How healthy is your hair? Are you free from frizz and split ends? Is your hair shiny and smooth, or dull and unmanageable?
If your hair is damaged — be it from chemicals (like pool chlorine), over-processing (like hair dye or perms), heat (like the sun or hair dryers), or something else entirely — here are some tips to help get your locks back into shape.
- Get on a regular schedule for trims. If your hair is in really bad shape, you may want to deal with the dead ends once a month; most healthy hair can go longer without a trim. Not sure if your ends need work? Use your fingers. Slide your hands through your hair, starting at the scalp and ending at the tips. Can you feel a difference in texture? Does your hair behave differently at the ends? You’re probably due for a trim.
- Feed your hair from the inside. Sure, the hair itself is dead but the rest of your body (where the hair comes from) isn’t! A balanced diet that’s full of vitamins and minerals can help your body grow stronger, healthier hair. Try fish and nuts for the fatty acids, dark green veggies and beans for the vitamins, and plenty of lean, healthy protein.
- Feed your hair from the outside. Some hair care experts suggest a monthly olive oil and egg conditioning treatment — mix one egg yolk with two tablespoons of olive oil and apply to hair. Wash out after a few minutes. You can also apply vitamin E to your hair, or mix vitamin E oil into your shampoo.
- Always rinse your hair after a swim in a chlorinated pool. If left in your hair, the chemicals can make things really dry and brittle.
- Use your hair dryer and other equipment on low-heat settings. Too much heat can damage your hair.
Be patient. On average, hair only grows between a quarter and a half-inch per month! It will take time for damaged hair to grow out.