Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you, and it can say a lot about your health. If you are looking for ways to have stronger, shiner hair, then you have come to the right place.
This blog post will discuss 12 tips for healthier hair and cover everything from proper nutrition to effective hair care products. So whether you are dealing with a dry scalp, frizzy hair, or just want to keep your locks looking healthy and shiny, read on for some helpful tips!
1) Start with a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet is an essential part of having healthier, glossy hair. By following some simple nutrition tips and making sure you are eating the right amounts and types of food, you can give yourself the best chance of having strong, healthy hair
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that any diet should be tailored to each individual’s needs, as everyone has different dietary requirements. That said, there are certain elements which should form part of every person’s diet for healthier hair.
Protein is fundamental for helping to build tissue and promote cell growth in the body, including our scalp and hair follicles. Sources of protein like lean meats (particularly those with high Omega-3 content such as salmon), pulses, eggs, nuts and seeds should all be included in a balanced diet.
Vitamins also play an important role in keeping you healthy overall, but they are especially beneficial for your locks too. Vitamin B7 (biotin) helps to maintain a healthy scalp. At the same time, vitamins A and E can help keep our follicles robust as well as promote blood circulation to the scalp, which brings oxygen and other vital nutrients needed for strong hair growth – Vitamin C also helps in this regard by aiding the absorption of iron into the bloodstream. All these vitamins can be found in sources such as broccoli, spinach, kale, oranges, oysters and avocado – so make sure you include plenty of these healthy items in your diet!
Iron is also important for encouraging the production of hemoglobin which carries oxygen around the body; a lack of iron can increase shedding whilst increasing consumption may reduce this issue – so add foods like red meat, lentils or fortified cereals to your weekly shop list to ensure you are getting enough iron from your diet.
2) Minimize Heat Damage
Heat damage is one of the main factors that leads to dry, brittle hair. Avoiding heat styling as much as possible and using protective products like heat spray can help minimize the effects of heat on your locks. If you do need to use heating tools, make sure that you are using the lowest temperature setting available, and limit usage to only when necessary.
In addition, it is also important to use one of the 16 Best Heat Protectants for Natural Hair to Try Now before applying any heating tool. This will help to create a barrier of protection and minimize the amount of damage your hair experiences from the heat source. It is also worth noting that air drying (as opposed to blow-drying) your hair can reduce the risk of further heat damage.
3) Avoid Over-washing Your Hair
Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry, brittle, and dull. While everyone’s individual needs are different, as a general rule of thumb, you should aim to wash your hair no more than three times per week – this applies even if you have an oily scalp! If you feel like you need a refresh in between washes, try using dry shampoo or a scalp refresher to help absorb excess oils.
Also, remember to use lukewarm (not hot) water when washing your hair, as this is less likely to strip the scalp of its natural oils. Make sure you pay attention to the products you are using and opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners which won’t deplete your hair of its moisture.
4) Use the Right Hair Care Products
Using the right hair care products can make all the difference when it comes to having healthier hair. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners as these will not strip your hair of its natural oils – look out for moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter and argan oil which are gentle on the hair whilst still nourishing it. Additionally, leave-in treatments can be beneficial for helping repair split ends and adding shine to dull strands.
Finally, make sure you use a wide-toothed comb when brushing your hair in order to protect your strands from damage. Start from the tips and work your way up to avoid breakage and split ends – this method is particularly important for those with curly or textured hair!
5) Give Your Hair a Break from Styling Tools
Just like with heat damage, over-styling your hair can lead to breakage and dryness. Make sure you are giving your hair a break from the curling wands, flat irons and other styling tools by limiting usage as much as possible. If you do need to use styling tools, be sure to use products such as heat spray or leave-in treatments which will help protect your locks whilst still achieving the desired look.
Lastly, keep in mind that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp – so make sure you are exfoliating your scalp regularly with treatments like apple cider vinegar or sea salt scrubs! This will help remove any product build-up and unclog pores allowing for natural oils to nourish the strands.
6) Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Protecting your hair from the sun is an important part of keeping it healthy and strong. Unfortunately, sunlight can cause damage to both the cuticle and the cortex of your hair, making it more susceptible to breakage, drying out, and fading in color. Fortunately, there are several ways you can protect your locks from harmful UV rays.
First, wear a hat or scarf when you’re out in the sun for extended periods of time. This is an easy way to provide direct protection for your hair. If you’re at the beach or pool, wearing a swim cap can also help keep your strands safe by reducing exposure to chlorine as well as UV rays.
You should also use products specifically designed for sun protection. For example, look for leave-in conditioners and treatments that contain SPF or UVA/UVB blockers. These products form a protective layer on your hair that blocks both UVA and UVB rays while still allowing moisture to penetrate into the cuticle. You may also want to try using a dry oil spray or mist, which not only helps protect against sun damage but also adds shine and softness!
Lastly, make sure you keep your locks hydrated during warm summer days with regular conditioning treatments. Regularly applying deep conditioning masks or even just using a weekly conditioner can help lock in moisture and prevent dryness caused by direct sunlight exposure. It’s also important to avoid over-styling with hot tools like curling wands, flat irons, and blowdryers since these can be incredibly drying if used too often – so give yourself some days off from styling!
In conclusion, having healthy hair is all about making sure you are taking proper care of it. Be mindful of the products you use and how often you style, but don’t forget to treat yourself! Regular trims, deep conditioning masks and scalp treatments can help keep your tresses in top shape – so make sure you’re pampering your locks every once in a while!
Beatriz Ramos
November 12, 2023I need this products