Perfect, flawless, Instagram-worthy/runway ready hair…isn’t that everyone’s goal? We all want to have the best hair possible, and there is an entire industry of hair professionals and brands (including yours truly) who have made it their singular focus to help consumers reach this goal. The hair industry has come an incredibly long way over the past several years, and manufacturers have made remarkable strides in product innovation to provide customers with the absolute best hairstyling tools at their disposal. However, simply having one of these tools is only half the battle, as great hair also comes down to knowing how to use these tools properly and how to take care of your hair on a daily basis. While everyone’s hair is different and what may work for one person may not work for another, the following three rules are pretty much universal for just about every head of hair when it comes to keeping your mane at its absolute best.
Rule #1: Know how – and when – to wash your hair
Sure, we all know that shampooing and conditioning your hair is about as necessary as brushing your teeth or eating your vegetables. But why then, if we all know this, do so many of us still struggle with frizzy, brittle hair or oily, greasy scalps? The key here is balance. Every head of hair is different, and some hair needs to be washed more frequently than others. For instance, if you have naturally dry hair, under no circumstances should you ever be washing your hair every single day. At the most, wash your hair every other day, and for super-dry types, every-third day might be most appropriate. On the other hand, for those gals who can’t go a day without washing without their hair turning into an oil slick, then feel free to wash and condition every day! Remember: the whole reason for washing your hair is to remove the buildup of natural oils and product residue from hairstyling. If your hair still looks and feels clean and manageable, then leave it be! Washing your hair when it isn’t dirty will suck all of the natural moisture and nourishment from your hair and lead to excessive frizz and breakage. Listen to your hair, wash when appropriate, and remember to use a gentle shampoo and nourishing conditioner, such as our Replenishing Moroccan Shampoo + Conditioner Set, to keep your hair in tip-top shape.
Rule #2: Feed your hair!
Now, say you have followed Rule #1, you’ve nailed down a hair washing routine and yet your hair is still limp, lifeless, and just plain bleh. Oftentimes factors including age, stress, and weather can do a number on your hair health, and you wind up with nutrient-deprived hair that needs significantly more nourishment than can be provided by conditioning alone. Thankfully, there have been tremendous advancements in the area of hair health over the years, and there are countless products that are specifically tailored towards the needs of malnourished hair. These products come in many forms, such as hair masks like the Sutra Beauty Moroccan Hair Mask, serums like the Rejuvenating Hair Serum, and oil blends like the Sutra Beauty Hair Cocktail, all of which are loaded with omega fatty acid-rich oils and vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin C. However, as with Rule #1 regarding proper hair washing, the same idea of maintaining a balance and using moderation applies here as well. For most hair types, applying one of these nourishing treatments once a week is more than enough, while severely damaged or malnourished hair might benefit from a twice-a-week approach.
Rule #3: Gentle heat is the best heat
When it comes to getting that perfect hair look, heat styling becomes something of a double-edged sword. When used properly, there isn’t a more valuable tool at your disposal for creating gorgeous hairstyles and smooth, shiny locks than a heat styler. On the other hand, when used improperly, heat styling can turn into one of the most damaging and detrimental factors for the health of your hair. There have been numerous innovations in heat styling technology as of late, and innovative forms of heat such as ionic and infrared heating technology are able to provide all of the volumizing and straightening benefits of traditional heat styling but without any of the breakage or heat damage concerns. Making sure that you are using the proper tool is crucial when it comes to balancing that fine line of heat styling, and tools utilizing this technology like the Sutra Beauty EZ Glider ensure that this balance is maintained. Additionally, it is imperative that the tool you use features customized heat settings, as even the best-designed infrared or ionic heating device can cause some form of damage when used at too high of heat for too long. Thankfully, the EZ Glider and other Sutra heating devices feature numerous heat and speed settings, ensuring your hair is looking fabulous and staying healthy.