Just like the skin, the condition of your hair shows how your health is. Having healthy hair is an outward sign of a healthy you. Of course, having healthy hair takes a lot of commitment and it can take time to get it looking its best. But it’s definitely worth all the time and effort spent.
Habits can make or break your hair, literally. Remember, one thing that people with great looking hair have in common is that they practise healthy hair habits. Here are five habits that you can start learning to get the healthiest hair possible, keeping your ends intact and giving you the healthy locks you desire.
1. Avoid anything harsh on your hair
Your hair will need a rest from everything it has endured for the week. Do be very conscious of what you’re putting on your locks. We suggest that you let your hair recuperate over the weekend and try not to use products containing harsh ingredients. Moisturizing and softening ingredients like aloe vera, olive and macadamia nut oils, and a strengthening ingredient like hydrolyzed wheat protein enzymes are great choices. Let your hair air dry if possible.
Tip: Use sulfate-free products. When you choose sulfate-free, you’re taking a much gentler approach to your hair care regimen. Avoid heated styling products, and keep your hair out of a ponytail or tight headband to avoid any unnecessary pulling of the hair.
2. Have a shampoo routine
If you have thick and curly hair, you may not need to shampoo as often as someone who has fine hair. And those with fine hair, or those who are more prone to oily hair conditions, may need to wash every other day, or even every day, to get rid of that grease. Over-shampooing your hair can result in more bad hair days than good. When you do shampoo, it’s important to rinse your hair thoroughly. How easy or complicated your routine is remains up to you, but sticking with one is important and haphazard care can lead to hits-or-misses.
Tip: Use a dry shampoo to benefit your hair in between shampooing days. Spray the dry shampoo at your roots and comb through. Doing this will help to absorb excess oil and instantly refresh your hair while waiting for your next shampoo day.
3. Trim your hair regularly
The ends of your hair can be especially fragile since they’re the oldest parts of your hair and most often also the driest. Regular trimming not only instantly freshen up your hairstyle, but also ensure minimal split ends or breakage. A trim is nota cut, and a quick trim will help maintain the shape of your hair and give it a bit more movement. Ends can split or just become so dry that no amount of daily moisture makes a real difference. As long as you follow healthy hair habits the majority of the time, the less you’ll need to trim away.
Tip: Leave the trimming to the professionals and have more practice wearing protective styles so that you can trim less away.
4. Eat healthily
Healthy hair starts from the inside. Take a balanced diet with adequate protein and plenty of water is essential for your hair to look its best. Make sure your diet also includes a sufficient quantity of vitamins C, D and E that deliver antioxidant benefits, as well as iron which is an energy source for the hair. In fact, iron deficiency has been linkedto female patterned hair loss.
Tip: Take a multivitamin daily, too.
5. Use the right tools
People with healthy hair will know which tools to avoid, which they know are detrimental to their hair. These include scrunchies or holders with metal pieces, combs with teeth spaced closely together, hard bristled brushes and old-fashioned heat tools with metal plates. You have many choices in hair care products and accessories that are designed to be gentle to your hair but fret not, you don’t always have to spend a lot to get quality tools. We advise that you only use tools and accessories that won’t tug, pull or rip your hair out.
Tip: Try using a heat-resistant styling spray to help coat your hair strands and protect them from heat damage if you must use a heat tool. Wearing a hat also protect your scalp from burning and hair from dehydrating.