The Beginners Guide to Healthy Hair

Tired of dry, damaged, brittle hair that just wont grow? Me too!

Through all my years as a hairstylist I’ve heard all too often, “Why wont my hair grow? Why are my ends so dry?” Coupled with ” I have to wash my hair everyday!” Could there be a connection ?

Here we will get into all the nitty gritty that is preventing you from having the hair of your dreams. Below I cover all the basics from shampoo to diet.

Diet affects my hair?

Say what?! Yes, in fact often overlooked what you are consuming on a daily basis affects not only your overall health but also your hair! Take water for example it is a basic survival necessity, not only do we need water to hydrate our bodies but our hair too. Our bodies are nourished from the inside out so if you aren’t drinking 8+ glasses of water a day your dehydrated body and hair and as a result you have dry hair. A moisture mask is only a band-aid hiding the fact you aren’t drinking enough water.

Equally important is the food you consume, eating foods rich in nutrients to help promote hair strength is also key. A well balanced diet of protein, vitamin B, iron and omega-3s help your hair stay as thick and healthy as possible. With this in mind next time you’re at the store reach for items such as eggs, berries, nuts and seeds etc.

Form a habit of routine maintenance

As important it is to have regular scheduled haircuts, treatments and color services if you color treat your hair it is equally important to have a strong home care routine. This is a combination of how often you shampoo, do hair masks, what products you use and how you are using hot tools. As magical as us hairstylists are you have to do some preventative things at home too.

For example you brush and floss your teeth in between cleanings right? so why wouldn’t you maintenance your hair between professional appointments? Such as adding a hair mask to your personal care routine is so easy! You can essentially do anything while its on from brushing your teeth to a quick house chore.

As shown above your diet and home care routine are the core foundation to healthy hair. Below are some additional tips for healthier hair.

Tips for Healthier Hair

You’re over-washing your hair

• Over-washing can create greasy roots and dry ends. You should only need to wash your hair 1-4 times a week.I always suggest to shampoo twice and then condition. The 1st shampoo rids the hair of built of product and dirt, the 2nd actually cleanses the hair.

You actually shouldn’t wash post-workout

• Your hair is dirty after a workout? FALSE!! It’s actually just your natural oils and salt therefore by washing it you’re removing natural texture and shape! Add some heat protectant and blow dry the oils downward, grab your favorite dry shampoo and spritz at the root for that fresh feeling, this will create texture and shine and reduces heat exposure to your hair.

Apply deep condition treatments

• Doing hair mask treatments on a weekly basis is ideal, especially for chemically treated hair. Infusing your hair with protein, moisture or even a color save treatment can really help the overall look and feel of your hair.

Always use a heat protectant

• Hot tools are commonly being used incorrectly and alongside that no protective products are being put onto the hair. There is a protectant for both wet styling and dry styling, make sure you’re using the correct type.

You’re using the wrong products

• Many products contain sulfates and parabens. They can cause a number of problems for your hair including drying, irritating your scalp, fading your color, and even hair loss

Aaahhhh! Alcohol!

• Although nice in a cocktail It’s not so nice to your hair. Check the ingredients if you can’t pronounce the 1st ingredient or it has sulfates, parabens and alcohol in it – Bye, Felicia! She ain’t no good for you

You’re killing your hair while sleeping

• Say what now? Sleep in luxury while using a silk pillowcase – the silk conducts less heat and will keep your ends from fraying and splitting. Sleeping with your hair in a loose top bun will keep your ends tucked in and away from your body heat to reduce tangles and breakage.

Regular salon appointments

• This is a vital step for keeping your hair healthy. You should get a trim every 6-8 weeks, or as soon as your ends begin to split. Keeping your hair trimmed on a regular basis will make sure the ends don’t split very far up the shaft resulting in less breakage keeping it healthy and full of life

Hair supplements

• Biotin supplements are wonderful to support all the hard work you’re doing to promote an even stronger growth environment. Remember that supplements don’t replace diet and maintenance.

Something I didn’t cover?

comment below with any other questions you may have or if there is a topic you would like a more in depth post on.

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