Over the course of centuries, the roles and ambitions of women around the globe have changed drastically. However, the one thing that has remained consistent throughout time has been the undying love women have for their hair. Dating back to ancient times, women of all ages have spent great amounts of time formulating concoctions that will make their hair look healthy, strong, shiny and, of course, better than everyone else’s. For women, these strands of fiber are not just another feature of their anatomy; they are an expression of their personality and a characteristic that defines their style to the world.
Women today are willing to spend a fortune on their hair, even if a particular treatment damages it or contains hazardous chemicals. Last year alone, women around the world spent close to $1 billion on hair services and products.
Type: Before you start forming your hair care regimens, you must first be fully aware of your hair type and know whether it’s curly, straight, frizzy, chemically treated or heat damaged. You should also know how your hair behaves when it is exposed to water, color, heat, humidity and different types of styling products. This knowledge will prevent you from partaking in measures that could potentially leave you with no hair.
Color: Some women color their hair merely for gray coverage; others do it to change their looks. Before coloring your hair, you should be completely certain of what you want and should consult with a professional because they have better knowledge about the color and the process.
Shampoo: If you have color-treated hair, to preserve color and moisture, make sure you use color-care shampoo. If your hair is damaged and porous from overprocessing, then you should consider using a good repairing shampoo that contains the protein keratin. Look for shampoos that address other hair needs such as frizz, curls or flatness; there are plenty of shampoos out there that satisfy these needs along with providing color care. Try a purifying shampoo to get rid of product buildup and to help your hair absorb conditioner better, ultimately making your color look more vibrant.
Make sure that the shampoos you use are always sulfate- and paraben-free! These chemicals slowly dry out your hair and, over time, cause it to split and break off along with fading your color. These shampoos are a bit pricier than brands like Pantene, but they’re worth the extra dollars. Conditioner: Get a conditioner that suits your hair. Use a repairing conditioner with protein if your hair is extremely damaged, a lightweight conditioner if your hair is fine or a heavy conditioner if your hair is normal to thick.
Treatments: A good deep-conditioning mask left on for 5-10 minutes or more once a week can really make a difference for all hair types, making hair noticeably softer and more manageable. Leave-in conditioners can help your hair retain moisture even when it’s dry. There are several leave-in products on the market to help keep down frizz and provide sun protection and thermal protection.
Lifestyle: Along with using the right products for your hair, it is important to have a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, nuts and dairy can encourage the growth of healthy hair. Drinking plenty of water and exercising will also help your hair become strong and shiny.