The environment has a profound effect on your hair, and in many cases it can be negative. Air pollution is a major contributor to hair loss (Hair: Therapy & transplantation). UV radiation causes hair protein degradation that results in change of colour as well as weakening, dryness, breaking, and hair loss (Collegium Antropologicum). And don’t forget about factors like pool water, which damages your tresses and scalp with chemicals or cold that makes them dry and brittle. To protect your hair from the environment you need to use specialized products as well as additional ‘protections’ for every situation.
How to Protect Hair from the Environment: 4 Basic Rules to Follow
1. Wear a hat
Be it a sun hat in the summer, wool cap in the winter, or a swimming cap for the pool, the physical cover for your hair is necessary. It’s an extremely effective barrier between your vulnerable locks and the environment.
Note that a hat might be damaging in itself. To avoid this you need to choose a piece of the right size. A too tight hat will restrict blood flow in the scalp and might cause hair loss. It’s also essential for the hat to be clean.
Models made from natural materials will be best as they will allow your head to ‘breathe’. However, you can use any caps/hats as long as they fit and are clean. A synthetic protectio9n from the environment is better than none. You should also remember that any head cover can fulfill the same role. This includes scarves and bandanas.
2. Use the shampoo right
While shampooing won’t protect your hair from the environment directly, it will help reduce the damage. To achieve this result you need to choose the right kind of product and use it correctly. If damage from the outside factors is your main concern, especially pollution you should try a detox shampoo. Choose the product based on your hair type or use a ‘universal’ option that has the properties you need. Hydration is always a welcome property for a product that needs to protect you from the environment because it causes your locks to get dry and weak.
It’s also essential to use the shampoo right. Never wash the entire length of your locks. Instead gently massage the shampoo into the scalp and roots and then let the lather wash off taking the dirt and dust in the process. This will reduce damage to your locks and help prevent splitting and breaking.
3. Moisturize and condition
Using a conditioner will help protect your hair from the environment because hydration strengthens its natural defenses. That’s why it’s important to use a conditioner after every wash. In fact, as frequent shampooing makes your hair dry, you might consider using conditioner only on alternate days.
You should also use a deep-conditioning treatment once a week. It will help restore your locks and protect them more effectively.
4. Never skip the protective spray
Two kinds of protective hair sprays you need to have are heat protection and SPF products. Use them every day (SPF) or every time you use hot styling tools. Remember that a cover isn’t enough to completely prevent UV damage. That’s why SPF sprays are so important.
Efficient hair care routine is all you need to protect your locks from the environment. Follow a healthy plan and use products that match your type and you’ll get a shining mane of beautiful hair.
Ann-Marie x
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