1. Wash Your Hair Regularly
Washing your hair
regularly ensures that your scalp and hair is free of dirt and excess oil.
However, the right frequency depends on your hair type and personal
preferences. If you have extremely dry hair, limit your washing to twice a
week. If you have an oily scalp, washing your hair on alternate days can
help.
2. Use Chemical Free Shampoos
You really can’t
control all the environmental factors that damage your hair, but what you can
control is the kind of shampoos you use. Lesser the number of chemicals in your
shampoo, healthier your hair. Go for gentle shampoos that suit your hair type.
Sulfates and
parabens in shampoos are used for lathering and preserving respectively, but
they can cause skin irritation over time and increase the risk of hormonal
disruptions.
3. Condition Correctly
Your conditioner
contains ingredients that make the hair fall straight and manageable. It
protects your hair from environmental aggressors and heat styling. However, it
should be applied only on the tips of the hair and not on your scalp. Also,
make sure to rinse it off thoroughly post application.
4. Dry Your Hair Naturally
We know. Blow drying
makes your hair as beautiful as that of your on-screen idol. But excessive heat
styling can damage your hair scalp. Limit it to important events, if you have
to style. Air drying or towel drying after shampoo is the best way to go. Never
sleep in wet hair or comb wet hair. Harsh rubbing with a towel can
damage the cuticle of your hair. Be gentle.
5. Oil Your Hair Properly
Pre-shampoo treatments
like oiling and massaging improve blood circulation on the scalp, relax
your muscles, boost shine and nourish the hair. It also restores moisture
content, enables hair growth and repairs split ends. You can choose from
coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, castor oil and the likes. Avoid using
mineral oil on your hair.
6. Use A Wide-toothed Comb
Wet hair is fragile
and prone to breakage. Let your hair dry and then use a wide-toothed comb
to brush your hair. This kind of a comb prevents damage to your hair.
7. Style Your Hair Naturally
Who does not like
those gorgeous curls or perfect waves? But you can achieve these without
putting your hair through heat. If you still wish to use a curler or
straightener or a blow dryer, invest in a good heat protectant serum first.
8. Trim Your Hair Regularly
Trim your hair every
6-8 weeks to get rid of split ends. Split ends form when the hair is
damaged due to heat styling, pollution, smoking, stress and so on. Trimming
does not magically make the hair grow faster. Hair growth happens at the scalp
level, but trimming ensures healthy hair.
9. Drink More Water
Internal hydration
coupled with external hydration is the key to well-balanced and healthy hair.
You may be using hydrating hair care products and oils, but drinking
at least 3 litres of water everyday ensures good hair health.
10. Eat Healthy
We
will go on repeating ‘you are what you eat’ as long as we write about hair care
and skin care. Your hair is made of proteins and amino acids. It needs the
right nutrition to grow well and maintain itself. Eggs, berries, nuts, fish,
green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes are some of the many great foods
for healthy hair.
