- women hair care tips
Editor’s note: The hot water you love so much? It’s also doing your skin a disservice! If you notice your complexion is dry, your steamy showers could be to blame.
HAIR CARE TIP #1: CONDITION CORRECTLY
Chances are you already know that you should use conditioner, but are you sure you’re using it the right way? Think about where your hair tends to get greasy first—typically the roots—and use it as a reminder that conditioner only needs to be placed on certain sections of your hair. Skip applying it near your roots, and apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends. Conditioning at the roots can end up weighing down your hair. As for hair tips for application, try distributing the conditioner through your hair with a wide-tooth comb, which can help detangle your hair. Use a system of moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.
HAIR CARE TIP #2: WASH WITH LUKEWARM WATER
Scalding showers may feel relaxing, but if you’re being real with yourself, they aren’t worth it. That almost-too-hot-to-touch water can actually strip your hair of essential oils, which can leave it feeling drier and looking duller. So, the next time you step into the shower, adjust the temperature. Lukewarm water is just as effective at getting you clean, without being quite as harsh on your hair.
HAIR CARE TIP #3: CONCENTRATE SHAMPOO ON THE SCALP
In contrast to conditioner, which should be focused on the lengths and ends of your strands, shampoo should be concentrated on the scalp, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Washing only the lengths and ends of your hair can strip strands of their moisture and cause them to become lackluster, dull, and dry. Your scalp (which produces oil and constantly sheds skin cells) is the area that really needs cleansing, so when you shampoo, keep your efforts focused on your scalp and roots.
HAIR CARE TIP #4: BE EXTRA THOROUGH WITH RINSING
You’re almost ready to get out of the shower, and that means rinsing out any remaining product. Be sure to be extremely thorough with washing everything out, as leftover product can leave you with buildup.
HAIR CARE TIP #5: DON’T DRY OFF USING A TOWEL
A towel totally seems like the obvious way to remove excess water and start drying your hair post-shower, but it may not be what’s best. One of our better hair tips? Squeeze out excess water and then dry off using an old cotton T-shirt, which is gentler than a towel.
HAIR CARE TIP #6: PROTECT HAIR BEFORE HEAT STYLING
We all love how our hair looks after a blowout or heat styling session, but excessive heat styling can do a number on your hair. While we wouldn’t expect you to part with your hot tools completely, it is a must to make one small adjustment when you’re using heat to style. Every single time, you should be applying a protective product first. Spritz on a heat protectant before blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair, which is one of our most important hair tips to follow.
HAIR CARE TIP #7: BLOW-DRY WITH A BRUSH
Blow-drying your hair may not be the easiest skill to master (that’s for sure), but you may have more success if you add a round brush into the mix. Brush your hair in the same direction you’re blow-drying and use the brush to pull your hair straight for smoother results. While you’re at it, be careful to move your blow-dryer from roots to ends—not vice versa—to help prevent frizz.
