Your hair can make or break your look. A woman can have a stunning outfit, flawless makeup application and dazzling accessories, but you better believe if her hair isn’t done she’ll look like a hot mess. Now, sometimes hair can be done in a manner that is supposed to look undone and that can be stunning, but no matter how unintentional it looks, it takes work. I’m not telling you this to frighten you, I’m telling you to empower you, because once you know you can follow these easy tips to make sure your mane is your main feature.
Three dos:
Know your hair type! There is a lot of conflicting advice about whether to shampoo and/or condition your hair everyday, and with all the different views what’s a beauty to do? The bottom line is that some people should shampoo everyday and some people shouldn’t. The same is true with conditioning.
If your hair is straight and fine (like me!), then shampooing everyday is in order, or your natural oils will weigh your hair down and make it lifeless or oily. Condition, but only with a lightweight conditioner.
But if it’s coarse and curly, give it a rest sometimes. Shampooing those hair types every day can dry your hair out and make it frizzier. You probably don't need to condition every time you shampoo, either.
That said, regardless of hair type, make it a goal – no, make it your job – to deep condition once a week. Usually Sunday morning in the perfect time for this – not only do you have a few extra minutes to let it soak in, it doubles as a way to repent for the damage you’ve done to your hair (and whatever else) Saturday night.
Work the current trends. I’ve included a picture of me and my best friend showing off two of the easiest and most fashionable hair styles. My look involves:
Teasing the crown of your head with a fine-toothed comb, and brushing the rest of the hair straight and sleek while blow-drying. Then just set in place with some serious hair spray and a head band. My friend’s look is even simpler. If you don’t have time to blow dry or style your hair for the day throw it up in a semi-structured updo, just be sure to finish it with a barrette or chopsticks, something a little more personalized than just an elastic.
Three don'ts:
Don’t blow-dry your hair until it is completely dried out! That’s how you end up with hair damage and little fly-aways sticking up all over the place. Instead allow it to dry a bit before you take the torch to it and allow it to be just a wee bit damp when you finish.
Hot hair tools – hair dryers, flat irons, crimpers, curling irons – are a necessity. But be sure you spray on some protection first. And if possible, try not to “hot tool” it everyday. In between, practice throwing your hair up into a bun or ponytail, allowing your hair to take a little break.
Don’t trim and dye too often. It’s important that you work on your upkeep, don’t get me wrong, but frequent trips to the salon not only hurt your wallet, they start to show in your tresses as well.
