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| Quanita Talip |
Our beauty expert, Quanita Talip-Samaai , brings you the ultimate guide for beautiful hair! All you need to know in order to achieve shiny healthy looking hair.
Go through the tips and let us know if you have any more to add:
- A healthy lifestyle will mean healthier hair for you. Excessive stress, smoking, not exercising and not eating nutritiously are not healthy for your hair. Get your daily recommended allowances of vitamins A and E for shiny, healthy hair. Also, be sure you’re eating plenty of protein, which promotes hair growth. Eggs and nuts are excellent sources of protein. Get enough sleep and drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.
- Wet your hair before entering a swimming pool so your hair will soak up fresh water instead of the chlorinated water or wear a swimming cap. Rinse hair immediately after swimming.
- Allow hair to dry naturally as much as possible. To speed up the drying process, pat your hair dry with a towel and let the remaining moisture in your hair dry naturally.
- When blow drying your hair use the hair dryer on a cooler setting as hot air can be damaging to your hair. Don't leave the hair dryer in one spot for more than a few seconds, keep it moving and at a good distance away from your hair. As you’re blow-drying your hair, direct the hair dryer's nozzle down the hair shafts as you hold each section of hair with a round brush.
- Hair is most fragile when it is wet so avoid brushing when it's wet, or else it will cause breakage. Wait until your hair is almost completely dry before brushing it or use a wide-toothed comb while your conditioner is on to comb out any knots in your tresses.
- To keep your brushes and combs clean, wash them weekly using soap or shampoo and allow to air- dry.
- Buy shampoos & conditioners that match your hair type. Trial and error is the best way to find out what specific hair product is best for your hair.
- Beware of hot water! It can dry out your hair and leave it dull. Instead, after shampooing and conditioning, rinse with cool water. It closes the cuticle and that allows light to reflect off the hair, producing lots of shine.
- It is important to wash your hair regularly (approximately 2-3 times a week) as shampooing removes dirt, dead skin cells, hair oils and styling products. When washing your hair, rinse before shampooing to remove dust and dirt, then apply the shampoo onto your scalp and massage it gently with your fingertips working towards the ends. Once done ensure that you thoroughly rinse to remove any shampoo residue as it may dry out your scalp and attract dirt.
- Use a conditioner after shampooing to moisturize your hair, give it extra protection, add shine, reduce static, and makes it easier to untangle. When conditioning your hair, spread conditioner evenly throughout your hair and leave it in for 2-3 minutes before rinsing out your hair.
- Be gentle when shampooing and conditioning. Don't use excessive force rubbing your hair, remember hair is most vulnerable when wet.
- Shine serums have been specially formulated to give frizzy or unruly hair a sleek sheen. These products moisturize your hair with a concentration of oils or silicone. To apply, use a pea-sized amount to start. Start at the bottom of your hair and work your way up, rubbing it into wet or dry hair with your hands. It’s important not to use too much serum, because it can weigh hair down.
- Regular conditioners are great, but if you really want to pump up the shine, add a leave-in conditioning treatment to your routine.
- Shiny hair is healthy hair — so don’t abuse it! Limit your hair’s exposure to harsh chemicals, like the chlorine in pools, relaxers, perming, straightening and colouring.
