Top Tips for Every Day Hair Care

With a lock down comes the temporary closure of our beloved hair salons and the loss of those incredible stylists who keep us looking fab and beautiful every day!

So, to help you keep your hair healthy until you can get back in your stylist’s chair, we’ve given our top tips on shampooing, brushing and everything else that will make your every day hair care easier.

Keep it Clean

When it comes to washing your hair, less is definitely more! Over-washing can be drying and damaging, especially to hair that is coloured or chemically treated. Too much washing strips your hair of its natural oils, and it’s these oils and proteins that keep your hair healthy. Try and limit your hair washing to three times a week.

• For those with thick, coarse and curly hair, you can go longer between washes. For this hair type, use a shampoo that hydrates, as this will make a world of difference to those beautiful curls.
• For fine and straight hair, you have the opposite problem to your curly sisters! Fine and straight hair tends to become oilier quicker, so when washing – as you will wash more often – use a gentle, lightweight shampoo.
• For hair that is coloured, protecting against fading is your main priority. Avoid shampooing for 72 hours after your colour, and then use a sulphate-free, colour specific shampoo. This type of shampoo will hydrate without stripping out your new gorgeous hue.
• When it comes to African and Caribbean hair, use a super hydrating detangling shampoo, which is designed to put moisture back into the hair.

If you’re struggling to wash your hair less, then invest in a good dry shampoo, or play with a new style such as braids, buns and topknots.

 

In Good Condition

A good conditioner is a must, but it’s a godsend for those with thick, unruly tresses. For those with this hair type, make sure you deep condition using a conditioner that adds moisture and protein back into the hair. When using this type of conditioner, use heat to help activate it by leaving it on your hair for a while whilst in the shower.

To help your conditioner penetrate into the hair, towel-dry after shampooing to stop excess water from blocking the conditioner. If you’re short on time, make sure you squeeze out as much excess water as possible.

The most important factor when it comes to conditioning is where you apply it. Conditioner only needs to be applied to the mid-lengths and ends only. Do not put conditioner on your roots, as it will weigh down your hair and cause it to get greasy faster.

 

Don’t Burn

Whether you are spending time in the sun or using your heated tools, make sure you give your hair as much protection as possible.

Use a heat protection spray before styling at home, and buy a spray that also contains UV protection. That way you’re shielded both inside and out.

 

Like a Pro

There is a true skill to perfecting a blow-dry, and let’s be honest, nothing beats a salon blow-dry! But, here’s a good tip for a great looking blow-dry:

• Tip your head upside down and shake your hair around while you blow-dry. Once it’s about 80% dry, flip your hair back over and dry in sections to create a smooth finish. Use a rounded brush and a nozzle on your dryer, and point downwards as you dry to help seal the cuticle. This gives a nice sleek look with some added volume.

Brushing correctly is a necessity for a fresh looking, knot-free mane. Brushing too aggressively will only cause damage and split ends. Try and brush your hair twice a day working from the bottom up. When your hair is wet, use a wide toothcomb; and leave your brush for when your hair is dry.

 

Tools of the Trade

Tools for great looking hair include a round brush for blow-drying, a good bristle brush for general brushing and styling, and a comb for more intricate styling, for using with hot tools like a straightener and to move pieces of hair around. Buy the best tools that you can afford and make sure you keep them clean by washing them in a mixture of baking soda and warm water once a month.

Products are also important, but not all products work for each hair type, so:

• Fine hair: Be weary of oil-based products such as argan, coconut or olive, as these can be too heavy. A good volumizing spray will be your best friend.
• Thick hair: Moisture balancing are your keywords to look out for. If your hair is frizzy, choose a lightweight smoothing serum or cream.
• Afro hair: Deep conditioning and moisturising are what you need most. Also use a good leave-in conditioner and a wide-tooth comb to help with tangles.
• Coarse and Curly hair: Jojoba and Shea butter are perfect for this hair type. Don’t over-wash your hair and stay away from silicone-heavy products. Deep conditioning will work wonders for you too.

 

Main image at top:

Hair: Phillippa Lee and Hope Hassell @ Yaxley Hair and Beauty

Stylist: Bernard Connolly

Makeup Artist: Roseanna Velin

Photography: Tony Le-Britton