Hair trends for 2016 are all about natural, undone textures with a glamorous quality so here’s eight great tips to keep your hair looking fabulous.
•PROTECT YOUR HAIR – from sun and pollution. Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil powder, has high purifying, detoxifying and cleansing properties which is great for helping pollution-damaged hair because of its antioxidant properties. It’s featured in our Ylang Ylang, Argan & Rosemary conditioning shampoo and our Peony, Bay & Brahmi nourishing shampoo. Protecting hair from sun can be difficult but tying your hair loosely and shampooing your hair with hydrating shampoo can really help absorb moisture
•DEAL WITH WET HAIR – when your hair is wet it is very fragile and breaks easily. The shaft (the hair above your scalp) and the roots of your hair are prone to damage. Don’t be too harsh when shampooing and brushing as breakage begins here. Use a gentle massaging technique and a wide-toothed comb whilst the conditioner is on to help get rid of knots.
•REDUCE THE HEAT– avoid using the highest heat setting on your hair styling tools as it can burn your hair. Heat strips the moisture from hair, making it dry and frizzy and when over used it can burn your hair. Remember to use a hair protectant. A blend of Lavender and Jojoba oils are great for protecting your hair from hair styling heat.
•REGULAR HAIR CUTS – cutting your hair on a regular basis keeps it fresh looking, easy to manage and, if you have long hair, helps keep split ends at bay. How often depends on how fast it grows and condition. Getting into a routine will help keep your hair looking fabulous and avoid it looking straggly and frizzy.
•BREAK BAD HABITS - stress, smoking, over eating and drinking can make your hair feel and look dull and lifeless and prone to damage. The healthier you are, the healthier your hair is. Try burning these essential oils as they have great aromatherapy benefits – Lavender is great for relieving stress whilst Grapefruit essential oil will help reduce food cravings.
•SWIMMERS HAIR – chlorine builds up on hair and leaves a discolouring green film. Be sure to prepare hair for swimming. Wet hair with tap water before you take the plunge and it won’t absorb too much chlorinated water or, if your pool allows it, cover it in conditioner, so it is even harder for hair to absorb chlorine. And, try a post-swim clarifying shampoo which has residue-removing properties – our recently launched, plant inspired, AA Skincare range includes Cedarwood and Peppermint Deep Cleansing shampoo.
•AVOID TYING HAIR TIGHTLY - tying your hair up too tightly and too often can cause breakage. Tie hair up every so often or loosely with a clip to help let hair breath and reduce pulling.
•CONDITIONING – When it comes to conditioning our strands, many of us brush over the critical step, or skip it all together. However, experts agree that moisturising your mane is just as, if not more, important than cleaning it. Make sure you choose a hydrating, nourishing and conditioning mask to apply directly to the mid length and ends. Take a look at this video for the best vegetable oils to use for deep conditioning masks in the comfort of your own home.