Tips To Get Healthy, Shiny Hair

Who doesn’t want gloriously shiny, manageable and healthy looking hair? It’s much closer than you think.

Just like skin care, hair care is a complicated, science-y issue. Getting the pH right, ionic bonds, molecular weight and amino acids all come into play when formulating great quality products. The funny thing is most consumers only seem to care about lots of sexy smelling foam. Sigh.

So what does the average person need to know about basic hair care. What are the simple steps to achieving goddess-like locks?! When I first started researching this, I was a little cynical. I believe my exact words to Deigh-Anna were “How can I tell people how to wash their hair? They’re adults! If they haven’t figured it out by now,  shouldn’t they be falling down more?” After a bit of research, I realize maybe I need to start carrying around pillows to break my inevitable falls.

So without further ado, the basic steps to take care of your hair like a pro!

1. Before washing, brush or comb out any knots. This will make your life easier. Hair is weakest when it’s wet so you never want to be pulling on it in the shower.
2. Using warm water (not hot, too drying) wet hair and finger comb through it. This will help rinse out any styling products and debris (pine cones?) from the hair and scalp. Warm water opens the cuticle on the shaft as well giving you a deeper clean.
3. Lather a small amount of good quality shampoo (to be discussed at a later date) between palms and apply it to the scalp and hair. Massage it gently in, focusing on the roots of the hair. Think of when you go to the salon and the stylist gives you that awesome scalp massage. Give the product time to work. Shampoo dissolves oil and lifts dirt, so make sure it gets to every strand. Don’t mush and pile all your hair on your head and go crazy. Just a gentle, thorough scalp massage. The ends of the hair do not need as much attention, shampoo can actually dry those out.  I’ve found the thorough shampoo actually gives me more volume once it’s dry. Go figure.
4. After a minute or two, rinse. If you’re a big product user, repeat the first process. Also if you buy a treatment shampoo you need to leave it on for a bit or do a second washing to ensure the “treatment” part has time to work.
5. After all shampoo has been rinsed, apply the conditioner. Focus more on the mid-to-end part of the hair. This is the driest part and needs the most attention. Let this sit for a few minutes as well, ideally in a shower cap. Rinse thoroughly and if you can handle it, use cold water. This seals the cuticle and moisture in. Results? Gleaming, shiny, happy hair.
6. Drying method: Air drying means less heat damage, but takes much longer. This is great for short, low maintenance styles. Make sure to blot or squeeze the hair dry with an absorbent towel. Do not rub it all around! Remember: wet hair=weak hair. Be nice. Blow drying is great for giving body and style to your hair. Let it air dry or towel dry it most of the way. Apply the appropriate styling product and blow dry in sections. If you want volume, focus on the roots first and lift with a brush. Keep the dryer moving and at least 6 inches away. Beautiful.

Voila! They are fairly easy, albeit slightly more time consuming, steps to get your hair healthier looking. Please share your tips with us!

Don’t forget to visit www.spaboutique.ca to see great deals on professional hair and skin care.

Tags: hair products, hair styling, hair tips, hair tools, professional hair products

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