There's no better time than the present to practice a little self-care. Whether that's updating your skincare routine or giving your hair some extra love, a little TLC goes a long way. Jessica Scott Santo, a Pennsylvania-based salon owner, has a few tips to share for long, healthy hair that you can pass along to clients to practice at home (or use on yourself).
Go Sulfate-Free. Use a good shampoo and conditioner that is sulfate free, like Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. Note: Color safe is not the same as sulfate free. If you're unsure, look on the back of the shampoo bottle at the second ingredient after “Aqua,”—if it says, “Sodium Laurel Sulfate” DO NOT USE That is the stripping agent that will remove color and the good oils from hair. Color is an investment that needs to be protected!
Replenish. Always start out with a good leave-in conditioner, like R+Co Pinstripe Intense Detangling Spray—it's like a daily vitamin for hair that will minimize damage from the environment, water, heat and dryness. Styling aids also help protect and replenish. Choose according to desired results: smoothing cream to reduce frizz, volume spray for body, etc.
Reduce Washing. Do not wash hair every day. Every time hair is washed, oil glands reproduce to replenish the loss of oil, so hair is being stripped of moisture while excess oil weighs it down. Wash hair every other day with a good dry shampoo instead to prevent hair from drying out and breaking, and to slow oil production. After two weeks, there will be a noticeable difference in the health of hair.
Limit Heat. If blow drying is a must, wait until hair is air dried about 90 percent and then fluff it up with the dryer for fullness. Never use the “hot” heat setting—always use medium or cool. Hot heat damages hair and makes it brittle and dry which contributes to breakage and lack of shine.