Hair care is a continuous process without a beginning or an end date. Many make the mistake of caring for their hair after it starts getting damaged or if there’s sudden dryness or dandruff. Hair care can be a treatment or a preventive tool for good hair if you face extreme climates, pollution, or infection. However, since the best hair care treatments take time to effect, you should be consistent with your hair care regime.

Hair care and health
Having clean and healthy hair prevents the formation of dandruff and split ends. Most importantly, it also prevents unexpected or premature hair loss. Hair loss is an indication of anemia, stress, and nutritional deficiency. Brittle hair can be a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome, and hair thinning could be a symptom of a thyroid condition. Hence, despite good hair care routines, you must visit a hair care specialist if you notice hair shedding, thinning, or dandruff.

Types of hairstyles trending in 2023
If you have been thinking of a makeover, having a new hairstyle could be an excellent place to start. You can choose from many classic, trendy, and modern hairstyles based on your hair length, type, face shape, and dressing style. Professional hairstylists also will recommend the type of hairstyle that will suit you. The popular and trending types of hairstyles for women in 2023 include:

• Textured bob
• Textured Midi
• Curly Pixie Hairstyle
• Afro
• High Ponytail
• Layered Butterfly
• 90’s Midi
• Side Bangs
• Medium cut
• Blunt Bob

Hair care routine for all hair types
There is no one fit for all regarding the best hair care routine. There is an overdose of information online, and it could be overwhelming if you want to understand what is good for you. However, you can start by following a basic and simple hair care routine that is doable with FDA-approved or dermatologist-certified products. Here are some simple hair care steps for all hair types:

• Detangle your hair
• Cleanse using a gentle organic paraben-free shampoo
• Apply a silicon-free conditioner
• Detangle using a detangling comb to remove all knots to prevent breakage
• Always use a heat protectant for any styling tool, like a straightener or curler
• Use a moisturizer pack when you don’t wash your hair

Though there is no firm rule on how often you should wash your hair, shampooing daily can dry it and make it lifeless and brittle. Twice or thrice a week would be ideal, and you can wash it more if you sweat too much or if your hair feels sticky and oily due to pollution or humidity.

Hair care specialists
You can visit your physician for fundamental hair-related problems, who may treat you themselves, or refer you to doctors specializing in hair and scalp issues. The two foremost hair care specialists are:

Dermatologists – Doctors who treat hair, nail, and skin ailments

Trichologist – A specialist who treats diseases of the hair and scalp

Choose the right hair care products
You should consult a hair care specialist if you notice shedding, thinning, dandruff, or other hair or scalp diseases. You must take treatment immediately, as your damaged hair may take about six months or a year to return to its original form. Shampoos, conditioners, sprays, gels, and serums contain many harmful chemicals that can cause skin and scalp infections and respiratory diseases. When you are looking for hair care products, here are the things that you should look for and the things that you should avoid:

1. Avoid shampoos, conditioners containing

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
• Polyethylene Glycol Compounds (PEG) – a potential carcinogen
• Phthalates can cause endocrinal problems and cause growth issues in young children
• Parabens that can cause hormonal disturbances

1. Look for:

• Plant-based and natural surfactants
• Natural and plant-based moisturizers
• Botanical waxes made from oil seeds and butter
• Oil-based creams made with limited ingredients

Helpful tips for healthy hair
Apart from regular washing and shampooing, visit a professional hair salon to trim your hair, remove split ends and pamper yourself with a relaxing head massage and hair spa, which sometimes may be included in the salon services. Apart from there, you can also follow these tips for shiny and healthy hair:

1. Detangle your hair before and after washing it.
2. Avoid hot water and wash your hair with lukewarm or cold water for additional shine.
3. Do not use blow dryers, curlers, and straighteners often.
4. Do not use too many chemical treatments to change hair’s natural texture.
5. If you use any hair treatment or coloring, trim your hair every two weeks.
6. Eat a diet rich in protein, Omega-3 Fatty acids, zinc, folate, and Vitamins B12 and C.
7. Include probiotics to improve gut health so that it can absorb the nutrients required for healthy hair.
8. Use silk or satin pillow covers and avoid tight hair ties to prevent split ends.