Hair is one of the most important parts of our appearance. But having great hair is not just a matter of looking good. Proper hair care is an essential part of maintaining your overall health and well-being. And it is a habit that is worth cultivating—especially as autumn approaches when cold, dry air can cause hair and scalp problems. Here are a few things you can do to ensure that your hair is healthy and looks its best.
Do: Know Your Hair Type
Knowing your hair type can help you make smarter choices when it comes to caring for your hair. There are many hair types from the 2a hair type to the 3c hair type. If you have curly hair, you need to be careful when choosing shampoos and conditioners as some products can make your hair more frizzy and dry. On the other hand, if you have straight hair, you should be careful not to overdo heat styling as this may damage your hair and cause excessive dryness and brittleness.
Do: Have a Healthy Diet
Shiny hair is a sign of good health. Eating a nutritious diet with lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help your hair be healthy. Hair thinning has been linked to a lack of minerals such vitamins B12 and D, biotin, riboflavin, and iron. Low amounts of protein in your diet can also lead to dull-looking hair and hair loss. This is because protein is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance of amino acids in your hair which is essential for the growth and repair of damaged hair cells.
Do: Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps to keep your scalp moisturized and healthy. It can also prevent dandruff and other dry skin conditions. Hydration promotes circulation, which carries nutrients to your hair follicles. It nourishes your hair from its roots to its tips and stops split ends and breakage. In addition to keeping your hair and scalp supple, drinking plenty of water will help you to eliminate toxins from your body that could otherwise harm your hair and health.
Do: Get Adequate Sleep
Many people do not know that the amount of sleep they get can affect the health of their hair. If you do not get enough sleep on a regular basis, your body will not have a chance to rest and recover from the daily stress you face. This can lead to an accumulation of stress hormones in your body—which in turn can increase the risk of hair loss and thinning. Try to get at least eight hours of quality sleep every night.
Do: Brush Your Hair Everyday
Brushing your hair regularly can improve its texture and shine. You should try to brush your hair at least once a day. This will help to distribute the natural oils produced by your scalp throughout your hair and help to eliminate dirt and oil that can clog hair follicles and cause dandruff and hair loss. If you have a hard time brushing your hair, you can use a special hairbrush designed to massage the scalp and encourage blood flow.
Do: Get Regular Haircuts
Getting regular haircuts is an important way to maintain the health of your hair. It eliminates split ends and helps prevent further breakage of hair strands. It also helps you keep your hairstyle looking neat and consistent by removing any hair that may be out of place. When getting a trim, be sure to tell your hairstylist if you have any issues with your natural hair so that they can make the necessary adjustments.
Don’t: Over-Shampoo
Contrary to what most people think, you should not shampoo everyday. Over-shampooing can strip the hair of its natural oils and lead to dryness and brittleness. It may also cause the scalp to become itchy and flaky. Over-shampooing can also inadvertently cause damage to the hair follicle which will prevent it from growing back properly. This can cause even more damage to the hair and scalp, resulting in hair thinning and premature hair loss.
Don’t: Use Harsh Styling Products
Some styling products such as include hairsprays, gels, mousses, and permanent waves can damage your hair by making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. In addition, they can build up on your hair and scalp and cause irritation and greasiness. Try to limit your use of these styling products to no more than twice a week and instead use products that nourish and strengthen your hair such as leave-in conditioners and hair oils.
Don’t: Use Excessive Heat
Use heat styling tools in moderation. If you use blow dryers and curling irons regularly, avoid those that are too hot as they can cause extensive damage. Also, consider using a heat protectant spray to protect your hair. If you have colored hair, avoid using hot tools such as straighteners or curling irons until your hair has had time to dry. This will help to prevent the heat from damaging your hair and causing breakage.
Whether you have flowing locks or short, tight curls, hair is a big part of your personal image. Healthy hair is the product of a healthy lifestyle. By practicing the dos and don’ts of hair care, you can have beautiful hair that will make you the envy of everyone around. As a bonus, you will feel better too!