YOU might think avoiding using heat on your hair at all costs is the key to luscious locks — but one hair whizz swears the opposite is true.
Savana Brandt took to social media to explain why she never lets her stunning blonde tresses air dry, and it makes a lot of sense.
There’s an important post-wash hair step you might be skipping[/caption]
Savana took to Instagram to explain why drying your hair is key[/caption]
Posting on Instagram, Savana explained that taking the time to make sure your hair is fully dry is a total game changer.
“You will notice your hair feeling and looking 10,000% more healthy, than if you just go to bed with it wet in a braid, bun etc,” she captioned the viral clip.
The hairdresser also noted that her own clients are shocked when she tells them the little-known hack.
So, why is drying your wet hair a must?
Celebrity hairstylist Cim Mahony, told Vogue that air-drying isn’t always the healthier choice.
She said: “Gently blow drying with the right hairdryer on the lowest heat and speed setting until it is 90 per cent dry is better for the hair than air-drying.”
Apparently, your locks can absorb almost half of their weight in water, which causes your strands to weaken, so getting it dry is an important step in any washing routine.
A study at Yonsei University in Korea, even compared air drying with heat drying, and researchers discovered hair was damaged when dried only because it had been wet for too long.
The study also found that drying your hair with the desired technique is better for the health of your locks.
Sleeping with wet hair could lead to even more damage, since your already fragile hair faces friction with your pillowcases.
Savana noted that this doesn’t mean you should blow dry your hair every day, though.
“You should only realistically be washing your hair up to a couple times a week and blow drying,” the hair pro added.
Using a heat protection spray could also be a good step to further protect your hair from potential heat damage.
Savana’s video quickly went viral and currently has over 22 million views, with many hair fans shocked to hear the news.
HOW TO ACHIEVE HEALTHY HAIR
Drying your hair on a low heat could be the key to a healthy mane[/caption]
Another hair whizz previously took to Reddit to share some must-know tips and tricks for growing long and healthy hair.
There is no product or ingredient out there that can beat taking care of yourself, she said.
She advised those looking to boost their hair growth to follow her “general good health cocktail” recommendations.
“Drinking plenty of water, fulfilling ALL your nutrient needs, getting your heart pumping, keeping a very good posture, sleeping well, good breathing, and etc.,” she said.
Once your health foundation is built and strong, then a bit of maintenance can go a long way.
A trick, she revealed, is the impact of some light exfoliation.
She explained you need to be “keeping your hair under control.”
“A mix of cleaning and light exfoliation while making sure your hair oils are keeping your scalp nice and happy and not irritated,” she said.
To increase the blood flow and promote growth, she shared a free and easy tip that can be done every day.
“Massage or any kind of stimulation,” she said, “but there isn’t much muscle around your scalp, so massage is where you go.
“On that note, work your muscles around the head.”
Studies have shown that scalp massages can increase hair thickness, as well as lower stress hormones and blood pressure.
Massages can be done in the shower, with the help of shampoo or conditioner on wet hair.
Users must apply moderate pressure to the scalp with their fingers in a circular motion.
Another option is to use a scalp massage tool or brush, which can help stimulate blood flow, lather products, and loosen flaky skin.
Massages can be made therapeutic with the addition of essential oils, like peppermint.
While the original poster didn’t believe that you can make hair grow faster than it naturally does, she emphasized that factors to have hair grow at optimal speeds are within your control.
What are the biggest hair care mistakes?
Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley spoke exclusively to Fabulous.
Not looking after your scalp
Your scalp is an extension of the skin on your forehead and it should be given similar attention and care to the skin on your face. Scalp health is vital to healthy hair growth. Your scalp is your hair’s support system, and a flaky or inflamed scalp can contribute to hair loss and also impact the quality of hairs as they emerge from the follicle. Do cleanse and tone your scalp frequently. Try to leave no more than 2 days between shampoos.
High heat styling
The most common cause of hair damage is high heat styling – either with a blow dryer or straighteners. While it may take a little longer, a low to medium heat setting will give you great styling results, but without dryness, breakage and split ends. You should also always use a heat protective product such as our Daily Damage Defence and don’t hold your dryer right next to your strands.
Not eating well
Even if you’re using the best products in the world, if you aren’t eating well your hair’s condition and rate of growth won’t be at its optimal. Hair is a dispensable tissue as it isn’t needed for physical survival. This means nutrients are first used to keep essential cells functioning, with hair receiving them last.
