If there’s anything more frustrating than hair that just won’t behave, we haven’t found it yet. And if you think you’re doing all the right things – trims on the reg; protecting your locks against hot weather – and yours still isn’t playing ball, it might be time to take serious action.
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If there’s one thing we’ve learnt, it’s that small changes can add up to the difference between a good – and disastrous – hair day. Here are three surprising haircare tips you have to try, for healthier, happier strands.
image credit: @elle_ferguson
TIP #1 UPDATE YOUR BLOW-DRYING TECHNIQUE
We’ve all made our fair share of blow-drying mistakes. By now you know that the best way to ensure your hair’s natural moisture stays intact is to partly air-dry it before styling. But this is only half the battle. When you do reach for the dryer, keep it at arm’s length rather than applying the heat directly against your hair. Around 10-12cm away is ideal, and keep it moving at all times. Don’t be cheap when it comes to your locks either. Invest in a good hairdryer that won’t turn your hair into hay.
bh recommends: Philips MoistureProtect Dryer, VS Sassoon 3Q Dryer
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TIP #2 CHANGE UP YOUR DIET
In the same way that sugar and a bad diet can have a negative effect on your skin, they also play a part in the overall condition of your hair. Protein-based foods such as fish and beans, as well as green vegetables, are vital to the growth and strength of your hair. Sweets, grease and salt are (not surprisingly) the ones that have a negative impact.
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image credit: @jesinta_franklin
TIP #3 PREPARATION IS KEY
If you’re an Aussie girl, you’ve probably got one thing on your mind this season: swimming. But before you dive headfirst into that pool, remember that as amazing as it feels for your skin and mind, it’s not so crash hot for your hair. Protecting your hair by quickly rinsing it before swimming will do wonders for its condition. The cool water helps lock in the moisture and close the hair shaft, keeping your hair protected from drying salt or chlorinated water. Alternatively, keep a serum in your beach bag and give your locks a good coating pre-dip. This will also help keep the salt water from entering the hair follicle and drying it out. Sure, it’s a habit you’ll have to get into, but the payoff is well worth it.
bh recommends: TONI&GUY Hair Care Glamour Serum Drops, Schwarzkopf Extra Care Ultimate Oil Elixir, Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Ultimate Remedy Extreme Restoration Duo-Serum
What do you do to protect the condition of your hair? Do you have any unexpected tips?
The third tip is awesome definitely something new I learnt. Never thought how important rinsing the hair with cold water before hopping in the pool or diving into the beach was. Really interesting
Do need to change my diet 🙁
Great tip about pre rinsing or using a serum/spray before swimming; haven’t heard of this before. The diet tip makes sense too.
Diet certainly plays a big part
Didn’t know my diet plays a part in haircare.