Keeping your hair healthy and shiny can feel like a full-time job. It’s a well-known fact that the cheap, department store shampoo and products just won’t cut it. Yet, investing in salon-grade products can be hard on the budget.
Fortunately, you can have the best of both worlds.
You can extend the lifespan of your expensive products and keep your hair healthy with these preventive measures. Here are six tips for keeping your hair healthy without breaking the bank:
Snip Your Own Split Ends
If quarantine taught us anything, it’s that cutting our own hair is a big no-no. While your stylist may cringe at the idea of you going near your locks with scissors, there’s a big difference between trimming split ends and cutting your own bangs.
Picking at your split ends can cause further breakage, which fuels the myth that your hair doesn’t grow unless you trim it. The best technique for trimming your split ends will depend on the texture and style of your hair. However, it’s recommended that you invest in proper hair cutting scissors. You can get affordable, durable salon scissors for around $50, which will pay for itself in skipped appointments.
Know When to Wig it
With shades of ice blond and ash trending over recent years, many fashionistas are now paying the price for over-bleaching their hair. Not only does bleach cause lasting hair damage, but the upkeep and maintenance are time-consuming and costly.
If you have dreams of long, luxurious blonde hair, you’re better off investing your money in a high-quality wig. According to the team at XRS Beauty Hair, human hair wigs are the best way to get the color and length you desire without damaging your hair underneath.
Nourish From the Inside
One of the best ways to cut back on your hair care budget is to nourish your hair from the inside. Ensuring your body gets the nutrients it needs to support hair growth and vitality will help you save on treatments without sacrificing your lovely locks.
Some of the best nutrients for hair health include:
- Protein
- B vitamins, especially B7 (Biotin)
- Omega-3s
It’s also integral to hydrate your body throughout the day— with water, not iced coffee— to keep your systems in check.
Brush Your Hair Like a Pro
The way you brush your hair can affect its long-term health. Improper brushing will increase split ends and breakage, causing lasting damage and limiting growth.
Rather than brushing from roots to tips, start lower and work out the tangles at the ends with a wide-tooth comb. Then, work your way up toward the roots in sections. If you start at the top, you’ll push knots downward and create tougher tangles toward the ends.
Turn Down the Heat
Another effective preventive measure for keeping your hair healthy is to turn down the heat on your tools. Consider adding a diffuser or nozzle to your hairdryer to keep your hair away from the element. Take this a step further by washing and rinsing your hair in room temperature water rather than hot. This strategy will help you save money on both your hair treatments and your water bill!
Heat protectant spray is a department store hair product that you can trust— and it’s far better than nothing. Don’t skip this important step when using hot tools.
Wash Less Frequently
Finally, keep your hair healthy by extending the time between washes. Use an affordable dry shampoo as needed to keep your hair looking voluminous between cleanings. This trick will help extend your color, preserve natural oils in your hair, limit heat exposure, and preserve your expensive shampoo and conditioner.
With these simple tips, you can keep your hair healthy without breaking the bank (or upsetting your stylist).
Read more:
- 10 Short Hairstyles and Haircuts for Major Inspo
- 8 Products That Have Revived My Dry, Damaged Hair
- Self-Care Tips That’ll Help You Improve Your Mental Health
*Photos by Nataliya Vaitkevich
