In today’s world, where social media platforms abound, it’s common to find different types of content focused on beauty and cosmetics. You might think that since everybody is talking about certain products, or your favourite celebrity endorses a particular routine, then they must be good. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
While some products and haircare practices are undoubtedly phenomenal, others don’t live up to expectations. So, before jumping on the bandwagon, ask yourself whether or not they’re worth the hype.
Doing your research and understanding your hair type might take more effort than watching hair commercials or listening to some influencer waxing lyrical about a specific formula or process but it will go a long way towards giving you a healthy, voluminous mane. So, before spending your hard-earned money on any treatment, think hard about whether you need to include the following in your haircare routine.
Exclusively Co-washing Your Hair
Co-washing, also called conditioner washing, is a cleansing alternative to regular shampoos popularised by the natural hair community members. The main goal of the co-washing technique is to eliminate dirt and break down scalp build-up as gently as possible so that you don’t strip your hair of its natural oils. Instead of a shampoo, which can cause dryness and dandruff, co-washing involves only a single product, often a conditioner. The result is often a clean, fresh mane with strands that are extra nourished and hydrated.
Co-washing makes sense, therefore, but the problem arises when you do it exclusively and forget about shampooing. Most conditioners don’t contain surfactants to lift oil, dirt, grime or build-up from the hair. Leaving these impurities in your hair could mean greasier strands, hair that’s more prone to damage and even hair loss.
Applying Butter And Greases
If your hair is textured and dry, applying a moisturising conditioner may not be enough to combat frizz and dryness. It’s common to resort to oils, butter and greases to give your tresses a smoother and silkier feel and look. You may have used some hair grease or butter to moisturise your strands and save yourself from a bad hair day.
Most conditioners these days contain tons of natural ingredients, including oils and essential butter. These ingredients give your hair a silky and shiny appearance without weighing it down. However, heavy oils and butter aren’t always kind to your hair. Some believe that, by applying butter or grease to their hair, they will seal in the moisture necessary for hair health and hydration. But that’s what your conditioner does. You can also buy nourishing formula or deep conditioners for extra nourishment and achieve a better result.
Using Clay Masks
Many people rave about clay masks. Long-established in the skincare business, clay masks are now making their way into the hair industry as a clarifying product. But why would you put clay on your hair as a cleanser when there are proven formulas, like shampoos, that already do that job well? Unless it does other significant things to your hair and scalp, using a clay mask is a trendy haircare practice you can skip.
Putting Food In Your Hair
You’re probably aware by now that your diet plays a critical role in your hair health. If you aren’t getting key nutrients from your food, you will soon notice the effects on your scalp and strands. However, some people take the ‘food for hair’ advice more literally and go as far as putting food on their hair. The growing DIY haircare trend also encourages people to make personal concoctions from various items they find in their kitchens.
The truth is, you don’t have to put food in your hair to enjoy its benefits. The honey and avocado you insist on slapping on your head would be of greater benefit to your skin and hair if you just ate them.
Spraying Hair Perfumes
Let’s face it, your hair won’t smell fresh if you haven’t washed it in a few days. While it can be tempting to spritz perfume or mist on your strands, you might want to consider whether that’s the best solution. Your regular fragrance is different from hair perfume or hair mist, which are formulated to mask unpleasant odours from your scalp without drying it out in the process.
Moreover, hair perfumes work best on clean hair. It’s also best to use them with unscented shampoo so as not to overwhelm the hair perfume. With all that in mind, wouldn’t it be an idea to forgo hair perfumes altogether? It’s easier than you think to keep your hair clean and fresh using your favourite shampoo and conditioner.
Conclusion
Many of today’s haircare practices and products aren’t as useful as they claim to be. As a user, it’s your responsibility to filter out those products that don’t make much of a difference to your hair. Evaluate your current routine, therefore, and determine which you should keep and which you can skip.
If you are experiencing hair loss, it’s not too late to do something about it. Vinci Hair Clinic can help with both hereditary and lifestyle causes of hair loss. Start today by booking a complimentary consultation with one of our hair loss specialists!
