Whether your hair is a straight 1c type or super curly 4a, you can optimize the look and health of your hair with simple hair care habits. If you want to avoid dry, greasy, fragile or damaged hair, consider these hair care tips to make your tresses look their best.
Chose the right shampoo for your hair type
Using the wrong shampoo for your hair type can be disastrous. It could work against your natural hair type and give you less-than-perfect results. For example, if you have dry hair, using a shampoo that is designed for those with greasy hair will further strip out all your natural oils and make it even harder to manage.
Similarly, if you have curly or wavy hair it’s a much better idea to use curly hair shampoos when you wash your hair. These hair care products are full of moisturizing ingredients that help to nourish your curls and are free of chemicals like silicon that can suppress them.
Style your hair with proper technique
Proper styling techniques can make all the difference in achieving your desired hair look. For example, when blowdrying curly or wavy hair, it’s essential to use a diffuser attachment and gently scrunch your hair upward as it dries to enhance and define your curls. Some people get better results by allowing their curly hair to air dry.
For those with straight hair, or people aiming for a straighter look, using the directional attachment on your blow dryer can help minimize frizz and flyaways and get that flat glossy finish.
Protect your hair at night
Sleeping on damp hair or not protecting your hair before bed can lead to breakage and damage. That is why it’s important to fully dry your hair before going to sleep. Also, a protective style at night, like a loose braid or bun, can be helpful because it helps to prevent tangles and knots.
Using silk or satin bonnets or pillowcases can also help. These materials are much gentler on strands than traditional cotton pillowcases and can help reduce frizz and breakage.
Get regular trims
No matter what your hair type, making sure you get your hair trimmed regularly is one of the best ways to make the most of your natural hair type. Trims remove any dry or split ends and ensure that your hair always looks healthy. To that end, don’t skip a quick trim every 6-8 weeks.
Keep hair hydrated
Healthy, hydrated hair is key to achieving any desired style and look. Regularly use deep conditioners or hair masks, as well as using leave-in conditioning products.
You can even try making your moisturizing hair mask from items that are lying around at home and in your kitchen.
Experiment with different styles and looks
Some looks work best with a particular type of hair. For example, if your hair is type 1, then trying to get it to curve or wave naturally without the help of stylers will mean a great deal of work for an underwhelming result.
Vary how you style your hair. There is no need to get overwhelmed with all the thousands of styles out there, though.
You can find step-by-step photo guides on Pinterest or to watch someone do them on Youtube like they do in the video below.
Seek professional help when needed
While it’s great to learn new styles and looks on our own, sometimes it’s worth seeking professional help at a salon. This can be especially important for things like a big haircut change or for coloring your hair.
Not only will a professional have the skills and expertise to give you the best results, but they may also be able to spot any potential hair health issues or damage and advise you on how to address them. Don’t be afraid to make an appointment with a hairdresser or stylist now and then. Your hair will thank you for it!
