New Year, New Hair...

 

O.k., we're well into 2010 and it's time to really start taking care of yourself like you never have before.  This year will be different and better for you physisically, emotionally and even spiritually you say.  Well, why not start from the top - with your hair.

Your dry scalp and hair is probably the first thing on your mind anyway with all of this cold weather, dry heat and wool hats and scarves we have to endure.  Your scalp and hair suffer, believe me, especially if your hair is wavy, curly, frizzy and/or kinky.

So what can you do?

The first thing I've been telling all my clients to do is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize - on a daily basis if necessary.  And that's the key, moisturize your hair as often as is necessary for your hair type.  If it's dry every day, then moisturize every day, especially the ends.

The following are some of my top tips to keep your hair from being completely destroyed during these winter months we have left.

1. TRY TO AVOID USING PERMANENT COLOR (ESPECIALLY BLEACH) DURING THESE COLDER MONTHS
    It will only add to your hair being more dry and brittle than it already is.

2. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK
    Dry skin, nails and hair often starts from the inside.  So, drink plenty of water and have regular healthy foods that contain proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates.

3. IF YOU USE SHAMPOO, USE THE RIGHT SHAMPOO AND WATER TEMPERATURE
    Treat your hair with shampoo containing natural humectants that are moisturizing agents or lubricants that together with your natural hair oil, hold the essential moisture your hair needs.  Use warm water when shampooing because it opens the hair cuticles and prepares the hair to absorb conditioner, which goes into the hairshaft (root) and treats it by moisturizing.

4. SHAMPOO PROPERLY
    Be sure never to pile your hair on top of your head.  Gently stroke it through your very saturated hair and scalp.  A second scrubbing is not ALWAYS necessary.

5. USE A GOOD MOISTURIZING CONDITIONER
    Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes.  To have it penetrate the hairshaft more deeply,  place a plastic cap over your hair and leave the conditioner on for 15 minutes.  Don't forget to use cool water to rinse out the conditioner.  Rinsing with cool water will close the hair cuticles and prevent more frizz.

6. DO NOT RUB YOUR HAIR DRY WITH A TOWEL
    This will cause more frizz.  Instead, after conditioning, wrap your hair with a  towel or paper towels and pat lightly so as to absorb extra water from your hair and scalp.

7. USE LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
    Use a leave-in conditioner that will detangle your hair well.  Use your fingers,  or a wide-toothe comb, to comb the leave-in through the hair evenly.
 

8. WHEN BLOWDRYING, USE A DOWNWARD MOTION
    Using a downward motion will help to close down the cuticle, helping the hair to not look so dry and retain the moisture that was just applied.

9. WASH YOUR HAIR AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE
    Washing your hair every day may result in more frizzies.  So avoid it.  Your natural hair oils improve the texture of your hair.

10. MASSAGE YOUR SCALP AND HAIR
    Massaging your scalp helps to stimulate blood circulation.  Use a light
 essential oil like coconut oil to maintain a healthy look for proper hair growth
 and health.  Be sure to not overdo it.