Tips For Healthy Looking Hair

Healthy hair is important not just for aesthetic reasons but also because it is generally revealing of overall better health. It is important to take care of these little strands on the head which mean so much.

While many of the factors which determine the appearance of hair are not our choice, there is still some control we have over how hair looks. Moreover, different hair types will have different defining features. This means that something that is normal for one hair type may not be for another.  

Generally, tips for healthy hair are pretty similar across the board. While they are not guaranteed to completely change hair quality (again, many factors determine this) they could be of assistance for improvement. It is also important to note that if you are worried about the quality of your hair, it is important to consult a healthcare professional who can determine if there are any health reasons for this.

Here are some tips to improve hair health:

1. Don’t stress your hair

Hair is very delicate and there is no need to stress it out or overwhelm it with products and procedures. Use dyes and other hair products only when necessary and only moderately. Do not work your hair too much by frequently curling or straightening it or by frequently using a curler, straighter or hair dryer.

2. Don’t stress yourself

Hair grows from the inside out so it’s important to take care of what’s inside. In this way, we make sure hair has a strong foundation on which it can grow – good health. Make sure you do not stress yourself emotionally so it does not reflect on hair health. Stress can cause hair loss!

This may be easier said than done, but you should control stress levels. It might be difficult but it is very possible. Consider employing stress reduction techniques like muscle relaxation and mind clearing.

3. Choose the right shampoo and conditioner

Make sure you wash and condition your hair with a shampoo and conditioner suited for your hair type and situation. There are many shampoo options out there which explicitly state what hair type they are suited for. Make a decision based on this but also consider which shampoo makes you most comfortable. For example, if one type of shampoo causes your scalp to itch, you may have to consider another type. This is not just about what the shampoo says but how it makes you feel.

4. Take breaks from washing

Excessive washing is one of the ways you could end up stressing your hair and your scalp. The body produces natural oils and bacteria which sit on the skin. Showering too often can get rid of these and force the body to start producing more. Washing too often can mess up a delicate state that benefits the body – not just for hair but for skin as well.

Now, with that in mind it is also important to remember that this is not a pass to never shower or wash. This would be great but in reality people sweat, produce too much oil and become plain unhygienic if they go long periods of time without showering. For this reason, it is important to follow this advice in moderation. Maybe shower once every two or three days. Maybe you can go a whole week without showering your hair but you might need to wash the face and below the neck every two days. Ultimately, it depends on your body type but it is generally a good idea to allow two days minimum without washing.

5. Protect your hair from damage

If you swim in a chlorine pool you should be covering your hair. In the sun, you should try to use loose fitting and comfortable head gear to prevent UV damage. Make sure your pillow case is comfy and clean and pick a soft fabric for it, one that does not cause you any itching or other reactions (silk, for example).

6. Eat right (protein, zinc, iron)

Keep in mind, hair grows from the inside out. Ergo, we need to make sure what is inside is ideal for growing good hair outwards. Low iron levels can cause hair loss (albeit reversible) and difficulties with hair growth. Vitamin D, zinc, B vitamins – all of these are key players in hair growth and should not be deficient.

Proteins, being the building blocks of hair, are important as well. Assure you are getting a sufficient amount of protein, nutrients and minerals in your diet by implementing a diverse meal plan. Make sure you incorporate vegetables, fruits, meat (in moderation), fish, poultry and carbohydrate rich foods like rice and pasta.

7. Gently massage your scalp once in a while

Two important words here, gently and massage. Don’t scrub your scalp with your finger nails and risk causing damage or hurting yourself. Utilize a delicate scalp massager and gently rub your scalp for a little bit. This can promote blood flow which brings nutrients needed for healthy hair to the scalp.

8. Coat your hair with natural hair helpers

There are a plethora of things you can rub into your hair/scalp that could potentially help hair growth. Olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, argan oil and rosemary oil could all help hair health. Mix 4 or 5 drops of rosemary oil with about two teaspoons of another, less harsh oil (like olive or coconut). This is to balance the rosemary oil, which may cause irritation if used alone.

Any oils should also be used in moderation at first to assure they do not cause an adverse reaction. If they do cause you any side-effects then stop usage immediately. It is also important to note that these oils are not guaranteed hair growth supplements. They simply have the potential to give you healthier hair. Your best bet is to use these with other strategies and remember that if you are concerned with the quality of your hair you should see a healthcare professional.