The Key To Healthy Hair

This just in S&SR Readers!

It has been found that lots of people do not know what it takes to get shiny, sparkly, healthy hair!  So I have created this detailed report to show you how to get a beautiful head of hair that makes Rapunzel jealous.

These are my top items that balance quality and affordability: Jojoba Oil (any kind), Paul Mitchell "Super Skinny Serum" and Lemon Sage Shampoo/Conditioner, Rusk Leave In Conditioner, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist, TRESemme "Heat Tamer Spray," satin pillow case (any kind), microfiber hair towel (any kind), wide tooth comb/paddle brush (any kind)*.

In The Shower:

• I know it sounds kind of gross, but try to wash your hair only every other day (less than that if you can.) Your natural oils nourish the hair and protect your scalp.  Mini Tip: If your hair starts getting oily on day 2 or 3, dab a bit or cornstarch or baby powder in, let sit for a minute, then brush out extra. No need for expensive dry shampoos!)  Feel free to SHOWER every day though.  BO is not hot--that is what shower caps and putting your hair up is for.
• When you shampoo don't be rough with your hair.  Just massage gently into the scalp and squeeze the foam down the hair to clean the end.  Also, use a good shampoo.  Try and find one that avoids these bad chemicals Chick Here For Those Nasty Ingredients.  I like the Paul Mitchell "Lemon Sage Thickening" Shampoo and Conditioner.  They are light and the tea-tree oil, and other ingredients encourage blood flow to the scalp--thus promoting hair growth.
• Apply your conditioner starting below your ears (so you don't weigh down those roots/clog the scalp) and squeeze down gently.   Let it sit for a minute or two.
• Wash hair with warm to cool (not hot!) water.  Heat causes dry hair. Dry hair causes breakage.  

After The Shower:

• Wrap your hair up in a microfiber hair towel.  They are super absorbent which cuts down on dry time. It is also lighter than a normal towel so it does not pull at your hair as much.  This means less hair comes out at the root or breaks.
• De-tangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb starting at the bottom.  Hair stretches a lot when wet and is prone to breakage, so handle with care.  I don't typically need a de-tangling product, but if you have very fine hair you might.
• Since my conditioner is very light, when my hair is combed and damp, I apply a leave-in conditioner (I like "Rusk Smoother Conditioner").  This helps it stay hydrated, protects it from the sun and other damage.

Styling:

• If you can avoid heat...do!  There are lots of tips and tricks for not heat styling (let me know if you want a report on it!)  If you are addicted to heat styling, on those lazy weekends, consider the air drying method (you know you're slumming it anyway...)
• When heat is used (blow-dry, straighten, crimp, go out in direct sun for a long time, or plan on jumping through flaming hoops) use a heat protector.  No need to get anything fancy, TRESemme's "Heat Taming Spray" is well known for working and smelling great for around $5!
•  When using bands to tie up your hair or make one of those ever so popular "Hunger Games" Katniss braids, use a hair tie with no metal pieces that will pull out your hair.  Make sure they are wrapped in thread since rubber/plastic ones also pull out and break hair. 
• I use a paddle brush on dry hair.  Make sure to always start at the ends!

Deep-Conditioning:

• To repair damage from styling and life in general, 1-2 times a week use a deep conditioner instead of your normal conditioner to really hydrate those ends (follow your deep conditioner directions, but leave it in for a bit longer than recommended for extra conditioning!)  I like Aussie "3 Minute Miracle." It works great for normal-dry hair (maybe not for super damaged) and costs less than $5
• I also think that using an oil treatment for your whole head once every 1-2 weeks is great for bring back oil to the ends and nourishing your scalp.  I use jojoba oil since it's chemical structure is the closest to human hair oils. I warm a liberal amount up in my hands and massage into my scalp all the way to the ends.  I put on a shower cap and sleep in it.  I shampoo it out and use my regular conditioning process the next day.  

Other Novel Tips:

• Put your hair in a protective hair style when sleeping.  High buns, loose braids, and that "loopy pony tail" are popular.
• Use a satin pillow case or head scarf when sleeping.  This prevents hair rubbing because there is less friction.  Also, the satin does not dry out your hair.  Cotton pillow cases such out the moisture.
• Use a serum when you go swimming (or it is a really windy day.)  The silicone in the product will seal in moisture and make a protective barrier against the elements.  Just remember, silicone should not be used too often because the same way it keeps bad stuff out, it doesn't let good stuff in!
• Trim those split ends.  When the hair splits, there is no way to "repair" it.  All those products are a waste of money.  Trims (either individual hairs on your own or a professional hair cut) is the only way to stop that dreaded "fried end" look.  
• If you are trying to grow your hair, be aware that the average person's hair grows 0.5 inches a month.  So if you trim more than it grows, obviously, it will not get longer.

*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

Shine & Sparkle!