There is nothing like that fresh-from-the-salon feeling! Unfortunately, that salon-quality hair rarely lasts longer than a day, as soon as you step out of the salon. Wish you could make it last longer? The truth is, you can! Maintaining salon-quality hair is possible with these Brooklyn stylist tips. Incorporate these tips into your hair care regimen to extend the time between hair appointments or maintain your hair's appearance.
How to Maintain Your Hair Between Appointments
Extending your salon-quality hair between your salon visits is no rocket science. Here’s how you can keep your hair healthy and looking good before your next appointment.
1. Use Quality the Right Hair Products
The foundation of great-looking hair is a healthy one. Your hair won't look great if it lacks health or looks dull. Therefore, you must start by keeping your hair as healthy as possible.
While it’s tempting to suggest using quality hair products, the truth is that even the best products won't work if they don't fit your hair type or needs. For instance, if you have fine hair, a volumizing shampoo might be more suitable, while those with curly hair might benefit from a hydrating shampoo. Invest in the right hair products that are tailored to your hair's needs and your lifestyle.
First, determine your hair type correctly. Do you have fine or thick hair? Is your hair curly and wavy or straight? Your answer determines the right product, designed to match your hair’s specific needs. Aside from hair type, it’s also worth noting what other treatments you’ve done on your hair. If you have bleached your hair, it will require different hair products to keep it healthy and bouncy compared to virgin hair.
Next, consider the types of elements your hair is regularly exposed to and how you wear it daily. Do you use heat styling tools on a daily basis? Or do you leave it completely natural? Hair that is subjected to regular styling requires more precise care and nourishment, as the heat from styling tools can damage it over time.
Knowing your hair type and lifestyle helps you identify specific hair concerns that require attention. Once you understand what specific products you need, consider choosing premium-quality brands to achieve the best results.
If you’re unsure about your hair type and condition, you can always ask your Brooklyn hairstylist to assess it and recommend the best products for your specific needs.
2. Be Consistent with Your Hair Care Routine
Consistency is the secret to achieving a beautiful, salon-quality look between your appointments. Once you choose the right hair products to maintain healthy hair, stick with that routine. Your routine must include washing, conditioning, and deep conditioning. For certain hair types, you can adjust your hair washing to twice or three times a week.
It is essential to know your hair type, as excessive washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, which are necessary for maintaining its health and bounce. On the other hand, not washing your hair enough can cause product buildup, resulting in dull-looking hair.
Conditioning treatments are non-negotiable. It is crucial to condition your hair to keep strands hydrated and manageable when styling.
3. Don’t Skip Heat Protection (If You Like Styling with Tools)
Do you straighten or curl your hair with tools on a regular basis? If you said yes, using heat protection products is something you shouldn’t skip.
Heat protectant sprays are like sunscreen for your hair. They offer a protective barrier for your strands, shielding them from damage caused by high temperatures.
Better yet, limit your use of heat styling tools. On days when you are not in a hurry to leave, you can air dry your strands instead of blow-drying them. Air drying allows your hair to dry naturally, reducing the exposure to heat and potential damage.
If you must use a blow dryer, use the low or cool setting. These settings produce less heat, which is less damaging to your hair. Making small changes to your hair styling routine can have a significant impact on your hair’s overall health and especially in preventing damage.
4. Get Regular Trims
Not due yet for your next salon appointment? That is no reason to skip your styling appointment! Getting a regular trim is essential to maintaining healthy hair, especially if you are prone to developing split ends. Regular trims help remove damaged ends, preventing split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing further damage. This is why it's crucial to keep up with your trims, even if you're trying to grow your hair out.
Split ends happen when the ends of your hair lack moisture. It happens when you have long hair, and natural oils from your scalp can no longer reach the ends. That’s why it is crucial to always condition your hair, especially the ends, to keep them healthy.
Trimming your hair is the secret to maintaining the health and vitality of your strands!
5. Nourish Your Strands with Leave-In Treatments
Conditioning your hair after washing is good, but it’s often not enough. For damage-prone hair, you can elevate your hair care routine with leave-in treatments.
As the name implies, these are treatment products that you apply and leave on your hair without rinsing. Leave-in treatments provide ongoing nourishment to your strands. Depending on the specific treatment used, it can hydrate, smoothen, and protect your hair against environmental stressors.
For example, a leave-in conditioning treatment works by offering a lightweight and nutrient-dense conditioning formula to keep your hair hydrated. Meanwhile, a leave-in repair treatment strengthens and repairs your strands, improving shine and making them more manageable.
6. Be Gentle with Your Hair
Lastly, be gentle when styling your hair at home. You spend a significant amount of money on salon appointments to keep your hair nourished and healthy. Make sure to give it the same TLC at home, especially since you spend more time caring for it yourself than your stylist does.
Start with gentle brushing. You’re probably guilty of being too rough when you brush your hair strands, particularly when you have tangles. Excessively rough brushing can snag at your strands and cause unnecessary breakage. Start by brushing your hair at the ends and then work your way up. Tangles are common with long hair, so always keep this tip in mind.
Additionally, it is best to avoid brushing your hair while it's still wet. Leave it to air dry and brush it when it is about 60% dry. Wet hair is more susceptible to damage, so you have to be extra gentle.
The proper brushing method can go a long way in keeping your hair healthy and looking good. Brushing distributes your hair’s natural oils, which promotes natural shine and hair growth.
By following these hair care tips, you can extend your salon-quality hair until your next salon visit. Remember, the secret to beautiful and healthy hair is consistency. Stick to these habits and you will reap the rewards!