Product Mistakes You May be Making

You probably think that by now, you've figured out your hair and what it takes to keep it healthy and well styled. But do you ever wonder why your hair looks so great when you leave the salon, yet you can't replicate that look at home?

The problem(s) could lie in the way you're using your products. This breakdown should help you understand common difficulties and how to fix them so you can achieve beautiful hair at home.

Hairspray

Concern: "My hair feels too crunchy after I use hairspray."

This means you're spraying too close to your head. Over-saturating will cause buildup, as will spraying too long in one section. Hairspray comes in different levels of hold. They range from light and moveable to strong, firm holding. Make sure you purchase the correct one for your needs.

To use, hold the can above your head as far as your arms can extend. This should be about 8-10" away.

Tip! --> for pesky flyaways, lightly apply some hairspray to your fingertips and gently smooth down the top of your hair.

Oil

Concern: "If I use oil my hair will be greasy."

Oil is meant to hydrate your hair. Only your ends need hydration. Think about it: the hair at your roots is the healthiest hair on your head. The hair closest to your scalp will be the first to look oily. Your ends will not. Oil at your roots will make your hair appear greasy and reduce volume.

When using hair oil, less is more. Apply a pea size to your palms, rub together, and gentle rake through your ends. If you feel your hair is soaking up oil, repeat with another pea size until you're satisfied. But it's best to start with a very small amount.

Tip! --> oil can be used on wet or dry hair. I use it on damp hair as a heat protectant prior to blow drying, and on dry hair to add moisture/shine and to comb out curls.

Dry Shampoo

Concern: "Dry shampoo doesn't work for me."

Some women swear by dry shampoo. Others feel like it does nothing for them. Dry shampoo is meant to absorb your hair's natural oils at the root, which will prolong your style and your time in between washes.

You'll want to use dry shampoo 1-2 days after you wash your hair. It's best to be ahead of oily hair before it happens. To use, spray on a small section at a time and apply at your roots for 1-2 seconds. (Beware - some dry shampoos leave a white residue if you spray too close to the scalp and for too long). Let your hair be for a few minutes, and then massage your scalp.

Tip! --> use dry shampoo before bed. It will help to absorb oils.

Conditioner

Concern: "I don't like using conditioner. It weighs my hair down."

Conditioner is a moisturizing agent used after shampooing. It's beneficial in that it makes hair soft, reduces tangles, helps prevent frizz, and so much more!

If you think conditioner weighs down your hair, it could be because you're putting it too close to your scalp or using too much. Next time you condition, apply only a quarter size amount in fluid motions from your mid-shafts downward. When you're ready to rinse, thoroughly massage out of your hair. You'll know it's time to stop rinsing when your hair no longer feels silky.

Tip! --> to truly reap the benefits of your conditioner, wash your hair at the start of your shower routine. Leave the conditioner in until your ready to get out of the shower. Your hair will feel so smooth and free of tangles - it will be like a hair masque every time!