Regarding our skincare routine, we often invest heavily to maintain a glowing complexion. Yet, many of us neglect our hair and scalp, settling for any generic shampoo and conditioner from the drugstore and subjecting our hair to daily heat styling. It’s time to change that. Great hair days boost our confidence and energy levels, and in 2024, it’s crucial to give our hair the care it deserves. Here are 21 hair hacks from Hollywood’s top stylists to take your haircare game to the next level and debunk some major myths. healthy hair
1. Never Go to Bed with Wet Hair
It’s a myth that sleeping with wet hair is harmless. Dom Seeley explains that damp hair is fragile, and sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can cause moisture absorption and breakage. Instead, wrap your hair in a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel, apply heat protectant, and dry it with a hairdryer on a low setting.
2. Stop Overwashing Your Hair
Dom Seeley says that washing your hair too often disrupts your scalp’s natural pH balance of 4.5 to 5—overwashing strips away the protective layer, causing your scalp to produce excess oil. Aim to wash your hair once or twice a week and use dry shampoo sparingly.
3. Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
Silk pillowcases minimize frizz, prevent moisture loss, and help maintain your hairstyle. Irinel de León, the hairstylist to stars like Hailey Baldwin and Kendall Jenner, recommends silk pillowcases and hair ties to reduce tension and prevent split ends.
4. Don’t Overload on Hair Products
Using too many products can lead to buildup and scalp irritation. Celebrity stylist Justine Marjan advises using minimal products to avoid weighing down your hair and causing itchiness from oil and dirt mixing with product residue.
5. Know Your Curl Type
Understanding your curl type—wavy, curly, coily, or kinky—helps in choosing the right products. Vernon Francois, the hairstylist to Lupita Nyong’o and Solange, explains that oily hair is versatile but fragile, while kinky hair needs sulfate-free shampoos and wide-tooth combs to prevent breakage and dryness.
6. Use a Microfiber Hair Towel
Avoid twisting your hair in a regular towel, which can cause frizz and damage. A microfiber towel is gentler and reduces friction, keeping your hair healthier.
7. Always Read Product Labels
Dom Seeley advises choosing organic products and avoiding harsh ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium chloride. The Think Dirty app can help identify toxic ingredients.
8. Find the Right Brush for Your Hair Type
The right brush can prevent frizz and hair fall. For fine hair, use a boar bristle brush; for thick hair, a nylon brush; and for kinky or curly hair, a wide-tooth comb.
9. Don’t Neglect Your Scalp
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Use a scalp scrub once or twice a month to remove buildup and promote blood flow.
10. Care for Your Braids
Keep protective styles like braids moisturized with diluted conditioner and clean them with sulfate-free shampoo to maintain scalp health.
11. Use Toner on Colored Hair
Toning between salon visits keeps coloured hair vibrant. Tommy Drury recommends in-salon treatments or at-home pigmented conditioners for maintenance.
12. Massage Your Scalp Regularly
Scalp massages promote hair growth and rebalance the scalp. Use oils for added stimulation and nourishment.
13. Avoid Applying Oil on Wet Hair
Applying oil to wet hair can make it greasy instead of shiny. Hydrate your hair properly to achieve natural shine, advises Shai Amiel.
14. Use a Diffuser to Dry Curls
Celebrity hairstylist Hos Hounkpatin suggests using a diffuser or air-drying curls to reduce frizz and maintain curl health.
15. Brush Gently
Start brushing from the ends and work upwards to avoid tugging and damaging your hair. This minimizes breakage and frizz.
16. Double Shampoo for a Thorough Cleanse
Like double cleansing your face, double shampooing removes excess oils and buildup. Dom Seeley recommends Color Wow Color Security Shampoo and Conditioner for a gentle yet effective cleanse.
17. Brush Before Showering and While Conditioning
Detangle your hair when dry before showering and use a wide-tooth comb when conditioning to reduce breakage.
18. Don’t Spritz Perfume on Your Hair
Perfumes contain alcohol that can dehydrate and damage your hair over time. Avoid using them on your hair.
19. Avoid Hot Showers
Hot showers strip your hair of natural oils, leaving your scalp dry. Opt for warm showers and finish with a cool rinse to seal the hair cuticle.
20. Clean Your Hairbrush Regularly
Clean your hairbrush every two to three weeks to remove buildup and oils, extending its life and keeping your hair cleaner.
21. Give Yourself a Haircial
Treat your hair to a deep cleanse and conditioning routine. Start with a detoxifying scalp treatment, follow with a nourishing conditioner or oil treatment, apply a mask, and finish with your post-wash routine for softer, shinier hair.
FAQs on Hair Hacks and Haircare
1. What are some essential hair hacks for healthy hair?
Some essential hair hacks include not going to bed with wet hair, using a microfiber towel, and sleeping on a silk pillowcase. These practices help minimize damage and frizz.
2. How often should I wash my hair?
To maintain a healthy scalp and hair, it’s recommended to wash your hair once or twice a week. Overwashing can strip natural oils and disrupt the scalp’s pH balance.
3. Why is using a silk pillowcase beneficial for haircare?
Silk pillowcases reduce friction, minimize frizz, and prevent moisture loss from your hair, helping maintain your hairstyle and hair health.
4. What are the best haircare products for curly hair?
For curly hair, use sulfate-free shampoos, conditioners specifically for curls, and a wide-tooth comb to detangle. It’s also helpful to use a diffuser when drying your hair.
5. How can I reduce hair product buildup on my scalp?
To reduce buildup, use a clarifying shampoo or a scalp scrub once or twice a month. Double shampooing during washes can also help remove excess oils and product residue.
6. What haircare routine should I follow for coloured hair?
For coloured hair, use toners between salon visits and opt for pigmented conditioners or temporary colours. Avoid hot showers and use sulfate-free products to maintain the colour.
7. Are there any specific hair hacks for managing frizz?
To manage frizz, use a microfiber towel to dry your hair, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid brushing your hair when it’s dry. Using anti-frizz serums can also help.
8. How can I promote hair growth naturally?
Regular scalp massages with oils can promote hair growth by stimulating blood flow. Maintaining a healthy diet and reducing stress also contribute to hair growth.
9. What should I look for in a hairbrush?
Choose a hairbrush based on your hair type: boar bristle brushes for fine hair, nylon brushes for thick hair, and wide-tooth combs for curly or oily hair.
10. How do I keep my braids moisturized?
To keep braids moisturized, mist your hair with a diluted conditioner and clean your scalp with a sulfate-free shampoo. Use oils to maintain hydration between washes.
11. Why is it important to avoid hot showers for haircare?
Hot showers strip your hair and scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness. Opt for warm showers and finish with a cool rinse to seal the hair cuticle.
12. What are the benefits of using a diffuser for curly hair?
Using a diffuser helps reduce frizz and maintain the health of your curls. It evenly distributes heat, preventing damage and preserving curl definition.
13. How often should I clean my hairbrush?
Clean your hairbrush every two to three weeks to remove buildup and oils. This keeps your hair cleaner and extends the life of your brush.
14. What are some haircare myths debunked by experts?
Experts debunk myths such as sleeping with wet hair being harmless and that more hair products equate to better hair health. Overloading on products can cause buildup and damage.
15. What is a haircut, and how does it benefit my hair?
A haircut is a facial for your hair, involving a deep cleansing, conditioning, and mask treatment. It revitalizes your hair, making it softer, smoother, and shinier.
16. How can I prevent split ends?
Regular trims, using heat protectants before styling, and avoiding excessive heat can prevent split ends. Also, use silk hair ties to reduce tension and breakage.
17. What’s the best way to detangle hair without causing damage?
Detangle hair when it’s dry using a wide-tooth comb or a brush suited for your hair type. Start from the end and work your way up to prevent breakage.
18. How can I keep my hair hydrated in between washes?
Use a leave-in conditioner or hydrating spray to keep your hair moisturized between washes. Avoid applying oil to wet hair, as it can make it greasy rather than hydrated.
19. Are there specific haircare routines for different seasons?
Yes, in winter, avoid washing your hair too frequently to prevent dehydration. In summer, protect your hair from sun damage with UV-protectant sprays and hydrate regularly.
20. How do I choose the right shampoo and conditioner for my hair type?
Look for shampoos and conditioners that match your hair type (fine, thick, curly, etc.) and address specific needs like colour protection, hydration, or volume. Always read the labels to avoid harmful ingredients
This was such a refreshing post as many posts don’t explain inn depth like you do. I have a wavy hair texture and this is just what I needed to start my day^-^