Whatever your hair type, here are some tips to keep you looking your best.
When you wash your hair, rinse it first with warm water. If you have long hair, condition before you shampoo. Lather shampoo at the scalp and work it toward the ends, using an amount the size of a quarter. Be gentle and use vertical strokes. Only shampoo your hair once, add conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, give it a few minutes to penetrate the hair, and then rinse with cold water. Use a shampoo and conditioner made for your hair type. If you have oily or fine hair, you may need to shampoo every day, but if you have normal or dry hair, you can shampoo every other day. To keep your hair looking its best between shampoos, use a lifting and texturizing spray gel, dry shampoo, reactivating spray, anti-frizz cream, or moisturizing oil. You should also use a shower filter to remove rust and minerals from the water that can damage your hair.
If you have wavy hair and want to accentuate the waves, scrunch your hair with mousse. If you have coarse hair, use a moisturizing product. If you want your hair curly, dry it upside down, or lean your head to one side as you blow dry and use a diffuser. If you are going to straighten your hair, treat it with a product to create smoothness and fullness. Blow dry with a brush or use a flat iron to straighten your hair and curve it at the ends. Do not air dry your hair, and brush gently to avoid breakage and frizz.
For curly hair, sleep on a silk pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf to prevent frizziness. Apply styling products when your hair is sopping wet. Dry your hair by pressing gently with a microfiber towel, T-shirt, or paper towels, and avoid using a terrycloth towel. If you blow dry your hair, use a heat-protecting product and a low setting, and finish with a smoothing product. To air dry your hair, use hair gel or curl cream and wrap one- or two-inch sections around your finger to create well-defined curls. Lift your hair off the scalp with clips. Use a moisturizing mask once a week. Get your hair trimmed every eight weeks, and choose a layered style. Use a wide-tooth comb, never a brush. Start combing the ends and work upward. Don’t play with your hair, since that can make it frizzy. Avoid products that contain sulfates, alcohol, and salt, because they can dry your hair and damage curls.
To make your hair grow, you need to keep the follicles strong and prevent breakage. Eat a healthy diet full of protein and nutrients, omega-3 oils from salmon or supplements, and nuts, especially almonds. Keep your weight stable, because hair can be affected by extreme weight changes, as well as stress and hormones. Limit the use of heat, including flat irons and blow drying, because this can damage hair.