The holiday season is ‘the most wonderful time of year’, but it comes with some consequences. You want to look your best for the parties, the photos, the old friends and even the criticizing family members. One of the first things we primp and prep for events is our hair, but what we do to our hair can affect more than just our appearance. Everything from the tools to the type of dye you use can determine your hair’s health. The habits of how you treat your hair before and after styling can set the path for healthy beautiful, natural, hair.

Try following these tips for better hair health from the AAD:

• Dry your hair by wrapping it in a towel after a shower or bath. Another alternative is letting your hair air-dry. Most people should handle wet hair as little as possible as wet hair breaks more easily when combed or brushed. However, people with tightly curled or textured hair should brush their hair when wet to decrease the chances of hair breakage.
• Keep brushing to minimum. Brushing your hair 100 strokes each day can cause split ends.
• Reduce the use of “long-lasting hold” styling products. Using a comb to style your hair after you apply the product can cause the hair to break and can lead to hair loss over time.
• Flat irons should be used on dry hair on a low or medium heat setting, no more often than every other day. If you use a curling iron, only leave it in place for a second or two. No matter your hair type, excessive heat can damage your hair.
• Do not continuously wear braids, cornrows, ponytails and hair extensions. These styles pull on the hair and can cause tension that leads to breakage. If the tension continues, permanent hair loss can develop.
• When coloring your hair choose a dye that is darker rather than lighter than your natural color to minimize hair damage. If you choose to go lighter, select a dye within three shades of your natural color as more lightening requires higher volumes of peroxide.

Here’s to happy holidays and healthy hair! 

Marguerite Germain