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You thought you’d have this healthy hair thing on lock by now, right? There are so many videos and tutorials and books that you can’t even keep up. But stepping back to look at the basic, simple reason you are not hitting your goals could the the answer to all of your hair woes. Here are five common hair problems and solutions to help you get your hair back on track.

COMMON REASON #1: YOUR HAIR WON’T HOLD A STYLE AND KEEPS FRIZZING
SIMPLE FIX #1: YOU NEED TO WASH WITH A CLARIFYING SHAMPOO

Product buildup happens to every head of hair no matter if you are natural or not. It cannot be avoided if you have hard water or use things like creams, butters, oils, mousse, gel and other stylers. The buildup dulls your hair overtime causing the flattening effect and also starts to block the ability for your hair to retain moisture which leads to the frizziness. By using a clarifying shampoo every few washes, which is designed to “deep clean” unlike regular shampoo, you break down the build up on your hair. Doing this will wash away the layers of build up and make you hair light and full of body. Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo is a great clarifying shampoo that leaves your hair feeling soft and not stripped like many other clarifiers can.

If you have color treated hair, it’s best to clarify no more than once a month (and never right after a color treatment) to avoid fading your hair color.

COMMON REASON #2: YOU’RE FINDING SHORT HAIRS EVERYWHERE
SIMPLE FIX #2: YOU NEED A TRIM

Lots of women with naturally curly hair love length because it helps them show off their hair. In many cases, we have to grow our curly hair longer than we would if we wore our hair straight because it takes “longer” curly hair to show length. But if you are keeping your hair long (or short), you have to trim it. Long hair is a waste if your ends are busted and a tell tale sign if there ever was are short broken pieces in your bathroom – hair that breaks off at the weakest point in the split. Having your hair trimmed every 8-12 weeks (depending on your hair growth and how often you wear your hair out and handle it) helps to prevent and manage spits as well as avoid spilt that travel the length of your hair and break off at your mid-shaft or root.

COMMON REASON #3: YOUR HAIR HAS NO BODY OR VOLUME
SIMPLE FIX #3: YOU NEED THICKENING PRODUCTS OR…

This problem is most commonly seen in women with thin and or fine hair and the reason your hair is lifeless could be caused by a variety of reasons but we’re going to go ahead and bet it is the simplest one – because you are using the wrong shampoo and or conditioner for your hair type or you’re plastering conditioner all over your scalp. The fix is just as simple – stop putting conditioner on your scalp because it’s not designed for your scalp (remember, it works by leaving behind a film to soften your hair) and if your hair is fine and or thin that buildup can take the body out of your hair quick.

If your conditioner is not the culprit you may need thickening products. Thin and fine hair can fall flat easily, so try using a volume shampoo (and the accompanying conditioner) that works for curly hair. Some of our favorite volume building, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner combos that don’t strip your hair are Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo, Alterna Bamboo Abundant Volume Shampoo, En Root Give Me Volume Shampoo, Ogx Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and L’Or?al Volume Filler Thickening Shampoo.

If you need specialty shampoo and conditioner for a scalp condition, check out 10 Effective Ways To Manage & Prevent Scalp Flare Ups which will give you suggestions on products.

COMMON REASON #4: YOUR HAIR WON’T GROW PAST [INSERT BODY PART HERE]
SIMPLE FIX #4: STOP DAMAGING YOUR HAIR DURING DETANGLING

You may be damaging your hair and not know it. Unless you have a (un)diagnosed medical condition, your hair is growing about 6 inches a year. The reason you may not be seeing this growth is because you could be ripping it out. Start by really examining your styling routine. Are you always extremely gentle when you finger and comb detangling before and during your shower? Always use a large toothed comb or a paddle brush designed to detangle wet hair as wet hair. Your hair is very fragile and when it’s wet, the most self-inflicted damage is often created during wet detangling. If you (also) detangle dry, pay attention to how gentle you are being as well. You could be doing everything right in your hair routine and sabotaging efforts come wash day. Be gentle.

COMMON REASON #5: YOU’RE DOING EVERYTHING RIGHT BUT…
SIMPLE FIX #4: START EATING RIGHT

Simply put, how can you expect a head full of beautiful, healthy, vibrant hair if you’re eating junk food or unhealthy “healthy” meals — i.e. the salad coated in ranch dressing? What you put into your body really makes a difference. Eat a balanced diet and drink at least 8 tall glasses of water every day. Your hair is often a reflection of what you feed your body.

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