Taming the Mane: Protecting Your Hair During Vintage Hair Styling

Vintage hair styles, with their voluminous curls, intricate braids, and towering up dos, are undeniably glamorous and challenging. However, achieving these looks often involves teasing, backcombing, and copious amounts of hairspray, which can take a toll on your hair’s health. Overtime, such styles, if done without proper care, can cause damage to your hair, so I thought that I’d share some tips and tricks to help you protect your hair as you embrace your vintage style.

Prepping Your Hair:

• Hydration is Key: Start by deeply conditioning your hair to ensure it’s well-hydrated and less prone to breakage. Use a leave-in conditioner or hair mask to add extra moisture as needed. Hair oils can also be a good way of keeping your hair hydrated and smooth. My favourite hair mask is this one.
• Heat Protectant: If you use heat to style your hair, apply a heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tools, such as curling irons or blow dryers. This helps shield your hair from heat damage and can help immensely over time.
• Detangling: Knots happen, but when they do, gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb to avoid breakage. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots, making sure you aren’t tugging too hard.
• Keep it Clean: Although it’s a secret amongst many pinups, dirty hair is easier to style however, keeping your hair clean can also be a good way to protect your hair in the long run. Keeping product build up to a minimum will ensure that your hair doesn’t snag and your scalp can breathe which overall improved your hair health.

Minimizing Damage During Styling:

• Teasing with Care: Use a teasing comb with wide teeth to minimize snags and breakage. Gently tease small sections of hair at a time in a c-shape motion, working from the roots towards the mid-lengths. I like to add some styling powder to help texturise my hair which helps my teasing hold.
• Backcombing with Caution: Use a boar bristle brush for backcombing, as it’s gentler on your hair than a synthetic brush. Backcomb small sections of hair at a time, starting from the ends and working upwards always in a c-shape motion instead of directly up and down which can cause your hair to break. My favourite teasing comb is this one.
• Alternatives to Hairspray: Opt for lighter hold styling products like hair mousse or volumizing powders (my favourite is this one), which provide hold without the drying effects of hairspray.
• Keeping the Heat to a Minimum: Although many of us use heat to curl and style hair, heat can damage your hair if not done properly. Every now and then, opt for heat-free styling and curling options such as setting your curls over night.

Post-Styling Care:

• Gentle Cleansing: Wash your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to remove styling products without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
• Deep Conditioning: After washing, apply a deep conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture and repair any damage caused by styling.
• Regular Trims: Split ends can exacerbate damage. Schedule regular trims to maintain healthy hair and prevent further breakage.

Additional Tips:

• Silk or Satin Pillowcases: Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction, preventing tangles and breakage. By switching out your pillow case, or even investing in a silk bonnet or scarf to sleep in can really help your hair stay healthy and strong. I’d definitely recommend a silk scarf if you plan to sleep in curlers.
• Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails can put stress on your hair. Opt for looser styles whenever possible.
• Limit Heat Styling: Minimize your use of heat styling tools, and let your hair air dry whenever possible and try curling your hair overnight without using heat.
• Hair Supplements: Consider taking hair supplements rich in biotin and vitamins to promote healthy hair growth. There are heaps of collagen and hair supplements on the market so see what works for you.
• Keep your Tools Clean: It’s always a good habit to have to keep your hair tools clean. Regularly washing your brushes, combs and curlers will ensure your hair doesn’t get coated in gunk and stay clean and healthy.
• Listen to the Experts: Your hairdresser is an expert and has heaps of knowledge and training under their belt. Listen to their recommendations in regards to products and caring for your hair.

Vintage hairstyling can be a challenge but looking after your hair and keeping it strong and healthy can really help you out by creating a good foundation. You are an expert in your hair so by finding what works best for you, you can ensure your hair stays happy, healthy and beautiful no matter how you plan to style it. By following these tips, you can enjoy vintage hair styles without sacrificing the health of your hair. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in protecting your precious locks.

Blog Notes:
Photos by Red Leopard Photography
My hair is looked after by Hair Inspiration Studio
Nightie Set is true Vintage
Earrings are True vintage
Favourite Hair Spray
Favourite Hair Powder
Favourite Hair Brush
Favourite Hair Comb

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and thoughts expressed are solely my own and not influenced in any way. This page contains affiliate links/codes which aids in funding future reviews.