Hair Care Basics: The Complete Guide

The beauty and health of hair reflect overall wellness and daily care. For women, hair represents a part of their personal identity. Hair care is becoming an essential part of a woman's routine. We bring you proven tips to keep your hair in top condition.

Basic Hair Care for Healthy Hair

1. Regular Trimming

Even if you want to grow long hair, regular trimming is essential to remove split ends and promote healthy hair growth. It may seem contradictory – how can trimming hair contribute to its growth? The answer lies in preventing and treating damage that, if left unaddressed, can lead to split ends and weakening of the hair structure.

Why is regular trimming important?

• Preventing split ends: Split ends are a common problem that affects not only the appearance of hair but also its health. If left untreated, they can cause damage to spread higher up the hair shaft, weakening the hair and making it brittle. Trimming hair every 6-8 weeks helps remove split ends and prevents them from spreading further.

• Promoting healthy growth: Regularly removing split ends ensures that hair growth is healthy and even. Hair that is not trimmed regularly may grow slower and unevenly, leading to an undesirable appearance.

• Eliminating damage caused by external factors: External factors such as sun, pollution, heat styling tools and chemical treatments can damage hair. Trimming helps remove parts of the hair that are most damaged and weakened by these influences.

How often should you trim your hair?

The ideal trimming frequency depends on several factors, including hair type, growth rate and the extent of damage. It is generally recommended to trim hair every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends and maintain healthy growth. If you have very healthy hair or it grows slowly, you can extend this period. On the other hand, if your hair is chemically treated or often exposed to heat styling, it might be beneficial to cut it more often.

2. Gentle washing

Gentle hair washing is an integral part of keeping it healthy and strong. An approach that respects the uniqueness of each hair type and minimises potentially harmful effects is key to maintaining the natural balance and beauty of your hair. Let's take a closer look at the important aspects of gentle washing.

Choosing the right shampoo

• Hair type: Differentiate between different hair types (dry, oily, combination, coloured, damaged, fine, etc.) and choose a shampoo that is specifically formulated for your needs. Shampoos are often labelled according to the hair type they suit best.

• Ingredients: Look for shampoos that cleanse gently without stripping too many natural oils. Avoid harsh chemicals such as sulphates (e.g. sodium lauryl sulphate), which can dry out the hair and scalp. Ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerine and natural oils can help keep hair hydrated during washing.

Washing frequency

• Adjust the frequency: There's no point sticking to the "three times a week" rule if it doesn't suit your hair type. Oiler hair may require more frequent washing, while dry or damaged hair may thrive with less frequent washing. Listen to your hair and adjust the washing frequency to suit your needs.

Reduce the water temperature

• Moderately warm water: Extremely hot water can dry out the hair and scalp, while very cold water can be uncomfortable and less effective at removing dirt. Moderately warm water is ideal for washing hair because it effectively removes dirt while maintaining hydration and hair health.

Washing technique

• Gentle massaging: When washing your hair, gently massage the shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips. This helps to stimulate the scalp and increase blood flow, which is good for hair growth, while also helping the shampoo to remove dirt and grease more effectively.

• Avoid unnecessary rubbing: When washing and rinsing, try not to rub or pull your hair too much. This can cause breakage and damage. Instead, gently rinse your hair with water and let the shampoo run down the length of your hair.

3. Don't rub your hair when drying

Drying your hair is just as important as washing it properly. Wet hair is much more fragile and prone to damage, so it's important to proceed gently when drying and avoid any unnecessary rubbing, which could cause breakage or split ends. Here are some key points on how to properly dry your hair and maintain its health and beauty:

• Use soft towels made fromroving fibers or bamboo towels: These materials are gentler on the hair than traditional terry towels. Microfiber and bamboo have excellent absorption properties, meaning they can effectively remove water from hair without the need for heavy friction.
• Drying technique: Instead of rubbing, get the water out of your hair by gently "squeezing the water out" or simply wrap it in a towel and let it absorb the excess water. This process should be as least aggressive as possible to minimize the risk of damage.
• Air Drying: Whenever possible, let your hair air dry naturally. This method is the most gentle on the hair structure and helps prevent damage caused by heat styling. If you need to dry your hair quickly, use a hairdryer set to a low temperature and hold it at least 15 cm away from your hair - don't forget heat protection.

4. Protection from heat

Protecting your hair from heat is essential when using thermal styling tools, such as a hairdryer, hair straighteners, or curling tongs. These tools can reach high temperatures in direct contact with the hair, which can cause damage to the hair fibres, dryness and loss of natural shine.

Use protective products

• Protective sprays and serums: There are many products designed specifically to protect hair from heat. These products create a protective barrier on the surface of the hair, which helps to minimise heat damage. Apply a protective spray or serum to damp or dry hair before using any heat-styling tool.

• Don't leave it in one place for too long: When using a straightener or curling iron, make sure you don't leave the tool in one place for too long. A quick and even motion will ensure that the heat is distributed evenly, minimising the risk of damage.

Our tip: Regular use of hydrating and regenerating masks can help restore heat-damaged hair and keep it healthy and strong. Choose products enriched with natural oils, proteins or aloe vera, which strengthen hair fibres and promote their elasticity.

Homemade recipes and tricks

• Castor oil for hair growth: Gently massage castor oil into the scalp before washing your hair to promote circulation and hair growth.

Remember that healthy hair is a long-term commitment that requires consistent care and attention. Experiment with these tips to find what works best for your hair, and don't be afraid to consult a professional hairdresser or trichologist for specific problems or questions.

How to prepare hair fertiliser?

This recipe to support hair growth harnesses the power of natural herbs, specifically mint and rosemary, which are known for their stimulating properties for the scalp and promoting hair growth.

You will need:

• Mint (fresh or dried)
• Rosemary (fresh or dried)
• 300 ml of water
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Bring 300 ml of water to a boil. Once the water boils, remove from heat.
2. Add the mint and rosemary, and let them steep for about 10 minutes. This step allows the release of active substances from the herbs into the water. It is important to note that the herbs can be used either fresh or dried, which means flexibility in the preparation of this "fertiliser" for hair.
3. Strain and let cool.
4. Once cooled, pour into a spray bottle.
5. Apply to damp hair, focusing the application mainly on the roots and evenly along the length of the hair.

This natural hair fertiliser can help stimulate the scalp, promote hair growth and improve overall hair quality thanks to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary and mint.