10 Tips for Healthier Hair

1. Stop washing it so much. This is always my first recommendation to people who wonder why their hair is fried and won’t grow. Your hair needs those natural oils to be healthy and grow! Get out that dry shampoo, put it up in a ponytail, or rock a hat. I wash my hair 1-2 times per week!

2. Turn down the heat. This goes for your shower and your styling tools! I never put my flat iron or curling iron over 400 degrees, and my showers are definitely not scalding hot. If you refuse to turn down the temp of your showers, end your shower by running super cold water over the ends of your hair – not the scalp, freezing water on your scalp will close the cuticle and not promote healthy growth.

3. Use a heat protectant. I prefer super lightweight and non-sticky ones. I have a friend who used to blow dry their hair and go straight into styling it… I could literally smell their hair burning.

4. Use a good hair spray. If your hair is holding the style you did on day one, you don’t need to (and shouldn’t) redo your style every day. More heat = more damage. I curl or straighten my hair on Monday and don’t touch it again until after my next hair wash! My favorite hair spray is from CHI.

5. Stay away from sulfates. I don’t think this one needs much of an explanation. Use a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner!

6. Use an oil. I have used Argan, Moroccan, and almond oils on my hair. Use a tiny amount and work it into the bottom of your hair. I never put product in the hair above my shoulders, it makes it too oily which leads to more washes. My favorite oil is Aquage.

7. Do a hair mask. I do not do these often, but about once a month when the ends of my hair start to feel dry I will do one. On a hair washing day I will put Olaplex No. 3 from my shoulder length hair & down. I leave it in for as long as possible before jumping in the shower and washing it out.

8. Cut your split ends. My bored habit is looking at the bottom of my hair and cutting my split ends. If you know me, you know I’ve been doing this since freshman year of high school!

9. Never sleep with your hair in a ponytail, bun, etc. When you do this, the hair (especially on the perimeters) is pulling and breaking off. This leaves you with awkward baby pieces in the back that will no longer fit in a high pony tail. This goes for people who wear their hair up all the time too!

10. Be gentle to your hair. Don't be harsh when you're brushing it, taking it out of a pony tail, washing it, etc. Nothing stresses me out more than seeing people vigorously brush out their hair. ESPECIALLY WHEN IT’S WET! Your hair is in a super fragile state when it’s wet. Take the time, whether wet or dry, to comb out your hair gently. Otherwise, those harsh strokes to get it untangled will lead to breakage. I also ONLY use my tangle tamer brush or a wide tooth comb on my hair. They are much gentler!