Some shampoos contain cleansing ingredients such as alcohol and sulfates that can effectively clean your hair, but can also cause your hair to dry out. Try to avoid shampoos that have sulfate ingredients or buy shampoos that specifically are labeled “sulfate free” and “alcohol free. ”[2] X Research source [3] X Research source You could also try using a gentle shampoo made for babies. Baby shampoo has a gentle formula that can cleanse your hair without washing away your natural hair oils. [4] X Research source
If you’re concerned about your hair being oily looking, consider using dry shampoo in between your washes. [7] X Research source [8] X Expert Source Noël Reid-KillingsCelebrity Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 25 November 2020. Dry shampoo can liven up the look of your hair without having to shampoo it.
Be sure to focus adding the conditioner to the ends of your hair; the part of your hair that is most likely to be dry and damaged.
Deep conditioners work especially well for adding shine to previously dull and damaged hair.
You could also try drying your hair with an old t-shirt, as a t-shirt fabric is gentler to your hair than a towel. Drying your hair roughly with a towel can cause damage to the outer layer of your hair strands. [14] X Research source
This protective protect will lend a barrier between your hair and the heat from the styling tools.
Consider wearing a swim cap if you are going to be swimming in pools with chlorine, or salty bodies of water.
Or, you could try keeping your hair covered with a wide brim hat. [19] X Research source
If you do brush your hair, brush your hair when it’s dry, and use a boar bristled brush. [22] X Research source Boar bristled brushes do a good job of bringing hair oils from the top of your head downward, effectively moisturizing dry ends.
If you must use hot tools to tame your hair, consider lowering the heat settings. Some hot tool heat settings go all the way up to 450°, which is significantly high considering water only has to reach 210° to boil. [24] X Research source
Giving your hair a break from the chemicals will allow your natural hair to grow out which should be healthier and more hydrated. If you must dye your hair, consider using a dye with either low amounts of ammonia, or no ammonia at all.
