Healthy Hair Care Routine: How To Get Beautiful Hair

For most of us, healthy hair does not come naturally. It can, however, be achieved with a good hair care routine. When working with clients, proper understanding of individual needs and using the right products are critical for achieving and maintaining healthy, beautiful hair. Listed below are a few tips on how you can get beautiful hair.

How To Get Beautiful Hair

Hair is made up of keratin, a type of hard protein. Although it is surprisingly strong (a single strand can hold as much as 100 grams), it is also susceptible to damage due to stress, heat, and chemical exposure. Avoid brushing too hard or for too long. The old myth of using 100 brushes to achieve shiny hair is just that, a myth. Brushing hair repeatedly is not just unnecessary, it can also cause long-term damage especially with the wrong type of brush.

When using clips and pins, choose the types that are either made of plastic or are coated. Metal pins may not be as smooth as they look and could damage the keratin on the strands if pulled against the hair grain. When tying hair, do not pull on the strands to avoid putting pressure on the follicles and use only brushes with natural bristles. These are gentler on the strands and minimize frizz and tangles.

Choose Products Carefully

There are literally thousands of hair products to choose from but not all of them should be used on hair. For starters, look for products that do not contain sulfates. Sulfates are fairly common additives in personal care products because of their ability to produce foam when mixed with water. However, the familiar suds they produce come with a price.

Sulfates, such as sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate are produced using sulfur sourced from petrolatum. While safe when used within allowed limits, sulfates could also act as irritants, causing itching, redness and dryness in the scalp. They can also turn hair brittle and fade color faster. A by-product, a compound known as 1,4-dioxane, is also a known carcinogen. To be on the safe side, use sulfate-free products.

Apply Oil Before a Shampoo

Applying oil before shampooing may seem like a strange practice but it really does wonders for healthy hair. Shampoos often strip hair of its natural moisture and oil coating, leaving hair dry and limp. Applying oil prior to washing protects and coats the strands and seals in moisture. The shampoo simply washes away the excess oils, leaving hair smooth and silky. For best results, use natural oil such as coconut oil and avoid petroleum-based oil such as mineral oil.

Use a Hair Mask

Conditioners are great for maintaining healthy hair but for extra protection, a hair mask is the better choice. Masks offer a thorough treatment that nourishes, detangles and hydrates hair strands deeply, making them an excellent pick for dry, damaged or brittle hair. Note, however, that masks are best used occasionally to improve the quality and structure of the hair. Using it more than twice a week could lead to product buildup that causes limp, lifeless hair.

Beat the Heat

Hair is at its most vulnerable when wet and hot water only adds to the problem. Hot water can rinse away protective oil or sebum that coats the hair and it can cause hair color to fade faster. Opt for tepid water instead. It is gentler and much more comfortable on the scalp.

Ready to Go Pro?

As a hair care professional, you have to be on top of your game. Learn everything you need to know about the proper care and maintenance of hair, the types of products appropriate for specific needs and requirements, and the right treatments that help correct common hair problems. At Evergreen Beauty College, you can build your skills and create your own career path in the beauty industry with the right training and professional exposure. Contact us for more information on how you can get started today!