Trends come and go, but healthy hair always looks good. The strands you see are made of keratin, a protein, and they can’t heal themselves once they’re damaged. That’s why healthy hair is mostly about prevention: the small habits you repeat every day.
Wash for your hair type
There’s no single right schedule. Fine or oily hair may need washing every day or two, while thick, curly or coarse hair often does better with washing a few times a week. Focus shampoo on the scalp, where oil and buildup collect, and let the suds rinse through the lengths. Choose a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo if your hair is dry or color-treated.
Never skip conditioner
Conditioner smooths the outer layer of the hair so it reflects light and resists tangles. Apply it from the mid-lengths to the ends every time you shampoo, and add a deep conditioning mask once a week if your hair feels dry.
Be smart with heat
- Always use a heat protectant before blow-drying or using hot tools.
- Use the lowest temperature that gets the job done.
- Give your hair heat-free days, and let it air-dry when you can.
Plan your color with your stylist
Lightening and color change the structure of the hair, so the way they’re applied matters. A good colorist places lightener only where it’s needed and avoids processing the same lengths over and over. Behnaz plans color, highlights and balayage around the health of your hair as well as the look you want.
Keep up with trims
Regular trims remove split ends before they travel up the strand. Short and precision cuts usually need a trim every four to eight weeks to hold their shape; longer hair can often go eight to twelve weeks.
Protect your hair day and night
- Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends.
- Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the same spot every day.
- Wear a hat in strong sun, and rinse hair after swimming.
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase.
When to get help
If your hair suddenly starts shedding, thinning or breaking more than usual, see a doctor or dermatologist, as it can be a sign of something beyond hair care. For dryness, damage or a cut that has lost its shape, a stylist is the right place to start.
Healthy hair starts with a great cut
Behnaz is a Vidal Sassoon–trained master stylist at Salon Bravissimo in Sacramento. Book an appointment to talk about your hair and the habits that will keep it looking its best.
