5 Essential Hair Care Tips

Your hair is one of the first things people will notice about you and be attracted to. It frames your face, can reveal aspects of your personality, and is an indication of health.

But most people don't take as good care of their hair as they think they do. Are you in need of some hair care tips?

The good news is that you might be doing too much! You can get better hair by doing less, investing in the right products, and using what you already have correctly. These simple tips will make a world of difference in your hair health. So let's take a look!

1. Don't Wash Too Frequently

Most people wash their hair far more often than they need to. Every time you wash your hair you're stripping your scalp and strands of valuable oils and nutrients. Those oils protect your hair from heat and other stressors and give it its lovely shine.

You need to wash so that your hair isn't visibly oily or weighed down, but there's a fine balance between too much and too little. As you learn to care for your hair better you'll find the right schedule for you, but here's the general guideline:

• Straight hair - wash every 2 to 3 days
• Wavy hair - wash every 3 to 4 days
• Curly hair - wash twice a week (just conditioner every other day)
• Kinky hair - wash once a week

Of course, you'll still need to shower daily. So how do you preserve your hairstyles in the shower? 

You can always get your hair wet without doing the whole shampoo routine, but if you have a particular look you're trying to maintain through the shower or don't have time to dry your hair afterward, you should get a shower cap. 

Shower caps will keep your hair dry in the shower, protect it from the heat of the water if you like a hot shower, and can even be made of materials that support hair strength. 

2. Use the Right Towel

The towel you use after you wash your hair really matters! Different materials have different effects on your hair.

Your hair is at its most vulnerable while it's still wet. Breakage is much easier when it's in this vulnerable state, which can lead to frizziness and split ends. A 100% cotton (softer than some cheaper cotton combination alternatives) or microfiber hair towel are both gentle on hair, but you need to use them correctly too.

If you've been using your towel to aggressively rub your hair to dry it faster, it's time for a change. This action is far too aggressive on your luscious locks. Gently scrunching wet hair is a better method.

If you feel like this won't get your hair dry enough, you can always use a hair cover. Made of the right materials, it will continue to dry your hair while keeping wet strands off your clothes, neck, and face.

3. Use Conditioner Correctly

One of the most important hair care tips is something you're probably already doing, but are you doing it right?

There are important steps to make sure that you're using your conditioner to its full potential. Conditioning is an important step because it softens, protects, and rehydrates your hair after it experiences the stripping effects of shampoo.

First, you only need a small amount of conditioner. Too much will weigh down your hair and make it look flat. Even a small amount of conditioner can be well spread to all your strands with a wide-toothed comb. 

Only apply conditioner to the ends of your hair. Your scalp will supply the necessary oils to your roots and anything more will make your hair look greasy and flat on top and make it difficult to style.

Once everything is cleaned and conditioned, be sure to rinse thoroughly before leaving the shower. Over time, without rinsing properly, your hair can retain a buildup of hair products which will make it look dull and weighed down.

4. Use a Satin Pillowcase

Did you know that you can protect your hair and preserve styles even while you're sleeping?

Especially if you have curly hair, your hair will benefit from a good night's rest on a silk pillowcase. Silk pillowcases offer a surface for your head with less friction than traditional cotton or linen pillowcases. There's less for your hair to rub on so you'll experience less breakage during the night.

That lack of friction will also help keep hairstyles in place. So if you use heat tools one day, you can keep that style for a few more days without subjecting your hair to more heat damage. 

Imagine, styles that last and all you have to do is go to sleep on a new pillowcase!

5. Limit Heat Tools and Use Protectant

Only use heat tools when necessary. By washing less frequently, and using the right pillowcase, you can preserve your heated hairstyles for longer, which will cut down on your use. 

Find ways to embrace and style your natural hair so that you're less tempted to straighten or curl it on a daily basis. If you must alter your hair texture, give it days off from heat application and maintain styles for as long as you can before styling again.

Always use a heat protectant before styling your hair. These come in the form of sprays and mousse and will protect your hair from the harsh heat before you go in. Not only are you increasing the longevity of your hair when you use them, but the heated styles often come out better looking too.

Hair Care Tips and Products for Luscious Hair

With these hair care tips, you'll have strong, healthy, beautiful hair to be admired by everyone you meet. Only a few small, simple changes to your routine can transform your look and hair health. 

Interested in trying out the right products for better hair care? Check out our full collection of towels, shower caps, and pillowcases here!