16 Proven Tips for Everyday Hair Care

We all know more or less the basics of taking care of our hair.

As children growing up in India, we have all had our mothers sitting us down for that routine ‘oiling’ of the hair. As we grew up, we also realized the importance of shampoo and conditioners in cleaning and moisturizing our hair. Put them together and you get one of the rituals of basic hair care for any hair type. Oiling, Shampooing and Conditioning.

Pollution and sun damage are one of the biggest causes for hair damage. To fight these we added a few steps to the basic routine of hair care.These are:

• Hair packs
• Deep conditioning treatments
• Hair rinse
• Specialized treatments at the salon
• Leave in conditioners and heat protectors

Basic Hair Care Tips

1. Frequency of Shampoo:

Shampoo your hair regularly to remove all the dirt and pollution that accumulates on your scalp and hair.

The frequency of washing hair depends on your hair type:

• For those who have dry hair, shampoo twice or thrice a week.
• For those who have oily and greasy hair, you need to shampoo every alternate day to keep that excess oil away.
• For those with normal hair, use a shampoo twice a week.

2. Amount of Shampoo:

Use a mild shampoo to avoid any damage to the hair.

• Take a little product that is just enough to lather up your hair.
• Keep it on for about 30 seconds and then wash off.
• Concentrate on the scalp and the crown area of the hair
• Do not wash the tips of the hair excessively as it will end up drying out the ends.

3. Conditioning:

There is a lot that a good conditioner can do for your hair.

• Use a good conditioner that is specifically made for your hair type.
• This will help retain moisture in your hair.
• Remember to not put the conditioner on the scalp.
• Apply it from mid hair and come down till the tips.
• Leave it on for about 5-10 minutes before rinsing off.

4. Hair Masks:

Preparing a hair mask at home is the best way to naturally nourish and strengthen your hair. You should regulalry include this in your basic hair care. There are various hair masks that you can use, the most common ones being:

• Egg and honey
• Egg and olive oil
• Coconut oil and olive oil
• Yoghurt and egg
• Banana and honey
• Milk and honey

5. Cool Water:

Cool or cold water is always good for your hair, instead of hot water. Hot water is known to increase the chances of grey hair.

• Rinse your hair with cool water to lock moisture in the hair shaft.

6. Brush Hair When Dry:

Never brush your hair when it is wet. This is not at all listed in gentle basic hair care tips!

• Try detangling your hair gently with your fingers.
• While it is still wet, you can apply a leave in conditioner or protective hair mask that can be left on.
• Do not brush or comb it before it is fully dry, as it will lead to hair breakage.

7. Less Heat:

Heating products are always one of the biggest sources of damage that we inflict on our hair.

• Avoid using blow dryers and other heating tools unless needed.
• Air dry your hair as much as you can.

8. Avoid Cosmetic Products on Hair:

Avoid hair styling products like hair gels, hair mousse and hair sprays with alcohol content. This will prevent your hair from drying up too much.

9. Oiling:

Oil your hair at least twice a week with coconut or almond oil for deep conditioning. This is another basic hair care tip you should not neglect. Olive oil is also known to be very good for the growth and health of hair.

10. Combs:

Always use a wide toothed comb to detangle your hair instead of a brush. This will help avoid hair breakage.

11. Tie It Up:

Brush your hair before going to bed and tie it up in a ponytail, securing with a hair band. Keeping your hair open and lying down can result in hair breakage and split ends.

12. Swimming Safety:

Swimming pools are filled with chlorine so you need to be extra careful about your hair.

• Take a shower before getting inside the pool.
• Put on a shower cap
• Take a shower immediately after coming out of the pool.

13. Trim:

Trimming your hair is essential to get rid of split ends. Trim your hair once in every two months to keep them healthy.

14. Avoid Colour:

Too much colouring can damage your hair excessively.

• Avoid colouring your hair if possible.
• Opt for natural colouring agents like henna (mehendi.) This also acts as a hair pack and strengthens your hair.

15. Diet:

Eat a balanced diet at the right time and drink plenty of water.

16. Sleep Schedule:

Get enough sleep. Like the body needs 8 hours so does your hair.

Following these basic hair care tips will make sure you keep your hair in the best of health. Getting beautiful and shiny hair is not that difficult, as long as you give it some time and attention.

Do try these out and tell us about the difference you noticed in your hair. All you have to do is leave us a comment.