When we think of self-care and beauty, most of us first think of skincare and makeup. How can we not? With the recent rise of interest in skincare (since our skin is super important!) it’s only natural we want to pamper our skin the best we can.
However, we’ve been leaving one thing debatably just as important as our skin out of the conversation: our hair.
Hair is part of a girl’s confidence; it is our friend we pamper and care for with every wash and brush. We dye it, cut it, give it bangs—it is one of the most versatile parts of our body, and we do love to change it.
Except, our hair is also prone to damage. Give it one too many perms and it could dry out. Forget to cut its ends for a year and split ends could arise. Bleaching your entire scalp? Without proper care and the right bleach, it could result in great hair loss.
Your hair is important. This being said, what are some good ways to care for it?
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Jamaican black castor oil has many different benefits—it treats dandruff, moisturizes hair, promotes hair growth, and even treats acne. The best part: it works for all hair types.
Jamaican black castor oil works by increasing blood flow to the scalp, supplying valuable nutrients to hair follicles. The oil will also prevent hair breakage and a dry, itchy scalp. Its uses also include helping eyelash and eyebrow hair growth.
To use:
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Massage the oil on your scalp for five minutes every three days or a hot oil treatment by applying the oil from your roots to your tips massaging it into you scalp and hair
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Cover your hair with a plastic cap and sit under a dryer for 15 to 30 minutes
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Rinse after with cool water.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
If you often pile product or use chemical treatments, moisture will be stripped from your hair. Even if you don’t, if your hair is dull or lifeless, a weekly deep conditioning treatment could help regain your hair’s shine and strength.
Deep conditioning prevents damage by imparting moisture, improving texture, and penetrating the hair shaft. Want to get rid of your frizzy hair in Houston’s humid heat? This treatment could help you do this.
Your hair also needs moisture to remain healthy. Without moisture, hair becomes dry and brittle and is more prone to breakage. It also promotes elasticity, which is done by nourishing and moisturizing your hair. Deep conditioning adds shine and luster by repairing damage and smoothing the hair shaft.
Proper Washing Techniques
We all think we know how to wash out hair. All you do is wet it, shampoo it, condition it, and let it dry. However, there are some techniques to make sure your hair remains healthy and strong.
When washing hair, avoid washing daily. Three times a week is enough for most hair types; if you have curly hair, consider washing it less. The reason for this is because your hair produces more oil when washed too frequently, as well as stripping the hair from its natural moisture.
Using lukewarm water rather than steaming hot. High temperatures can leave your hair dry and lifeless. For dyed hair, hot temperatures also encourage quicker fading. Using gentle pressure to massage the scalp is important, as massaging will increase blood flow to your scalp but doing it too harshly will can damage the hair shafts.
Finally, leaving your conditioner in for five to seven minutes can further moisturize your hair. Detangling it while the conditioner is in your hair is also ideal; doing so with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb is gentle enough that you won’t be damaging the strands while they are wet and at their most vulnerable.
And Finally…Have Patience
Your hair is a delicate part of your body, it takes time for it to heal itself. These tips are a way to start taking better care of your hair, but patience and consistency is key. Stick with these tips, find ways of taking care of your specific hair type, and see how your hair can flourish under your careful care