Just like our skin, hair needs some extra love and attention to keep them healthy, strong, and shiny. Hair problems like hair loss, breakage, frizzy hair, and split ends are very common.
Genetic factors have a big influence on our hair type; however, some hair problems can be tackled by modifying how we take care of our hair or grooming habits.
Below are 24 hair care tips for keeping your hair healthier, fuller, and shinier.
1. Foods for healthy hair
It all starts with eating healthy. A well-balanced diet can provide our hair with the necessary nutrients to grow and stay healthy.
Proteins
Our hair is mainly composed of proteins. They are the building blocks so make sure to consume enough proteins in your diet. Some good sources are meats, milk, eggs, soybeans, and grains.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can moisturize our scalp and hair shaft. Its anti-inflammatory properties can improve the overall health of the scalp and hair.
Our body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids so we have to include them in our diet. These include:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): These mainly come from fish like salmon, sardines, herring, and tuna.
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): This can be found in walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, canola, and soybean oil.
Vitamins and minerals
Hair problems like hair loss, hair thinning, and premature graying of hair are often associated with several vitamins and minerals.
Iron and folate
These can help in the growth of the hair shafts and the prevention of premature graying.
- Folate-rich foods include dark green leafy vegetables (like spinach, asparagus, brussels sprouts, and broccoli), grains, and legumes.
- Iron can be obtained from animal sources like beef and poultry and plant sources like beans, dark green leafy vegetables, apricots, legumes, and grains.
Vitamin C
It can help in the absorption of iron from plant sources. It can also protect hair from oxidative damage. This can prevent premature graying, thinning of the hair, and hair loss.
Citrus fruits, bell peppers, carrots, and kiwis are good sources of Vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Deficiency of vitamin D may lead to hair loss and graying of hair. So, get some sunshine (make sure to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear a hat) and eat fortified foods.
Zinc
Zinc is required for the proper functioning of several enzymes. Its deficiency can lead to brittle and thin hair or hair loss. Some good sources are shellfish, oysters, red meat, legumes, pumpkin seeds, dairy, and grains.
Note: Do not take high doses of supplements without consulting a doctor as they can lead to toxicity or serious side effects. Instead, opt for healthy foods.
2. Use lukewarm water to wash your hair
Hot water can not only damage our skin but also our hair. It can deprive our hair of the natural layer of lipids on the surface.
This can make the hair dry and brittle. So, use lukewarm water to wash your hair.
3. Wash your hair regularly
Keep your hair and scalp clean by washing them regularly. This prevents the buildup of dead skin cells, oils, environmental pollutants, and hair care products.
How often you should wash your hair depends a lot on your hair type.
- If you have oily and straight hair, you can wash your hair every day or every other day.
- If you have curly hair, your hair is more prone to dryness. So, wash your hair 2-3 times per week or as frequently as they can tolerate.
- If you sweat excessively after any activity, you should wash your hair to get rid of sweat.
4. Don’t go overboard with hair washing
Washing hair regularly is important, but don’t wash your hair multiple times in a day or expose your hair to water multiple times.
Excessive washing can damage hair or lead to hygral fatigue (which is hair damage due to moisture entering and exiting the hair shaft).
5. Choose your shampoo as per your hair type
These days you can easily find shampoos according to the needs of your hair. If you have dry and brittle hair, choose a shampoo accordingly.
If you have color-treated hair, choose a shampoo meant for colored hair. This can help your hair color last longer.
6. Shampoo your scalp
Very often we concentrate our shampoo on the hair and not the scalp. The result is dry hair and itchy scalp.
So, make sure to concentrate your shampoo on the scalp. This will make sure that all the excess oils and dead skin cells are washed away.
7. Use a conditioner after every wash
A conditioner can replenish the lost lipids from our hair. If you have very oily hair, you may not need a conditioner after every wash.
However, if you have dry and damaged hair, use a conditioner after every wash and concentrate it on your hair, not your scalp. A deep conditioning mask 1-2 times per week can help in repairing damaged hair and split ends.
If you don’t like using a separate conditioner, consider using a shampoo with conditioner (2-in-1).
8. Use soft cloth or fabric to dry your hair
Rubbing your hair with a towel can damage and break your hair. Instead, use a soft cloth like an old T-shirt to absorb the excess water.
9. Pretreat with an oil
You can massage your scalp and hair with an oil before washing them. The oil will act as a layer against the damaging effect of surfactants in shampoo and water. It will also boost scalp circulation.
My favorite is coconut oil, which actually has research data that it can prevent loss of protein from hair – both normal or damaged hair when it is used as a pre-wash or post-wash.
Coconut oil has a high affinity for hair proteins. Due to its simple structure and low molecular weight, it can penetrate the hair shaft.
You can also use any other oil like argan oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc.
10. Let your hair dry naturally
Blow-drying your hair with hot air can dry and damage the hair. Whenever possible, let your hair dry naturally.
If you are in a hurry and need to blow dry, use the lowest heat setting.
11. Protect your hair when swimming
If you enjoy swimming frequently, make sure to protect your hair from harsh chlorinated pool water. Use a hair cap while swimming. If your hair gets wet, wash your hair immediately after swimming to prevent damage.
12. Protect your hair from sun
Sun rays can damage your hair making them dry and brittle. In addition, it can fade your hair color. So, use a hair spray sunscreen or a wide-brimmed hat to avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
13. Don’t brush your hair when they are wet
Wet hairs are swollen and weak. They are more prone to breakage. So, never brush your hair just after washing them.
If your hair is straight, you can use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair when they are slightly damp.
If your hair is curly and tangles a lot, you can run your fingers in your hair to remove tangles after putting on the conditioner. If needed, when your hair is damp, you can use a wide-tooth comb to remove any knots or tangles.
14. Be gentle
Avoid pulling your hair while brushing or combing. Also, you don’t need to brush 100 times a day – it’s just a myth. Too much brushing can cause hair breakage.
If you have long hair, divide them into sections and then brush or comb them to avoid traction.
15. Avoid or reduce heat styling
Styling with hot irons, curlers or straighteners can damage hair. So, try to avoid them when possible. Also, consider the use of a lower heat setting and heat-protecting hair products to avoid damage.
16. Give a break to your hair from all the hairstyles
Tight braids, ponytails, or weaves can pull your hair and damage it. Instead, opt for hairstyles that do not pull on your hair like a loose bun, or ponytail, or just go for loose hair.
In addition, avoid long-hold products as they can be extremely drying and damaging.
17. Limit the number of chemical treatments
Any kind of chemical treatment of hair like dyeing, relaxing, hair straightening, or perming can damage the hair shaft.
Some of these treatments require the use of highly alkaline chemicals. So, limit the number of such treatments. In addition, do not get multiple treatments at the same time. Always go for one type of treatment at a time.
18. Choose your hair color carefully
When choosing a hair color, do not go to the extreme end. Stay within three shades darker or lighter shade, to avoid damage to the hair.
For example, if you have dark hair, going to a light blond color can cause a lot of damage to your hair.
19. Get a hair trim
Hair damage can lead to split ends. The easiest way to get rid of them is to get a trim. However, if you don’t take care of your hair, the split ends will come back.
So, make sure to condition your hair or use a hair serum and extend it to the ends of the hair.
20. Treat your dandruff
If you have dandruff, don’t ignore it. Scratching the scalp can cause damage to your hair. Use a dandruff shampoo with antifungal ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, etc. to manage it.
Make sure to leave the foam on your scalp for a few minutes for the ingredients to work.
21. Protect while you sleep
Our hair can get tangled if left loose when we sleep. So, tie them in a loose braid or ponytail. Even better, wear a satin cap to avoid any pulling on hair.
22. Silk pillow cover for soft hair
Silk pillow covers can be beneficial for both the skin and hair. They do not absorb all the natural oils and moisture from our hair like cotton pillows.
23. Lower your stress
Stress can be detrimental not only to your hair but also to your overall health. Hair loss and thinning of hair are often associated with stress. Use relaxation techniques like meditation to lower your stress.
24. See a doctor
Finally, if you think you are doing everything right and still struggle with hair problems like hair loss and thin hair, it’s time to see a doctor. Certain health conditions like hypothyroidism and certain medications can cause hair fall. Your doctor can help you identify the underlying cause.
References
- Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019 Mar;9(1):51-70. doi: 10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6. Epub 2018 Dec 13. PMID: 30547302; PMCID: PMC6380979.
- Gavazzoni Dias MF. Hair cosmetics: an overview. Int J Trichology. 2015 Jan-Mar;7(1):2-15. doi: 10.4103/0974-7753.153450. PMID: 25878443; PMCID: PMC4387693.
- Rele AS, Mohile RB. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. J Cosmet Sci. 2003 Mar-Apr;54(2):175-92. PMID: 12715094.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.