If you want beautiful and healthy hair, you must choose a professional barbershop for regular haircuts. If you are based in New York City and searching for a professional barber, you have come to the right place. Here at Neighborhood Cut and Shave, we will share a blog post discussing how to maintain beautiful hair. If you find this information beneficial, keep reading below.

Haircuts are not just necessary for trimming your hair; they are important for keeping your hair healthy. Barbershops offer a range of hair maintenance services beyond just cutting hair. Here are some tips for keeping your hair healthy and preventing damage:

Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Frequently

Maintain Beautiful Hair

Washing your hair removes dirt and oil, but doing it too often can strip away the natural oils that keep your hair and scalp healthy. Washing your hair a couple of times a week helps maintain these natural oils, preventing dryness and breakage.

If shampoo is not rinsed thoroughly, it can build up on the hair, leaving it dull and lifeless. In between washes, you can use dry shampoo to absorb excess oils and keep your hair fresh and smelling good. Opt for organic shampoos that contain natural plant extracts, which are safe for your hair and good for the environment.

Use Conditioner

In the rush of a morning shower, it’s easy to forget to use conditioner, but it is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Apply conditioner to the middle and ends of your hair and then work it backward towards the scalp.

Your scalp and hair both need moisturizing. If your scalp feels itchy and dry or you notice dandruff flakes, it may need extra attention. Choose the right conditioner for your hair type. For example, thick hair needs a different hydrating product compared to straight, thin, or dry hair.

Apply a Hair Mask Weekly

Hair masks are important because they provide deep moisturizing treatment that penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize and strengthen your hair, roots, and scalp. If you want healthy, shiny, and strong hair, you should apply a hair mask at least once a week.

Keep Hair Protected When Using Heat

Do you always use heat to style your hair? Do you often use a blow dryer or hot iron? You must apply a moisturizing hair protectant to shield your hair from excessive heat. Too much heat can damage your hair. Use leave-in hair masks to protect your hair from heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply some to your palm and rub it through your hair before blow-drying or ironing.

Avoid Excessive Hair Processing

Dyes, perms, and relaxers can damage your hair, just like when you apply hair color, bleach, or dye. Allow your hair to rest between processing treatments to rehydrate and recover. If you have damaged and bleached hair, apply a hair mask to repair and strengthen it. While it may be tempting to color or bleach your hair frequently, avoid over-processing to maintain healthy hair.

Protect Hair When Going Outdoors

UV rays can damage your hair, so you must protect it when going outdoors, especially if you will be exposed to direct sunlight or swimming in the beach or pool. To keep your hair healthy, apply a hair conditioner or a leave-in hair mask before swimming in the sea or chlorinated pools.

The pool contains chemicals that can cause hair to dry out. If you love swimming, use a swim cap to reduce your hair’s exposure to sunlight and pool chemicals. Wear a cap or hat to protect your hair from harsh UV rays.

Remove Tangles Before Showering

Kid's Cut: Professional children's haircut at a family-friendly barbershop in New York City

Brush or comb your hair to get rid of tangles before washing it. Take a few minutes to remove all the tangles before you shower and shampoo your hair. This will help protect your hair and prevent breakage.

Brush Your Hair

When hair is wet, it is more prone to breakage. To keep your hair healthy and prevent flyaways, split ends, and damage, avoid brushing your hair while it is wet. Brush your hair when it is almost or completely dry. This may vary depending on hair type and texture.

Curly hair, for example, can be more prone to damage with dry brushing. If you prefer combing your hair while it is wet, use a wide-tooth comb because it is gentle on the scalp and hair follicles. Make sure to comb your hair slowly.

Squeeze Your Wet Hair with a Towel

To dry your wet hair, use a towel to absorb excess water. Wrap your hair with the towel and gently squeeze out the water. Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel, as this can cause tangles and breakage, leading to more damage. Wet hair is more prone to damage than dry hair.

Protect Your Scalp

Kid's Cut: Expert children's haircut in New York City

The scalp can become dry, especially when the air is dry, if too much shampoo is left in the hair, or with too much sun exposure. Use a hat or cap to protect your scalp from harsh UV rays.

To protect your scalp, use scalp sunscreen when going outdoors, use a humidifier if the indoor air is dry, avoid washing your hair too often, and use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Consider a deep scalp treatment to moisturize if your scalp is dry and flaky.

Protect Your Hair While Sleeping

If you have long hair, loosely braid it or wear a sleeping cap. Use a silk pillowcase instead of a cotton one, as smooth fabrics can prevent and reduce hair tangles while sleeping.

Get Regular Haircuts

To keep your hair short and healthy, choose a professional barbershop and schedule a haircut or trim every 3 to 7 weeks. For textured curly hair, visit the barber every 8 to 12 weeks. To prevent split ends and avoid hair damage, schedule a haircut at least every 12 weeks. Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy and properly managed hair.

Eat a Healthy Diet and Drink Lots of Water

Kid's Cut: Expert children's haircut in West Village New York, NY

To keep your hair healthy, consume foods rich in protein, essential fatty acids, and B vitamins. These nutrients are crucial for producing keratin, the structural protein found in hair and nails. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your skin and hair properly hydrated.

Do you need a professional barbershop for regular haircuts? If you are based in New York City, choose Neighborhood Cut and Shave for your haircut or trim. Since 2010, we have been offering professional barbershop services, including beard trimming, buzz cuts, haircuts, hair trims, kids’ cuts, and shaves.

To book any of our services, please call us at (212) 929-5555. Make sure to choose a reliable professional barber like Neighborhood Cut and Shave for your haircut needs. What are you waiting for? Contact us today!