We're all guilty of it: We yank, pull, blow dry, flat iron, and curl our hair, trying to force it into submission in the name of style. Not only do we dry our hair out and cause serious damage in the process, but then we're stuck spending years (and serious cash!) trying to return our hair to its former glory. "Hair wears down no matter what," says Dennis Roche, a hairstylist in Washington, D.C. "However, the more you style it, the more miles you put on it."
But before you start worrying that your curling iron addiction is causing irreparable dryness and damage, read on. You can still use your favorite styling tools and get on the road to rejuvenated, hydrated, healthy hair. Let these secrets be your guide to getting your shiniest, smoothest, strongest strands ever.
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Secret No. 1: Use a super-moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
If you've got dry or coarse hair, you might already reach for the most hydrating hair products you can find. But one of the biggest mistakes women with fine or thin hair make is not using super-moisturizing products, says Roche. The key, however, is using products with the right ingredients.
"Whether your hair is thick or thin, oil is a must," he says. "Contrary to popular belief, putting oil in your hair doesn't make it look greasy." Instead, oils penetrate the hair shaft, replacing nutrients that are lost or damaged due to coloring and heat styling, ultimately making hair softer, silkier, and easier to style (read: more likely to look fabulous, every day). Try Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo, $4.49, and Conditioner, $4.49.
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Secret No. 2: Get rid of styling gunk
If your love of hairspray and styling products rivals the cast of Jersey Shore, regular shampoo alone isn't enough to get rid of the often-harsh chemicals that are making your hair their home. To the rescue? This weekly treatment that sounds weird but really works: Before stepping into the shower, comb hair thoroughly, which helps to break down product buildup. Then, apply shampoo while hair is still dry, and let it sit for five to ten minutes before rinsing. "This helps break down the stubborn polymers styling products leave behind," says Roche, "and leaves hair truly clean and shiny."
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Secret No. 3: Use less product
Instead of glopping on a fistful of shampoo and using even more conditioner, start with a dime-size amount of product (or even less if your hair is fine or short) and use more if you need it. "This ensures that you'll use just the right amount to provide the protective benefits of the product without over-saturating your hair, which can weigh it down and actually cause it to attract more dirt," says Roche.
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Secret No. 4: Stay cool
Hot tools like blow dryers and flatirons are a must-have for most of us -- but they can also scald your strands. Before wielding your hot tools, apply a styling product that will smooth cuticles and nourish your hair (try Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Smoothing Cream, $5.99). And watch out for excessive heat: "The hair only needs 372 degrees to respond well," explains Roche. "Anything hotter is abusive, especially over a long period of time." Every other week, clean your curling iron, flat iron, and other hot tools with dishwashing detergent to remove product residue. Otherwise, the product that's caked onto your tools will continuously be welded onto your hair with the heat, causing product build-up and damage.
We're all guilty of it: We yank, pull, blow dry, flat iron, and curl our hair, trying to force it into submission in the name of style. Not only do we dry our hair out and cause serious damage in the process, but then we're stuck spending years (and serious cash!) trying to return our hair to its former glory. "Hair wears down no matter what," says Dennis Roche, a hairstylist in Washington, D.C. "However, the more you style it, the more miles you put on it."
But before you start worrying that your curling iron addiction is causing irreparable dryness and damage, read on. You can still use your favorite styling tools and get on the road to rejuvenated, hydrated, healthy hair. Let these secrets be your guide to getting your shiniest, smoothest, strongest strands ever.
