If you treat your hair with respect, you will be rewarded with soft, shiny locks. Hair that has been exposed to styling products, frequent straightening or blow drying, and constant hair coloring and perming will become dull, limp and break off when you brush or style it. To keep your hair strong and healthy, treat it to weekly hair mask treatments, and shield your hair from products and environments that can damage it.
Shampooing and Conditioning
When hair is shampooed, it is stripped of its natural oils, according to an article in "Cosmopolitan." To keep hair shiny and healthy, wash hair every 2 days at the most with a gentle shampoo. Work shampoo into the roots, and gently distribute the suds into the ends of the hair. Leave the shampoo in for 30 seconds and rinse it out. Every time you shampoo, apply a moisturizing conditioner afterward. Drench the ends of the hair in conditioner, then use the excess to lightly cover the rest of the hair. If you have oily hair, do not condition the roots of the hair. Leave the conditioner in for at least 2 minutes for best results.
Weekly Hair Mask
To infuse moisture and prevent breakage, apply a hair mask once a week. A hair mask is a thick cream that contains fats and oils to help make the hair smooth and shiny. Purchase a hair mask at a beauty supply store, drugstore or hair salon, or make a homemade hair mask at home with items from around the house. Apply mayonnaise to the hair, suggests Steven Docherty of Vidal Sassoon Salon. Apply the condiment directly to dry hair, and leave it on for 5 to 30 minutes.
Styling
Hair that is frequently styled with excessive heat or styled with products that contain alcohol can feel dry and brittle. Hair that is severely damaged due to styling may break off. Keep hair styling products to a minimum, and opt for natural products that are alcohol-free. Use beer instead of hairspray to maximize body and volume, suggests Docherty. Clean out an old pump spray bottle, then fill it with any type of beer. Spray the beer on your hair like hairspray, and run your fingers through it to style it.
Protection
Protect your hair from the elements by shielding your hair from chlorine, sun and wind. Swimming in chlorinated swimming pools can strip hair of its natural oils, causing hair to look dull and lifeless. Wear a swimming cap to prevent chlorine damage. UV rays can also damage hair, and smoothing a small amount of sunscreen over the hair before going outside can help protect the hair from sun damage. "Whipping wind can fray your hair just like a piece of fabric," says Docherty. This can cause hair damage and breakage. Wrap your hair in a bandanna or wear a hat when going out in windy weather.
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