This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Waterloo chapter.
It’s one of the first things people look at or see after they meet you… your hair. For girls it can be considered their “Crowning Glory”. That jewel on top of your head should look top notch wherever you go. After all you never know who you’re going to run into!
1. First Things First Girls (Let’s be Real: The Beginning)
Your hair can be essentially one of the toughest things to maintain, control and preserve. Not even a hat can help sometimes. To have the perfect hair you should remember that your hair has certain needs and wants just like you! Each season brings new wants or needs for your hair. Like your shoe collection, every season has a reason. Consider the different types of weather conditions you are going to put your hair through. Winter is just around the corner. During this time your hair can seem dull and brittle reminiscent of the pine needles on your Christmas tree. Remember that during this time hydration (aka hair products) promote healthy hair and also reduces the insane amount of static your hair seems to magically conjure up during this season. After all, the last thing you want is to look like a mad scientist when you head out on the town! Fall is a great time to start your hydration regiment. The unpredictable weather can cause this standing ovation sooner than you’d hope. Every person is different and so is their hair type. Remember to read the labels when you are looking for shampoo and conditioner or other hair care products. Find the products that fit your hair type the best. Make sure the products work for the look you are trying to achieve as well. I personally find this very important when I do my hair. When I shop for shampoo and conditioner I try to find something to strengthen my incredibly thick hair as well as provide nourishment. If your hair is coloured remember to look for products with this in mind. It wouldn’t be the first time someone’s hair took on an odd colour tinge by using a product not suitable for colour treated hair. They may be a little harder to find but so worth it!
2. I Will Survive (Products)
Hair products can be one of the easiest things to help your hair thrive and survive! Creating a hair care routine is easier than you think. First, start with regular shampoo and conditioning about 3 times a week. Washing more often will strip the natural oils from your hair making it look worse, not better. In addition, shake it up every once in a while by adding a bit of styling product to your hair after your shower. It will help create a new look and give your locks a revival. Your hair loves to be pampered just like you do!Beware though – as your mother’s told you, too much of a good thing isn’t good. You don’t want to add these styling products too often as your hair will have the appearance it is greasy or unwashed. In addition, picking the wrong product for your hair type can have opposite effects to what you were going for. This is especially true for leave in conditioners and sprays. Did I mention you need to read the labels? Well let me mention it again! Just because a label or commercial talks about how lush, full of body and volume ones hair will be by using that product doesn’t mean everyone should use it. Thick hair tends to have a lot of volume naturally therefore using volumizing products may create ‘poofy’ or out-of-control hair on occasion. Instead go for something lighter that allows the natural volume to show and creates alustrous look. Miracle moisture crèmes are super for this. Use them before heat to create sleek hair. If you have thinner hair, go for plumping products. Volume is your friend. Also use products that can strengthen your hair and protect it from heat especially if you plan on styling it. You’ll want to check out mousses and leave in conditioners or crèmes. They are great for volume, protection, hydration and strength.Both hair types will benefit from the use of Moroccan or Keratin Oils and Sprays. These are fabulous to nourish hair without weighing it down especially before using heat or styling tools.
3. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Style Time)
Styling your hair can be very time consuming but well worth it in my opinion. You want your hair to be presentable and an extension of your personality. Think about it, hair says a lot about a person. Some people have a classic look they keep forever like Donald Trump and Barbara Walters whereas others change their look such as Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus. Not to mention whether it’s going out with friends or just to the store, in today’s world you never know who you’ll meet. Potential employer? Your prof? Or even a cute guy you’d want to go on a date with. Just like the different outfits you have to suit your ever changing moods; changing your hair can be just as fun. Why not try some curls? Curling your hair with a wand or using overnight curlers will each yield different ringlets. Not fond of curls preferring a more sleek look? How about straighten out your hair, doing a simple up-do (with that sock bun you got in stocking last year) or perhaps even a braid. There are many styles for every hair length. Try new things and have some fun. Just like that odd looking dress in the store, you’ll never know how it’s going to look until you try it on. Once you’ve figured out your key looks try not to use heat on your hair every day instead limiting it to 3 times a week. Heat is very hard on your hair beyond your worst fears! Your hair cannot create natural oils fast enough to replenish what gets lost and hair products can only do so much. If you need to retouch a curl here or there go for it, just don’t redo your whole head.
4. One Less Problem Without It
Keep your hair healthy by getting a trim every couple months. This will reduce the amount of split ends you have. You don’t want to twirl split ends around your finger on a date only to get them caught in your ring! I know how hard it can be to cut your hair and say good-bye to an inch. Cutting off that small amount will be worth it in the end. Your hair will look cleaner and be healthier and no one will even notice your hair is a smidge shorter. Trimming your hair on a regular basis is especially important if you are a person who colours, straightens or curls your hair. The bounce your hair will have as you walk past that group of guys is bound to get attention!
5. U R Beautiful
You are now all set. It’s your time to shine. What’s your hair going to say about you today? Remember hair can be frustrating and uncooperative at times but maintain a positive attitude. Be confident and work what you’ve been given to the max! Feel beautiful and be a princess. In the end it’s YOUR crown you’re wearing!