The buzz in haircare maintenance is that you should only wash your hair every so often.
For those with thick, coarse hair, sometimes once or twice a week is all it takes.
Everyone with fine hair tends to wash it more often because of greasy buildups.
Once you wash your hair, the steps you take afterward can make or break how well it holds until the next wash.
These five essential steps to take after you wash your hair can help improve the period between each wash!
Step 1: Post Shower
When you invest time and money in finding the best shampoo for your hair type, you should ensure your care and maintenance steps are also suitable.
Generally, we twist and wrap long hair in a towel, inducing damage.
Instead, try to pat dry your hair with a microfiber towel.
You may also wrap your hair loosely to remove any leftover water, but there is extra emphasis on the term loosely.
Step 2: Moisturize
You want your hair to retain the moisture from a wash and rinse, so consider a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing serum.
Try to avoid the roots and only massage gently into the ends. This can also help you with the detangling process, specifically if your hair is thin or long.
Step 3: Comb It Out
To get the tangles out without damage, use a wide-tooth comb and start at the body and ends of your hair.
Starting at the root can be challenging and ultimately lead to breakage. Consider starting at the ends and making your way up toward the roots.
Step 4: Heat Protection Is Essential
After detangling, most of us use heat tools for things like blowouts, straightening, or curling.
Ensure you apply a heat protectant for whichever you prefer. This can help mitigate the damage from excessive heat over time.
Additionally, this helps your hair retain the moisture you already applied.
Step 5: The Days In Between
The first day after a wash, your hair is more pliable for styling and cooperating, so this is your best opportunity to set it.
On days two and three, you may want to use a light dry shampoo to achieve your desired style.
The oils from days two and three are your friend, so consider using them to your advantage for any updos and creative looks.
If you plan to head into days four and five on one wash cycle, consider a silk headwrap or scarf for sleeping to minimize exposure to oils on a pillowcase.
Hopefully, these steps after washing your hair help you extend your wash cycles and revitalize your overall hair health.
While washing your hair is healthy, washing it occasionally is also beneficial.
