We often think the key to shiny, healthy hair is another expensive serum or mask with exotic ingredients recommended by a famous influencer. At Soap for Globe, however, we believe that true beauty comes from nature, simplicity, and above all, wise habits. Before you replace the entire contents of your makeup bag and invest in expensive hair treatments, take a look at how you treat your hair every day.
It's the small, repetitive actions we perform almost automatically that have the greatest impact on the condition of our strands over the course of months and years. Hair care isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. Here are 10 simple steps that will transform your hairstyle, based on what you already have in your bathroom and how you use your time.
Regular trimming of the ends
While this may seem contrary to growing hair, systematically trimming the ends is absolutely crucial for its health and aesthetics. Hair, as a dead keratin structure, naturally wears out over time. Once the end begins to split, the damage doesn't stop there—it progresses up the shaft like the "eyelet" in tights, leading to breakage at various points.
Many people avoid the hairdresser, desperate to maintain every millimeter of length. This mistake results in hair that looks thin and damaged at the ends. Regular visits (even for a symbolic "refresh" of 1 cm every 3-4 months) will help your hair regain its natural lightness, appear thicker, and be more manageable. Remember: healthy, shorter hair always looks better than long but damaged strands.
Combing your hair before washing
This is one of the simplest habits that drastically reduces the number of mechanically damaged and pulled hairs. Why is it so important? Wet hair becomes incredibly flexible and susceptible to stretching. Its structure swells when exposed to water, and the cuticles open slightly, making it easier for strands to catch on each other.
Gently dry-combing your hair before showering helps remove any remaining styling products and dust, and most importantly, reduces tangling during washing. This will help you avoid painful tangles while shampooing. This saves time, reduces stress on the hair follicles, and means fewer hairs in the drain.
Gentle hair washing
The way you wash your hair has a real impact on the condition of your scalp and hair shaft. Many of us make the mistake of treating the entire length of our hair like a fabric requiring scrubbing. However, the lengths rarely require intensive cleansing with detergents – it's the scalp that produces sebum and collects impurities.
Instead of rubbing your hair, focus on gently massaging your scalp with your fingertips (never your nails!). This massage not only cleanses but also stimulates microcirculation, which can accelerate hair growth. The lather that naturally flows down your strands during rinsing is more than enough to refresh the rest of your hair without over-drying it. If your ends are very dry, you can also protect them with a little conditioner before applying shampoo to the top of your head.
Appropriate water temperature
Water that's too hot is the enemy of shine and elasticity. High temperatures drastically open hair cuticles, leading to moisture loss, accelerated color loss (especially in color-treated hair) , and excessive frizz. Hot water also stimulates the sebaceous glands to overwork, which, paradoxically, can accelerate hair oiliness.
Try to wash your hair in lukewarm water, which is comfortable for your skin. The most important trick, however, comes at the very end: do a final rinse with cooler (but not icy!) water. This simple step seals the cuticles, smooths the hair's structure, and makes the surface of the strands more reflective. The result? Instant shine and smoothness without the need for shine agents.
Using the OMO method
How does it work in practice?
- O (Conditioner): Apply a light conditioner to wet hair from mid-length down. This will create a protective film that minimizes the drying effects of shampoo.
- M (Wash): Wash only the scalp with shampoo (preferably a mild one, e.g. Soap for Globe bar).
- O (Conditioner): After rinsing, apply a second, richer conditioner or mask and leave it in for a few minutes. This will ensure your hair is perfectly cleansed at the roots while maximally moisturizing and protecting the ends.
Avoiding hot air from the dryer
Frequent heat styling is one of the most common causes of permanent damage to the keratin structure. The hot air from the blow dryer causes rapid evaporation of water from the hair shaft, which can lead to the formation of "bubble hair"—microscopic air bubbles within the hair shaft that make the hair brittle, like glass.
If you can't give up your blow dryer, change your habit of using the highest heat setting. Selecting the warm air setting takes a little longer but prevents overheating. Always use the "cool shot" button at the end of your blow-dry. The cool shot will set your style and smooth the cuticles, preventing static.
Draining hair without friction
Vigorously rubbing your hair with a rough, terry cloth towel is a surefire way to damage the hair's structure. The fibers of traditional towels have a looped structure that acts like a grater on wet, defenseless hair. This causes micro-damage, which manifests as dullness and frizz.
Instead, after washing, gently blot excess water with a microfiber towel or... a regular cotton T-shirt. Cotton has a smooth weave that absorbs water without irritating the hair's surface. Wrap your hair in a soft turban for a maximum of 5-10 minutes – keeping wet hair warm for too long encourages the growth of bacteria on the scalp.
Changing the pillowcase
On average, we spend a third of our lives in bed. During those eight hours, our heads rub against the pillow hundreds of times. Traditional cotton pillowcases, while natural, have a microscopically rough surface that "catches" hair, causing it to tangle and break, especially if we tend to toss and turn at night.
Swapping cotton for silk (a premium option) or satin (a more budget-friendly option) is one of the most effective changes you can make. The slippery material allows your hair to glide freely across the pillow without friction. In the morning, you'll notice that your strands are tangle-free and your hairstyle stays fresh. An added bonus? Silk doesn't absorb moisture from your hair or makeup from your face!
Limiting touching of hair during the day
Frequent hair adjustments, running our fingers through hair when stressed, or wrapping hair around our fingers are habits we rarely realize. Unfortunately, our hands are a hotbed of natural oil (sebum), sweat, and dirt collected from computer or phone keyboards.
By transferring these substances to your hair, you're making it heavier, losing volume, and requiring more frequent washing. If you feel the need to constantly adjust your hair, try tying it into a loose braid or bun with a silk scrunchie. Consciously limiting touching your strands will allow you to enjoy your fresh hairstyle for one or even two days longer.
Regularity instead of constant change
We live in an "instant" culture, but hair needs time. Frequent changes to your routine, introducing five new products at once, or testing every new trend online can make your scalp reactive and irritated. It's also difficult to assess what's actually helping and what's hurting.
Patience is key in hair care. The hair growth cycle and the time it takes for the scalp's hydrolipid barrier to regenerate are processes measured in weeks. Give each change and each new product (e.g., shampoo bar) at least a month. Only careful observation will allow you to build a routine that's perfectly tailored to your individual needs.
By making these small changes, you'll notice your favorite Soap for Globe products working even better. Your hair deserves gentle care every day!