We all have those day dreams of having beautiful, gorgeous, full, voluminous hair. The thought of flipping our hair back and forth in the wind while it shines and glistens in the sun is every woman’s desire. However, have any of you actually ever had hair like this? For some reason it seems like hair is so finicky and hard to take care of. It seems like it should be a simple thing, but if it were, more women around the world would be flipping their hair back and forth everywhere they went. After doing a little research, it actually seems like taking care of our hair is easier than it seems. Here are 10 easy ways to get that glamorous and fabulous hair that you’ve always dreamed of.
1. Condition, Then Shampoo
I know it sounds backwards to condition your hair first, then shampoo, but it actually really helps your hair. I read an article a few months ago about doing this and it has made a big difference in how my hair feels and looks. The logic is that if you condition your hair last, any remaining moisturizer left on your hair and scalp will weigh your hair down. If you shampoo after you condition, then you are guaranteed to wash off all the last of the weighty moisture and your hair will be more full and voluminous.
2. Avoid Heat Styling As Much As Possible
Look, I know that sometimes we absolutely have to use heat styling tools on our hair, but it’s best to avoid them if you can. Try looking for other ways to straighten or curl your hair that don’t require heat as the heat will damage your hair. There are lots of great ways to curl your hair without any heat, some of which I use and like even better than using a curling iron. If you do have to use heat tools, always be sure to use spray-in heat protectant so your hair won’t be as easily susceptible to damage.
3. Moisturize
It is imperative to always moisturize not only your hair, but your scalp as well! You moisturize your face and skin, so it only makes sense that your scalp will need moisture too, especially since it needs to grow healthy hair. You should always condition your hair if you’re going to shampoo it. Be sure to moisturize your hair, as well, even when you get out of the shower. You can put leave in conditioner in your hair to keep moisture locked in all day long.
4. Limit Time In The Sun
We all know that the sun damages our skin, but have you ever thought about the fact that the sun can damage our hair, too? Try to limit the amount of exposure you have to the sun. If you do go out in the sun, try to wear a hat so your hair can stay shaded and protected even when you’re in the sun.
5. Eat The Right Foods
The foods we eat affect the way our skin looks and feels, so it only makes sense that it affects our scalp and hair, as well. Pay attention to what you put in your body and how your skin is affected. Diets that are rich in iron, zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids and protein will help to stimulate your hair follicles. This will help them grow because they’ll be more nourished and healthy.
6. Avoid Tangles And Knots
It’s important to make sure that when you brush your hair to take extra care that you aren’t causing too much breakage. If you do have tangles and knots, be very gentle with them and take your time working them out. Brush from the bottom of your hair to your roots so as not to cause more tangles and knots.
7. Take Vitamins
Many of us take vitamins to help our nails, skin, and diet look and feel better, so why not take the proper vitamins needed for healthy hair growth? I’m sure you’ve heard of certain vitamins that stimulate hair growth, like Biotin. I’ve taken this a few times in my life and have noticed a difference in my hair growth and strength, as well. Try some of these for yourself, and I bet within a few weeks you’ll see a difference.
8. Use Cool Water In The Shower
Since it’s not healthy for your hair to use heat styling tools on your hair, the same goes for any other kind of heat on your hair. If you wash your hair with cool water versus hot water, it will keep it healthier. The cool water won’t damage your hair like hot water will. It may not be as nice and relaxing as washing your hair out with nice, steamy, hot water, but your hair will thank you in the long run.
9. Regularly Trim Hair
Whether you’re growing your hair out or not, it’s important to cut and trim your hair often. Experts recommend having your hair trimmed every six to eight weeks. The reason why this helps your hair stay healthy and actually grow better, is because it stops breakage. If your ends start to split and break, cutting them off before they move their way up the shaft will stop the problem before it starts. If the split moves upwards towards the follicle, it will break and become shorter, making it harder for your hair to grow and stay healthy.
10. Use The Right Amount Of Product In The Right Area
If you’re using both shampoo and conditioner all over your scalp and hair, you are actually washing your hair wrong. You only really need to wash the roots and few inches close to your scalp of your hair with shampoo. That’s where most of the build up and oils are that need to be washed out. Shampooing the ends will only dry them out. As for conditioner, work it mostly from mid shaft down to the ends where your hair is most dry and mostly prone to breakage.