There are so many products out there right now claiming that they will add body to hair, strengthen hair, reduce frizz, and even make your hair grow. Frankly, it’s overwhelming! What works? What doesn’t work? What’s the best choice for your particular type of hair? Can any of these products actually damage your hair?
Everybody wants beautiful, healthy locks, and many women are frustrated when their hair just won’t grow as fast as they’d like it to. That is why the past two years have seen a 28.5% increase in the number of hair salons that offer hair extensions. Extensions are great for a temporary fix, but they sure aren’t the same as showing off your own healthy hair. Also, they can cost up to $10,000 depending on where you live! That’s a lot of money to spend just to have a ponytail.
The truth is, there is a whole number of things you can do to grow your own healthy head of hair without breaking the bank.
Three Tips for Keeping Your Hair Healthy
- Forego the blow dryer: To some, air-drying seems unthinkable, while others simply don’t have the time. Your hair may take a little longer to dry on its own, but it is worth it. Blow drying your hair causes significant damage, roughing up its texture and ultimately, not only drying it but actually drying it out. If you’re pressed for time in the mornings, try washing your hair in the evenings, instead, so you can let it air dry and then style it however you like the next day.
- Take it easy on the shampoo: Of course you should wash your hair, but make sure you aren’t overdoing it. Shampoo strips your hair of its natural oils, drying it out. Experts recommend using shampoo no more than twice a week, believe it or not!
- Cool it with the hot tools: Too many women have become dependent on their flatiron, their curling iron, their hot rollers…. While all of these can be great tools for achieving the look you want, they are also slowly killing your hair if they are used regularly. Flatirons, in fact, have the exact opposite effect on the natural texture of your hair over time, causing it to become coarse and frizzy instead of smooth and sleek. Ask your stylist for a daily hairstyle that is less dependent on these crutches, and save the hot tools for special occasions.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 40% of women show signs of female pattern hair loss by age 40 as result of genetics, hormonal changes, poor nutrition, crash diets, medical conditions, certain medications, or lifelong mistreatment of their hair. Unless you want to be one of them, treat your hair with kindness. For more haircare tips, talk to an experienced stylist at your local hair salon.
