Best Tressed: 10 Hair Tips Every Woman Should Follow
Because no day should be a bad hair day!
As a hairdresser, I always say, “Our hair is like a piece of silk, and we need to look after it.“ Here are some of my easy tips to make sure that you’re giving your hair the love that it deserves, leaving it looking fabulous in between every salon visit.
1. Choose the Right Shampoo
When choosing a shampoo, pick one that suits your scalp. For example, if you have an oily scalp, choose a shampoo for oily hair. And if you have dry hair, pick a shampoo for dry hair. I prefer the Kerastase range, which includes a shampoo for oily scalp and dry ends that I absolutely love as a lot of people have that combination.
2. Concentrate Your Shampoo on the Right Area
When shampooing, the shampoo should be concentrated on your scalp. When you rinse off the shampoo, that’s enough to clean the rest of your hair. Washing the length of your hair and the ends can strip moisture and cause your hair to become dull and dry, so focus on your scalp – you’ll also end up using less product by doing that.
3. Use Conditioner Correctly
I’m sure everyone knows that we should use conditioner, but where should it go? Conditioner should be applied to the mid-length and ends of your hair – unless your scalp is very dry. In general, most people have a normal or oily scalp, so if you apply the conditioner on the scalp, it will make it heavy and it will become oilier. I always start by applying most of the conditioner near the ends of my hair, then work my way up to the mid-length. And when there is very little left on my hands, I go around to the front.
4. Detox Your Scalp
Just like your skin, your scalp also needs regular detoxing and exfoliating as you can have a build-up of products and dandruff. It also works as a general feel-good maintenance programme. I recommend the mariadowling Hair & Scalp Clay as it detoxifies the hair and conditions it at the same time, leaving your hair looking fabulous, clean, and shiny.
5. Treat Yourself
I get asked all the time about deep-conditioning treatments and if everyone needs to do it, and the answer is always a ‘yes’. We all need hair treatments as most of us have colour-treated hair, use styling tools like styling wands and irons, or simply have weak hair. Everyone has a hair concern.
It’s recommended to have an in-salon treatment as professional treatments can be more intense and specifically tailored to meet your hair’s requirements. It’s important to continue with follow-up treatments at home, depending on how often you shampoo. I generally recommend once a week to maintain the results.
6. Take a Cool RinseÂ
We all love a hot shower, especially in wintertime, but this can strip your hair of essential oils and leave it looking dry. I recommend having your last rinse with cool or cold water as it will close the hair cuticles and give your hair extra shine.
7. Towel-Dry Differently
After you’ve washed your hair, it seems obvious to get a towel and harshly rub your hair to remove excess water before styling – but that’s where you’re wrong. After you finish washing your hair, squeeze a lot of the excess water out with your hands, then get a towel or an old cotton T-shirt (it can even be a softer fabric) and gently pat the hair until it’s dry enough to style.
8. Reverse Comb Your Hair
Wet hair breaks more easily, so it’s better to use a wide-tooth comb rather than a brush after your shower. Be sure to comb your hair starting from the ends, then gradually work your way back up to your roots. Wet hair can be quite fragile, so be gentle.
9. Protect Your Hair When Styling
Today, we can achieve salon-looking hair at home by ourselves with the help of heated tools like irons and styling wands. But again, if you don’t protect your hair, you’ll quickly have problems like split ends. Hot tip: all styling tools must be used on dry hair (except the new Dyson curling tool, which can be used on damp hair). Be sure to apply a heat protector before blow-drying or heat-styling – this is one of the most important things to do before styling your hair.
10. Use Styling Tools CorrectlyÂ
When styling, keep your tools on a low temperature setting. If you want to practise a new styling technique, try it first with the iron turned off as it always takes a few tries to figure it out – it’s not always as easy as it seems on YouTube!
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Natural Hair Fall Treatments for Thick, Lustrous Locks
Your hair will thank you.
Hair loss, two words that scare us crazy, is a common concern for both men and women, impacting self-esteem and overall well-being. While a range of factors can contribute to hair loss, understanding the causes is essential for effective prevention strategies. Let’s explore hair loss and what can be done to support hair health.
What Causes Hair Loss?
As an internet-savvy, skin and hair-obsessed tribe, we are very attuned to the impact hair fall can have on our mental and physical health. It’s important to understand the possible root causes of hair fall to be better able to determine how best to tackle the issue, and that’s why we are here to help. Here are the most common triggers that can lead to hair fall and cause your crowning glory to lose some of its glam factor.
Genetic Factors
Genes play an important role in many health concerns. Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is primarily influenced by genetic factors. It typically results in gradual hair thinning and receding hairlines.
Hormonal Imbalances
Fluctuations in hormones, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can contribute to hair loss. Hormonal imbalances affect hair growth cycles leading to shedding or inhibited growth.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Inadequate intake of vital nutrients, including vitamins and minerals such as biotin, Vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as, iron and zinc, and proteins, can weaken hair follicles and impede healthy hair growth.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Chronic stress, poor dietary choices, lack of sleep, and exposure to environmental pollutants and smoking can disrupt hair growth cycles, leading to hair loss.
Tips to Manage Hair Loss
Managing hair loss can be approached through various strategies that promote hair health, address underlying causes, and provide cosmetic solutions. Here’s your to-do checklist:
Maintain a Healthy Diet
If you are like us and time-constrained, then it is of the utmost importance to tailor your nurtritional habits to consume a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that promote hair health. Include foods rich in iron, biotin, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Supplements are an overlooked part of our diets so restoring them would be a great place to start.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss and let’s be honest, who doesn’t suffer from stress? Incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine, such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or engaging in activities that bring you joy, is a must-do. Wake up early, sleep early, be selfish and look after yourself is the mantra for the day, every day. It’s called self-love and it matters.
Be Gentle with Your Hair
Reduce Harsh Styling
Avoid harsh brushing, combing, or styling techniques that can cause unnecessary tension or damage to your hair. Using wide-toothed combs or brushes with soft bristles to prevent breakage. This is such a small yet effective tip that many overlook the importance of handling their hair in a more gentle way.
Also, avoid tight ponytails, buns, braids, or hairstyles that put excessive strain on your hair and scalp. Opt for looser styles that allow your hair to breathe and minimize tension.
Limit Heat Applications
Excessive use of heat-styling tools, such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers, can weaken your hair and contribute to hair loss. Limiting the use of these tools and applying a heat protectant spray liberally on your hair, before styling will help reduce hair damage and hair fall. This tip literally costs nothing to do and ensures you are in balance when it comes to styling your hair.
Choose Gentle Hair Care Products
Use mild, sulphate-free shampoos and gentle conditioners that are specifically formulated for your hair type and concerns. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or irritants that may further damage your hair or scalp.
Consult a Dermatologist or Trichologist
If you experience significant hair loss, it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. These experts can help identify the root cause of your hair loss and provide specific treatments or recommendations. Always good to get scientific, professional and trusted advice if your hair fall is not improving with natural remedies!
Secret Ingredients to Manage Hair Loss
Green Tea
Did you know that Green Tea is a natural ingredient that has gained popularity for its health benefits, including its potential effects on hair health? While research on the direct impact of green tea on hair loss is limited, it is believed to possess properties that can promote scalp health and reduce hair loss. Here are a few ways in which green tea may contribute to improving hair health:
Antioxidant-Rich
Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. This protection may support overall hair health and potentially reduce hair loss.
Stimulates Hair Growth
Some studies suggest that the polyphenols in green tea stimulate hair growth by increasing the activity of certain growth factors and promoting blood circulation in the scalp.
DHT Blocking
Green tea contains compounds that inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss in individuals genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. By reducing DHT levels, green tea may help prevent hair miniaturisation and shedding.
Scalp Health
Applying green tea topically can help soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation, which may contribute to hair loss. It can also provide a gentle cleansing effect and help control excess oil production on the scalp. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a green tea rinse to use after shampooing your hair:
Green Tea Rinse for Scalp Health
1. Brew a cup of green tea by steeping a tea bag or loose leaves in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Ensure the tea is sufficiently cooled before use.
2. After shampooing your hair, pour the cooled green tea over your scalp and massage it gently for a few minutes.
3. Leave the green tea on your scalp for around 5-10 minutes to allow the beneficial compounds to penetrate the hair follicles.
4. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove the green tea.
You can repeat this process a few times a week as part of your regular hair care routine.
Argan Oil
While oils alone will not provide a miraculous turnaround solution, specific oils such as Argan Oil have shown promise in promoting healthier hair growth and reducing hair loss. Argan oil is a popular natural oil that has been used for centuries for its hair and skin benefits. While it may not directly treat hair loss or stimulate new hair growth, Argan oil can help nourish and improve the overall health of your hair, which can indirectly contribute to reducing hair loss.
Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and Vitamin E, which can help moisturise and nourish your scalp and hair follicles. Keeping the scalp hydrated may help create a healthy environment for hair growth. Applying Argan Oil directly to your hair can help make it softer, more manageable, and less prone to breakage, which can minimise hair loss caused by damage or brittleness. If scalp inflammation is contributing to hair loss, the anti-inflammatory properties of Argan Oil can help soothe the scalp and reduce irritation. The antioxidants in Argan Oil help protect your hair from environmental stressors, such as heat styling, UV rays, and pollution, which can cause damage and weaken the hair.
Alternatively, blending Sweet Almond Oil with the essential oil, Ylang Ylang, can provide a rich moisturising solution for your hair as well.
Remember, hair loss is a common concern faced by many so you are not alone. For individuals desiring an immediate solution to hair loss, we recommend trying out our Green Tea Scalp Rinse and Hair Moisturising Essentials as a great place to get started with products that can naturally enhance your hair. If your hair fall is not improving or you are losing hair in clumps, seeking support from specialist professionals is important to obtain the appropriate treatment for your situation. Consulting with a healthcare professional or trichologist can provide personalised advice and recommendations tailored to your individual needs.
The Gaggler team is passionate about finding and sharing great products with our readers. We take pride in researching and testing products to find the best of the best, and we only recommend things that we love and think you will, too.
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