10 Great Hair Care Tips
By Darla Di Grandi-Aguilera
If you watch the tabloids, you know that even the stars have
bad hair days. It just seems that when the professional stylists are out of the
picture, it is inherently human to have a less than glamorous mane. But you can
do your part to stay ahead of the battle by following these great tips for hair
care.
1. Use a professional conditioner that is formulated for your specific hair
type. While you can skimp a little on the shampoo, a good, professional
conditioner is a must have. Look for products in salons that are customized for
your hair type. For instance: If you have color or a perm, choose a conditioner
that is for chemically processed hair. And stay away from those all-in-one
shampoo and conditioner combos.
2. Choose a cut tailored to your face and body shape. The number one mistake
that people make when choosing a new hairstyle is to pick a style based on
popularity rather than how it will enhance their features. Always choose a new
cut based on how it will enhance or detract from your facial features and build.
If you have broad shoulders, choose a full-bodied cut over a close cropped head
hugging doo.
3. Don’t forget your UV protectants. Just as your skin gets damaged by wind
and sun, so does your hair. To combat this, look for finishing products such as
mousses, gels and sprays that block UV rays.
4. Keep your appointments. Did you know that your hair will split faster
than it will grow? You need to get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks, even if it’s just
a micro trim. A good hairdresser makes them good because they know what to leave
on the head, not take off.
5. Leave chemicals to the professionals. There is a reason why beauticians
need to go to school to learn how to handle chemicals and hair processes. You
can do irreparable damage with these products even if the package says that it’s
way easy. And even if you don’t make your hair fall out, you could end up
looking like a clown and paying a stylist big bucks to fix your mess. (Note:
Most stylists charge double the rate for corrective color than they do for
normal color processes)
6. Get color for interest and body. Every cut needs a little bit of color to
make it truly breathtaking. No matter whether your taste is subtle or dramatic,
you can add interest and volume to your tresses with a color process.
Highlights, lowlights, all over color, gray coverage, you name it, it’s all good
for your look.
7. Do weekly conditioning treatments. Even if your hair is extremely
healthy, it is constantly on the attack from wind, sun, cold and heat. During
the summer months, your hair is battered even more when it absorbs chlorine and
other chemicals from your pool.
8. Get an ionic ceramic flat iron. Instead of frying your hair with a
conventional metal plated flat iron. Straighten your tresses, add shine and
infuse moisture with one of the a negative ionic flat irons. We personally use
T3 irons for all our work.
9. Choose your styling products wisely. Avoid products that leave build-up
on your hair. If you see white gunk, that means that your product is not
water-soluble and may be coating your hair shaft. Build-up causes limpness,
breakage and inability to curl not to mention the white flakes.
10. Did you know that if you use a towel after your shower to dry your hair
you are causing split ends and adding static electricity to your hair. Don’t rub
the towel back and forth over your hair, scrunch the towel around your hair like
your would scrunch crackers in your soup.
While all of these tips won’t make you look like you’ve hired a personal
hairdresser, they will help you look the very best that you can each and every
day. When it comes to hair care, remember that you wear your hair everyday. Now
isn’t it worth the time, effort and money that it takes to keep it looking
spectacular?
By Darla Di Grandi-Aguilera, Founder of
Hi-Lites Aveda Palm Springs Salon & Spa
http://www.HLspa.com