What's Your Hair Care Routine for Spring: Ideas from Tappa Hair Salon in Ottawa

1. Cleansing

• Frequency: 2-3 times a week to maintain natural oil balance
• Product Selection: Mild, sulfate-free shampoo to gently cleanse without stripping natural oils.
• Technique: Focus on the scalp rather than the lengths and ends. Use lukewarm water to avoid excessive drying.

2. Conditioning

• Frequency: After every shampoo to restore moisture.
• Product Selection: Lightweight, hydrating conditioner suited for normal hair types.
• Technique: Apply conditioner to the lengths and ends, avoiding the scalp to prevent greasiness. Leave on for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water to seal the hair cuticles for added shine.
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• For Thick, Curly or Wavy  Hair
  
  • Frequency: After every wash, and consider using a leave-in conditioner on non-wash days.
  • Product Selection: Rich, moisturizing conditioners or leave-in conditioners that cater to curly or wavy hair types.
  • Technique: Apply generously from mid-lengths to ends, detangling gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Leave in for 3-5 minutes before rinsing with cool water to enhance curl definition and shine.
  For Ethnic Hair
• Frequency: With every wash, and consider using a leave-in conditioner on damp hair between washes.
• Product Selection: Rich, creamy conditioners and leave-in conditioners formulated for deep hydration and detangling.
• Technique: Apply generously, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb or fingers, starting from the ends and working your way up.
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• 3. Deep Conditioning/Treatments
• For Normal Hair
  
  • Frequency: Once every two weeks to maintain hair health.
  • Product Selection: Choose a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask that targets maintaining moisture balance and enhancing hair strength.
  • Technique: Apply the treatment to damp hair after shampooing, leave it on for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly.
• For Thick, Curly or Wavy  Hair
  
  • Frequency: Once a week or every other week, depending on hair’s dryness.
  • Product Selection: Deep conditioners or hair masks specifically formulated for moisture, protein balance, or damage repair.
  • Technique: Apply after cleansing and leave on for 15-30 minutes under a shower cap. Rinse thoroughly. Consider using a heat cap for enhanced penetration of the treatment.
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  • For Ethnic Hair
    
    • Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks, depending on the hair’s need for moisture and strength.
    • Product Selection: Deep conditioners or hair masks targeted at intense moisture, protein balance, or specific issues like scalp health.
    • Technique: Apply thoroughly after cleansing, cover with a plastic cap, and leave on for at least 30 minutes. Consider applying gentle heat to enhance penetration.
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    • 4. Detangling and Brushing
    • For Normal Hair
      
      • Frequency: Daily, to prevent knots and ensure even distribution of natural oils.
      • Tool Selection: Use a wide-tooth comb for wet hair and a soft-bristle brush for dry hair.
      • Technique: Start detangling from the ends, gradually moving up to the roots to minimize breakage.
    • For Thick, Curly or Wavy  Hair
      
      • Frequency: On wash days or when necessary, to prevent breakage.
      • Tool Selection: Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush suitable for curly or wavy hair.
      • Technique: Always detangle when the hair is wet and conditioned, starting from the ends and working up to the roots to minimize breakage.
    • For Ethnic Hair
      • Frequency: On wash days or when managing and styling.
      • Tool Selection: A wide-tooth comb or specially designed detangling tools for thick, curly hair.
      • Technique: Detangle only when the hair is wet and conditioned to reduce breakage, starting from the tips and gently working up to the roots.
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      • 5. Drying
      • For Normal Hair
        
        • Technique: Air drying is preferred for normal hair. If using a hairdryer, opt for a low heat setting and keep the dryer moving to avoid heat damage. Use a heat protectant spray when necessary.
      • For Thick, Curly or Wavy  Hair
        
        • Technique: Air drying is preferred. If using a hairdryer, attach a diffuser and use a low heat setting to prevent frizz and damage. Tilt your head forward and gently cup curls in the diffuser to encourage definition and volume.
      • For Ethnic Hair
        • Technique: Air drying is best to avoid heat damage. If using a hair dryer, use a diffuser attachment on a low heat setting.
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        • 6. Styling
        •  For Normal Hair
        •  Product Selection: Minimal styling products to avoid buildup. Lightweight mousse or serum can be used to add volume or tame frizz.
        •  Technique: Use non-heat styling methods when possible, like braiding for waves. When using heat tools, always apply a heat protectant.
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        •  For Thick, Curly or Wavy  Hair
        •  Product Selection: Curl defining creams, gels, or mousses that enhance your natural curl pattern without weighing hair down.
        •  Technique: Apply styling products to wet or damp hair, using techniques such as "scrunching" to enhance natural curls or waves. Avoid touching your hair too much once it's styled to prevent frizz.
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        •  For Ethnic Hair
        •  Product Selection: Use minimal amounts of styling products to avoid buildup. Prefer natural and lightweight products that don’t weigh hair down.
        •  Technique: Employ protective and low-manipulation styles such as twists, braids, or updos to reduce breakage and retain length. Avoid high tension on the scalp and edges.
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        •  7. Regular Trims
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        •  For Normal Hair
        •  Frequency: Every 6-8 weeks to maintain hair health and prevent split ends.
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        •  For Thick, Curly or Wavy  Hair
        •  Frequency: Every 6-12 weeks to keep ends healthy and prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft.
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        •  For Ethnic Hair
        •  Frequency: Every 8-12 weeks to prevent split ends and maintain hair health.
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        •  8. Protective Styling (and Night Care)
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        •  For Normal Hair
        •  When Needed: Opt for loose, comfortable styles that don’t pull at the roots or stress the hair, especially during sleep or physical activities.
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        •  For Thick, Curly or Wavy  Hair
        •  When Needed: Wear hair in loose buns or braids to protect ends and reduce tangles. Use a satin or silk pillowcase, or wrap hair in a satin scarf at night to reduce frizz and breakage.
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        •  For Ethnic Hair
        •  When Needed: Protective styles like braids, twists, or wigs can give your hair a break from daily handling, but ensure they’re not too tight and that your scalp and hair are well-moisturized.
        •  Routine: Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase, or wrap hair in a satin scarf or bonnet to prevent moisture loss and reduce friction that can cause breakage.
    
    TAPPA HAIR SALON & Beauty Bar
    (613) 721 - 1000