Healthy hair requires consistent extra effort and an investment in products; however, your commitment to having healthy hair will pay off in gorgeous locks. Exposure to chemicals, diet changes, different water types, heating tools and sun will all have damaging effects on your hair. If beautiful, shiny hair is on your wish list, follow the four guidelines for healthy hair below:
Protect hair from heat. Between hair drying, straightening and curling tools, it seems women are constantly blasting their hair with heat. Reduce the amount of heat applied to your hair for healthier hair. First, apply your makeup before doing your hair. Leaving your hair until last will allow for more air-drying time, which means less minutes under the blow dryer. Also, buy your flat and curling irons with adjustable heat settings. Thinner hair can get the same results with a lower, less damaging temperature.
Although we pay a lot of attention to the sun’s damaging effects on the skin, we often overlook the damage to our hair. Look for sun-protecting products, but remember to always bring a hat for the best sun protection of healthy hair on days spent outside.
Beware of brushing. One of the biggest myths about hair is that it should be brushed 100 times a day. Although the hairbrush is good for spreading around the natural hair oils, too much will pull and break hairs without need. Only brush your hair when it is dry and absolutely necessary. Replace a brush with a wide-toothed comb a much as possible (especially when wet). Many experts agree that a brush with natural boar bristles is the preferred type for healthy hair.
Think about diet and supplements. It is important to remember that your hair is an extension of your skin and body. Poor nutrition will ultimately affect your hair as well; a diet that is high in sugar and salt can lead to dull, dry hair. Because your hair is mainly composed of protein, try to reduce your sugar and salt intake, and add more protein to your diet. As far as supplements, flaxseed oil taken daily can have a variety of benefits, and your hair in particular will receive healthy growth from the omega-3 fatty acids. Don’t forget that drinking plenty of water also contributes to hair moisture.
Spoil your hair. Depending on your level of damage, deep condition your hair weekly or biweekly. There are many products and home recipes to accomplish this, but it is important to get an intense conditioning session in quite often. This will strengthen your locks, while also creating shiny, beautiful hair. During this conditioning time, massage your scalp for a lengthened period of time. This increases the blood flow and oxygen that your hair receives. If you color your hair, use color-protective shampoo and conditioner to reduce color fading. Don’t forget your trip to the salon for a trim every one to two months to snip away those split ends.
