Hair follicle cross-section.
Care for split ends for healthier looking hair with regular trims.
Protect your hair in style with a hair scarf.
1. Feed your hair
What we eat does show up as a reflection of what we consume. Eating right and using supplements provides nutrients needed for healthy hair growth. We get these nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Omega-3 fatty acids directly from the foods we eat as well as through additional supplements. For a list of 10 foods for healthy hair see here.
2. Know your hair type - wash and moisturize appropriately
My mother always told me to wash my hair every other day. It’s a good general tip, but depending on your hair type, you can tweak how long you go in between shampoos. For example, if you have oily hair, two to three times a week may be good and if it’s extremely oily, you may find that you have to do it every day. However, you always want to be sure that you are getting enough moisture because washing tends to dry your hair out. Certain hair types such as porous curly hair only require washing once a week to avoid over-drying of the strands. Washing your hair in lukewarm water is better than with hot water, as it leads to stripping of naturally occurring essential oils. After conditioning, a cool water rinse helps close up your cuticles and avoid over-drying.
3. Trim it to get rid of dried split ends
Did you ever hear anyone tell you that cutting your hair allows your hair to grow longer? Seems counter-intuitive, but clearing away the dry dead ends does prevent your hairs from splitting more up the strand. The result is having healthier looking hair that is longer than it would have been if you were to cut off all of your dead ends.
4. Be gentle with your hair
We want to keep what we have and prevent damaging it. Avoid excessive coloring and use of heated styling tools. Protect your hair from the environment (sun and wind) by using a scarf or hat to cover up or when swimming using a cap. If you are in a social environment and want to avoid covering up your beautiful hair, use leave in conditioner for protection as well using products that protect from UV rays. Brush your hair with a naturally bristled brush with gently strokes. Use a wide toothed comb or your fingers when detangling. Be cautious using our fingers if your hair is oily because oil from your fingers can easily be transferred to your hair.
5. Be mindful of your scalp
This is the foundation of healthy hair since this is where your hair grows begins. Hair grows from follicles that reside in your skin forming your scalp. Your hair is nourished in the follicle in your scalp by proteins and blood circulation. Cleaning the scalp to remove dead skin cells and toxins is imperative. This is achieved when washing your hair. When shampooing, be sure to tend to your scalp and concentrate on massaging the scalp. You can wash the rest of your hair, but the focus on the scalp is important, as this is usually where your hair is naturally the “dirtiest.” The massage also helps with circulation of blood flow to the scalp, which is necessary for nourishment. Again, be gentle when massaging your scalp, as you don’t want to pull on your hair much. Achieve this by positioning your fingers directly on the scalp (under the hair) and moving in a circular motion with firm pressure. Very relaxing!
For more information on healthy hair and hair spa at home see Healthy Hair!
What we eat does show up as a reflection of what we consume. Eating right and using supplements provides nutrients needed for healthy hair growth. We get these nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Omega-3 fatty acids directly from the foods we eat as well as through additional supplements. For a list of 10 foods for healthy hair see here.
2. Know your hair type - wash and moisturize appropriately
My mother always told me to wash my hair every other day. It’s a good general tip, but depending on your hair type, you can tweak how long you go in between shampoos. For example, if you have oily hair, two to three times a week may be good and if it’s extremely oily, you may find that you have to do it every day. However, you always want to be sure that you are getting enough moisture because washing tends to dry your hair out. Certain hair types such as porous curly hair only require washing once a week to avoid over-drying of the strands. Washing your hair in lukewarm water is better than with hot water, as it leads to stripping of naturally occurring essential oils. After conditioning, a cool water rinse helps close up your cuticles and avoid over-drying.
3. Trim it to get rid of dried split ends
Did you ever hear anyone tell you that cutting your hair allows your hair to grow longer? Seems counter-intuitive, but clearing away the dry dead ends does prevent your hairs from splitting more up the strand. The result is having healthier looking hair that is longer than it would have been if you were to cut off all of your dead ends.
4. Be gentle with your hair
We want to keep what we have and prevent damaging it. Avoid excessive coloring and use of heated styling tools. Protect your hair from the environment (sun and wind) by using a scarf or hat to cover up or when swimming using a cap. If you are in a social environment and want to avoid covering up your beautiful hair, use leave in conditioner for protection as well using products that protect from UV rays. Brush your hair with a naturally bristled brush with gently strokes. Use a wide toothed comb or your fingers when detangling. Be cautious using our fingers if your hair is oily because oil from your fingers can easily be transferred to your hair.
5. Be mindful of your scalp
This is the foundation of healthy hair since this is where your hair grows begins. Hair grows from follicles that reside in your skin forming your scalp. Your hair is nourished in the follicle in your scalp by proteins and blood circulation. Cleaning the scalp to remove dead skin cells and toxins is imperative. This is achieved when washing your hair. When shampooing, be sure to tend to your scalp and concentrate on massaging the scalp. You can wash the rest of your hair, but the focus on the scalp is important, as this is usually where your hair is naturally the “dirtiest.” The massage also helps with circulation of blood flow to the scalp, which is necessary for nourishment. Again, be gentle when massaging your scalp, as you don’t want to pull on your hair much. Achieve this by positioning your fingers directly on the scalp (under the hair) and moving in a circular motion with firm pressure. Very relaxing!
For more information on healthy hair and hair spa at home see Healthy Hair!
My friend mentioned to me your blog, so I thought I’d read it for myself. Very interesting insights, will be back for more!
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