Please bare in mind that although the majority of these tips are fairly generic, there are some which may not be particularly beneficial to you due to us all having different hair types, textures and patterns. For that reason I'd love for each and everyone of you to leave down one hair care tip that you swear by. Even if it's something that has already been mentioned, it would be great to see how common of a tip it is so don't be shy :)
Tip #1
Avoid over-washing your hair as it can dry it out and deprive it of its natural oils. I would recommend that you wash it every 2-3 days (a little longer if you have Afro-Caribbean hair). When washing your hair it is also important to remember that less is more when it comes to shampoo. The less shampoo you use, the more hydrated your hair will be and the longer it will grow without breaking. A little goes a long way is definitely the case here.
Tip #2
When showering, apply conditioner to the ends of your hair and allow it to sink in for at least one minute before washing it out. Avoid applying it directly to your scalp or to the roots of your hair as doing so will only cause it to become greasy. For those who are plagued by dry and brittle hair, try to condition it even on the days when you skip shampoo or use a leave-in conditioner. I'd also recommend applying a deep-conditioning product once a week to restore and regenerate your hair's condition.
Conditioner also doubles up as a great styling product for curly hair. For instance, when it comes to tackling my mane I often tip my head forward, and apply a generous amount to the ends of my hair in a scrunching motion. This works best when my hair is ever so slightly wet as it helps to define my curls and add that much needed nourishment. Very important as curly hair is prone to dryness :(
Tip #3
This particular tip is something that many of you are sure to struggle with as the majority use some form of heat at least a few times a week, if not every day. The sheer thought of not doing so sends a slight shiver down your spine. I get it! You can’t quite imagine facing your day without carrying out what you consider to be a vital part of your hair styling routine. How many of you allow your hair to dry naturally? Not many, huh! Try to give it a go every few washes, especially when the warmer months are upon us as your hair will air dry much quicker than usual. If you can’t bear to part ways with your hairdryer then simply set the blast to a moderate heat. FYI, I straighten my hair about twice a year and I haven’t used a hairdryer for about 12 or 13 years. YES! That friggin’ long. Instead, when I first hop out of the shower I wrap my hair in a cotton t-shirt, soaking up any excess water. I then apply my styling products (i.e. frizz-serum and curl enhancing cream) and leave my hair to dry naturally. For those who are wondering, using a t-shirt instead of a towel will prevent your hair from breaking.
Tip #4
Avoid using shampoos or conditioners containing parabans and sulfates as they can strip your hair of its natural oils. This is particularly essential for us curly haired ladies as our hair type is prone to dryness (boo!), meaning we have to ensure our locks are well hydrated. A few months ago I started using Palmer's Shea Formula Moisture Repair Curl Shampoo and Conditioner as they've been designed to define, elongate and nourish curls. They're also great at taming frizz, curl shrinkage and breakage
Alas! The end has come. I hope some of you have found these tips to be somewhat useful and will be incorporating them into your hair care routine. Do let me know if you'd like me to do a lot more of these posts, covering different topics, as I've got a lot more tips up my sleeve. Ha! Not trying to toot my own horn or anything but you know *flicks hair* :P
Before y'all click that x button and be on your way, I'd love for you to leave down one hair care tip that you swear by. Let's share our knowledge and be on the way to forever having luscious and desirable locks.
Ciao ♥ Xx
