of foods improve hair growth?
Some foods that are great for hair growth
- Eggs
- Spinach
- Berries
- Avocados
- Nuts and seeds
- Fatty fish
- Sweet potatoes
