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Treat Your Hair Right

Hair care and treatment depends on the individual’s hair type and their lifestyle. Individuals who style their hair using a variety of products may require a different hair treatment than those who do not use styling aids. There are various ways to care for the hair including hair care products that are designed specifically to treat and prevent further damage for particular hair types as well as the use of inexpensive home remedies.

30 Days of Beauty Day 9, Hair Care and Treatment for Different Hair Types

woman brushing hair

Dry Hair

In many cases, dry hair is the result of frequent washing, coloring and styling. Dry hair lacks the oils and moisture that keep hair soft and shiny. Washing everyday will eventually strip the hair of the protective oils that the hair needs to remain healthy and moisturized. It is recommended to wash hair every other day or two to three times a week. Heat related styling products such as curling irons and hair dryers should be used sparingly

Use a shampoo that is specially formulated to treat dry hair and follow with a conditioner. In addition, use a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment once a week to help restore stripped oils and repair damaged hair. Mayonnaise and avocados can be mixed together to make an inexpensive conditioner at home. Apply to hair ensuring each strand is covered and leave it on for up to an hour. Rinse out and wash hair as usual.

Interested in washing less? Tera Rae Stephens of Tera Rae Stephens provides the following video on washing once per week with tips on how to move on from daily hair washing and she explains how washing too often makes the body produce more oils.

 

Oily Hair

Harsh shampoos may cause a dry scalp to overproduce oils resulting in lifeless, greasy-looking hair. Shampoos made for babies are gentle and are an excellent alternative to regular shampoos. In regular shampoo, look for volumizing formulas, which often do not have the heavier moisturizers that can weigh down oily hair.  Avoid brushing the hair too often as this can stimulate the scalp and cause it to produce more oil. If using a conditioner, apply it only to the end of the hair and avoid the scalp area.

Color Treated Hair

During the hair coloring process, the hair may be stripped of moisture by the harsh chemicals in the hair dye. Using a shampoo and conditioner that is specially formulated for color-treated hair can help preserve hair color while renewing moisture. Avoid the use of styling aids such as gel, mousse or hairspray as these contain chemicals that can cause dryness and damage. Use a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week to help preserve shine.

Sulfates in shampoos are notorious for stripping color, so seek out sulfate free products. For more on why sulfates in shampoos are undesirable for anyone, not just those with color treated hair, read our article on Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner.

Curly Hair

Individuals with curly hair are more susceptible to experiencing frizzy hair. Using a narrow-tooth comb or brush adds more volume to each strand and can cause hair to separate. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to gently brush through the curls to leave hair smoother. Before combing, detangle hair with fingers when the hair is wet.  A spray on conditioner can also help. Use a shampoo and conditioner that contains vitamins to help retain moisture and reduce the amount of damage to curls.

Black Hair

African American hair is typically coarser and thicker than that of other ethnicities. Maintenance usually requires a little extra care whether the hair is straight, curly, thick or thin. Preserving moisture is important to reduce frizz. Massaging the scalp at least once a month with conditioners and using hot oil treatments are effective ways to add moisture. Many natural oils are on the market now that are perfect for conditioning, protection, and adding moisture. To reduce hair breakage, use pillowcases made of silk or satin instead of cotton to prevent hair getting caught in the cotton material and breaking off during sleep.

Natural oils are not just great for black hair, they work wonders on everyone.  Victoria Girard from RevealGreatSkin.com loves coconut oil and states:

“Coconut oil is an incredible multi tasking oil that has been shown to be great for skin, hair, heart, health, and mind. It’s recommended to take 2-3 tablespoons a day for amazing health, skin, and hair benefits, but you can also use it topically on your skin and hair for additional perks.”

Alicia Mohr of Things to Cherish also loves coconut oil and uses it as a deep conditioner as follows:

“At night before bed warm up a generous amount of coconut oil in your hands and rub it all through your hair. When you wash it out the next morning your hair will feel soft and luxurious.”

A Few Bonus Hair Care Tips

Removing product buildup from time to times is a good idea in order to keep your hair looking its best.  Amanda Raye of Broke and Chic provides this tip on emergency hair clarifying with vinegar:

“If you just got out of the pool, or have been using a lot of product, you might really need a good clarifying shampoo to remove buildup and start your day with fresh, clean hair. But, if you don’t have the time or the money to buy a special clarifying shampoo, all you have to do is spray your dry hair with vinegar before getting in the shower. Just shampoo and condition as usual on you’re in.”

Ashia R. Sims from Clueless Fashionista gave this tip on using your hair with fragrance:

“If you want to leave a lasting impression on that special person in your life, go old school. Spray perfume or body spray in your hair. Depending on your hairstyle, you should start with a light misting of fragrance and then see how you feel. If you wear your hair in extensions, braids, twists or a general weave/wig, you may want to spray more. If not, be gentle and the next time you give your special someone a hug, they will get a whiff of your favorite scent. It’s secretly intoxicating and you will feel beautiful when you hear how good you always smell.”

Favorite Hair Products

Here at Beauty and Fashion Tech, we love the following products:

For dry or chemically treated hair: The Schwarzkopf Bonocure Moisture Kick line provides top notch hydration and we especially love the leave in conditioner. Read the review here: Schwarzkopf Bonocure Moisture Kick Review.

For affordable hair care without sulfates: L’Oreal Ever Pure is great choice, especially for color treated hair.

Got the frizzies? We are currently testing Anti-Frizz by Yuko (an advertiser on this site) and loving it, especially the leave in spray conditioner!

For some Great Product Suggestions also see these top 10 lists at Folica, one of our favorite online stores for all things in hair care:

  • Top Ten Shampoos
  • Top 10 Conditioners
  • Top 10 Anti-Frizz Products

Tomorrow, Day 10: Get Your Smooth On With Hair Removal

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