We all want healthy, luxurious hair right? Unfortunately some of your daily beauty habits may be sabotaging the look and feel of your precious locks.
If you are concerned about your hair’s health and appearance, don’t fret. Here are some easy tips that can help you improve the way you care for your hair:
Take it easy on the blow dryer
The heat from your blow dryer can cause damage to your hair. Using your blow dryer every day at high temperatures is a recipe for drying and hair breakage. For healthy hair, reduce the use of the blow dryer, and when you do use it, air dry, or use a low setting. Also make sure not to leave the dryer in one spot for more than a few seconds. Continually move the dryer around and keep it at a distance of at least 12 inches. This will help prevent any damage to your hair or scalp.
Keep the water in your hair
Did you know that as much as 13% of your hair is made up of water? When your hair is dry, it loses its ability to stretch and breakage occurs more easily. When your hair becomes dry, it loses its elasticity, causing it to break easier. Use moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and treatments, and avoid the use of curling irons and blow dryers, which draw out moisture from your hair.
Eat well for beautiful hair
We all know that crash diets don’t work well over the long run, and are unhealthy. Crash diets can also cause sudden and significant hair loss. Gradual reduction of caloric intake and increase in exercise is the only sensible way to reduce weight. Eating a balanced diet full of leafy green veggies and fruits will promote healthy skin and hair.
Make sure your hair is dry before using a curling iron
Using a curling iron on damp hair can actually boil the water in the hair shaft, causing it to break. To prevent this from happening, don’t use curling irons on wet or damp hair, and use a low heat setting.
Leave your hair alone
Activities such as over-brushing or over-styling the hair may lead to a loss of hair over time. The constant tugging of individual hairs can result in damage to the hair follicle. To avoid this, use a large-toothed comb to minimize the risk of breaking or pulling out hair. Try to stay away from hairstyles that pull on the hair such as buns, braids or ponytails.
Amino acids are a hair’s best friend
Research has revealed that 21 different amino acids make up the structure of hair. Over time, hair loses key amino acids due to factors such as weather and UV light exposure. To counteract the drying and damaging effects from the environment and sun exposure, as well as from chemical treatments, look for shampoos and conditioners containing amino acids that can penetrate the hair shaft and restore a more healthy and vibrant texture.
Moisturize your hair to prevent fly away hair
Dry climates and low humidity are recipes for dry hair, and the dreaded flyaway or static hair. When static electricity builds up in dry hair, it causes it to point outward, often ruining your style. Keep your hair moisturized is the best defense here. Use hair conditioners to keep the moisture locked in, and avoid the use of blow dryers and styling products that contain alcohol.
Control hairline pimples
Hairline pimples can be annoying if you have acne prone skin. Your scalp can attract pimples if hats are worn tightly, trapping dirt and sweat between your hat and skin. Hair products should also be wiped off the scalp as they can aggravate pimples.
Treat your dandruff well
Dandruff is associated with increase in Pityrosporum yeasts, oily skin, stress, certain drugs, heavy drinking, and stress. Treat dandruff with medicated shampoos such as Head & Shoulders® designed to treat dandruff hair. Remember to keep the shampoo in your scalp without washing for at least 5 minutes to enjoy the full effects of the shampoo. These shampoos can be used daily, even though for most cases twice or three times a week should suffice.
Reduce your stress levels
Extreme levels or prolonged periods of stress can cause your hair to stop growing and start shedding over time. In many cases, the hair loss may not be easily linked to the cause due to the 3-months lag from the time the changes in your body are triggered to when your hair actually falls out. This type of hair loss (called telogen effluvium) is widespread, so the decrease in volume may not be easily noticeable, and no bald spots will develop. If the conditions of extreme stress are not resolved and continue, then the thinning will become more apparent. Generally, when conditions improve, hair will start to re-grow within 6 months, and no medical treatment is necessary. If you notice major changes in your hair, visit a doctor. Early detection and treatment may help prevent and slow down excessive shedding.
Following these simple tips can help keep your hair healthy and beautiful for years to come.