Is there anything better than the feeling you get after visiting your favorite Bay Area hair salon? Your soft, frizz-free, shiny hair probably makes you feel like you can take on the world. In fact, you might wonder what you can do at home to upkeep that gorgeous mane your stylist gave you. Truth is, it’s actually pretty easy! Here are 5 simple habits you can pick up today to make sure your hair is happy and healthy.
1) Make sure you’re getting in your nutrients
When people talk about hair care, they’re usually quick to just focus on what products and tools you can buy to style your hair. Truth is, a balanced diet is just as important if you want your hair to always look its best. Nutrients like protein, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent shedding, keep your scalp healthy, strengthen your hair, and keep your color vibrant and shiny. So whether it’s through supplements or food, make sure you’re getting in enough vital nutrients in your diet to keep your hair happy!
2) Get to know your hair
The best way to shop for your hair is to know exactly what you’re working with. Get to know everything there is to your hair. What hair texture do you have? Is it curly or straight? Fine or thick? Does your hair have a tendency to get dry? What about oily? Does it feel brittle? Knowing all of these things can help you know what to look for when you're shopping for your hair care. That way, you can be sure that you’re only using products that can give your hair the right type of care it requires to look and feel healthy.
3) Treat yourself to a hair mask
Just like you need a little TLC from time to time, so does your hair! A hair mask is a great way to replenish and revive your hair when it needs an extra pick-me-up. Just apply the mask to damp hair and let the ingredients work its magic! If you don’t already have a favorite hair mask, feel free to ask your Bay Area hair stylist for recommendations the next time you see them- they’ll be able to hook you up with all the insider information there is to know about the best hair masks on the market.
4) Stay away from heat
You probably already know that heat and hair don’t have the healthiest relationship. While applying heat may seem like an easy shortcut for smooth, frizz-free, and bouncy hair, the truth is that too much heat can dehydrate and weaken your precious strands. Try to keep your hair natural as often as possible, and if you must use hot tools, be responsible about it by using a lower temperature setting and using a heat protectant.
5) Be gentle when your hair’s wet
Your hair is extra delicate when it’s wet, making it more prone to breakage and frizz. Try to avoid this by being careful with your hair while wet. More specifically, you might have to swap out a couple of bad habits, like brushing your hair straight out of the shower, drying it too roughly with a towel, and putting it up in a bun. While they all seem innocent enough, doing any of the things to wet hair puts an unnecessary amount of tension on the fragile strands. Instead, brush your hair before you get in the shower (if you must do some extra detangling while it’s wet, opt for a wide-toothed comb and go through it gently), use a cotton t-shirt to dry your hair by scrunching it in an upwards motion, and let your hair dry completely before putting it up.
And that’s it! Haircare isn’t complicated, but it’s most definitely necessary if you’re looking to have beautiful shiny hair. So if you want to always look and feel like you just stepped out of a Bay Area hair salon, use these tips to help you on your hair care journey- your hair will thank you!