The Dos and Don’ts of Hair Maintenance for Beauty Pageants
Hair is one of the first things that judges will notice about you when you walk on stage. It is important to have a hairstyle that compliments your outfit and makes you feel confident. But how do you ensure that your hair stays healthy and beautiful throughout the competition? Here are some tips from the experts.
Do: Choose a hairstyle that works with your natural hair texture.
When choosing a hairstyle for a beauty pageant, it is important to consider your natural hair type and texture. If you have straight hair, don’t try to curl it. If you have curly hair, embrace it!
The key is to work with what you’ve got and find a style that will show off your natural assets. There’s nothing worse than seeing a contestant onstage with limp, lifeless hair because she’s tried to force it into a style incompatible with her hair type.
Do: Use the right hair products.
Invest in quality products that are tailored to your specific hair type. Thicker, coarser hair will require heavier oils and creams, whereas finer hair may need lighter mousses or gels. A good leave-in conditioner is a must for helping protect your tresses from the heat of styling tools and humidity on pageant day.
It would be best if you also used an anti-frizz shampoo to help keep your hair smooth and manageable. This would also help in reducing split ends and flyaways.
Do: Take advantage of deep conditioning treatments.
Regular use of a deep conditioner is vital for maintaining healthy hair, especially when competing in pageants.
A good deep conditioner will help to deeply nourish your hair and promote growth while keeping it soft and shiny. It’s also a great way to protect your hair from the heat of styling tools and environmental damage.
Do: Get regular trims.
This may seem counterintuitive – after all, aren’t you trying to grow your hair out? But regular trims are essential for keeping your hair looking its best. Getting rid of split ends will prevent your hair from looking dry and damaged and help it grow longer and stronger over time.
How often you should trim your hair depends on your specific hair type and texture. If you have curly hair, you may need to trim it more often to keep it looking neat and healthy. If you have straight hair, you may be able to go a little longer between trims. Generally, aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks.
Do: Protect your hair from the sun.
Protecting your hair from the sun’s damaging UV rays is important when spending time outdoors. One way to do this is by wearing a hat or sunscreen.
Another is by using hair products that contain UV protection. Look for products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. This will help shield your hair from the harmful effects of the sun and keep it looking healthy and shiny.
Don’t: Wash your hair every day.
Overwashing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and brittle. If you can, try to wash your hair every other day or every third day to keep it healthy and hydrated. On days when you don’t wash it, skip the shampoo and just rinse your hair with water in the shower. You can also use a dry shampoo when your hair needs extra help staying fresh and clean-looking.
Washing your hair less often will extend the life of your blowouts and save you money in the long run. Texturizing sprays are great for giving dirty or oily scalp. Freshen up without water between washes using a spray for second or third-day styles. This spray acts as both a scalp refresher and a volume builder, giving roots some lift while soaking up any excess oil on the scalp.
Don’t: Use hot tools every day.
Yes, it can be hard to resist reaching for the flat iron when you want to achieve sleek and shiny strands. But using hot tools every day can damage your follicles irreparably.
Give your strands one day of rest between heat styling sessions if possible. Hot tools include curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers – anything over 120 degrees counts! And always use a heat protectant before applying any heat to damp strands.
Don’t: Over-style your hair.
Many beauty pageant contestants make the mistake of over-styling their hair – which can lead to breakage, frizziness, and even bald spots! Use heat protectant sprays or lotions before blow drying or flat ironing, and avoid using too much product when styling.
Moreover, too much hairspray, mousse, or gel can weigh down your hair, leaving it looking flat and dull. Stick with light and non-greasy products to keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant on pageant day!
Following these simple tips, you can keep your hair healthy and beautiful throughout the beauty pageant season – and beyond! Remember, choosing a style that works with your natural texture, using the right products, getting regular trims, protecting your locks from the sun, washing less often, and taking breaks between heat styling sessions are all key for maintaining healthy and beautiful pageant-worthy hair.