Hair care: how to make it better

Taking care of your hair is one of the most important and rewarding beauty routines you can do. Healthy, shiny hair not only enhances your appearance but can also boost your self-confidence.

So, what are the secrets to the best hair care?

Knowing your hair: type and structure

The best hair care routine begins with knowing your hair type. Every hair is unique and has its own specific needs.

Normal hair is well-balanced in terms of oil production and is the easiest to manage, but it still requires a regular care routine to maintain its natural balance.

Oily hair, on the other hand, produces more oil than necessary and tends to look greasy and weighed down. This type of hair needs frequent washing, but be careful not to overdo it: washing too often can actually stimulate further oil production, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.

Dry hair lacks moisture and often appears brittle and dull. It needs hydrating and nourishing products to restore its natural brightness.

Moreover, there is mixed hair, which is oily at the roots but dry at the ends and requires a balanced approach to address both issues.

Nonetheless identifying your hair type is not enough; you need also to consider the hair’s structure in order to plan the most suitable hair care routine. The structure influences how hair responds to the use of products and styling tools.

Straight hair tends to get oily more rapidly since oil easily travels down the hair shaft. Wavy hair can have both straight and curly sections, requiring a balance between hydration and definition of texture. Curly hair is more likely to be drier because oil has difficulty traveling along the curls, therefore it needs plenty of moisture and products that define the curls. Lastly, frizzy hair which is very voluminous, requires specific care to preserve softness and reduce frizz effect.

How to get healthy hair: washing

Washing your hair: we’ve heard all sorts of opinions about it. What’s the truth? Let’s try to answer the most frequently asked questions on the topic.

How often should you wash your hair?

How often you wash your hair can significantly impact its health. If you have normal hair, you shouldn’t wash it more than twice a week, as this frequency helps maintain the natural balance of sebum. Oily hair may require daily washing or every other day, using gentle products that don’t excessively stimulate oil production. For dry hair, it’s best to limit washing to once or twice a week, using moisturizing products that keep the hair soft and nourished. Mixed hair should be washed every 2-3 days, a combination of products to balance the oiliness of the roots and the hydration of the ends.

Which shampoo should you choose?

Choosing the right shampoo is essential to have an optimal hair care routine. For oily hair, look for purifying shampoos that contain astringent ingredients like clay or tea tree oil to control excess oil without overly drying the hair. Dry hair benefits from moisturizing shampoos with natural oils such as coconut or argan oil, which help nourish the hair and restore its brightness. For colored hair it is advised to choose a specific shampoo that protects the color and nourishes the hair, as these shampoos often contain UV filters and ingredients that prevent fading. Finally, for sensitive hair, prefer gentle, sulfate-free formulas to avoid irritation and sensitivity.

Conditioner: yes or no?

Never forget the conditioner! This product is essential for keeping hair soft and easy to brush. It is anyway important to find the one that suits you best. If you have dry or damaged hair, use a nourishing conditioner that repairs and protects the hair shaft (look for ingredients like shea butter or silk proteins). For oily hair, apply conditioner only to the ends to avoid weighing down the hair. A lightweight conditioner can help keep the ends hydrated without overloading the roots.

Products for hair care: nutrition and hydration

An effective hair care routine relies on choosing the right products. With so many options available today—shampoos, masks, oils, supplements—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices.

No need to stress: we’re here to make things clear!

Strengthening hair treatments: masks and intensive care

Masks and intensive treatments provide a boost of deep hydration and nourishment, essential for keeping hair healthy and strong.

For instance, a coconut oil mask is an exceptional natural moisturizer, ideal for dry and damaged hair. You can apply it once a week to improve softness and shine.

Keratin treatments, instead, work to restore hair structure and strengthen the hair shaft, making them especially beneficial for weak and brittle strands.

Protein masks, on the other hand, are ideal for fine and thin hair, as they help fortify the strands and prevent breakage.

Natural oils: a hint of nature

Natural oils are an excellent plus to your hair care routine. They provide hydration and protection thanks to natural ingredients, making them suitable for all hair types.

Argan oil, known as “liquid gold”, is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids that nourish and add brightness. It is ideal for dry and dull hair, as it restores the natural luster that has diminished over time.

Castor oil is another common choice, as it promotes hair growth and strengthens the hair shaft. Its consistency is quite thick, so it can be used in small amounts as a weekly treatment.

Jojoba oil, which closely resembles the natural substances produced by the scalp, is perfect for regulating sebum production in oily hair, providing a balancing effect.

Taking care of your hair: nutrition and supplements

A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. It is important to know that most of the nutrients essential for hair growth come from the foods we eat.

Make sure your diet is rich in vitamins and minerals that support hair health. So, what are the best foods to include in your diet?

Biotin, or vitamin H, is vital for hair growth and can be found in eggs, nuts, and leafy greens.

Zinc and iron also play key roles in strengthening hair follicles and preventing hair loss. Excellent sources of these minerals include lean meats, legumes, and seeds.

Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for keeping hair hydrated and lustrous. You can find them in fatty fish (such as salmon), flaxseeds, and walnuts.

However, it can be challenging to maintain a balanced diet that includes all these nutrients. This is why vitamin and mineral supplements have been developed, some specifically designed for hair health, providing everything you need to restore your hair to its original luster and maintain that condition over time.

Hyaluronic acid for hair care

Do you want your hair to be softer, shinier, and stronger than ever? Then you need to tackle the roots!

You might be surprised to learn that hyaluronic acid, renowned for its exceptional hydrating properties, benefits not only the skin but can also have positive effects on your hair.

Clinical studies show that receptors for hyaluronic acid are found on both hair follicles and the hair shaft itself. This indicates that hyaluronic acid can enhance the scalp environment and create optimal conditions for healthier hair.

As a powerful natural humectant, hyaluronic acid helps maintain moisture in the dermis, which supports the health of hair follicles and promotes optimal hair growth. Clinical observations and testimonials from users of products containing this ingredient, such as Osidra, affirm that a healthy scalp enriched with hyaluronic acid can result in stronger, shinier hair, with visible improvements in a short period.

Taking care of your hair: styling

It’s well-known that excessive treatments can stress your hair, causing it to become brittle, break, or fall out.

So, how can you prevent this from happening?

Reduce heat: excessive use of heat styling tools can severely damage your hair. Always apply a heat protectant before blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair. This way you create a protective barrier that minimizes heat damage. Try to limit the use of blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons.

Whenever possible, let your hair air dry. Air drying is less harmful and helps preserve hair health. After washing, use a microfiber towel to gently blot your hair dry (avoid rubbing, as this can cause damage and frizz). Then, use a wide-tooth comb to brush your hair while it’s still wet to prevent breakage.

The best hair care: the ideal routine

Start your day by brushing your hair to remove any knots and distribute the natural oils along the hair shaft. Then, apply a light serum (or a light oil) to protect your hair from environmental stressors and enhance its shine. As mentioned earlier, make sure to choose a product suitable for your hair type.

In the evening, before going to bed, brush your hair to remove any product residues and stimulate blood circulation in the scalp. Apply a few drops of nourishing oil to the tips of your hair to keep them hydrated overnight. Finally, spend a few minutes massaging your scalp, a relaxing practice that stimulates blood circulation and promotes hair growth.

Hair care: common problems (and solutions)

Dandruff is a common problem that can be faced with the right products and care. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo containing zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole; all these are ingredients that can effectively improve this condition. Remember to regularly exfoliate your scalp to remove dead skin cells and prevent the creation of dandruff.

Now you’re ready to turn your hair into a beautiful, flowing mane. Explore and find the best hair care for you, because you deserve to shine every day!