Maintain your gorgeous mane without breaking the bank
Many of us become a little wary when it’s time to visit our hairdresser sometimes feeling pressured to buy products that are suggested or adding extra services because we need more protein or moisture in our hair. Hair is actually considered one of our most attractive assets so regular maintenance is necessary and should be a priority, however regular hair care doesn’t have to break the bank. You can achieve and maintain a marvelous mane with a few tips and techniques.
Get the Shine
When it comes to washing your hair opt for a shampoo and conditioner with organic and natural ingredients. It will restore your hair’s natural oils bringing back that youthful shine. Regular shampoos contain detergents that are too strong and end up removing a substantial amount of natural oil.
Often people associate a good cleansing with a sufficient amount of foam as we lather. With natural and organic shampoos you won’t get much foam because they skip the unnecessary chemicals to produce that, so it might take some getting used to as they tend to be a mild formula.
Your tresses are not meant to be washed every day, and a few times a week is plenty. Rinsing with cold water will actually close the cuticles and seal in the moisture to each strand. Ever wonder why there is a cool button on your blow dryer? If you don’t want to rinse with cold water, you can use cool air as it will have a similar affect.
JASON Natural Biotin Shampoo.
An extra gentle eco-friendly and affordable product designed to repair damaged hair and split ends. Can be found at health food stores like Whole Foods, London Drugs or directly from JASON (jason-natural.com)
Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo.
A sulfate-free shampoo. Hair actually stays cleaner for a longer period and colour-treated hair stays vibrant. Available at Sephora.
If you want to use products from your fridge to achieve a glossy finish: try yogurt. Plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt works the best. Spread it all over your hair and put your hair up for 20-30 minutes or until the yogurt has hardened. Shampoo and condition you hair with good quality products. Dry as usual!
Get the Thickness
As we age, our hair fibers begin to thin out and we start losing the thickness. Hereditary and chemicals are also contributing factors to hair thinning and hair loss. Although there really isn’t anything natural to thicken up your mane, some of these techniques will help.
Massaging the scalp with your fingertips will help increase the circulation and facilitate with hair growth. Use essential oils like chamomile, lavender and rosemary to help thicken the follicles.
Be careful when styling your hair not to try stressful looks that will pull and stretch it as you will weaken your hair and cause more breaking and falling out. The same rule applies for drying your hair. Don’t rub, twist or wring out instead pat it dry or blot out the water. Air drying is the best method for not damaging your hair, however when you do decide to blow dry, bend over and hold your head upside down and drying in the opposite direction will add more volume.
Quick Tips
Don’t brush your hair when it’s wet, hair is at its weakest then so you’ll end up causing a lot of breakage. Get a wide toothed comb to detangle and comb through.
If your scalp is still itchy after you’ve just washed it, then you’re probably putting too much conditioner on it. Put conditioner close to the top all the way to the bottom of your hair.
For some added volume use Velcro rollers, after your hair is dry but still warm roll them tightly at the crown of you head, spacing it out evenly following the direction of growth. Leave them on for 15- 20 minutes or longer for bigger volume and instead of brushing your hair give it a shake. Add hairspray to keep. Big Sexy Hairspray and Big Sexy Root Pump will help you get the va-voom you desire.
After washing your hair avoid keeping it wrapped in a towel. This action actually opens your hair cuticles causing it to frizz. Let your hair air dry for 10 minutes and then blow dry.
To get a beautiful blow out, try Spornette brushes. It’s an Italian-made brush with the finest wood and top grade boar bristles. Named the best beauty buy in InStyle Magazine’s best beauty buy issue three years in a row. It’s a little trickier to find around town. You can contact your local hair salons, purchase from amazon.ca or directly from Spornette (spornette.com/spornette.html)
By Vanita Chandra