For a lot of women and men, frizzy hair can cause an everyday problem. For some of us without this problem (especially if our hair is damaged) we can still turn frizzy over the winter months as the harsh cold weather strips hair of moisture. Lack of moisture is the key ingredient in creating frizz, so here are five natural ways to controlling your do.
Try not to dye your hair too often. Even dyes with no ammonia strip the hair of natural oils and leave the hair crying out for moisture and you only have to look at the back of the back of the packet to see the amount of chemical ingredients. Red hair dyes are especially prone to fading quickly so really weigh up the pros and cons if you are thinking of going a fiery color.
Invest in a good shampoo and conditioner. Sulphates responsible for the foaming effect in shampoos are harsh on your hair as they strip away natural hair oils as well as hair dyes. Look for sulphate free shampoos in shops, salons or online. They may be a bit pricier but they contain a lot of goodness which you will notice in the mirror. Alternatively why not DIY and make hair masks out of things like fruits? Again, you can look these up online for a wide variety.
Styling. There is the old myth that you should brush your hair a hundred times a day
for luscious locks. This though is not recommended as damage to the hair comes from raised cuticles and general damage as well as lack of moisture. Brushing your hair too much actually damages these cuticles, especially if you are using a synthetic brush. The best brushes are natural bristle brushes and wide-toothed combs. These brushes help to both stimulate natural sebum’s as well as comb these oils through the mid lengths and end of the hair which are prone to be most dry. If you need to use heated tongs and dryers, make sure you invest in a heat protector as well as a serum. Don’t use too much serum though as this can make hair look and feel greasy. There are plenty of natural, organic styling products to choose from for those of you who are anti-chemicals.
Look after your body. What you put into your body is reflected in the state of your hair. Fatty acids which are found in fish such as omega 3 cannot be naturally produced by the body therefore fish such as salmon are good for hair care. Foods which have biotin, protein, B vitamins and vitamin E are also great for your hair and exercise promotes healthy blood flow around the body which can promote follicle stimulation. Why not also pamper yourself once in a while to a good body treatment. Looking at sites such as Secretsalons.com can help you find out treatments available in your area.
Water. Ironically, every time you have a bath or shower, the water you are cleansing yourself in actually dries out your hair and skin. If you live in a hard water area such as London, this type of water has heightened levels of calcium, magnesium and iron. These gradually coat your hair and scalp and the build up leads to dull, dry and unmanageable hair. There are however ways to combat this. It is recommended by some to give your hair a break from constant showers and chemicals. This gives a chance for the natural oils from your scalp to protect and nourish your hair. You can also buy hair treatments and clarifying shampoos specifically designed to combat harmful build ups in the hair as well as investing in a water filter or purifier for your shower if you know you live in a very hard water area.
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Gemma Haze is a freelance copy writer and part time hairdresser in London.
