There are many ways to trim hair care expenses, from going to the hairdressers less frequently to using fewer products. But, the ultimate goal with any type of change in hair care routine should be to maintain healthy hair.
Hair grows from the follicle, or root, it has a double structure an inner core of keratin, like the nails, and an outside hard cuticle. The cuticle protects the keratin from damage. When the cuticle is damaged it exposes the keratin resulting in a frizzy, “fly-away” and lackluster hair.
Healthy hair depends on an intact cuticle so to preserve the cuticle and keep the keratin intact use a gentle regime. Here are some tips on how to keep hair healthy and not spending a fortune on brand-name, expensive hair products.
Hair Brushes
Natural bristle are not the best thing to brush hair with, they are harsh and expensive and are not the best way to brush hair. Cheap plastic hairbrushes with widely spaced needles these protect the hair. They are cheap and are widely available.
Shampoo
Many use too much shampoo when washing hair but the old advice of less is more definitely rings true when washing hair; so don’t overdo the shampoo. People with long hair should wash only the scalp and not the ends. Wash only when the hair is oily – oily scalps need more frequent washing than dry scalps.
Brand name shampoos are no better than a shop’s own label and they are cheaper too. For coloured hair use a shampoo designed for coloured and treated hair the same goes for dandruff sufferers. Find a formula that is suitable and use it resisting temptation to succumb to branded shampoos slick marketing.
Conditioning
Hair should be conditioned after every wash. Conditioners are important for those with long hair as it protects the ends from splitting and fraying. Buying a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner has benefits damaged hair at the same time cutting the cost of buying a separate hair conditioner.
Dyeing
Dyeing hair at a salon is expensive and the products used as just the same as it is possible to buy in a store. Save money by self-dyeing hair. Just incase there is a reaction to the chemicals in the dye test a little of the dye on the skin behind a ear. Wait for 24-hours if after this there is no reaction and the skin seems healthy go ahead and dye but read the instructions on the pack first. To touch up the roots later get the help of a friend and save even more money.
Perms
The same is true for perms but be careful when applying the perming chemical as it can damage the hair if the manufacturer’s instructions are not fully followed do read the instructions and follow them to the letter.
Fuller Hair For Less
Every one would like a head of magnificently full hair unfortunately few inherit the necessary genes. But there are techniques to give the appearance of a full head of hair without breaking the bank. For instance, blow-drying hair upside down can add volume and hiding the central part of the hair by restyling it can create the illusion of fuller hair.
Many shampoos are available that claim to add volume to hair and some of these shampoos can be helpful for people with limp hair. However the only product that has been shown to add volume is minoxidil – a topical solution to treat hair loss in women and men. Other products available over-the-counter or from the Internet may not have been proved in clinical trials, minoxidil is effective in helping to restore hair in most people. Buying other products may be money flushed down the sink.
Well maintained hair makes people look good and gives confidence but there is no need to spend a fortune on expensive hair dressing salons and products to keep that lustrous head of healthy hair.
Source
The American Academy of Dermatology gives great advice on how to care for your hair by not spending a fortune on unnecessarily expensive products. Many myths abound around hair health and hair loss here is another informative site giving information on hair loss.
John Howe - John Howe is a qualified nurse, lecturer and journalist, he has written extensively on health, travel and lifestyle in Asia and Europe.
