A head full of healthy, luscious hair is something that we all want. It’s one of the first things people notice and is a large part of our physical appearance. If you’ve had trouble taming your own hair before leaving the house lately, and are noticing breakage, frizziness, or harsh textures, it may be time to take action! In today’s fast-paced world, with pollution, stress, and inadequate hair care, maintaining healthy hair has become quite a challenge.
At Elite Academy of Cosmetology, we work with people every day who want to improve the health of their hair, and we have some great tips for a couple of ways you can begin to make changes in your own hair and start to see a difference.
1. Regular Trims Are Essential
It may sound counterintuitive, but trimming your hair regularly is crucial for maintaining its health. Split ends and damaged tips can lead to further breakage and hair loss. Schedule a trim every 6-8 weeks to eliminate the damaged portions and promote hair growth. By doing so, you’ll keep your hair looking fresh and healthy, preventing it from becoming thin and lifeless.
2. Don’t Wash Every Day
Did you know washing your hair every day could actually lead to dry, frizzy hair that is hard to manage? It is recommended to wash hair every other day or every few days. This can help your hair produce more natural oils, which gives it that healthy glisten it needs to look its best. When it starts to feel greasy on the second or third day, take a few minutes to run a brush or comb through it so the oils can coat all your hair and have time to absorb.
3. Avoid Tight Hairstyles
Tight hairstyles, like ponytails and braids, may look sleek and stylish, but they can lead to hair breakage and thinning. Constant tension on the hair shafts weakens them, causing hair loss and traction alopecia. Opt for loose hairstyles, especially while sleeping, to reduce stress on your hair. Additionally, use hair-friendly accessories like scrunchies or silk hair ties to minimize damage.
4. Avoid Hot Showers
Just like washing too often, super hot showers also have a drying effect and can strip your hair of its natural oils. Keeping your shower lukewarm can really make a difference in your hair’s health. Try turning the temperature down by a few degrees near the end of your shower. This way you can avoid applying too much heat to your hair and can get your bathroom a little less steamy when you get out!
5. Use Heat Styling Sparingly
While styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons are convenient, excessive use can lead to hair damage. The intense heat can weaken hair shafts, making them prone to breakage and split ends. Whenever possible, let your hair air dry and use heat styling tools on low settings. If you just can’t resist, try using a heat-resistant oil or serum to protect your hair’s ends when you use heat.
6. Regular Scalp Massages
You can use natural oils like coconut, almond, or jojoba oil to massage your scalp gently. Massaging your scalp regularly has numerous benefits for your hair’s health, including:
- Improved Blood Circulation: Scalp massages stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, ensuring a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients. This enhanced circulation promotes healthy hair growth and strengthens the hair roots.
- Hair Growth Promotion: By encouraging blood circulation, scalp massages can help facilitate hair growth. The increased nutrient supply to the hair follicles supports the growth of stronger and longer hair.
- Nourishment for Hair Follicles: Scalp massages help in the even distribution of natural oils from the scalp to the hair strands, keeping them nourished and moisturized. This can prevent dryness and reduce the likelihood of split ends.
- Exfoliation: Gentle scalp massages can aid in the removal of dead skin cells and excess sebum, which can otherwise clog hair follicles and impede hair growth.
- Enhanced Absorption of Hair Products: Scalp massages can improve the absorption of hair care products, such as oils, serums, and treatments. This allows the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the scalp, maximizing their effectiveness.
Remember, consistency is key. For optimal results, try to incorporate scalp massages into your hair care routine regularly, whether using your fingers, a scalp massager, or natural oils.
7. Choose the Right Hair Care Products
Selecting the right hair care products is vital for maintaining healthy locks. Avoid products containing harsh chemicals, sulfates, and parabens, as they can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause damage. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners enriched with natural ingredients that cater to your specific hair type and concerns.
8. Consult a Professional
Lastly, there are times when consulting a professional can really make all the difference in getting the best treatment. Whether they recommend a specific hair product or give you an expert haircut that gets rid of fly-aways and dead-ends, your healthy hair can come to life with expert advice from a hair care professional.
At Elite you can get a professional-level cut from one of our *students in-training in our student salon. We are committed to providing top-quality education so our students can be knowledgeable in all types of modern cosmetology products, methods, and treatments for different hair types.
*{All services are performed under the supervision of a licensed instructor.}*
Want To Pursue A Career In Beauty?
At Elite Academy of Cosmetology, we are happy to provide the tips and tools you need to achieve beautiful, healthy hair. If you have a passion for hair and want to learn more, we can help to jump-start your cosmetology career. Our programs are designed with our student’s success in mind and all we want is for them to thrive in the beauty industry.
Contact us today to schedule a tour of the school and learn about our courses of study. We look forward to hearing from you!
