Styling can make your hair look good, but believe it or not, it is not good for your hair, so go easy with that. Some methods are worse than others are. For example:
- Perming
- Crimping
- Straightening
- Curling
- Coloring
- Bleaching
These are absolute torture for your hair and should be done sparingly. The heat and chemicals used in these processes tend to damage the structure of your hair, causing thinning and loss. Even blow driers can singe your hair, so don’t use them unless it is unavoidable, and try to dry your hair naturally.
Now let’s look at the unavoidable styling facts:
- Combing Hair: You may have heard that 100 brush strokes are good for your hair. It is a myth. Excessive brushing can actually increase hair loss. Use the brush and comb sparingly.
Your hair is actually weaker when it is wet. Combing wet hair is not good for it. Wait for your hair to get almost dry, and always use a wide toothed comb.
In addition, if tangles are your problem, using a detangling spray or a leave-in conditioner while your hair is still damp can easily detangle your locks.
- Rubber Band: To fasten or tie your long hair, don’t use rubber bands. Use a hair tie or scrunchie. Rubber bands have a tendency to stick to your hair and thus exert extra pull. Hair ties don’t do that.
- Stress on Hair: Don’t subject your hair to unnecessary stress. Styles such as cornrows and tight ponytails pull at the hair, and this pull goes all the way back to the follicles. Go for loose hairstyles that are easier on your hair.
- Hair Cleaning: You ought to be especially careful about keeping your hair clean. Use only good products to clean your hair. There are no hard and fast rules about how frequently you should wash your hair.A shampoo followed by a conditioner 3-4 times a week is a good average. Overdoing it removes the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair healthy. People with coarse dry hair should wash their hair no more than 2-3 times a week, whereas those with very oily skin should go for a higher than the 3-4 per week average. While preserving the natural oil is essential, a buildup can be harmful.
As far as choosing products are concerned, the best are those that contain natural ingredients. Coconut, jojoba, avocado and olive oil used in moderation help retain moisture and oils, and prevent hair damage.
- Hair Cutting: There is a belief that cutting hair makes it grow faster. This too is a myth. However, it does promote hair growth by getting rid of split ends. The rate of hair growth depends upon how healthy it is. Normal healthy hair grows from ½ inch to 5/8 inch per month. Most stylists advocate a haircut every 6-10 weeks. How much you cut is entirely up to you. If you want your hair to grow longer, for instance, then you can cut off ¼-1/2 inch every 6-10 weeks and still stay ahead.
