5 HEAD BATH TECHNIQUES
Yes, there is a right way to wash your hair and it’s really important too. If this information has come to you as a surprise, well you’re not alone. When you wash your hair more prudently and judiciously, you will definitely notice how it becomes softer and more manageable.
Although unintentional, hair washing mistakes are quite common. These mistakes play a major role in damaging your hair. To help you understand and correct these mistakes, here are some tips and techniques to correct head baths…
Rinse your hair first
Just like your body, your hair needs to be completely wet before you go ahead and apply your shampoo. Start with warm water as that will open the cuticles and rinse out product build-up, dirt and oil. This little
you can turn to other language
Long haired girls, start with a conditioner
We know this advice sounds strange, but if your hair falls beneath your shoulders, then always apply a little conditioner on wet strands before applying shampoo. This process helps protect the fragile hair from drying out by filling in any holes in the cuticle with moisture, making it smoother and boosting shine.
Concentrate the shampoo at the scalp
Your scalp is the place there is maximum build-up from oil, dirt and hair products, and that it is why it needs a lot more cleansing than your ends. On the contrary, your hair ends are dry and do not need as much cleansing as they need conditioning. Over shampooing your ends will make them more prone to breakage.
Massage your scalp
Massaging your scalp while you are applying shampoo has a lot of benefits for the health of your hair. This process helps improves blood circulation to the scalp, thus promoting healthy hair growth. Use gentle pressure to massage the scalp as too much friction could permanently damage your hair follicles.
End it with a cold water rinse
A cold water rinse at the end is what will greatly transform dull and frizzy strands to beautiful healthy locks. Cold water closes the open cuticles and this is what is required to enhance shine and prevent frizz.
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists,
makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!46576VIEWSComments
HERE ARE 5 EASY WAYS TO CARE FOR DRY HAIR AND SCALP
Dry hair and scalp are characterised by flakiness and frizzy hair respectively. Persistently itchy scalp, soreness, dandruff, and hair that looks unruly no matter what you do, are some of the common problems that people with the combination of dry scalp and dry hair have to deal with.
But we have some good news for you! You don’t have to live with this discomfort all your life because we have discovered some simple ways in which you can overcome this problem…
Gentle shampoos
One of the main causes of dry hair and scalp could be using harsh shampoos. If you have a dry scalp coupled with dry ends, use a moisturising formula that is gentle on the scalp and does not further dry out your hair and scalp.
Limit your hair washes
Another great tip to care of a dry scalp and hair is to limit the number of times you wash your hair. Shampoo your hair a maximum of 2 to 3 times a week using lukewarm water because frequent washing and hot water can further dry out your hair and your scalp.
Deep conditioning treatments
For someone with dry scalp and hair, deep conditioning hair treatments prove to be super helpful. Apart from using a hydrating conditioner after each wash, you can also fight hair dryness and damage by using hair masks. Hair masks help moisturise, nourish and condition your scalp and hair and prevent strands from appearing dull and frizzy.
Hot oil massages
Dry scalp and hair often lead to flakiness and dandruff. To help thoroughly hydrate and condition your scalp, you can indulge your tresses in a super nourishing hot oil massage. A head massage helps stimulate the scalp, moisturises it and promotes healthy hair growth.
Eat healthy
The kind of food you eat has a major impact on the health of your scalp and hair. Eating food with high sugar content has a drying effect on the scalp, thus causing flakiness. Additionally, it is important to drink a lot of water to keep your scalp and hair hydrated. This is a great way to ensure that your scalp and hair stay naturally moisturised.
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists,
makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!7208VIEWSComments
WANT TO GET RID OF GREASY HAIR? BREAK THESE 5 HABITS NOW!
Greasy hair is one of the most common problems that you have to deal with on a regular basis, especially during the summer and monsoon season. It gets worse if you live in a metropolitan city and are constantly in contact with pollution and dirt. However, certain habits might be making things worse. Before you reach out for that dry shampoo or wash your hair every day, you might want to check if you’re doing something wrong.
If you’re guilty of committing these common hair mistakes, stop now, and you might just be able to fix your greasy hair problem.
Frequently touching your hair
Playing with your hair is a common habit that most women have, but did you know it is the biggest culprit in making your hair greasy? Touching your hair frequently transfers the oil from your fingertips onto your hair, weighing it down and making it look greasy. To break this habit, braid your hair or tie a ponytail. This way you will be less likely to touch your hair.
Washing it every day
We know it sounds contradictory, but believe us when we say this – do not wash your hair every day. Overwashing your hair will make your scalp dry and encourage it to produce more oil to compensate. However, not washing it enough can also be bad for the health of your hair. The ideal time to wash your hair, is every third day or after an intense, sweaty workout session. This will keep grease away from your hair and ensure it is healthy and soft.
Not cleaning your hairbrush
Your hairbrush collects a lot of dirt and oil from your scalp and hair overtime. If not cleaned well every few weeks, it can transfer the oil back to your tresses and make them look greasy. We recommend thoroughly cleaning your brush at least once a month. Soak it in soap water for about 30 minutes and wash well with warm water, it’s that simple!
Showering with hot water
Taking a hot water bath after a long day seems very relaxing and it does take all the stress away. But here’s what you didn’t know – your scalp does not find hot water all that relaxing. Hot water strips away the natural oils from your hair and scalp making your hair look dry and frizzy. It also makes your scalp work overtime to produce excess oil, which in turn makes your hair look greasy. Avoid taking very hot showers to prevent hair damage.
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master’s degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she’s not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.3936VIEWSComments
5 REASONS YOU SHOULD CHANGE YOUR HAIR PARTING REGULARLY
The hair flip. Every girl knows it and does it at least a million times trying to get that perfect selfie. Just by flipping your hair from one side to the other, you can alter the way you look! Not just that, if you are in the habit of parting your hair (to the side or even in the centre), you will notice that it begins to look flat after a while. Changing the side on which you part your hair gives instant volume and is the simplest way to switch up your look.
Don’t believe us? Here are five celebs and five reasons why you should change your hair parting regularly…
Centre parting:
Allows your eyes to do the talking
If there’s one thing we absolutely love about centre parting is that it draws attention to your eyes. So if you’re going out on a romantic date and want your eyes to do the talking take inspiration from Tessa Thompson, because curly or straight this trick works for everyone!
Elongates round face shape
Ariana Grande rarely steps out without her iconic sky high ponytail, but when she does, it is always with poker straight hair parted in the middle. Wondering why? We have the answer – to make her round face look elongated and to flaunt that sharp jawline.
Side parting:
Hides a large forehead
Are you always conscious of your forehead, and look for ways to hide it? A side-parting is what your hair needs. Or better yet, get bangs that fall naturally on your forehead just like Emma Watson’s.
Accentuates the cheekbones
Of course you have your contour stick to make those cheekbones pop. But take cue from Gigi Hadid and see how a side parting accentuates your cheekbones and gives your face a more defined look.
13 Ways You Don’t Realize You’re Damaging Your Hair
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
You wash it, brush it, blow-dry it, straighten it, curl it, and/or put all kinds of products in it. And, although it may, indeed, have that drip, there’s no question that your hair goes through the ringer on any given day.
Before you know it, your tresses can show signs of damage, from split ends to uncontrollable frizz. And the older we get, the more it naturally thins out and looks dull or damaged.
This can even happen without overprocessing, says Elisa Hills, co-founder of the hair care line BLNDN.
The good news is you can reverse the damage. Your game plan for bringing your hair back to life is simple: Stopcommitting these common mistakes, and follow the fixes recommended by these top stylists.
It’s time, as a young gentleman by the name of Zac Efron once advised, to get’cha head in the game.
In the shower
You might be causing trouble as you scrub-a-dub-dubble.
1. You wash your hair every day
As a general rule, you can wash your hair as often as you need, says Amy Abramite, creative director and stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
For most stylists we talked to, that’s every 2 to 3 days. Any more, and you risk stripping your hair of its natural, protective oils that keep it shiny and healthy, Hills says.
This is especially true for people who color their hair, as overwashing can dull the vibrancy of their color, says Constantine James, a celebrity hair and makeup expert in Chicago.
Of course, there are other factors that come into play. If you work out and sweat a lot, you may not be able to wait 3 days, Abramite advises.
(If you’re also worried about your skin after you work out, we’ve got you covered.)
In that case, try rinsing with water, scrubbing the scalp, and conditioning your ends only, says Paul Norton, a Joico celebrity hair stylist in Los Angeles.
If you’re dealing with a super oily scalp, James suggests looking into a hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
It sounds counterintuitive, but your body may be producing more oil due to dryness in an attempt to naturally fix the problem. You may also benefit from using dry shampoo to extend the time between washes.
James recommends TRESemme Fresh Start, which soaks up oil and gets rid of odor without any weird, powdery residue.
2. You use too much conditioner
To avoid greasy strands, apply conditioner on the ends of the hair, where it truly needs hydration — not the scalp, Abramite says.
Start with an amount about the size of a dime (yes, a teeny-tiny, humble dime), and try to disperse it evenly throughout the hair. If needed, up the amount, but never exceed the size of a quarter.
The currency size comparisons are appropriate, says James. “If you’re using a half-dollar-size of product, you will definitely be spending a lot of money on shampoo and conditioner and not doing much for your hair.”
3. … and the wrong shampoo
Sulfates, the cleansing agents in shampoos, “have become the gluten of the hair world,” says Erika Wasser, founder and CEO of Glam & Go. There’s a lot of hype around ‘em — some of it valid, some not.
While they don’t pose any serious health hazards, some people find these chemicals dry out hair, skin, and scalp, or strip away color, advises Abramite.
If you’re seeing tangling, frizziness, and split ends, try a sulfate-free shampoo. This may help you clean your hair gently. Keep in mind, though, it won’t get as sudsy as a regular shampoo, she warns.
There are plenty of budget-friendly options: Wasser and Abramite suggest the L’Oreal Paris “Ever” collection.
For higher-end options, James recommends:
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
- LuxeOrganix Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner
- Joico Color Endure Shampoo
If you’ve got a health condition that causes symptoms on the skin and scalp, such as psoriasis, you might need to make different considerations. Here’s our rundown of the best soaps and shampoos for people with psoriasis.
4. You never use a deep conditioner
It may sound like an unnecessary step, but the pros we spoke with all recommend using a deep conditioner — especially if your hair is dry, damaged, or split from coloring or heat styling, Abramite says.
Use a treatment, like Joico’s K-PAK Reconstructor, at least once per week, Norton says. “Get in the habit of pampering your hair, and you’ll notice it behaves and looks better.”
It’s a non-negotiable if you color or process your hair, Hills says. “Use a deep conditioner the week leading up to and after any chemical process — it’ll help prepare your hair for battle, seal the hair cuticle, and prevent breakage.”
And, contrary to what many people with thin or fine hair fear, the right mask will not weigh your hair down, says Hills, who recommends BLNDN’s Repair You mask.
5. You’ve been using the same shampoo and conditioner since high school
You don’t still like that guy from high school, do you? Because he turned out to be a douche. Likewise, if you keep using the same shampoo, it might also not turn out for the best.
Wasser likens your hair-washing routine to your workout: “By spin class 2,567, your body’s pretty used to it,” she says. Similarly, your hair gets used to shampoo and conditioner, and then the products start to leave behind a residue.
And who wants residue in their hair? Ugh. Not us.
If you’ve stayed #loyal to one routine, she suggests switching to Neutrogena’s Anti-Residue Shampoo once every month or so to give your hair a clean slate.
If you’re more non-committal, keep a few different formulas in the shower to use depending on how your hair feels, Wasser suggests.
Feeling dry? Work in a deep conditioner. If it’s feeling limp, use a lighter formula. Frizzier than usual? Use a moisturizing one. “You know your hair — listen to what it needs,” she advises.GREATIST NEWSLETTERBe your Greatist, every day
No jade eggs. Just real tips and ways to make health matter.Enter your emailYES, PLEASESend me offers from Greatist partners
After the shower
Because when you feel 110 percent invigorated, it’s easy to get complacent.
6. You brush your hair when it’s wet
Wet hair is much weaker than dry hair, so treat it carefully. One of the worst things you can do is tug a brush through it, forcing tangles apart, Wasser says.
Instead, try brushing your hair before hopping in the shower to work out knots and air out the roots, James says.
During your shower, consider using a wide-toothed comb to work the conditioner through your strands. To minimize damage, Norton suggests using a comb to work out tangles from the bottom, working your way up to the roots.
Bottom line: Use a brush only on dry hair and a wide-toothed comb on wet hair.
7. You roughly towel dry
This isn’t the worst you can do, but it’s definitely not the best.
After showering, don’t vigorously rub your hair with a towel — gently blot instead, Abramite says. “Blotting will prevent you roughing up the cuticles and causing frizz.”
Want to go the extra mile? Use a paper towel to dry your hair. Norton says this is the gentlest, if not the most practical, method possible.
8. The tools you use are *way* too hot
The thickness and coarseness of your hair will determine the right setting for the job, Abramite says. So it’s fortunate, then, that most hot tools, like straighteners and curling irons, come with adjustable temperature settings.
Be sure to avoid cranking it to the hottest setting right off the bat. Wasser says to start at 300 degrees. If you’re getting the desired results, stay there.
If not, gradually turn up the heat until you do. Typically, coarse hair requires higher temps than fine hair. And no matter what, always use a heat protector (more on that soon).
As for those wet-to-dry hot tools intended for use on damp hair? They’re a no-go: “Never use hot tools on wet hair,” Abramite says. “It can burn the hair.”
And “smells like burnt hair” is a go-to simile for something that smells bad.
9. You skip heat protectant
If you can’t take the heat, don’t sit there applying heat to your hair, as the famous saying goes (?).
These get a 100 percent “yes” from the stylists. “It’s like asking if you need an oven mitt to pull something out of the oven,” Wasser says.
Spraying a heat protector on your hair proactively protects hair from heat damage, plus it seals in shine, calms frizz, and keeps hair from becoming dry, Abramite says.
10. You use too many styling products
Like any style choice, you don’t need to overdo it to make an impression.
You only need three products, Abramite says:
a protectant
a styling product, like a mousse for volume or an anti-frizz cream for sleekness)
a finishing product like a hair spray or texture spray
Use cremes and oils sparingly, Wasser says, and only apply them to the mid-shaft through ends. A little goes a long way.
You might also want to give wet styling a go.
At the salon
Sometimes, you’ve got to splash out on your swag.
11. You avoid haircuts
While the 6-week rule is definitely not set in stone, most people need a trim about every 3 months. for others, it’s shorter or longer, Wasser says.
Trying to grow out your hair? As soon as you start to notice split ends or the ends seem “see-through” or brittle, it’s time to take action.
“The damage will just continue up the shaft,” suggests Wasser, “so by the time you [eventually] go for a cut, you’ll end up having to cut more than you would have if you’d just bitten the bullet with the trim.”
Really afraid to take off length? Ask for a “dusting,” James says (and yes, it’s a thing). “This technique is to go through sections and lightly — just about a millimeter length — clean up your ends,” he explains.
Don’t shy away from a good haircut — it can feel like both sorcery and therapy.
12. You overdo chemical treatments
Allow yourself two per year at most (aside from coloring), Norton says. “I don’t believe the chemicals are harmless,” he maintains, “and they aren’t great to breathe in on a regular basis.”
James also suggests spending your money on heat protectors, irons, and conditioning treatments instead of relaxing or straightening treatments.
If you must, only get relaxers every 6 to 8 weeks, or ideally, up to 12 weeks. The more frequently you do it, the greater the chance of breakage or damage, says Tina Deeke, a color specialist at Maxine Salon (Abramite’s joint).
We provided some non-chemical alternatives to these treatments.
13. You don’t accurately describe what you want
The most important thing to remember before you visit your stylist: Bring photos.
And be careful of buzzwords: “Just because you’re describing what you think is a ‘natural’ look with ‘warm undertones,’ doesn’t mean the stylist is on the same page,” Hills advises.
Moreover, listen to — and trust — your stylist. If they say something is tough to do with your hair type, believe them — they’re usually right, Hills says. And ask them about the upkeep involved with any particular style or color.
Be clear about how much time you want to dedicate to your hairstyle, whether you’re open to using products, and how many, James says. If it sounds like too much work, it probably is.
And you have good hair to live better, not to spend your whole life tending to your hair and keeping it buoyant.
If you’ve got multi-textured hair, here’s how to keep it under control.
The takeaway
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to keep your hair healthy and vibrant — in fact, you may well be doing too much.
So don’t apply too much heat (and use protectors when you do), get regular cuts, and don’t shampoo every day unless you’re regularly hitting the gym.
Too much product and chemical treatments aren’t always the best idea, and make sure you don’t brush your hair when it’s wet. Your skin is the cousin to your hair — make sure you’re also avoiding faux pas there to exude radiant beauty.
