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If you're finally on the road to good hair health and looking for a how-to guide to unlock and maintain gorgeous locks, you've come to the right place.
It is not impossible to have healthier, smoother hair, but many of us are unaware of the habits that frequently cause damage to our hair.
Here are five hair care tips for softer, healthier hair.
1. Apply shampoo gently on the scalp
Apply shampoo only to your scalp and rinse it out to clean the rest of your hair, advised professional hairstylist Monica Davis, according to Healthline.
Although it's tempting to use shampoo to clean your entire hair length, doing so actually causes more damage than you may realize. Shampoos are designed to clean the scalp, not the whole length of your hair.
It is also important to massage your scalp gently with shampoo as the scalp is sensitive, and follicles are prone to damage, according to Davis.
2. Focus conditioner on the tips of the hair
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using conditioner after every shampoo. Conditioner smooths your hair and replenishes moisture to your strands, especially the ends, which are the areas that often become the driest.
If you have fine hair, use it only on the tips, not the whole length. But whatever type of hair you have, conditioner is a must.
3. Wash your hair according to your hair type
If you have oily hair or scalp, wash your hair once a day regularly.
But for those with chemically-treated hair, do not wash your hair as often as you may already have drier hair.
4. Rinse hair properly after using shampoo and conditioner
Buildup from not thoroughly washing your hair after using shampoo and conditioner can result in dry, itchy hair. Make sure to rinse your hair properly and leave no residue.
5. Avoid heat
Limit the use of blow dryers and curling irons and the number of hot showers you take.
Over time, flat irons and curling wands may burn the keratin proteins that comprise approximately 85% of human hair, causing it to become dry and brittle, according to a study by researchers at Milbon and Hiroshima University.
Meanwhile, hot showers cause hair dehydration, color fading, and moisture loss by lifting hair's cuticle. They can also lead to dry, itchy scalps.
The health of your hair is as important as that of your skin. When maintaining a beautiful appearance, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of hair care.