The 2023 Haircare Trends You'll Want To Abide By For Healthier Strands
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From wolf cuts to balayage to claw clips and pearls, hair trends have taken the world by storm. Everyone is looking for a way to have a beautiful mane and express their style. But trying to keep up with trends has put many people's hair through the wringer. The pursuit of the most fashionable styles has led to damaged tresses. Lightening with bleach and repeated heat damage the proteins in the hair.
According to L'Oréal, if you take a strand of hair, pull on it, and it breaks, your hair is most likely damaged. Checking to see if the surface of your hair feels uneven, you may also have hair damage. But the trends going into 2023 are meant to cultivate a better, healthier head of hair. Many people are focusing on repairing their hair and ensuring that the new inches they grow are properly nourished. From spa-like shower routines to bedtime regimes, taking care to grow healthier hair is the new preferred beauty trend.
Chemical exfoliation for your scalp
Move up the strands and focus on creating a healthier scalp. In past years, skincare has exploded as people add products to their routines meant to even out skin tone and texture. Skin doesn't stop at your hairline, and that's why scalp care is also trending. Many are using traditional skincare ingredients to address some issues on their scalp and, in turn, grow longer, healthier hair.
Chemical exfoliation is meant to remove dead skin cells and oils from the surface and deep within the layers of skin. Now, many are using similar products to treat scalp buildup and inflammation. Skincare ingredients meant to target acne can also work for scalp buildup. But it's still recommended to use products formulated for the scalp and hair rather than the same ones you might use for your face.
However, similar to face exfoliation, you can over-exfoliate your scalp, which can lead to more problems than you started with. At most, once a week is sufficient, but every other week might be better. "It's best to get used to using the product to avoid overdrying, as excess use may strip your scalp of natural oils and even strip away some hair color if you are coloring your hair," Dr. Erum Ilyas tells Dermstore. "It's also helpful to follow up these treatments with a leave-in conditioner or regular conditioner to rehydrate your scalp and hair." With continued use, you can address itching and flaking and grow stronger, healthier hair.
Bond re-building
Over the last few years, many have colored and highlighted their hair, and it's no secret that that can lead to damage. Enter bond builders. These products have exploded in the haircare scene. Olaplex, an industry leader, promised to repair and strengthen damaged hair by repairing bonds deep within the follicle that leads to fizzy and easily broken hair. The popularity of the brand's line of masks, conditioners, and sprays has led other brands to create their own bond-building treatments.
Bond builders chemically repair damaged hair and protein bonds due to heat and dying. They're often used after chemical treatments like bleaching to repair the damage. These productions can also help hydrate and prevent future damage. Your hair has disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonds, and salt bonds, says Sitting Pretty. Disulfide bonds break down from chemical treatments, while hydrogen bonds break down with repeated water exposure and salt bonds react to harsh ingredients.
Bond-building products are meant to repair these three bonds, which can improve hair elasticity and frizziness. If you're someone who doesn't want to give up bleaching or dying, bond builders can repair and prevent damage, giving you shinier, healthier hair.
Elevate your scalp massage
The scalp is the foundation of healthy hair, so it's no wonder that the biggest trends going into 2023 are focusing on the root. Regular scalp massages can help stimulate hair growth. According to Healthline, hair follicle cells stretch and blood vessels dilate during a scalp massage, which leads to thicker hair. Twice daily scalp massages can help stimulate healthier hair. However, many have moved away from traditional scalp massages for something more luxurious.
Gua sha has taken the skincare world by storm and now it's coming for the scalp as well. "Acupressure on the scalp using gua sha tools can help improve circulation to the scalp, which can support healthy hair growth," Sandra Lanshin Chiu, a licensed acupuncturist, tells Mane Addicts. Add gua sha tools, spoons, and combs you can use on the scalp to your haircare routine. Remember to use the tools along with an oil so the motion isn't too rough on the skin.
However, you do want to be more gentle with your scalp. "I would use a gua sha tool to gently circle specific acupuncture points or areas of concern on the scalp," Chiu explains. "I like to circle both clockwise and counterclockwise at each point." Doing this each night will help stimulate your scalp and help relax you for sleep.
Natural hair masks
Strong hair is the prettiest hair, so addressing dry, split ends are going to be a major focus heading into the next year. Harsh ingredients and chemical treatment are the main culprits when it comes to dry, damaged hair. However, the cold weather and natural elements aren't helping either. Many are leaning into regular hair mask treatments, especially DIY ones done at home, to help improve the look and feel of their locks.
Hair masks can help deliver the nutrients that make for stronger hair. And placed directly on the strands, they're able to absorb as many helpful ingredients as possible. The key to getting the most benefit out of your hair mask? Choosing one that addresses your hair's needs. If your hair is dry, opt for nourishing and hydrating formulas and avoid ones that include ingredients like clay, which may be better for greasy hair, according to Jean Louis David. How you use hair masks is also important. Ten minutes once a week will do the trick. Any more than that can have adverse effects.
Rosemary oil treatment
After going viral on social media, this product is becoming a must-have for anyone looking to take better care of their hair. Many swear that rosemary oil is the cause of their hair growing longer and thicker and making the hair they already have softer and shinier. The visual results had this product clamoring off the shelves. Derived from the herb, this essential oil improves hair hydration and nourishes the hair follicle. On the scalp, the oil can remove buildup and stimulate blood flow, which can create healthier new growth. For current tresses, less frizz and more shine are major benefits.
To incorporate rosemary oil, you'll always want to use a diluting oil and you never want to apply the essential directly to the scalp. Find haircare products formulated with rosemary or create your own by adding the essential oil to shampoos, conditioners, or leave-in products. Use rosemary oil one to two times a week and you'll see results.