Beat bad hair days with these must-read tips for healthy hair.
Reversing bad hair days and the curse of unhealthy hair doesn’t have to be a momentous affair, and it won’t take a miracle of biblical proportions. You just need to adapt these hair laws to your everyday hair routine, and you’ll be set for life. Maybe even longer.
1. Thou shalt have no other hair stylists.
Great hair means a great relationship with a stylist that you trust. Someone that will learn your hair, your personality, and figure out how to make you get along with your hair’s quirks. Sometimes you have to fire your current stylist to find one that’s worth her hairspray. Don’t forget, you’ll probably get what you pay for, but in the end, your relationship with your hairstylist will probably outlive your current boyfriend.
- How to Fire Your Hairstylist
- How to Find the Right Hairstylist
2. Thou shalt not hold thyself to unrealistic hair expectations.
You know who you are. Your hair is plenty capable of being awesome, but it probably won’t look like a celebrity’s hair if you don’t have hair like that celebrity. In fact, your hair stylist would have this conversation with you if she wasn’t afraid of hurting your feelings. Being realistic about your hair’s abilities and your own styling capabilities will lead to better hair days immediately.
3. Thou shalt not use 400° styling tools without proper protection.
Your flat iron is likely capable of temperatures close to or even over 400°. Did you know that hair burns to a crisp at around 400°? And by crisp, I mean *poof*… adios hair. If you insist on heat styling your hair, I’m going to insist that you protect your hair with products that are designed to help shield your hair from these scorching temperatures.
- Consider these Heat Protection Products from Sexy Hair
- 12 Benefits Heat Protection for Healthier Hair
4. Thou shalt get regular haircuts.
Stop putting your haircut off until your hair starts breaking off and tangling into a dreadlock during the night. Seriously. Figure out how often you need a haircut, schedule it with your regular awesome hairstylist, and show up. You’ll feel grown up, and your hair will thank you.
- Why Are Haircuts so Expensive?
- 5 Haircuts You Should Consider this Season
5. Honor your deep conditioners and hair oils.
Everyone needs to have at least one deep conditioner they love and use at least once a month and hair oil that they can’t live without every day. These two product combinations will change your life and keep your hair at it’s healthiest.
- 10 Deep Conditioners to Consider
- 9 of My Favorite Hair Oils
6. Thou shalt not perm your hair.
Really seriously, a perm is probably a really really bad idea, especially if you’re interested in having long, healthy hair. But hey, if dry, brittle, frizzy hair is your thing, then don’t listen to me.
- Red Flags to Consider Before a Perm
- How to Get a Perm You Won’t Hate (if you must)
7. Thou shalt not attempt to flip between light and dark hair color.
If there’s one color mistake that you don’t want to make, it’s drastic changes from super dark chocolate brown to blond in one hair appointment. Go lighter (especially) gradually, and ask your hairstylist for healthy hair advice when you decide to make drastic changes. Your healthy hair depends on it. Plus, green hair is totally a possibility if you’re overzealous.
- Hair Color 101: Talk Like a Colorist
- How to Extend Your Hair Color
8. Thou shalt not be a product junkie without a clarifying treatment.
If you’re the girl that has more hair products in your bathroom cabinet than condiments in your refrigerator, you really need to use something to remove the build-up every now and again. Whether you try to use a clarifying shampoo, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or even beer is up to you. But rid yourself of the gunk occasionally.
- Everything You Ever Wondered About Clarifying Shampoo
- How to Use Baking Soda to Clarify Your Hair
9. Thou shalt not use box hair color.
Know when it’s okay to color your hair at home, and when to leave hair color to the experts. Fixing a bad box job will cost you a pretty penny; to the tune of $100 – $300 per hour. It’s not worth the cost savings if you’re not sure, nor is it worth the damage that at home hair color can cause.
- When is it Okay to Color Your Hair at Home?
10. Thou shalt not covet your friend/neighbor/coworker’s hair.
Stop wishing for the hair you’ll never have. Ask your stylist for advice on working with the texture and thickness you were born with. Get creative with products made for your hair type, smoothing treatments, and styling options to control volume, curl, and frizz.
- One Smoothing Treatment I Love
- Texture Products that are Both Sweet and Amazing
Pro Tip: How to Actually Deep Condition Your Hair