Let’s talk about hair. You either take immense attention to it or you’d rather shave it off completely (let’s be real, we’ve all been there). There’s no denying that many expect a regular quick wash once a week is enough hair care. However, they are also the same people that complain about excessive hair loss, dandruff and other hair concerns.

With that, Beauty Insider wants to make sure your hair is luscious, fabulous and healthy. With that, follow our complete hair care guide to achieve your hair’s most optimal state.

Why Is Our Hair Important?

In a way, our hair is an extensive part of us. It is the first thing people see on us. It gives others a small insight into our personality. You can style it from straight to bombshell curls or dye it pink and green. The way to customize your hair is endless- think of it as your own personal brand!

However, there are more benefits to gain from having healthy hair. It can also completely alter and define you. For example, when you walk into a job interview, you don’t want to go in with frizzy, untamed hair as if you had just woken up with a serious case of bed hair.

It is important to take care of your hair because, in a way, you’re taking time to care for yourself. Having healthy hair will not only better your mood but also boost your confidence. There is nothing more powerful than a confident, strong person that’s ready to take on the world.

Habits To Pick Up For Better Hair

Brush Your Hair The Right Way

Many people think, “it’s hair brushing, it’s not that hard??” But we are pretty sure that those are the same people who wince when they hear crackling or snapping sounds when they brush their hair. Of course, it’s not rocket science, but there are methods and ways to make sure you brush your hair well while avoiding breakage.

To start, focus on your ends and slowly make your way up. When you begin from the top, you are pushing the tangles and tightening the knots which block the brush from going down. We want a smooth flow when brushing our hair with as little damage possible.

Furthermore, ensure you are using the right brush. There are numerous forms of brushes and combs to choose from. If you have straight hair, a cushion brush will get the job done. If you are part of the curly hair gang, your best friend is a wide-tooth comb as your hair types are not hair-brush-friendly.

Trim Your Regularly

Some say it’s a myth but there are some truths to it nonetheless. We’ve all heard our mother’s bicker at us to trim our hair to make it “grow longer” (please tell us we’re not the only ones). Although, trimming our hair promotes hair growth is false but the ideology of it is somewhat correct.

We need to trim our hair once every 2-3 months because essentially, the ends of our hair are the weakest, frailest and oldest. By trimming it regularly, our hair will look better and healthier. So, ring up your favourite hair salon and get a quick trim.

Give Your Hair A Break

We get it, you love your hair straighteners and curling irons but we have to break it to you, they’re just not that good for you. Even applying a heat protector won’t save your hair if you fry it every single day. Therefore, give your hair a break by going natural once in a while. Give it time to heal and restore back to its normal state and it will thank you nonstop.

Let’s Talk About Shampoos

What Shampoo Is Right According To Your Hair Type?

Everyone’s hair is completely different and comes in many types. When searching for the right shampoo, you want to make sure you understand the condition of your hair such as:

  • Oily: Balancing/clarifying shampoos
  • Dry: Hydrating/smoothing shampoos
  • Frail: Volumizing shampoos
  • Coloured/Chemically-treated: Strengthening/fortifying shampoos
  • Curly: Hydrating/moisturising shampoos

Once you have a better understanding of your hair type, hair care companies make your jobs easier by labelling the function of the shampoo for which hair type! Revamp your game by focusing on your mane!

Pro-tip: During the shampoo process, make sure you rinse with warm water to cleanse it well. This will effectively remove the build-up of oil, grime and excess hair products.

Ingredients To Avoid In Shampoo

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
  • Parabens
  • Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
  • Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Formaldehyde
  • Alcohol
  • Silicones

Conditioner Is A Must-Have

Right, let’s see hands up for those who condition every time they shampoo their hair (you’re doing such a good job!). Many of us still believe that using a conditioner is only when your hair feels frail but that’s completely wrong. Conditioner is supposed to be paired with shampoo because during the washing process, we are stripping away unnecessary build-up but also some of our natural oils as well. Using a conditioner will put back the moisture and nutrients needed to have healthy hair once again.

Pro-tip: Wring water from your hair well before applying conditioner onto your roots and avoiding the scalp. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and rinse with cold water for smooth, silky hair.

Oil Love You

Our hair creates natural oils that are used to moisturise our scalp and roots to protect new hair that grows every day. However, the rest of our lengthy hair, especially our tips, do not receive that oily goodness which is where hair oils come into play. They provide the remainder of our hair the moisture and nutrients that are desperately needed.

Additionally, great hair oils contain argan, jojoba or grapeseed oil. However, if your hair is extra damaged, then reach for oils that contain macadamia or coconut oil.

Hair Mask Time!

So, you’ve understood shampoos, conditioners and hair oils. There’s more? Yes, and we are focusing on hair masks! Don’t think of it as a chore but an at-home treatment you can do for yourself while you also use a sheet mask (hehe).

Hair masks are jammed-packed with goodness to give you luscious, beautiful hair. They are extremely thick in consistency so using it once a week should do the trick!

The Power Of Serums

We know about face and body serums but did you know that there are serums for our hair as well? Hair serums are potent formulas with high consistency of powerful ingredients. This is the product you want to really invest in as it will provide numerous benefits to your hair.

You use them on clean, damp hair for maximum effectiveness and before every other product. This is to ensure that this reaches deep into our hair follicles without having any other hair product blocking it. A little goes a long way so don’t be too generous and we ensure you’ll have healthy hair in no time!

Extra Supplements For Extra Benefits

When we think of hair care, we think of products that we need to apply on, right? However, did you know that we can also care for them internally? This is through health supplements. Studies have shown that there are a few supplements that been proven to help care for our hair such as:

  • Biotin
  • Iron
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Zinc

By implementing these supplements in our lives, it will benefit not only our hair but also our nails and skin too! 

Author: Nina Shahriman | Date: 20th January 2021