The Key To Good Hair Care
With so many tips and suggestions for hair care, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with the products we suggest. Someone new to the hair care game might be familiar with shampoo and conditioner, but anti-humidity spray? Heat protectants? Mousse? Shine Serums? Can these products truly help your hair or is it all one big sales pitch?
The key to good hair care is simple: effort.
Yes, we’re serious! Proper hair care isn’t “one size fits all.” Nor is it “one and done.” It’s an ongoing process that little by little can improve the health of your hair, repair damage, add shine and smoothness, and reduce your risk of future damage.
A (Brief) Guide To Hair Care Products
There are plenty of products to choose from but finding the right product for your hair type, texture, and goals requires a little research. To help narrow down your options, here is a brief guide to some of the most common hair care products available:
Shampoos
Regular Shampoos
Remember: not all shampoos are created equal.
Nourishing shampoos clean and condition. Hydrating shampoos balance moisture. Sulfate-free shampoos provide a gentler clean for color-treated hair that won’t strip away your color. Volumizing shampoos add body. There are shampoos for dry hair, shampoos for oily hair, and 2-in-1 shampoos that contain both shampoo and conditioner. All of these are meant for regular use and can be used every time you wash your hair.
Clarifying shampoos, however, remove heavy build-ups and are only meant to be used occasionally.
Color Shampoos
Color depositing shampoos (and conditioners) boost color brilliance by naturally depositing color when you wash your hair without the need for additional lighteners. Use every-other wash to maintain your hair color and keep it “salon fresh.”
Dry Shampoos
Dry shampoos are sprays or powders that can be applied at the roots to soak up excess grease and oils, allowing you to go a day or two without shampooing your hair.
Conditioners
Rinse Out
Rinse out conditioners are the most common and are used in the shower before or after shampooing. Apply from mid-shaft to your ends, leave in for a few minutes, then rinse out.
Leave In
Leave in conditioners are used post-shower to moisturize, detangle, smooth, and add shine. Because leave in conditioners are so light-weight, they can be used as a styling product for silky, shiny strands.
Deep Conditioners and Hair Masks
These products contain oils and emulsifiers to repair hair from the inside out. Perfect for those with dry and damaged hair! Deep conditioner treatments and hair masks can be done once a week. Apply from root to ends, focusing on your ends where the most damage exists, and leave on for 10 to 30 minutes before rinsing. The length of time is determined by your hair type and texture, so consult your stylist on what’s best for your hair!
Styling Products
Pomades
Pomades are mainly used for styling, giving hair a shiny, slick appearance. While pomades are not harmful to hair, use sparingly and as needed to achieve your desired hairstyle. Otherwise, you risk making your hair overly greasy!
Shine Serums
Shine serums and sprays are used to make your hair look glossy, smooth, and frizz free! Mist it over your strands after you’ve finished styling.
Mousse
Mousse gives your hair volume, hold, and style. Mousse doesn’t breakdown in humidity, holds and lifts curls, and is great for any hair type or texture. The amount you should use varies based on your hair, but in general, work a golf-ball sized amount through your roots, down to mid shaft while your hair is still wet, then blow dry.
Hairspray
Hairspray can be used to hold your hairstyle in place, boost volume, and add shine. For general hold, spritz your hair, keeping the nozzle about six inches away from your head. To boost volume, lift thin sections of hair and spray once or twice.
You can also use hairspray to tame flyaways by spraying it into your hands, then lightly patting your flyaways, or to combat static by spraying it onto your brush, then brushing it through your hair.
Sea Salt Spray
Get the beautiful waves you’ve been dreaming about with a good Sea Salt Spray. This product gives your hair loose waves. Simply spray your hair, then scrunch it with your hands as your hair dries.
At LJ Hair Design we want your hair to always look and feel its best. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment in our Niagara Falls salon or browse our product shelves next time you visit!
