Get the shine movement and softness you desire easy and fast with our expert advice from top pros.Hair is a protein filament that grows through the epidermis from follicles deep within the dermis. The hair can be divided into three parts length-wise, (1) the bulb, a swelling at the base which originates from the dermis, (2) the root, which is the hair lying beneath the skin surface, and (3) the shaft, which is the hair above the skin surface.
Hair is the ultimate accessory; it can add to (or detract from) your overall look instantly. Keeping it in healthy condition is the most important thing you can do to help it look and feel fabulous.
And, while it seems easy, this isn't as simple as minimizing chemical treatments or slathering on a weekly deep conditioner. While these can make your strands softer and less split-end-prone, what really matters is the daily handling; this is what creates the most stress--and potential damage--to your tresses. To help your locks look their best, we asked top experts from around the country for their advice on how to baby your mane every single day. So whether your concern is dullness, damage, frizz or fragility, we have the answers to ease even the toughest hair-care woes. Read on for tips to achieve run-your-fingers-through-it hair. Read on for tips to achieve run-your-fingers-through-it hair:
1. Steer clear of plastic-bristle brushes.
A combination of natural boar bristles on either a round or flat brush are best for dry hair, while soft, rubber-toothed wide-paneled brushes are best for damp hair
2. Brush before shampooing.
A few gentle strokes on dry hair will help remove product buildup and scalp flakes, as well as stimulate the scalp and promote blood flow (which delivers nutrients like oxygen) to hair follicles.
3. Know your water.
If your hair looks dull or is hard to style, the problem could be your tap water. According to Minneapolis-based Gordon Nelson, international creative director for Regis Salons, well water contains natural minerals (called "hard water") that can leave hair lusterless and hard to manage and can impart a brassy, orange hue. Soft water, on the other hand, has fewer damaging minerals.
4. Mist your ends with water before home coloring.
The ends of your hair are more porous and, as a result, absorb more pigment. Wet hair doesn't absorb color as readily as dry hair.
5. Trim your troubles.
As the ends of your hair get older and damaged by rough handling, get regular trims, at least 1/2 inch every four to eight weeks. Hair grows (on average) half an inch per month, so trim to maintain healthy ends.
6. Use color-protective products.
Chemical treatments like color can damage hair because the chemicals have to penetrate the outer layer of the hair (or cuticle) to allow the hue to be absorbed. Color-protective products are specially designed to minimize dryness, keep color true and prevent damage.
7. Deep condition once every two weeks.
These treatments penetrate the hair shaft and strengthen strands, using heat (from a blow-dryer) can intensify deep conditioning, as the heat causes the cuticle to open and the ingredients to penetrate.
8. Try an ionic dryer.
Ions are atoms with a positive or negative charge.
These particular hair-dryers bathe your hair in negative ions, which help break up water molecules faster and cancel out hair-damaging positive ions.
9. Give textured or relaxed hair a break.
African-American hair tends to be coarse due to a lack of natural oils, Spacing processing treatments at least two weeks apart, with weekly conditioning treatments in between for shine maintenance, helps.
