Useful Tips for Protecting Your Straight Hair

Straight hair is a popular look that a lot of women aspire to. Some women are fortunate enough to be born with straight hair, while others (including yours truly), need to use various products and tools to straighten hair. 

But getting straight hair is only the first part, you need to look after straight hair too! Whether it’s from heat styling, hair care products, or environmental factors like sun and pollution, straight hair needs some extra lovin’ to shine. 

The question that arises is why do we need to look after straight hair. Straight hair can be thick or fine. It can be coarse or silky. Either way it needs taking care of. You may think that straight hair does not need much care, but that is where you are wrong. Like any other hair, straight hair too can be damaged. Styling tools, over washing, using the wrong shampoo or just neglecting your straight hair can ruin it.

Damaged and tangled hair with no shine, body or luster.

If you too are struggling to maintain your straight hair, then worry not. We’ve got you covered! Master these tips and you’ll be showing off your long straight hair in no time! Here are 9 useful tips for protecting your straight hair. 

Choosing the correct hair care wash products is essential to maintaining straight hair. When choosing  shampoos, avoid anything that contains sulfates or alcohol. These chemicals may strip your hair of its natural oils and make it dull, brittle, and prone to breakages. 

A shampoo designed specifically for straight hair is a good way to go. As for conditioners, opt for a hydrating conditioner that nourishes your hair and helps prevent breakage. 

We all know how important it is to wash our hair and keep it clean. However, did you know that there is also something like overwashing. Washing your hair too often can strip your hair of its natural oils. And we know what happens when your hair loses its natural oils - it becomes dull, brittle, and prone to breakage! 

It’s best to wash your hair every other day, and perhaps even after two days when possible! If you’re living in a hot and humid climate, or spend a lot of time outdoors, this may be difficult as your hair will get sweaty and dirty more quickly. In such situations, consider using a dry shampoo in between washes to keep your hair looking fresh! 

If you use a hair straightener or any other heat tools to straighten and style your hair, a heat protectant spray or serum is a must-have. Heat protectant sprays and serums help create a barrier between your hair and the heat. This helps prevent breakage, split ends, and other damage. 

Apply the heat protectant to your hair before using heat tools like irons or straighteners, and you can even use it before blow-drying with hot hair. 

A good hair brush is a must for any type of hair, but especially for anyone with straight hair. Brushes with soft, natural bristles won’t damage your hair like brushes with plastic bristles which can cause breakage and split ends. If you prefer, you can also use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush.

It’s also important to brush your hair the correct way. Now, we know what you’re thinking - how can someone brush hair the wrong way?  Brushing your hair too hard, or tugging and pulling on tangles can cause your hair to break. If you come across tangles, hold your hair close to the tangle and very gently tug till the tangles come loose and your hair starts to flow again. 

Everyone loves being out in the sun, especially right after a cold gloomy winter. But too much sun isn’t good for your hair which can get damaged by the sun’s harmful UV rays. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, consider tying your hair up in a loose bun, braid, or ponytail. You can also protect your straight hair by wearing a hat or scarf to cover your hair. 

Another way to protect your hair from the sun is by using leave-in conditioners that contain UV filters. If you like to swim, think about using a swimming cap to protect your hair from all the chemicals in the swimming pool!  

Hair hairstyles that put a strain on your hair can potentially cause permanent damage to your hair. Tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, and buns can be damaging to straight hair, especially if you wear them frequently and for long hours. This is because tight hairstyles pull on your hair, causing the hair roots to weaken and eventually break. 

But worry not, there are plenty of hairstyles out there that won’t damage your hair! Maybe you can go for a loose ponytail or loose bun - just about anything that doesn’t need tight hair ties! 

One of the most important things to do for maintaining healthy straight hair is to get regular trims. The frequency depends on numerous factors such as type and quality of hair, where you live, and what conditions your hair is exposed to. In general, think about getting a trim every 6-10 weeks. 

Trimming hair helps get rid of split ends which not only make your hair look bad but also cause breakage. Trimming also encourages healthy and strong hair growth - wins all around! 

Look, we all use products to style our hair and get that perfect look. But using too many products (and the wrong kind of products) can severely damage your straight hair. Most of us know hair bleaches and colors can be harmful, but even hair gels and hairspray can damage your hair. 

Excessive use of hair products can cause buildup in your hair and scalp. This makes your hair look dull and lifeless. You may end up overwashing your hair which isn’t great. It’s best to use styling products sparingly, and always wash your hair thoroughly to remove any buildup.  

Blowdrying your hair causes a buildup of static which in turn makes your hair feel brittle and prone to breakage. If you blow dry with a hot hair setting, the heat can cause essential oils in your hair to evaporate, which again causes hair to go dry and brittle. 

If you’re not blow-drying your hair, you’ll most probably use a towel to dry your hair. When you towel dry your straight hair, be gentle and avoid rubbing or tugging on your hair. Gently dab your hair with a towel to squeeze out the excess water. Rubbing your hair vigorously can cause breakage and split ends. Once you’ve got most of the water out, leaving your hair and scalp to air dry is the best way to protect straight hair!   

Conclusion 

Straight hair looks lovely as it is. Plus, it’s versatile and offers several styling choices. But, it is also a high-maintenance style as straight hair is quite prone to breakage. But with the right tips and hair care routine, you can keep your straight hair looking healthy and gorgeous. 

Remember to use sulfate-free shampoo and avoid overwashing your hair. If you have to use a heat styling tool, always use a heat protectant spray or serum before you start. Wash your hair often without overwashing and be gentle when drying your hair. Be gentle when brushing your hair and protect your straight hair from the sun. Last but not least, get regular trims to get rid of split ends and you’ll be well on your way to healthy straight hair!