New Delhi:  Everyone loves to style their hair to create different looks, and hairstyles play an essential role in the overall appearance. Imagine having perfect makeup but neglected hair – it would make the look incomplete. However, do we consider the health of our hair when visiting a salon or using heat styling tools? These tools can cause damage, so it’s crucial to take care of our hair.

Pre-styling care:

Preparing your hair for heat styling is vital to prevent excessive dryness and damage.

What can we do to prevent heat damage to our hair?

1. Oiling: Prior to shampooing, apply lukewarm oil and gently massage it into your scalp and hair ends. This will leave your hair silky smooth and strengthen it.

2. Shampooing: Replace your regular sulfate shampoo with a sulfate-free alternative. This type of shampoo preserves the natural oils in your hair and prevents damage while leaving it smooth.

3. Deep conditioning: After shampooing, always use a conditioner to prevent frizz and repair any previous damage. Alternatively, opt for deep conditioning, as it provides even better results.

4. Drying: Allow your hair to air dry instead of using a hair dryer. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with a rough towel; instead, use an old cotton t-shirt or a microfiber towel. This will minimize frizz and reduce hair breakage.

5. Hair serum: Apply a hair serum to wet hair to minimize frizz and protect it from damage caused by heat styling tools.

6. Heat protectant spray: There are various heat protectant sprays available in the market. Ask your hairstylist to use one before styling your hair. Remember not to overheat the tools, as it can lead to hair burning and permanent damage.

Post-styling care:

Post-styling care involves oiling your hair thoroughly, using a gentle shampoo, applying sufficient conditioner or deep conditioning, using a serum, and allowing your hair to air dry.

After styling your hair, it’s important to follow a post-styling care routine to maintain its health and appearance:

1. Oiling: Apply oil to your hair after styling to provide additional nourishment and moisture. Gently massage the oil into your scalp and hair, focusing on the ends. This helps replenish any moisture lost during the styling process.

2. Gentle shampooing: Choose a gentle shampoo that is suitable for your hair type. A mild shampoo will help remove any product residue without stripping away the natural oils. Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly to remove all shampoo.

3. Conditioning or deep conditioning: Use a conditioner suitable for your hair type and apply it from mid-length to the ends. This helps detangle your hair, add moisture, and enhance its softness and shine. For a more intensive treatment, consider using a deep conditioning mask or treatment to provide extra nourishment and repair any styling-induced damage.

4. Serum application: After towel-drying your hair, apply a small amount of hair serum to the lengths and ends. This will help control frizz, add shine, and protect your hair throughout the day.

5. Air drying: Whenever possible, allow your hair to air dry instead of using heat styling tools. Air drying reduces the exposure to heat and minimizes the risk of damage. If you need to speed up the drying process, use a cool or low-heat setting on your blow dryer, and keep the dryer at a safe distance from your hair.

Avoid excessive heat styling as it can cause hair burning and permanent damage. Instead, consider using homemade or store-bought hair packs to strengthen your hair. Additionally, refrain from applying excessive oil to your hair, using conditioner on your scalp, and relying too heavily on blow dryers.

In conclusion, it is essential to style your hair without causing damage. By following pre-styling and post-styling care routines, you can maintain the health and appearance of your hair. Pre-styling care involves oiling, using sulphate-free shampoo, deep conditioning, gentle drying methods, and applying hair serum and heat protectant spray. Post-styling care includes oiling, using a gentle shampoo, conditioning or deep conditioning, applying hair serum, and air drying. It is important to avoid excessive heat styling, over-oiling, using conditioner on the scalp, and relying heavily on blow dryers. By prioritizing hair health and incorporating these practices, you can enjoy beautifully styled hair while keeping it strong, smooth, and damage-free.