How to Properly Care for Your Hair
A lot of people may not take into consideration the steps needed to properly take care of their hair. All hair is dead, except for the part that resides inside the epidermis of the scalp. But hair can still be damaged or worn out, so here are a few tips on how to keep your hair looking healthy.
- Using Shampoo
Washing your hair four times a week is ideal. Hair contains natural oils that are designed to condition your hair. Of course the amount of times you wash your hair depends on the type of hair you have. People who have curly hair can go longer between washes. The straighter a person’s hair is, the faster oil slicks down so it may be better to just rinse their hair without shampoo. Too much shampoo can strip away essential oils in the hair causing it to become dry and more susceptible to breakage. Another way to avoid this conflict, is to only shampoo your scalp twice with each washing. The first shampooing loosens the oil and dirt from the scalp. Brushing your hair can also loosen dirt and oil which is what generally causes hair loss. The second shampooing washes it away, leaving the scalp clean. The shampoo will rinse down your hair in the shower which is a gentler alternative to washing the ends of your hair with shampoo. - Using Conditioner
The best practice with conditioner is to gently towel dry your hair before applying. The excess water from the shower makes it more difficult for the conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft and provide the necessary amount of moisture. Unlike shampoo, you’ll want to use conditioner only on the ends of your hair. If too much gets applied to your roots, it will cause the scalp to get greasy faster. - Brushing Your Hair
You should brush your hair at least twice a day. Be sure to use a comb for wet hair because hair is weaker when it’s wet and a brush may be too harsh. Brush your hair from the ends up to the scalp. Brushing from the roots of the hair first can cause damage. Always be sure to keep your brush clean as well. Using a brush that’s covered in hair strands, oil, and product can build up bacteria. It’s best to clean your brush once a month to ensure that the old isn’t mixing with your healthy growing hair. - Be Careful Using Heat
Before using any heat tools, be sure to apply a heat protectant product. Heat protectants add moisture to your hair and create a protective barrier that reduces the chance of hair becoming dry when heat is applied. Use the low-heat setting on your hairdryer and point the nozzle down on an angle instead of straight on. Copious amounts of heat can damage hair making it brittle or dry it out. The same goes for flat irons and curlers, don’t use these tools daily. - Healthy Foods that Strengthen Hair
There are a list of foods that are healthy and contribute to stronger hair. Foods such as:- Fish, like mackerel and salmon, contain omega 3 which helps hydrate the scalp and strengthen hair follicles.
- Walnuts contain protein and more omega 3, plus vitamin E and biotin. These are all essential for the healthy growth of hair.
- Brown rice is the whole wheat alternative to white rice which has more flavor and zinc. This directly targets the hair and helps strengthen it.
- Dairy products, specifically milk and yogurt, contain calcium which promotes hair growth.
- Carrots have vitamin A which prevents hair from falling out.
These are just a few tips to properly care for your hair and keep it looking healthy and bright. Always take into consideration the type of hair that you have. Not all hair is created equal and may require different treatments. So long as you keep these basic tips in mind, your hair will be on its way to looking its best.