Tap to Read ➤

Care for Short Haircuts

Sonal Panse
Short haircuts are easier to maintain, can be quickly washed and styled, and are specially convenient in the summer. Read on to know how to care for short haircuts.
Beautiful hair is one of the best fashion accessories. Having a nice hairstyle can make you look and feel great. So, which hairstyle should you pick? You always read stuff like long hair is "in" or short hair is "in", which is really nonsensical fashion-speak thought up by people in the business to drum up some interest.
Choose a style based on the shape of your face and your hair type. Look at magazine photographs and movies, and have a consultation with your hairstylist. Many stylists have software that allow you to see digitally how you will look with different hairstyles. You can also browse through websites that offer similar options.
Time required for grooming is another factor. If you haven't too much time to spare for grooming, and if it suits you, go for a short haircut. Short haircuts are easier to maintain, can be quickly washed and styled, and are specially convenient in the summer.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

While short hair certainly require less care than a longer mane, it does require some maintenance to keep it clean, healthy, and looking good.
Here are some tips for short hair care:
  • Trim your hair every 3 or 4 weeks, as short haircuts tend to grow out of the given style quicker. Regular trimming will both maintain your hairstyle and prevent those dreaded split ends.
  • Don't comb wet hair, as it is more elastic than dry hair, and can easily break if subjected to a vigorous combing. Let your hair dry naturally and then comb with a wide-toothed comb. Wooden combs are better than plastic combs. Once you have smoothed out all the tangles with a wide-toothed comb, use a fine-toothed comb.
  • If you do have split ends, snipping them off is the only cure. Don't fall for product advertisements that show split ends joining up again, as it does not happen in reality. Trimming the hair above the split and subjecting your hair to minimum stress - less or no chemicals, hair-coloring, bleaching, perms, curling, ironing, etc. - is what is needed.
  • Condition your hair at least once a week. Massage your scalp and hair with warm coconut or almond oil. After oiling, dip a towel in hot water, wring it, and wrap it about your hair for about 20 minutes. Wash your hair after this.
After washing, use lemon juice as the last rinse to give your hair a shine. Other natural conditioners include banana pulp, lemon, honey, and tomato juice. Apply these before washing your hair and keep them on for 15 minutes.
  • Use a mild shampoo, or better still, the ayurvedic Shikakai. With its low pH and medicinal properties, it nourishes the hair and eliminates dandruff.
  • Include fruits and vegetables, especially seasonal fruits and leafy green vegetables, in your everyday meals as they're a great source of minerals and vitamins. Eat bread made from whole-grains. Eat more beans, peas, and pulses. Include natural ghee in your meals, and cut down on red meat.
  • Give up using the curling irons.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals. Hair coloring, bleaching, and shaping products, whatever the labels assure you, are not really good for your hair in the long run. Staying as natural as possible is your best bet.
  • Wear a cap when you go swimming to protect your hair from over-exposure to the sun.
  • Exercise more often. The more healthy you are, the better your hair will look.
You don't have to head for the gym and pump irons - although there is no harm in that - but regular physical activities, like walking, running, climbing and going down staircases, gardening, dancing, playing sports, and so on can also help immensely. Doing at least 30 minutes of any of these activities every day is fine.
  • Eat better. I cannot repeat enough of this rule. You are what you eat, so what you eat affects your hair condition. Drink plenty of water; experts advise 8 glasses per day. You should drink water before, during, and after exercise.