Forgotten Steps: Haircare Edition
We’ve talked about how you do so much right with your skincare and makeup routines, but that there may be some important steps you’re missing. Well, the same holds true for your tresses.
Clarifying shampoo is awesome. Until very recently, I used a lot of product in my hair. A lot. But you know, even I have forgotten beauty steps. The first time I saw my awesome stylist, Paulette, she put my head back in the bowl and asked, “When was the last time you clarified?” and I said something to the effect of “Oh…you know….” but the answer was obvious: not in a long time.
Clarifying is simply taking off all the buildup on your hair. Whether you use styling products or not, clarifying shampoo can be a really important part of your hair washing routine! You’ll need it more frequently if you use product, of course, but even those who eschew styling products will find cleaner, brighter hair with regular clarifying shampoo usage.
Yes, I understand the feeling that you’re taking a step backward on the journey of growing out your hair, but it’s so much better for your long hair to get regular trims. Let’s put it this way: if you cut off the splits, you may lose an inch or so right now, but leave the salon with healthy ends. If you don’t cut the splits, they get worse, climb further up the hair shaft, and leave your whole head looking frizzy and damaged from the inevitable breakage. Then, by the time you go get a “trim,” your stylist has to cut off six inches to get rid of the damage. Now, that will set you back a bit.
Making sure hair is free of knots before you get started with boar bristle brushing or shampooing is important, as you know! But you can’t just dive in and brush downward from the scalp with any old tool. I recommend using something with a widely spaced, flexible bristle, like the Wet Brush, to gently work through any tough spots. Whether you brush through damp or dry hair, starting from the bottom with a flexible bristle and working up will give you the least amount of hair tearing or scalp sensitivity, while still helping you achieve silky-smooth strands.
