Chances are pretty darn good that you spent the better part of December heat styling your hair. Between holiday parties, travel, cold weather, and everything else the end of year threw at us, it's only natural to crave a reset right about now. In fact, you may even have noticed more damage, drier ends, or a general lack of shine that's popped up since before Christmas.
You may feel like there is no coming back from this damage and dryness, but we’re here to tell you that’s not always the case! Like a glitchy video game, there’s an easy way to reset your hair health and jump back on that bandwagon you fell from last month. We touched base with experts at Bumble and Bumble, Mure Salon NYC, and DevaCurl for everything you need to know to reset your hair like a pro.
Ahead, everything you need to do for healthier hair in under 30 days.
Ditch The Dead Weight
Benjamin Matat, head of artistic direction at Mure Salon in New York City, urges his clients to check whether or not a product has expired. Anything that has dried out, separated, or past the 'period after opening' time indicated on the bottom of the packaging (if it has one, that is) is ready to be tossed. Why should you care? Matat says that using old products will lead to buildup — and could even prevent new growth from coming in strong.
Consider ridding your bathroom of more than just the things that have gone bad. Cutting the clutter will help you pick the right products for better hair days, too.
Pick The Right Brush — & Use It!
Sometimes, the simplest thing can be the most beneficial. “I don’t know why, but a lot of women don’t brush their hair,” says Mischa G, hairstylist at Bumble and Bumble. (We’re guilty.) “Regular brushing is a simple step that can help create better, healthier hair."
Why? The right brush helps to detangle, distribute oil, and eliminate residual product. That said, choosing the right brush is very important.
For those with straight or wavy hair, consider a boar bristle/nylon mixture brush. (In general, the thicker the hair, the more beneficial some added nylon bristles will be.) Have curly or textured locks? An all-nylon or plastic bristle option is best to gently detangle, like the Tangle Teezer.
Moisturise Your Ends
During colder months, moisture is the most important thing to monitor, because it's the hardest thing to hold on to. Differing temperatures inside and out cause your strands to shrink and expand, leaving your hair more parched than normal.
Matat emphasises the importance of using a single drop (or more for thick or long hair) of deeply-penetrative oil each day to help seal moisture in and maintain your style. “Application is also important,” he stresses. “Apply from the ends towards the middle of the hair shaft and then just a little right on the crown.”
Mask, Mask, & Mask Some More
You’ve cleansed and conditioned, but it’s important not to skip deep conditioning. Masking your hair regularly sends important ingredients deep into the hair shaft and continues to promote your hair goals. Our experts suggest masking twice a week, but Micha G advises against leaving masks in for too long.
While it can feel like a the longer, the better, certain products may make your issues worse if left on for longer than the recommended time. Moral of the story? Pay very close attention to the instructions — and follow 'em!
Get A Strategic Cut
In truth, there isn't a special haircut that will give you healthier hair. However, there are a few things that will allow you to cut down on existing damage and future heat styling, both of which will equate to stronger hair.
First things first — get rid of damage. You can opt for a trim to banish split ends at the ends of hair, or get a "dusting " to eliminate broken tips throughout the lengths of hair. Then, invest in a haircut that will work with your hair texture and type — not against it — so you can air-dry more. Talk to your stylist about the chop best suited for your texture.
Use Protection
Incorporating no-heat and low-manipulation styles into your routine is important for long-term health. Think: A chic bun over head of barrel curls. Mischa G suggests adding oils and experimenting with braided styles to give your hair a break from hot tools and pulling.
Girls with natural hair can try a litany of protective styles, from faux dreads to box braids, to lock in moisture and protect delicate ends. If you can’t part ways with heat, Cal Ellis, curl master and educator at DevaCurl, says wavy and curly girls should try a round-brush blowout for a straighter look that is gentle on the strands. To retain moisture while you snooze, Ellis also suggests sleeping on a satin pillowcase as cotton often draws out water from your hair.
Find A Routine — & Stick To It
Going to bed without slathering on your favourite night cream sounds like death to your complexion, right? To reset your hair, you must treat your tresses similarly. “Everyone has a face ritual,” says Matat. “People need to also establish a hair ritual. Spend 5-10 minutes on your hair by using a mask or oil and you’re set for the next two or three days.”
Mischa G suggests breaking down your hair ritual to help you craft a routine for your needs and goals. “Determine what your hair type is and decide what you want to change or maintain. Then break it down into steps: cleanse and condition, moisturise and detangle, styling and finally a finishing product.”
Choose products within each step that will help you rebuild damaged hair, control frizz, or retain and promote growth.
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