Top Ten Healthy Hair Habits
Having the appearance of healthy hair is easy but to actually have healthy hair requires work and effort. Having and putting in place healthier hair habits will decrease the chances of hair loss and promotes hair growth. Here are ten healthy hair habits we suggest you incorporate into your hair care regimen for a healthier mane.
10.You are what you eat!
Food affects the health of your hair.Having a well balanced diet is important. Most of your vitamins, minerals, and healthy fatty acid comes from the foods we consume. Consuming healthier foods leads to scalp health. If your scalp is unhealthy your hair will be unhealthy. The scalp needs the proper amount of nutrition in order to have good circulation that would allow your hair to grow and continue to be healthy.
9.Product knowledge...
It's vital to know what your using on your specific texture and hair type. Read the labels, don't buy the "Brand" name read what's in it and educate yourself on the ingredients. Though, a product maybe popular does not mean it is a good fit for you. Once you choose the product you want to use read the instructions thoroughly and be sure to follow the recommended steps. This will allow you to get the full benefit of the product.
8. A little goes along way...
Do not over saturate your hair with products, such as those for styling.Too much product can dehydrate the hair causing breakage. Or it can weigh your hair down giving it an unhealthy appearance as well as making it more difficult to style. Also decrease the amount of hot tools you use. Try only using hot tools (flat irons, curler, or blow dryer on hot) every 7-10 days; decreasing the frequency will minimize the chances of hair breakage and damage.
7. Give it a break....
Sometimes it's easier to throw our hair into a ponytail or braid it up; some of us wear wigs and weaves back to back with no breaks in between. Not allowing you hair to "breathe" can cause damage to the ends or mid shaft of the hair cuticle. In between styles keep the ends of your hair moisturized and trimmed. That will keep your hair strong plus it will continue to grow. Over use of wearing ponytails causes mid shaft hair cuticle breakage. Consult with a professional hair stylist for more convenient healthy styles that fits you and your lifestyle
6.Don't do it yourself.....
Always consult a professional when it comes to chemical treatments. Chemically over processing the hair can lead to long term and sometimes irreversible damage to your hair. Maintenance of chemically treated hair is important and should not be neglected; regularly deep conditioning treatments post chemical application will keep healthy hair. Follow the instructions of your stylist in between appointments. If you color your hair always use color treated hair products it supports hydration in chemically treated hair. Relaxers, perms, and other texturizing treatments must be maintained as directed or your hair can become permanently damaged leading to baldness.
5. Treat yourself don't cheat yourself....
At least once a month do a hot oil treatment. This promotes luster, volume, and it infuses needed nutrition that your hair needs to stay healthy. Deep conditioning is a great way to reinforce moisture along with treating split ends. Some people do a deep conditioning treatment weekly, biweekly, or even once a month. I recommend every 2-4 weeks to prevent over using product.
4. Protect your hair...
It is crucial to use heat protection on your hair and use it correctly. You should use protection prior to blow drying and before using any hot tools.
- Before blow drying: When applying hot air to your hair this can severely dry the hair. Potentially breaking if done frequently
- Before using hot tools: When using direct heat on hair it is easy to burn the hair. Heat protection will help keep your chances of burning your hair low.
3. Use tools properly....
When blow drying the hair not only should you use heat protective products but make sure NOT to put the dryer directly on the hair put it in a downward slant while continuously move side to side. Never hold the dryer on the hair too long it can burn the hair or your skin. If you use flat iron or curlers use it at the right temperature for your hair type. Ex. Fine hair need less heat 375 at most. More coarsely textured hair needs more heat like 400-425.You should never have to use curlers at 450. If you want to straighten your hair before curling use it at a lower temp, ex. straighten the hair at 375-400 then curl it at 425 less damaging.
2. Moisture is key...
No matter what type or texture your hair is , it will always need hydration of some sort. Some will need to use a daily moisturizer while others may not. Find a moisturizer that is water based with oils like coconut, jojoba, grapeseed is a great one. Focus on products that won't weigh the hair down.
1. Water, Water, Water......
Water is the most important way to keep your hair healthy. Drink at least 8 cups a day, if you take any sort of vitamins or medicine you should drink more than 8 cups. Depending on where you live the water from your tap might be hard or soft this can impact your hair when cleansing your hair. If you live where your water is hard try to find a water softener at your local hardware store; the goal is to eliminate the possibility of depositing harsh minerals onto your hair. When styling try using rose water to saturate the hair if needed. It smells beautiful and keeps hair soft and hydrated.
Hope my list is helpful. Keep in mind that your hair is a journey enjoy the process of discovery.
~MiMi Styles~