7 long-term investments for healthy and shiny hair you won’t regret buying
After a botched haircut, I wanted to grow my hair back to my old length as fast as possible. My hair grows very slowly, therefore the only way getting my long hair back was taking good care of it, preventing breakage and split ends and avoid trimming or cutting it. Besides using hair care products adapted to the individual needs of one’s hair, I realized that it is as important to treat hair well and with care during the night as well as in daily life. While shampoo, conditioner, oils, serums, sprays, leave-ins, masks etc. are expendable goods, there are some long-term investments that will help preventing breakage, split ends and frizz, promoting healthy, shiny and bouncy hair. Here are seven long-term investments that will help you on your way to long and strong hair.
Silk pillowcase
Sleeping on silk pillowcases is beneficial to hair. Thanks to their soft and smooth nature, silk pillowcases help preventing breakage, split ends and frizz. Silk pillowcases are gentle on hair while sleeping. Silk fibers are less absorbent and smoother than cotton. Thanks to the finer texture of silk, there is less friction on the hair. The hair fibers are less roughened, resulting in less hair breakage. Skin also benefits from silk pillows, as they prevent wrinkles for stomach and side sleepers. However, silk pillowcases ain’t cheap. Satin pillowcases cost less and do the job nearly as well. Alternatively, using a silk bonnet to protect the hair while sleeping has the same (if not even the better) effect.
Silk turban and silk towels
After washing hair, gently blot or squeeze it with a silk towel to get the excess water out of the hair. I use a silk turban to wrap my hair in right after washing. Wet hair is significantly weaker and more fragile than dry hair, making it more susceptible to damage and breakage. Wet hair is more elastic and prone to stretching, and its cuticle is lifted, increasing the likelihood of damage from brushing and handling. Regular high-absorbency cotton or microfiber hair towels are too harsh to wet hair and absorb and strip the natural oils from the hair, leaving it dry and frizzy. Silk will absorbs excess water while leaving the natural oils to remain.
Silk scrunchies and metal-free hair ties
Throw out the hair ties with metal connectors and get silk scrunchies instead. The metal pieces cause friction and damage hair. Silk scrunchies are beneficial for hair health because they minimize friction and reduce hair breakage compared to traditional elastic bands. Their smooth surface prevents tangles, and they help retain moisture, keeping hair hydrated, soft, and shiny. Silk scrunchies are now available in all sizes and different lengths, however I have very fine hair therefore I also need smaller hair ties for certain hairstyles. I opt for ties without metal, that are really soft, so that my hair does not get caught in the ties when I want to take them out.
Claw clips
During the day, I usually wear my hair in a protective hairstyle. I put my hair up so that it does not rub on collars, hoods, backpacks etc. with my ends tucked away. Claw clips are an excellent way to put hair in a protective hair style. They keep hair secure in place and reduce the risk of breakage compared to bobby pins without causing too much traction on the roots. I got myself a little collection of different claw clips because changing position and style of the up-do reduces stress on hair and scalp, allows it to rest, minimizes potential damage from heat styling and other manipulations.
Brush or comb
Depending on your hair type, get a good brush or comb. High quality brushes or combs last forever and are crucial to healthy hair. While brushing or combing wet hair should be avoided as much as possible, a wide-toothed comb is more gentle on hair than a fine one or a brush. Curly girls should use a wide-toothed comb anyway because brushes can mess up the texture of the curls, leading to breakage and more damage. No matter if using a comb or brush, always start at the ends and work your way up to the scalp, making sure not to pull or rip the brush or comb through the hair, rather gently detangle it.
Professional hair scissors
Even when taking very good care of hair, breakage and split ends might occur. Once in a while I selectively cut split ends or breaking hair. This so called “search and destroy method” can help maintain hair length while removing split ends and promoting healthier hair. If I have damaged hair, I usually have it in my lengths and not at my ends. The “search and destroy method” can stretch time in between trims which is beneficial for those who want to grow their hair long as fast as possible. Using very sharp hair scissors is important to avoid further damaging the hair. Having professional hair scissors at home is always a good idea, in case you want to trim your own hair.
Scalp massaging tool
A scalp massaging tool is nice to have but your hands and fingers can do the job too. Many swear by scalp massaging as the most effective and natural way to boost hair growth. Hair grows from follicles beneath the skin's surface, containing blood vessels that nourish the roots. These follicles need proper blood circulation and nutrients to produce healthy and strong hair. By massaging the scalp, blood flow increases, getting more oxygen and nutrients to the follicles, eventually promoting hair growth. Scalp massages to promote hair growth is scientifically proven. There are several scalp massaging tools for purchase available, however one’s hands and fingers are as good.
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