Want more good hair days? How you wash your hair and the products you use can go a long way in maintaining healthy, shiny hair. When shampooing, focus on cleaning primarily the scalp, rather than the entire length of the hair, as washing alone creates loose, flying hairs. Conditioners should only be used on the ends of the hair and not on the scalp or length of hair, as conditioners can make fine hair look limp. To maintain healthy hair, follow these tips:
1. Wash oily hair more often. How often you wash your hair should be based on the amount of oil your scalp produces. If your scalp is oily, you may need to wash it once a day. If you have chemically treated hair, your hair may be drier and should be washed less often. As you get older, your scalp makes less oil, so you don't have to shampoo as often. But if you see flakes in your hair, you may not be using enough shampoo. This can lead to dandruff and other scalp conditions.
2. Use conditioner after every shampoo unless you use a “2-in-1” product that cleanses and conditions the hair. Using a conditioner can significantly improve the appearance of damaged hair by increasing shine, reducing static, improving strength and providing some protection from harmful UV rays.
3. Choose a shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for your hair type. For example, if you color your hair, use a shampoo designed for colored hair. If your hair is damaged or chemically treated, consider a "2-in-1" shampoo. Regardless of the cost, many brands of shampoo and conditioner offer the same benefits.
4. Protect the hair while swimming. Protect your hair from the harmful effects of chlorine by moisturizing and conditioning your hair before swimming. Wear a form-fitting swim cap and after swimming use a specially formulated swimmer shampoo and deep conditioner to replace lost moisture.
