Monthly Archives: May 2018

Summer is quickly approaching, and while we can’t wait to hit up the beach and sport some short shorts, we’re dreading what the heat does to our hair. Every summer we have to deal with the humidity and sunshine drying out our locks so they appear dull and frizzy instead of sleek and shiny. But this year, we vow to improve our hair with a few easy tips that anyone can follow. Here are 13 hair hacks to surviving the summer heat and humidity.

13. TEASE BANGS

Sure, we love bangs as much as Taylor Swift but during the summer they are our worse nightmare. Not only do they flip and fly in all sorts of directions, but they are hot and sweaty on our forehead. And breaking out is so not hot. An easy way to help keep your bangs off your face is by teasing them so they fall to the side and not directly on your skin. You’ll capture the side sweep bang perfectly while keeping your skin pimple-free.

12. PULL BANGS BACK IN A BRAID

If teasing isn’t your thing or you want your bangs completely gone for a day (or the entire summer), simply pull them back out of your face. And don’t just do this with a few bobby pins so it’s obvious you are trying to keep your bangs at bay, but instead work a sexy braid in there to keep your bangs away while still looking cool doing it.

11. SPORT WET HAIR

The summertime is the only time of year when rocking wet hair is cool, so take advantage of it when you’re having a bad hair day or when you simply don’t feel like doing it. After your shower, towel off and work in some gel so your hair stays wet throughout the day. Then you can pull it back and off your face or stick it up in a sexy up do.

10. TRY PEPPERMINT SHAMPOO

When it’s really hot out, you want to cool down your head with something invigorating. Use a peppermint shampoo to help cool off your scalp while helping your hair stay strong and sexy. You’ll love the way it feels on your head and really enjoy how gorgeous your hair looks (and how yummy it smells) after you style it.

9. SQUIRT LEMON JUICE IN YOUR LOCKS

Make proper use of the hot temperatures and bright sunshine by squirting some lemon into your hair for natural highlights. The next time you hit up the beach or hang by the pool, be sure to squirt lemon juice throughout your hair so by the time you head back home you’ll have gorgeous summer hair that you’ll love.

8. USE SPF-INFUSED PRODUCTS

We already know how important it is to use SPF on our skin when we are outside during the summer, but some of us forget how important it is to use SPF on our hair. And before you go and load up your locks with sunscreen you use on your body, stop. There are plenty of awesome products out there that come in a spray for your hair that won’t weight it down but will keep it protected so it doesn’t dry out from the sun.

7. TRY A HAIR MASK

A hair mask is always a great way to put some life back into your hair. There are plenty that you can buy that work well, but you can also create your own at home when needed. Avocado and olive oil are natural wonders when it comes to your hair because both provide softness and shine without weighting your hair down – just don’t use too much oil on the roots.

6. PUT YOUR HAIR UP

The easiest way to rid your hair from the summer heat? Simply put it up and be done with it. We know that somedays no matter what you do, your hair is just not working but that’s ok! There are so many gorgeous up dos that having a bad hair day is a thing of the past. Work in a killer fishtail braid or a high, messy bun that will easily make you look and feel great – and get your hair off your face.

5. USE BAKING SODA ON CHLORINE GREEN HAIR

We know the summer months are all about heading outdoors and jumping into a cool pool of water. But if your locks don’t love the chlorine as much as you, don’t worry. When you get out of the pool (and you notice your hair is a bit green), just add some baking soda in it before you shower and shampoo. Your hair will be back to its beautiful color, leaving that green tint far behind.

4. GET EASY BEACH WAVES HAIR

Beach waves are always in during the summer. Seriously, who doesn’t want sexy beach-inspired hair? And the best part is that you can get this look with ease. You can make your own beach hair spray with natural ingredients like sea salt and coconut, or you can head out to the store and pick up one of the many different products out there.

3. TRY COCONUT OIL ON YOUR ENDS

If your hair is really dry – especially on the limp, dead ends – you’ll need something heavy duty that will bring them back to life. Luckily, there is the wonder of coconut oil that pretty much solves any beauty problem, including dry hair. Take some oil in your palm and place it along the ends of your hair for a few minutes before washing it out with shampoo, and you’ll instantly see and feel a difference.

2. CRUSH ASPRIN INTO YOUR SHAMPOO

With all the product we put in our hair during the summer, it’s important to clean it up every now and then so it doesn’t get too weighed down. An old and useful trick to help remove residue in your hair is crushing up a couple aspirin and putting it in your shampoo. You’ll lift out all the heavy leftover products that your hair continues to hold and will come out with pretty locks that are healthy.

1. TRY APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
   Make your hair smooth and sexy this summer by using a few drops of apple cider vinegar in your mane. Before you shampoo, massage the vinegar in your hair and keep it there for a few minutes before shampooing it out. Afterwards, you’ll definitely see a difference as your hair will be smooth, shiny, and completely frizz-free.

Ref. thetalko.com

There’s a whole list of good reasons to ease up on the hair dye. Going off the bottle can improve your hair’s health if it’s severely damaged from coloring it and using heat tools, save you some serious time and money, and will be a great change if you’ve grown tired of your current shade. Bleaching your strands to lift your current color or getting a dye job that’s close to your current shade may be the quickest way to return to your natural color, but the only way to truly repair your strands is to be gentle and make the change in small steps.

Needless to say, completely ditching the dye is easier said than done. Resisting the temptation to grab a box of dye when you’re dealing with months of awkward roots at their various stages can seem impossible. Here are some tips on what you should ask for at the salon, and what you can do at home to return to your natural color, no matter what shade you’re rocking.

If You Have Highlights

Ready to let go of your highlights? We recommend gradually adding in lowlights to space out the lightness from your current highlights and let more of your natural color show through. To take the edge off the color and soften the contrast between the light and darker shades, we also recommend that your stylist apply a gloss treatment. At home, you can treat your strands to a weekly gloss hair mask to boost shine from roots to ends.

If You Went Lighter

Whether you went platinum or strawberry blond, heading back to your darker roots won’t be a one-step process. If you have gone all over blonde, I recommend a base drop of your natural color. This is applied like a single process but pulling it through strategically so you break up the lines between the two drastically different shades, then an all over gloss to add softness to the blonde hair. After you leave the salon, slather on a mask specifically tailored for dry and damaged hair once a week after shampooing. It will rejuvenate dull strands, and preserve color vibrancy.

If You Went Dark

Cut off some of the travel time on your return trip back from the dark side by subtly adding some highlights to your current shade. Adding soft highlights by either painting or highlighting the ends will cut through the dark and add dimension to the hair so you don’t see the strong line of demarcation. Between appointments, protect your shade with a few spritzes of a color preserving spray.

If You Went Pastel

Pastel hues are a pretty way to experiment with hair color, but the cotton candy shades require major commitment and upkeep. Luckily, once the color has faded, going back to your original shade isn’t too difficult. Most likely it’s super blonde under the pastels. Once they have faded out, you can apply a base drop or a combination of highlights and lowlights to get you back to your natural shade. Faded hair color can make your strands appear dull, in order to rejuvenate your strands, run a nutrient-rich oil through your mane to restore it to its healthy, vibrant state.

Ref: instyle.com

Let’s face it, your hair has a mind of its own and does pretty much whatever it wants on a daily basis. And, I’m sure there are days when you feel like it’s completely out of control. But, there is one way that you can show your hair who’s the boss and gain back control. And that’s through a proper hair care routine.

Now, we’re not telling you to completely overhaul your current hair care routine and buy all new hair products. But there are certain simple tips and tricks that you can follow that can bring about a massive improvement in your hair in just a few days. So, let’s check them out!

1. Tips For Washing Your Hair

There are a few things you could be doing wrong in the shower that are stopping your hair from looking its best. So let’s look at some tips you can try out:

Oil your hair:

Oiling your hair before washing it is probably the best thing you can do for your mane. Massage some coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil onto your hair and scalp an hour before getting into the shower to pre-condition it.

Use lukewarm or cool water:

Hot water can damage your hair in the same way that the heat from heat styling tools does – by dehydrating your hair and causing split ends. So, always wash your hair with either lukewarm or cool water to close the hair cuticles and retain the moisture in it.

Dilute the shampoo:

We’re all prone to using 2-3 pumps of shampoo when washing our hair. But the harsh truth is that shampoo strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry. To prevent that from happening, dilute 1-2 pumps of shampoo in half a mug of water and then use that to wash your hair.

Gently massage:

Don’t rub your head harshly when shampooing it. Instead, gently massage your scalp and hair with your fingers in small, circular motions while shampooing it to prevent excessive tangling and damage.

Apply conditioner only on the ends:

A big mistake I made for the longest time was applying conditioner all over my hair from root to tip. However, I have since learned that doing so can create a lot of buildup on your scalp. So, apply conditioner only from the mid-length to the ends of your hair and wash it off after 2 minutes.

Don’t wash your hair every day:

The last and most important tip for washing your hair is this – Don’t. Wash. Your. Hair. Every. Day. While you may think you are being very hygienic, all this will do is dehydrate and damage your hair, strip it of its natural oils, and make it more prone to breakage and hair fall.

2. Tips For Drying Your Hair

You may not know this, but there is a high chance that you are unleashing a world of damage on your hair while brushing and drying it. So, here’s a few things you need to keep in mind once you step out of the shower:

Use a microfiber towel:

Pre-dry your hair with a microfiber towel once you step out of the shower. Avoid using a terrycloth towel as it can tangle your hair too much, increase frizz, and cause it to break.

Blow dry only after your hair is partially dry:

Blowdry your hair once it is 70% dry. This gives time for your hair cuticle to close up and will reduce the heat damage.

3. Tips For Brushing Your Hair

Yes, there is a bit more nuance to brushing your hair than going straight at it with the hairbrush/comb of your choice every morning. After all, knots and tangles are a major cause for hair breakage. So, here’s what you need to do:

Detangle in the shower:

Detangle your hair in the shower with a wide toothed comb while there’s conditioner in it. This is when your hair is soft and malleable, thus making it easier and less painful to detangle it.

Use a boar bristle brush or wide toothed comb:

If you’ve been using a round brush or metal brush to detangle your hair, then you need to stop right away. Those brushes are meant to be used when you are blow drying your hair. For everyday use, opt for a boar bristle brush, wide toothed comb or stagger toothed comb to remove the knots and tangles from your hair.

Detangle from the ends to the scalp:

You may not know this, but detangling your hair from roots to ends can create more knots and ultimately lead to more breakage. The correct way to go about it is to start a few inches above the ends and brush downwards, slowly working your way up to the scalp.\

4. Tips For Heat Styling Your Hair

There is just one thing you need to keep in mind when you use you use heat styling tools like the curling wand or straightening iron on your hair.

Apply heat protectant:

Always, always, always apply a heat protectant to your hair before straightening or curling it. This acts as a barrier between your hair and the heat, thus protecting your tresses from untold damage.

5. Tips To Protect Your Hair From The Sun And Pollution

You may not know this but every time you step out, your hair is being bombarded by the sun and the innumerable pollutants floating around in the air. So, it’s super important that you take some steps to protect your precious tresses from them:

Wear a hat/scarf:

Cover your hair when you step outdoors, especially during summers. A hat or a scarf can go a long way in protecting your hair from intense sun damage.

Don’t step out with oily/wet hair:

Don’t step out right after you’ve oiled or washed your hair as it can make dust and dirt stick to it.

Use a hair sunscreen:

Invest in a hair sunscreen and use it religiously to protect your hair from the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun.

Deep condition:

Deep condition your hair at least once a week to restore cleanse your scalp completely and restore moisture back into your dull, dry hair.

6. Tips For Styling Your Hair

There are just a couple of things you need to keep in mind when styling your hair. These include:

Use soft hair elastics:

Only use soft hair elastics when tying up your hair. Avoid using rubber bands and the hair elastics that have a metal clasp in the middle as they can tug on your hair and cause breakage.

Don’t tie your hair up tightly:

Don’t tie your hair up in very tight braids, buns, or ponytails as it can damage your hair and hair follicles and cause hair fall. Besides which, they can give you a raging headache.

7. Tips For Hair Care At Night

We tend to take care of our hair all through the day but jump straight in the bed without paying heed to how you could be damaging your hair while you sleep. So here are a few things you should be mindful of before falling asleep:

Tie your hair up loosely:

Tie your hair up loosely with a soft hair elastic or bandana if you like sleeping with your hair tied up. Tight ponytails and buns can pull at your hair and cause them to break as you toss and turn at night.

Use a silk scarf/pillowcase:

Wrap a silk scarf around your head or sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase. Cotton pillowcases tend to be more abrasive to your hair and cause frizz and breakage.

Moisturize the ends:

Rub a little bit of any hair oil of your choice (olive oil, almond oil, and argon oil work best) on the ends of your hair before going to bed to give them an extra moisturizing boost.

8. Simple Natural Treatments For Nourishing Your Hair

Yes, it is important that you use the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling products on your tresses. But, you also need to give your hair some of nature’s love by treating it to some natural home remedies. Here are a few that you can whip up in just a few minutes with things that you probably already have in your kitchen:

Condition Your Hair With Olive Oil:

Warm a little bit of olive oil in a glass bowl and massage it onto your scalp. Leave the oil in for 45 minutes before washing your hair as per usual.

Apple Cider Vinegar Mask For Dry, Damaged Hair:

Mix 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 egg whites together and apply it all over your hair. Put on a shower cap and leave this hair mask on for 30 minutes before shampooing your hair.

Yogurt For Dull Hair:

Dampen your hair and massage half a cup of yogurt onto it. Leave it on for 20 minutes before shampooing your hair as usual.

Castor Oil To Reduce Hairfall:

Massage some castor oil onto your scalp, and from the roots to tips of your hair. Leave it on for half an hour, and then wash it off with shampoo. You may have to shampoo twice to completely remove castor oil from your hair.

Henna To Repair Split Ends:

Mix half a bowl of henna powder, 4 teaspoons avocado oil, an egg and some water to form a thick paste. Apply this henna paste all over your hair and leave it on for 2 hours before washing it off with lukewarm water.

9. Foods To Include In Your Diet For Healthy Hair

A lot of hair care may seem to involve applying some stuff or doing some other things to it. But, in reality, a major part of hair care is dependent on what kind of food you eat. So here are a few things that you can include in your diet to boost your hair health:

Eggs:

The protein provided by eggs is a major source of nutrition and growth for your hair.

Citrus fruits:

Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange are a great source of vitamin C and boost the production of collagen that is essential for the strength and growth of your hair.

Dry fruits and nuts:

Munching on dry fruits as a snack is a great idea because they contain omega-3 fatty acids that nourish and thicken your hair.

Green leafy vegetables:

Green leafy vegetables like spinach are a great source of iron that nourishes your hair roots and follicles, and thus, aid hair growth.

Carrot:

This root vegetable provides vitamin A that is essential for the production of the natural oil sebum that nourishes your hair.

Avocado:

The vitamin E provided by avocado helps maintain oil levels and pH balance on your scalp that ensures your hair follicles don’t get clogged up and stop hair growth.

Whole grains:

Whole grains provide a range of nutrients like iron, biotin, zinc and B vitamins that are essential for hair growth.