Everybody's schedule is different depending on a bunch of factors; from workout schedule to production of sebum. But, there are a few things that are essentially true for everyone. We tapped hair stylist extraordinaire Halli Bivona from the John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman for her advice about how to best take care of our 'dos.
When to wash
Fine hair: Every other day to every two days works best. This way it won't get too greasy but you're still allowing your natural oils to coat and nourish the hair.
Medium to course hair: Anywhere from every third day to once a week. Thicker hair takes longer to adbsorb natural oils, and appears less greasy over time than its finer hair counterpart. I typically recommend doing a deep conditioning masque once a week for 15 minutes or longer.
Chemically damaged hair: I would recommend washing your hair based on its texture, but leaving conditioner in over night. Tie up your locks and put a shower cap on while sleeping—this way you'll protect your pillow and your natural heat will warm the conditioning treatment, allowing it to penetrate the cuticle layer and give a really deep conditioning. My favorite masque is Shu Uemura Ultimate Remedy, it has lots of essential oils which are super nourishing without weighing your hair down.
How much product to use:
Two quarter size helpings of shampoo will give you a good lather, and the same for conditioner. Work the product from your ends to your roots and let sit for a few minutes. Most people don't rinse their conditioner out properly, which can compromise the blowout. Add an extra minute or so to your rinse just to be sure you've washed out everything.
When to cut:
Shoulder length and shorter: To maintain that precise length you need to get cut every 4-6 weeks.
Below shoulders: Every 8 weeks.
Insider tip: I've been noticing a resurgence of women with long hair [Editor's note: totally guilty of this] avoid haircuts for fear of loss of length, but it actually does more harm than good. The longer you leave a cut the more split ends you'll accumulate. Split ends then begin to travel further up your hair folicle, causing more dryness and damage. To avoid damaging long hair, get a cut once a seasons or every 8 weeks. That way you can keep the length but the split ends never get that bad.
When to cut out hot tools:
It's okay to use hot tools a few times a week. But, if you use them everyday you are definitely causing damage.
Insider tip: Use a heat protectant serum or spray any time you're styling your hair. A lot of tools go up to 450 degrees, but the hotter the tool the less time you need to keep your hair wrapped in the curling iron or pass the flat iron over your hair.
When to color:
A single process: Every 4 weeks.
Highlights: Every 6-8 weeks.
Insider tip: I love a little roots with highlights. I feel it adds some contrast to the hair while also protecting it from over processing.
Related video: Lazy Girl Hair Hacks
