The Golden Rules of Good Hair Care

Whatever your hair type, whatever your style, certain hair care rules are just non-negotiable. Gone are the days when simply shampooing and conditioning are enough. With the variety of tools, environmental aggressors, and chemicals our hair and scalp are exposed to daily, we need a little more than just lathering and brushing to nourish our locks. Here are the new golden rules to guide your hair care routine.

You’ve heard of double cleansing for the face, and now it’s time to get acquainted with double rinsing your hair. Rinsing is an often-neglected part of the washing process, but it is especially important for longer hair. If you’re shampooing and conditioning your hair properly, chances are you’re getting product on your scalp and between hair strands — which is great, but that won’t come off so easily.

Too much product buildup on your scalp can lead to dryness, irritation, itching, and flaking. How do you know if you haven’t rinsed enough? If your hair falls flat or you have irritation on your scalp, it’s likely caused by not washing out all the hair products you use in the shower. When in doubt, rinse again. 

While this may sound frivolous, hear us out. According to research conducted by the US National Library of Medicine, a regular scalp massage increases hair thickness by stretching the follicles and stimulates the scalp for faster hair growth. It also gently exfoliates and reduces product buildup to prevent flakes.

With short, androgynous hairstyles such as pixie haircuts, undercuts, and even buzz cuts, your scalp is more exposed, so you want it in tip-top shape. You can massage your scalp with your fingers, but you could also use scalp brushes with soft rubber bristles that get between the hair to reach the scalp. It’s a relaxing treat that you can give yourself a few times a week. 

Regular deep conditioning hydrates and nourishes hair that has been exposed to the elements — heat, dust and dirt, environmental pollution, chemicals, even hard water. The frequency will depend on your hair type. If you have finer hair, try deep conditioning once a week. If your hair is textured, curly, or wavy, do it at least twice a week.

Deep conditioners have special ingredients that deeply penetrate the hair shaft to mend and nourish hair from within. The good news, Dove Intense Repair Conditioner is gentle enough to use daily and works as an effective deep conditioner. It contains keratin actives that repair damage deep inside the hair. Leave it on for three minutes and rinse well. 

UV rays don’t just damage skin, they are harmful to hair as well. UV rays can break down the hair cuticle, the outermost part of the hair shaft, and leave strands damaged and frizzy. If your hair is chemically treated, that is, straightened, permed, or colored, it is more vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays. The best way to avoid heat damage is to avoid being under direct sunlight or putting a physical barrier between your hair and the sun, such as a hat or a scarf.

It’s a myth that getting regular trims will make your hair grow faster — but this method will indeed make it healthier. Trimming the ends gets rid of split ends and damage, so your hair grows out strong. It just keeps hair looking healthy and your hairstyle looking fresh. Pixie cuts and other shorter styles need to be refreshed every three to four weeks.

A sleek bob will also need regular upkeep to keep it looking sharp. In comparison, longer hair that is relatively healthy can go without a trim for up to three to four months. However, regardless of your hairstyle, make an appointment with your stylist when you see any damage to the ends.

Start incorporating these hair care tips into your routine for healthier, softer hair no matter what your hair length or hair type is!