As many of you already know, hair can't actually be healthy. That is, simply put, because hair is dead protein. The only hair that is actually alive lies beneath the scalp. What's important is to maintain the appearance of healthy hair by minimizing damage, and by keeping the scalp healthy inside and out. I've learned quite a lot of these tips from other bloggers, YouTubers, and websites, so you've probably heard most of this before, but I always enjoy reading tips on hair anyway, so here they are:
1. Depending on your hair type, length and texture, you can go different amounts of time between trims. I've heard somewhere around 10-12 weeks for curly, longer hair. Very close-cropped hair of any texture needs to be maintained with trims every 4-6 weeks. As always, you can be the judge of this yourself. If you're petrified of getting all your hair chopped off by a scissor-happy stylist, be very specific with what you want and make sure she or he shows you a sample of how much they plan to cut off.
2. Curly hair should be cut dry. I know this from myriad bad hair experiences where the stylist cuts it wet and it bounces up several inches higher than its actual length. I finally found someone who cuts curly hair dry.
3. On the contrary, straight or slightly wavy hair can be cut wet because it doesn't affect length quite so much.
4. Try to limit the amount of heat you use, but if you must use heat only apply with a heat protectant to DRY hair. I know there are people who say it doesn't damage their wet hair, but even if there's no visible damage you're still frying your hair.
5. Try to let hair air dry at least part way if you must blow dry.
6. Never brush or comb curly hair when it's dry. It will just cause huge amounts of frizz. Try not to brush wet hair either, regardless of texture.
7. Try to avoid sulfates in shampoo and conditioner, especially sodium lauryl sulfate. Sodium laureth sulfate is really not as irritating or menacing as its made out to be, but if you can avoid both that's great.
8. Shampoo your roots and scalp; condition your ends. I'm sure you've all heard that tip a million times by now.
9. Don't ever rub your hair vigorously with a towel. You'll just tear it and cause frizz.
10. You don't have to wash your hair every day, because it does strip oils from your scalp. However, if you have a ridiculously oily scalp and absolutely have to wash every day, the beauty police won't arrest you. I promise. On the days you don't wash, you have some options: You could put your hair in a shower cap so it doesn't get wet; you could wash with just water; or you could just condition your hair. Curly or dry-haired girls can co-wash.
11. Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet. This is a no-brainer, but it helps every aspect of our lives. What you put inside you definitely shows on the outside.
That's all I can think of for now. I hope you enjoyed reading [re-reading in some cases] these tips.
xEsther
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