7 Tips to Make Your Hairstyle Last Longer

Creating a new look, whether through curls, waves or straightening, can be a time-consuming and even somewhat costly task, so you probably want your new style to last for as long as possible. To achieve this, there are a few steps you can take in your hair routine.

5-Minute Crafts has put together a guide to help you make your new hairstyle stand up to your daily activities.

1. Reduce heat styling.

Even if you use a heat protectant, heat can damage your hair, leaving it dry and brittle, making any hairstyle last less than it should. That’s why it’s recommended to use hair rollers or mousse-type products to curl or straighten your hair naturally.

2. Don’t wash your hair when you’re going to curl or wave it.

Every time you wash your hair, you’re removing dirt, but also natural oils from your scalp. These would eventually make your hairstyle last longer, which is why it’s recommended to curl or wave your hair 2 or 3 days after washing it to give it a better look without having to use additional products.

3. Be frugal with your conditioner.

Conditioners can make hair heavier and greasier, especially if you have fine hair. That’s why it’s recommended to use a tiny amount of product, apply it to your hair, and stay away from your roots. Next, you can pat your hair dry with a towel and start styling it with a hair dryer.

4. Blow with cold air after styling.

If you use a blow dryer when styling your hair, adjust the temperature to minimize heat damage. Then when you finish styling your hair, blow it out with a cool blast of air. This will help the cuticles close and make your style last longer. Some blow dryers have a special button built in to make this easier.

5. Use dry or sulfate-free shampoo.

Another tip for a longer-lasting hairstyle is to use dry shampoo on days when you feel the most sweaty, or before and after a gym session. Apply it directly to the roots to help absorb the oil and give your hair a cleaner look.

Also, if you’ve had keratin straightening done, experts recommend using sulfate-free shampoos. This is because the chemicals and foaming agents in conventional products can reverse the styling, returning your hair to its natural shape much faster.

6. Cover your hair at night.

Before going to bed, wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf. This will prevent dryness and protect your hairstyle from friction. If you find it too uncomfortable to sleep with your hair wrapped, a good alternative is to use a pillowcase made of these materials.

7. Don’t touch your hair.

Although it can be difficult leaving the salon and seeing yourself with a new look, you should avoid touching your hair at all costs. By doing so, you not only transfer dirt and oils, but you can also undo any hairstyle you’ve had done and cause frizz to appear.