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PHOTOGRAPHY: NAJIN / SHUTTERSTOCK 2009 |
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Many Canadian women are left feeling ‘hair depressed’ as a result of committing one or more of the ‘Top 5 Deadly Haircare Sins’ that impact the overall health, look and feel of your hair.
Break free of those ‘bad hair’ blues and incite a little hair envy with healthy, beautiful looking hair each and everyday by simply avoiding the following five haircare sins.
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Using the wrong product for your hair type
Many women make the mistake of using a haircare product or regimen not suited to their hair type. And can’t figure out why they’re not getting the results they desire and deserve! Before selecting any haircare product, it’s important to first determine your hair type. Hair type, like skin type, is determined by assessing overall look and feel. If your hair is dull and dry-looking with brittle ends (straw-like) it needs haircare products that hydrate and add moisture. If you have colour-treated hair select haircare products specifically designed for colour treated hair. L’Oréal Paris’ new EverPure sulfate-free color care system, offers a unique collection of Moisture, Smooth and Volume shampoos, conditioners and treatment formulas to meet the needs of all hair types. They prolong the lifespan of your colour and improve the overall look and feel of hair. Don’t forget to include a product that protects your hair – all year round – against the damaging and drying effects of the sun’s harmful UV rays such as L’Oréal Paris’ new EverPure UV Protect Spray that can be used on all hair types.
Over washing your hair
As important as it is to have a regular haircare regimen it’s equally important not to over wash hair, this can strip away essential oils from the scalp causing it to become dry and irritated resulting in dull looking and unhealthy hair. If you have oily hair, where hair becomes noticeably flat and lifeless with traces of oil at the scalp by midday, then you should wash your hair daily. However, if your hair tends to be dry then only wash it every second or third day.
Wrong application techniques
As important as it is to have a regular haircare regimen it’s equally important not to over wash hair, this can strip away Ever heard that too much of a good thing can be bad for you? Well, too little can be just as bad. The key to reaping the benefits of a high quality shampoo and conditioner is to use the right amount. For short to medium length hair a quarter-size amount of product is sufficient – more is a waste and could result in the all-dreaded product residue problem – sin # 4. For long hair it’s best to use a loonie-size amount. |
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Never just squirt the product into your palm and ‘splat’ it on the top of your head. Instead, squeeze the proper amount of product into the palm of one hand, rub hands together to emulsify it and ensure even product coverage. To apply conditioner after shampooing, first squeeze excess water from hair to enable conditioner to better adhere to hair for maximum conditioning.
Not conditioning enough
In fact, some women do not use conditioner at all – simply sinful! No matter what your hair type it’s vital to condition every time hair is washed to improve and maintain its health. Why? Conditioner adds essential moisture back into the hair helping it look and feel healthier and shinier. Using conditioner properly, even on oily hair, helps improve the overall look and feel. A quick and easy trick to ensure even coverage of your product is to keep a wide-toothed comb in your shower. Comb conditioner through from root to tip. Leave on hair for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. If your hair tends to be oily, apply conditioner 3-4 inches away from the scalp to prevent the build-up of excess oil.
To ensure all product is gone, give your hair one final rinse with cold water. Cold water helps close hair cuticles and locks in moisture making hair shinier.
Not rinsing thoroughly
Product residue is a sure fire way to sabotage any hair look. Improper rinsing after washing and conditioning results in limp, dull looking hair that is hard to style and looks dirty within hours leaving the scalp feeling irritated or even itchy. When rinsing look for soap suds or bubbles in the water and if there are no traces in the water then all product has been successfully rinsed out. A great way to ensure all product is gone is to give your hair one final rinse with cold water. Cold water helps close hair cuticles and locks in moisture making hair shinier.
For repeat offenders who commit one or more of the ‘Top 5 Deadly Haircare Sins’ don’t fret, great hair can be yours by following these simple tips. H&L
Eric Del Monaco celebrated his 5th season as the Lead Hair Artist for L’Oréal Fashion Week creating the cutting-edge looks for the runway. Back for a second season on the hit show, Project Runway Canada, he creates all of the models’ hair looks for each competition. With over 20 years experience as a hair stylist, Eric worked in Italy and Spain. He currently works at a prestigious Toronto hair salon. For more information on Eric or L’Oréal Paris, please visit: www.lorealparis.ca |
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