New Habits I've Adopted To Improve The Quality of my Hair

Is there such a thing as your hair getting stuck in a rut? If so, that's exactly how I would describe my hair routine of late. My haircare routine needed an update. I wanted to implement new techniques to help keep my hair fresh for longer between washes and just give it a 'lift'. Maintaining the condition of your hair is a challenge at times. It's a lot of trial and error in terms of using the right products for your hair, and also knowing the condition of your hair. 

After reading around and even seeing some TikTok videos about how to wash your hair and look after it properly, I put some of these habits into action, and it's honestly changed everything! My hair, because of these habits I've adopted (which I'll list in a minute), has given my hair a new lease of life. 

These habits I'm about to list are things you may already be doing anyway, but some you may want to try yourself if you feel your hair needs a bit of TLC.

These are the new habits I've adopted to improve the quality of my hair:

1) Washing my hair brushes/combs daily

Something I was so inconsistent with before, but now I make sure I wash my hair brushes and combs every day to brush my hair with clean brushes. Cleaning your hair brushes daily gets rid of the dirt, product residue and oil from the scalp that has built up on the brush/comb over time. It's such a simple equation - clean brushes = clean hair. I use a little baby shampoo to clean my brushes and combs as it's gentle on the bristles. Honestly, doing this will be a game-changer for your hair!

2) Emulsifying shampoo

When I washed my hair before, I'd just apply the shampoo into my hands and then straight onto my hair. Since I've started emulsifying my shampoo before massaging it into my hair, I've noticed a difference in how my hair feels afterwards. It feels like it's had a good clean, and it doesn't get greasy as quickly in between washes. Also, rinse and repeat, guys! The first shampoo gets rid of the dirt, and the second shampoo is what really gives your hair a proper clean.

3) Using a hair mask

This is something I have never tried before (apart from Olaplex No. 3). Using a hair mask in between shampoo and conditioner is something I have never even considered before. But honestly guys, I've been using a hair mask recently and my hair has never felt so soft and shiny! Using that repair mask in between shampooing and conditioning has been a game-changer! I currently use the John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Mask, and I love how luxurious it feels when I massage it on my hair.

4) Trying not to touch my hair during the day

We all subconsciously touch our hair without knowing it. Whether it's to get it out of your eyes or we're twirling it when we're bored, we've all done it. We need to remember that our hands carry bacteria and unseen dirt throughout the day. Unless you wash your hands every 5 minutes, it's not possible to keep them clean all the time. So when you run your hands through your hair, your hair catches the bacteria and dirt, and it stays on each strand. It's a habit I'm trying to keep doing, but it's not easy.

5) Use cold-ish water when rinsing out the conditioner

Ok, when it's Winter and it's like 4 degrees outside, the last thing you want to do is allow cold water to drape your body in the shower when washing out conditioner. But it does have its benefits. I kind of use cold-ish water to rinse out my conditioner, as it has the benefit of giving your hair a healthy shine afterwards. Also, rinsing with cold water closes the hair cuticles and pore,s which allows your hair to shine. 

6) Using dry shampoo correctly

Now, I know how to use dry shampoo; I've been using it for years. My mind was blown when I read Laura's post on how to use dry shampoo correctly. I did not know that you had to leave the dry shampoo on for at least 5-10 minutes for it to do its magic before massaging it in! Also, I've never even considered using a hairdryer to blow-dry it through. I don't use dry shampoo as often as I used to, only on days when I can't wash my hair until the evening, and I need my hair to look less greasy. I'm definitely going to take these tips from Laura's post on board!

7) Washing my hair less

I've trained my hair to need less washing and that's definitely helped the health of my hair. I wash my hair every six days. Years ago, I washed it every other day. My hair will thank me for that I'm sure. 

These are the new hair habits I've adopted recently!

I've always said that if my hair feels and looks good, I feel good within myself. Now that I've adopted these new habits for healthier hair, I look forward to hair-washing day and don't see it as a chore. Adding, changing or even stopping the use of products on your hair is key. Sometimes, when your hair gets used to the same products, it's good to change things up. 

I'd love to know your thoughts on this!