Making sure your hair is as healthy as possible is about more than just which shampoo you use. A range of factors affect how shiny and strong your hair is. A lot of it has to do with how well you care for your hair. Once you start focusing more on maintaining its health, its length will come. Here are some healthy hair habits you should start adopting, which will ultimately help you reach any hair length goals you might have.
1. Feed your hair
Healthy hair starts from within. Protein is the building block of hair, because hair is keratinized protein. Another crucial nutrient is iron. It’s an energy source for the hair. In fact, studies have shown iron deficiency has been linkedto female patterned hair loss. Not saying you must become vegan, but you should include healthy fruits and veggies in your diet and drink a lot of water. If you’re someone who has a hard time with vegetables, blending up a fruit and veggie smoothie is an easy and tasty way to get your daily dose. This will give your hair follicles the nutrients needed to help your hair thrive.
2. Do not overheat your hair
As the saying goes, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. Too much heat too often can lead to damage, and eventually your hair won’t revert to its natural state. Too much or improper use of heat can also lead to dry, brittle hair, breakage and split ends. You can try using heat tools that have clear settings and use the low or medium settings at most. Alternatively, prepare your hair for heat styling at the cleansing and conditioning stage to make sure it is well hydrated.
3. Clean hair and scalp regularly
Hair needs a clean, healthy environment from which to grow. A dirty scalp full of buildup can clog pores and follicles and essentially slow down healthy growth. Also, if you’re constantly scratching your head due to dryness and itchiness, and drugstore shampoos aren’t helping, consult a doctor.
4. Deep condition your hair weekly
This is one healthy hair habit both dermatologists and hairstylists agree on: Incorporate a deep conditioner into your weekly hair care routine for extra hydration. Our hair needs help in the moisture department because of the shape of our hair. So, as the final step in your wash routine, follow up with a good deep conditioner to infuse moisture into the hair.
5. Get regular haircut
Some may find this counteractive to growth, but trimming your hair gets rid of broken and split ends that could lead to more damage. Nipping damage in the bud with a trim when necessary will keep the hair at its healthiest. Experts recommend a trim every six to eight weeks.
6. Wear protective styles
Tucking your hair away in styles that require little to no manipulation for a few days or a few months will help you retain length. You can also consider wearing hats when you go out. The sun oxidizes your hair and dries it out, so while a hat protects your face from the sun, it also protects your scalp from burning and hair from dehydrating. This is as good an excuse as any to treat yourself to a cute sun hat.
Once again, the health of your hair is more important than how long it is. Start focusing on improving its health and before you even realize it, the length will come!