Here are their go-to tips for healthy, frizz-free, shiny locks:
1. Skip parabens + sulfates
We always make sure to protect our little ones from harsh ingredients, so why shouldn’t we protect ourselves, too? When choosing a product to use on your hair, whether it be a shampoo or a styling product (a good go-to is Oribe shampoos and conditioners), always check the label, says Barbuto. If the product contains parabens (a preserve used to keep cosmetics fresh), sulfates (chemicals used as cleansing agents) or phthalates (chemicals used to soften solvents in cosmetics) stay away. Some studies have suggested that these ingredients are hormone disruptors, and many have been linked to cancer.
2. Create a washing routine
Not all hair is created equal so the overarching rule of washing your hair twice a week might work for some, but it can be damaging for others. To determine the right amount of washing for your mane, identify the type of hair you have. “Here’s my rule—if you have curly and coily hair, wash it once a week; if it’s frizzy, wash it every three to four days; if you have fine hair, opt for every other since it gets super oily,” says Barbuto.
3. Avoid using a bath towel to dry your hair
Wrapping your hair tightly with a bath towel causes stress and damage to your hair. The friction can cause breakage, knots and eventually lead to split ends. But, if you’ve been using a towel, don’t stress it—simply switch to an old t-shirt or a microfiber towel instead, says Barbuto. And, if you must use a bath towel, pat, don’t rub your hair.
4. Try a nourishing hair oil
Simply put, hair oils coat the outer cuticle of the hair shaft, leaving it protected from harsh winter elements. “I’ve played around with a few different brands, but end up going back to Oribe’s gold lust oil to preserve my hair,” says McGuinness. It’s not too heavy, can be used on wet or dry hair, and prevents and helps to heal damaged ends.”
5. Use a hair mask weekly
For busy moms, a shower can feel like an indulgence, so why not add in some hair love?
“Simply run a generous amount through your dry hair, focusing on the ends,” says McGuinness. “Wait 5 minutes then hop in the shower and shampoo and conditioner as usual! I’ve found this to be the easiest way to treat my blonde ends, without feeling like I’m wasting time.” McGuinness’ pick? Jess & Lou’s 5-minute rest hair therapy.
6. Back off on the heat
In the summer, it’s much easier to just let your hair dry naturally, but there are a couple of ways to get the benefits of no heat in the winter as well. “I like to take a shower at night and air dry my hair before bed. If necessary, in the morning I’ll quickly run a large curling iron through my hair to give a little undone texture,” says McGuinness. “Once you’re happy with your style, apply dry shampoo to extend your style. Each day adds in a bit more, massaging in with your fingers to absorb excess oil.” Her current favorite is Dry Bar’s detox dry shampoo—”a little goes a long way, and I don’t have to wash my hair for at least two or three days,” she says.
7. Maintain haircuts
Even if you’re growing your hair out, it’s important to get a trim or dusting to remove split ends about every two months, says McGuinness. This keeps the split ends from traveling further up your hair shaft, leading to a bigger cut in the future.
8. Swap shampoo for a cleansing creme
Instead of using a shampoo, try a cleansing creme instead. “It doesn’t have to be for every wash, but every time you choose to use a cleansing conditioner in place of regular shampoo, it adds much more moisture without stripping the hair at all,” says McGinness. Try Oribe cleansing creme for medium to thick hair, and R+CO analog cleansing foam conditioner for fine to medium hair, says McGinness.
By Deena Campbell | Source