Top Tips for Great Hair in 2022

Last Updated on 2022-04-07 by Linda

Taking care of your hair shouldn’t start and stop at the hairdresser’s. There are a plethora of tasks that you can be doing at home to make your hair look and feel good. Here are some top tips to help you get started and look after your hair in 2022. 

Learn about your hair type

Random videos on social media that tell you how to take care of your hair will no longer suffice. Everyone has a unique type of hair, and you must take time to understand yours, so you can take better care of it. There are a range of different factors to consider, such as whether it is straight or curly, thick or thin, oily or dry, the moisture levels of your scalp, and much more. Here are some top tips to help you identify your hair type.

Hair structure

Your hair structure will fall into three categories: fine, medium or coarse. This relates to the thickness of the individual strands of hair, as opposed to your full head of hair. The most effective way to test which type of hair you have is to place a strand of hair next to a piece of sewing thread. If it is thicker, then your hair is likely to be coarse, if it is thinner, then it is likely to be categorized as fine, and anything in between the two would be medium. 

Hair texture

The texture of your hair refers to what pattern or shape the strands naturally fall into when you don’t use any products or manipulate them in any way. The best way to check this is to air dry your hair after you next wash it, and see if it dries with curls or loops, a slight curve, or straight. 

Hair porosity

It is important to know how much moisture your hair absorbs, as this will impact the effectiveness of the products that you use on your hair. If your hair porosity is low, it is likely that the moisture is being blocked, and can risk a build-up on the strands. You should only use products on damp hair. If your hair has a high porosity and absorbs a lot of moisture, then your hair will be dry and therefore, require nourishing products. To determine the porosity of your hair, place a strand of hair into a bowl filled with water. If your hair floats above the water, then it has low porosity, if it floats in the top half of the bowl, it is considered balanced, and if it sinks, it is considered high porosity. 

Great Hair Tips

Scalp health 

If your scalp experiences dryness and flaking, it likely needs a hydrating shampoo that is gentle on your hair. If your scalp experiences flaking but is oily, then you may need to wash your hair more frequently and add products with added oil control. 

Understanding your hair type is an important step that will help you treat it better with the right care and products. Before you try any new technique or product, check if it is suitable for your hair type and/or any problems that you are struggling with. 

Regularly wash your hair 

Washing your hair regularly is key to having great hair in 2022. Not only does it keep your hair looking fresh, clean and shiny, but it will also ensure your scalp does not build up with oil and debris. You should wash your hair a certain number of times per week, depending on your hair type. For example, if you have oily hair and scalp, then you should wash it more frequently, such as every other day. If you have dry hair, you may wish to wash it 2-3 times per week.

Use the right products on your hair 

When it comes to hair products, quality is always better than quantity. If you use too many hair products or ones that are of poor quality, then you may be doing more damage than good. Determine what kind of hair you have, and make sure you choose the right products. You should choose products that align with a certain course of treatment, such as hydrating thick, coarse and dry hair, and stick to it for a long period. And You should always aim to use products that have fewer toxins and chemicals in them, as they will damage your hair much quicker. 

Big Tip: You need to ensure you are also using the products correctly. Make sure you check for instructions and the best techniques for each product. Here are some important examples that are not common knowledge, but can make a huge difference to the condition of your hair if done correctly.

• Avoid rubbing conditioner into your scalp, and instead, only use it on the tips 
• Always use heat protection spray 
• Brush your hair gently, and always work from the bottom up to remove the tangles
• Use soft hair ties, not elastic ones

Regularly visit the hairdressers

Whether you have coloured hair or natural hair, visiting the hairdresser regularly is key to great hair. It also helps with keeping your hair in good condition. It provides you with an opportunity to get advice from an expert, on how to best care for your hair in between sessions. Plus what are the best products and techniques for your particular hair. This can be particularly helpful if the condition of your hair changes over time. 

A haircut at the very least is important, as split ends and damaged hair can ruin your overall look, as well as worsen the condition of your hair if they are not maintained properly. 

Hairdressers can also give you a fresh new look and style. Hairdressers are experts in all kinds of cuts and styles, so for example, if you are thinking of getting a balayage, which is a more complex style, your hairdresser will be able to help you achieve the desired look. This is a much better option than attempting it at home by yourself, where you can risk ruining your hair, and causing a lot of damage that will not be easy to reverse. 

Consider your lifestyle 

Your lifestyle, and your habits will make a big difference to the condition of your hair. Some can even lead to hair loss if you are not too careful. Other great tips for your hair,include avoiding a few things, Smoking, stress, diet, sun exposure, hair products, and much more, all have the potential to damage your hair. 

Diet

Your diet is extremely important. If you do not consume vital vitamins and minerals, the condition of your hair will change. You could run the risk that it will start to fall out. A diet that consists of too much junk food, or extreme diets can also have a similar impact on your hair. To maintain healthy hair, you should ensure your diet is consistent. And contains a range of different healthy foods, such as:

• Fresh fruit, such as apples, bananas and berries
• Fresh vegetables, especially leafy greens
• Dairy products, for example, eggs, cheese and milk 
• Nuts and seeds
• Poultry such as turkey and chicken 
• Fish

You should also ensure your diet consists of a range of essential vitamins and minerals. Includingvitamin A, vitamins B6 and B12, vitamin C, folic acid, zinc, copper and iron. Reduce your salt and sugar intake, and increase your protein intake.

One of the most important parts of your diet should be drinking sufficient water. This will ensure your hair stays well hydrated, and essential nutrients can transport around your hair and body.

No Smoke 

Smoking has been linked to the health of your hair. It can impact the blood flow to your body, as well as to your hair follicles, which require a consistent source of oxygen and nutrients to stay strong and continue to grow.It is also known to speed up the aging process of your body, including gray hair and hair loss.

Stress

Stress is one of the biggest problems society faces. It is difficult to combat, as there are a variety of different reasons why someone would feel stressed. There are different triggers, and different treatments, as everyone’s experience is unique. What many people don’t realize is that stress is not just mental, but it also affects your physical body. Too much stress on your body can be overwhelming and in turn, your health may start to suffer. This can include your hair health and hair loss. This is because your hair will enter a resting stage. As a response to the different hormones being released in your body to help combat the stress. This stage will still shed hair, as normal, but will not be replaced with new hair growth. 

Pollution

Wherever you are in the world, your hair is likely exposed to some level of pollution. This will be worse if you live in a busy city. There there are significantly more car exhaust fumes in the air. Pollution can impact your hair by affecting the keratins (protein formation) within the structure of your hair. This can lead to damaged and weak hair. 

There is a lot to consider when looking after your hair. This will include your specific hair type, the products you use, getting your hair done by a professional, your lifestyle and habits.