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Last Updated on August 25, 2022
It is not business as usual in the United States. Quarantine lockdowns have made basic operations quite complicated. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but it’s a necessary move by the government and health officials to help keep infections at a minimum. However, with salons and barbershops all over closed, maintaining your hair under home isolation is proving rather tricky.
The famous philosopher Plato once said necessity is the mother of invention. It seems there’s no time like the present to get creative on how you’ll maintain your hair. The idea of quarantine haircuts is a growing trend with more people embracing the inevitability of having to cut hair at home. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re itching for a change.
Avoid Too Much Heat or Chemical Treatment
Hair is a delicate thing. The properties of hair fibers lie in their elaborate internal makeup. Too much heat or chemical treatment will often prove detrimental to the structure of these hair fibers. Performing repetitive grooming practices with too much heat or chemical treatment isn’t great for your hair’s health.
This is a great time to restore prior damage by trying out some hair masks. Deep conditioning masks are an excellent alternative to heat styling since they prevent hair damage, promote elasticity, and nourish hair. In case you have any grown-out or dry strands, they’ll stay as they are without getting worse. Once your salon re-opens, you can quickly get them fixed.
It’s Okay to Try Something New
Considerable changes in your lifestyle might push you to make significant changes in how you look as a way of coping. Roughly 40% to 50% of American couples divorce, pushing some to seek significant lifestyle changes. Now, with so many people in quarantine, the urge to switch up your hairdo might just prove too tempting.
Lots of people have turned to Pinterest to try and get some ideas on how to spruce things up. If you’re not too comfortable with the idea of going it alone, consider reaching out to your hairstylist. Some stylists are currently offering virtual consultations on the best way to go about mixing root touch-up kits or creating custom dyes. Don’t be afraid to let off some pent-up steam by trying out a new look — but don’t do anything rash. Think carefully before you take the plunge.
Spend Wisely on Hair Maintenance
About 58% of homeowners say they intend to spend money on improving the state of their homes this year. With the current state of lockdown seemingly uncertain, you might not be in a state to undergo a home upgrade while you’re stuck at home for the foreseeable future. But changing your look might just be a more feasible option. That begs the question: should you go for it?
The resounding answer is… why not? Of course, caring for hair tends to involve some level of costs — and even with the current situation, you will find it necessary to foot the bill for your home hair-care products. However, that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to achieve your desired look. Keep things simple by getting the bare necessities. Don’t embrace a change that requires a ton of expensive upkeep. With the state of the world and of the economy in-flux, it’s probably best to ensure whatever makeover you pursue won’t necessitate a lot of extra spending.
Use a Razor for Bangs
Self-service bang trims aren’t the easiest thing in the world. It’s, therefore, essential to use the right tools for the job. Your miscellaneous pair of kitchen scissors aren’t ideally your best friend at trying to keep your bangs well-trimmed. Unless you have a pair of professional stylist scissors at your disposal, your best bet is a razor.
Razors are great at saving some of your hair length while also softening the edges by twisting a few hairpieces and gently cutting the ends. If your bangs end up too short, the best thing you can do is push them to the side using some gel or glossing cream. Remember to trim your hair when it’s dry. Wet hair often stretches out and expands, meaning you run the risk of cutting it too short.
Do Your Dyes the Right Way
If you’ve decided to go for new hair color, then you must understand that boxed hair color is a gamble — particularly if you’re using a product you’re unfamiliar with. The best approach to dying your hair is to start with a little dye then work your way up if you feel the shade is too light.
If your color comes out too light, you can apply a darker shade. But don’t get too excited! Otherwise, you’ll overdo it. You could try using a second application and let it sit for half the time suggested on the box. Remember, when dying your hair, try to stay within a shade or a half shade of your natural hair for a more flattering look. If you’re too scared to venture out alone, find a colorist via FaceTime and get a few pointers. Keep in mind that there are plenty of vegan hair dye options you can try out!
Make YouTube Your Best Friend
YouTube is currently proving its salt as one of the go-to platforms for people to learn how to cut hair from the comfort of their homes. In case you haven’t embraced the concept of video tutorials, now is the time to start. There are lots of DIY videos available on the platform from the vast number of channels and influencers.
Go through a couple of videos and pick up tips along the way. Before trying out anything, get to know your hair type and work from there. Don’t try to achieve the unachievable by insisting on a specific routine that’s meant for a different hair type; it just won’t work.
Put a Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Mirrors are the best way to monitor your look. Covering one of your home’s walls with a mirror can make a room seem twice as deep. It could also force you to continually come face to face with the results of an impulsive haircut. If you want to avoid the harrowing experience of constantly seeing a bad haircut, steer clear of mistakes when practicing self-grooming.
Taking care of yourself during this quarantine period isn’t only about constant hand washing and social distancing; it’s also about making sure you feel your best. That might start with an external makeover, but remember that an at-home haircut mishap isn’t the end of the world. We’re all struggling with this new way of life. And while these pointers can help you embrace hair self-care, there’s nothing that says you need to embrace anything glamorous right now, either.
