Hair is much more than an aesthetic element: it partly reflects our habits, our diet and even our stress level. Although each hair, once outside the scalp, is a lifeless fibre and cannot truly be «repaired», we can protect it, moisturise it and prevent it from weakening. With a few simple habits, your hair can look stronger, shinier and easier to style.

Know your hair and scalp type

Before choosing products, identify your hair type: straight, wavy, curly or very curly, fine or thick, oily, dry or mixed. The scalp counts too: it can be oily, dry, sensitive or flaky. The products suited to oily roots with dry ends are not the same as for curly, very dry hair. Notice how your hair behaves a couple of days after washing.

How often to wash it

There is no universal frequency. Oily hair usually benefits from more frequent washing, while dry or curly hair may need more space between washes. What matters is keeping the scalp clean, where sebum and product residue build up. If you wash your hair daily, choose a gentle shampoo and avoid scrubbing hard.

How to wash it well

  • Wet the hair thoroughly with lukewarm water, not too hot
  • Apply a small amount of shampoo, the size of a coin, and massage the scalp with your fingertips, not your nails
  • Rinse with plenty of water
  • Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the roots, and leave it for a minute or two
  • Finish with a rinse and, if you like, a last splash of cooler water to seal the cuticle

Hydration and nourishment

A mask once a week, or every two weeks, helps restore softness and flexibility, especially in dry, dyed or bleached hair. Plant oils, such as argan, jojoba or coconut, can be applied in small amounts to the ends to reduce dryness and frizz. Do not overdo it: too much weighs hair down and makes it greasy.

Heat and styling tools

Straighteners, curling irons and dryers at high temperature weaken the hair fibre. Reduce their use, lower the temperature and always apply a heat protectant. Dry hair with a towel by patting, without rubbing, and let it air-dry for a while before using the dryer. If you use a dryer, keep a distance of about fifteen centimetres.

How to style it without damaging it

Detangle starting at the ends and working upwards slowly, preferably with a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush. Avoid very tight hairstyles and hair ties with metal that pull the hair, and change the position of the ponytail or bun so you do not always overload the same area. Sleeping with a loose updo or a satin pillowcase reduces friction.

Colouring and chemical treatments

Dyes, bleaching and chemical straightening change the structure of the hair. If you use them, leave time between sessions, choose quality products, go to a professional if you are making major changes and reinforce care with masks and conditioners. Always do an allergy test before colouring, because some people react to certain components.

Trim the ends regularly

Trimming between one and two centimetres every two or three months prevents split ends from travelling upwards and giving a dull look. It does not make hair grow faster, but it does make it look healthier and more manageable.

Diet and lifestyle

Hair needs protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins and healthy fats. A varied diet, with pulses, eggs, fish, nuts, vegetables and fruit, usually covers these needs. Sleeping well, managing stress and not smoking also matter. Be careful with supplements: take only those recommended by a professional.

Care by season

In summer, sun, chlorine and salt dry out the hair: protect it with hats or scarves, rinse with fresh water after swimming and use products with hair sun protection. In winter, cold, wind and heating encourage static and dryness, so it helps to boost hydration and avoid going out with wet hair. Adapting care to each time of year maintains the balance of the scalp and ends.

Myths worth leaving behind

Washing hair a lot does not weaken it on its own, and cutting it does not make it grow faster. There is also no shampoo that «cures» split ends, and changing shampoo is not necessary because hair «gets used to» the product. What does work is choosing well for your type, avoiding mechanical and heat damage and maintaining a balanced diet.

When to consult a specialist

It is normal to lose between fifty and a hundred hairs a day. If you notice heavy sudden shedding, areas of thin hair, persistent itching or flaking, or abrupt changes in texture, consult a dermatologist. It may be due to treatable causes, such as nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, stress or hormonal changes.

Consistency and patience

Hair grows about one centimetre a month, so the results of new habits show over time. Keep a simple routine, listen to how your hair responds and avoid changing product every week. With consistency, it will look healthier and stronger.