A bad hair day can change the trajectory of your entire week. Reports show roughly 80% of women agree that a bad hair day results in a lack of confidence, meaning the way your hair looks in the morning can take a toll on the rest of your entire day. When your hair is in good, healthy shape, the odds of you having a bad hair day are significantly decreased. Healthy hair is smooth, shiny, and manageable, and free of the tangles and frizz that can cause the biggest issues. Unfortunately, the more you style your hair, the less healthy it is likely to be – it’s not a secret that hot tools and tight updos alike can be the most damaging things you can do for your hair, which is bad news for those who have incorporated both into their daily hair routines.
If your hair isn’t in the best shape right now, don’t worry – there are things you can do to revive your dry or dead hair while protecting it from further damage in the future.
Here are 5 simple habits that you can incorporate into your daily life for healthier hair.
- Use a Deep Conditioner
If you are in the habit of doing a quick hair wash in which you rinse out your conditioner nearly immediately, you are missing out on one of the easiest yet most important ways to give your dry hair the extra moisture it needs. Use a deep conditioner or hair mask at least once a week for at least 30 minutes to quench your hair’s thirst for extra moisture. When using a regular conditioner, you should still let it sit in your hair for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.
- Brush Your Hair Before a Shower
To reduce tangles and breakage when styling after a wash, brush your hair *before* you get into the shower. Brushes like a Wet Brush or Tangle Teezer can help remove all knots, making shampooing and conditioning a breeze. This will also help to cut down on your styling time after a wash.
- Let Your Hair Air Dry
If you are in the habit of heat styling your hair with a curling or straightening iron everyday, the least you can do is let it air dry first. Shower at night or at a time where you can allow your hair to dry on its own without the help of a blow dryer. Reducing the use of just one hot tool will make a difference in the health of your hair over time.
- Eat a Healthy Diet
Although this isn’t the most exciting advice, eating a healthier diet consisting of foods rich in protein and other nutrients can help nurture your hair. If eating healthy doesn’t come naturally to you, try a simple meal prep service like Lean Kitchen Company. Making small changes to your diet will make a huge difference in the condition of your hair.
- Try a Silk Pillowcase
To reduce breakage and the amount of frizz generated while you sleep, invest in a silk pillowcase. These are slightly pricier than the average cotton pillowcase, but it greatly reduces the amount of friction between your head and the pillow, and will leave your hair silky and shiny in the morning.
