16 Steps to Healthy, Strong, and Shiny Hair

Beauty is made up of many things. But it’s safe to say that healthy and well-kept hair plays one of the key roles in creating a unique and attractive image.

Today, Bright Side offers you a guide to the most common mistakes women make in their quest to have the hair of their dreams.

16. Choose the right shampoo.

Your choice of shampoo is crucial for hair care. To avoid harmful consequences, make sure that your shampoo suits your hair type.

15. Wash your hair enough.

The recommended frequency depends on individual factors, such as your hair type and the quality of water you’re using. If your hair belongs in the oily category, it is advisable to wash your hair once every 1-2 days.

14. Apply shampoo correctly.

Comb your hair thoroughly before washing. The quantity of shampoo to be used depends on the length of your hair. Be careful not to use too much. Use a trial method to determine your norm.

Put shampoo onto your palms, and rub them together to whip up the foam. Then apply the shampoo to the roots of your hair. Use massaging movements, making sure to only touch the skin with your soft fingertips (and not with your nails, to avoid causing scratches). Keep massaging your head throughout the wash — this is beneficial for your hair roots.

13. Don’t forget to moisturize and nourish your hair.

Hair loses moisture quickly. You can use special balms and hair masks to address this problem (make sure that the products you use are not damaging to your hair type). Use balm either simultaneously with shampoo or immediately after rinsing it off. The correct way to apply balm is to smear it along the whole length of the hair, while avoiding rubbing it into the skin.

As for hair masks — you shouldn’t be using them more than once a week.

12. Choose the right water temperature.

Many people use excessively hot water when washing their hair. This is a serious mistake. Hot water strips your hair of color and activates the oil-producing glands. Ideally, you should be using warm or tepid water — this will help dilute the oil glands’ secretions, remove dirt, and improve blood circulation.

It’s best to conclude the procedure by treating your hair to a cool or cold shower — such a finish will stimulate circulation at the hair roots and make your hair look smooth and shiny.

11. Don’t dry your hair with a towel.

After having washed your hair, blot it gently from roots to ends with a towel. Don’t tie the towel around your head — this could damage hair follicles. If you need to dry your hair in a hurry, use a cotton T-shirt instead of a towel!

10. Don’t use frequent and aggressive combing.

Excessive combing can make your hair overstretched or brittle. Don’t comb your hair immediately after washing. Wait for the wet strands to dry up, then carefully separate them with your fingers. Only after that can you begin to comb. Be sure to use a comb with wide teeth.

Start combing from the ends, gradually moving towards the roots.

9. Forget about frequent use of styling products.

Hairdryers, styling irons, and other similar appliances cause your hair to lose fluid, making it dry and brittle. If you can’t do without frequent styling, don’t forget to apply a thermal protective spray along the whole length of the hair first.

8. Use your hairdryer correctly.

Using a hairdryer incorrectly can cause damage to your hair. Here’s a step-by-step guide that’ll help you avoid mistakes:

To begin with, blot wet hair with a towel. Then take a flat nozzle attachment and fit it to your hairdryer. Begin drying your hair from roots to ends, making certain that the dryer nozzle is situated at a sharp angle to the hair strands. Such a technique helps to close the cuticles.

At the beginning, while the hair is still wet, it is OK to switch the dryer to maximum temperature. But then, little by little, the temperature needs to be decreased to avoid overdrying. A word of advice — when buying a hairdryer, give preference to models with multiple temperature settings!

End the procedure by treating your hair to a few blasts of cold air.

7. Eat healthily.

A poorly balanced diet and an unhealthy eating schedule make it impossible for an organism to replenish its supplies of vitamins and minerals. If such a situation becomes the norm, you can forget about having lush and beautiful hair! Make sure to always include protein foods of animal origin into your daily meals.

Another important component of the hair-friendly nutrition formula is zinc. To avoid its deficiency, ensure that your menu includes eggs, seafood, kohlrabi, porridge, avocado, or prunes. And don’t forget about iron and calcium! You can find them in legumes, fish, poultry, liver, wheat, buckwheat, and nuts.

6. Look after your health.

In some cases, rapid hair deterioration and hair loss can be the signs of serious illnesses. These could include gastrointestinal tract or thyroid gland problems, hormonal disorders, stress, and diabetes. Our organisms work in such a way that our hair is always the last in line for receiving nutrients. Therefore, hair problems can indicate problems with other organs. In any case, it’s best to clarify the situation by making an appointment with a trichologist.

5. Wear hats.

A cap or a hat can offer good protection from the sun. A woolen hat keeps away the cold. A special sauna hat preserves your hair from the harmful effects of steam. When choosing a hat, make sure that it’s comfortable to wear and isn’t sitting too tightly.

4. Wash your comb.

Your comb needs to be washed in warm water at least once a week. Also, don’t forget to replace old combs regularly.

3. Trim your hair.

It is very important that you trim your hair at least once every two months. By snipping off split ends you prevent your hair from getting split even further.

2. Sleep with your hair up.

If your hair is long or medium-length, you should braid it before going to bed. This will prevent it from becoming tangled and frizzy. As a result — you won’t have to spend so much time getting ready in the morning!

1. Use Vaseline for hair growth.

The reason your hair splits and breaks is most likely because it’s too dry. Just like your skin, your hair needs moisture to stay healthy, strong, and shiny. Vaseline is ideal to hydrate and nourish your hair, preventing split ends and enabling stronger hair growth.