Getting strong and healthy hair takes commitment. By eating hair-strengthening foods, avoiding hair-damaging grooming habits, and pampering your hair with high-quality shampoos and conditioners, you can strengthen your hair.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Pampering Hair
Step 1. Trim the damaged ends of the hair
If your hair is very damaged, consider cutting the part that is most damaged. Trimming the damaged section of hair will immediately make the hair look healthier; it also prevents split ends from spreading along the length of the hair.
Some stylists recommend getting a haircut every five weeks for healthy looking hair, while others recommend getting a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on whether you're trying to maintain or grow your hair
Step 2. Identify your hair type
If you know your hair type, you will be better able to keep it healthy by meeting the needs of your hair. You can tell your hair type by measuring its density, texture, and strength.
- Density: Look at a section of hair at the top of the head. If you can almost see the scalp through the hair, the hair has a thick density; if the hair is more spaced, then the hair has a thin density; and if it looks just medium, the hair has a medium density.
- Texture: Observe each strand of hair. How thick or thin do hair strands relate to other people's hair you know? You can also measure how thick or thin your hair is by pulling on it-thick hair is stronger/less prone to breakage than light hair.
- Strength: Hair strength is measured by its absorption and elasticity. Wash and dry hair with a towel, then feel: if the hair feels wet enough, it means the hair is more damaged/absorbent; if it feels dry enough, it means the hair is healthy/not very absorbent. The further the hair is pulled and not broken, the more elastic and healthy it is.
Step 3. Use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type
If you have thin hair, you can use a volume-adding or thickening shampoo and conditioner; if you have thick or oily hair, you will need to use a deep cleansing shampoo and a light conditioner.
There are many products to choose from--be sure to choose one that works for your hair. In general, salon products are considered to be of higher quality than drugstore products
Step 4. Massage the scalp regularly
Massaging your scalp can increase blood flow to your hair follicles, moisturize your scalp, and help relieve stress. Not only will this help keep your hair healthy, it can even help reduce and/or prevent hair loss.
You can massage your scalp gently while you're shampooing
Step 5. Perform deep conditioning actions (improves hair condition) on hair regularly
You can do this by using a store-bought or homemade conditioner. If you buy a deep conditioning treatment, choose a salon product, as drugstore products may contain low-quality ingredients.
How often you deep condition your hair will depend on how healthy it is: if your hair is very damaged, do it once a week
Step 6. Make your own deep conditioning hair treatment at home
If you can't afford expensive salon treatments, and you don't want to use drugstore products, you can pamper your hair at home with these treatments:
- Massage the scalp and ends of the hair with warm oil. Options for the oil include coconut oil, olive oil, and sweet almond oil.
- The oil you use will depend on your hair type and personal preference. Jojoba oil is a safe choice for all hair types.
- Wrap the head with a damp, hot towel. This will help the oil seep into the hair. Make sure the towels are not too hot!
- Apply the hair mask on the hair. The type of mask will depend on the type of hair. For dry hair, apply a paste consisting of 1 or 2 egg whites and honey on the hair; For oily hair, apply a paste of aloe vera gel, amla powder, and water on the hair.
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Hair Damage
Step 1. Don't wash your hair too often
Washing your hair too often can strip the natural oils from your hair and scalp, leaving your hair looking dull. Washing your hair too harshly can also cause damage, so do it gently.
- How often you wash your hair will depend on your hair type. Some people realize that they need to wash their hair every day or every other day to make it less greasy; others wash their hair once or twice a week.
- When washing your hair, be gentle: massage the shampoo into the roots and let it absorb through the hair--don't rub the shampoo into your hair, as this can cause breakage.
Step 2. Treat your hair gently while it's still wet
If it's still wet, your hair is more brittle and prone to breakage. After washing your hair, dry it gently by wrapping it or wringing it out with a towel, rather than rubbing it vigorously with a towel.
Wait for the hair to dry slightly before combing it; when combing, use a wide-toothed comb
Step 3. Don't brush your hair too often
The popular advice to comb "100 times a day" is a misnomer. Brushing your hair too often can actually cause split ends and breakage.
You also need to be careful with the type of comb you use. A wide-toothed comb is usually recommended by stylists as the gentlest option
Step 4. Avoid styling your hair with hot temperatures
This includes straightening hair, blow drying, and perming hair. All of these can make hair look dull; Regular hot styling over time can cause permanent damage.
If you must style your hair with heat, be sure to coat your hair with a spray or protective balm before exposing it to heat
Step 5. Avoid ponytails or braids
This can cause breakage, especially if you pull your hair too tight when styling it. In more extreme cases, hair can even fall out: this is called traction alopecia.
- Be careful when doing a ponytail or braiding your hair when it's still wet and more prone to breakage.
- The same goes for hair extensions and hair additions, which can pull hair out. If your scalp feels uncomfortable or sore, there may be too much pressure on the hair roots.
Step 6. Protect hair from the weather
The sun's ultraviolet rays can bleach hair, making it dry and brittle. Hair that is exposed to rainwater is also not safe, because harmful chemicals can stick to the hair.
- To protect your hair from the sun, wear a hat or spray it with UV-protective spray. Some leave-in conditioners also have UV protection.
- To protect your hair from rain, use an umbrella, hat, or wear a waterproof jacket with a hood.
Step 7. Protect your hair while in the pool
Chlorine in pools can irritate the skin and scalp and make hair dry and brittle. Before going into the water, wet your hair, cover it with a protective product, and cover it with a swimming cap.
- Products recommended to protect hair from chlorine are those containing oil and/or silicone, for a more natural option, choose coconut oil.
- If you swim regularly, you will also need to provide a hair cleanser specifically made to remove chlorine.
Step 8. Don't use too many hair products
Resist the urge to conquer damaged hair with various conditioners and products to reduce frizz, which can make hair look heavy and greasy.
When using hair products, minimal use will make a big impact. Start by using it in small amounts and add more if necessary. A dab of my antique cream/gel is often enough to tame frizzy hair without making hair look greasy
Step 9. Don't use harsh chemical products on your hair
Hair that has been dyed, permed, straightened and/or loosened is likely to be thin, dull, and prone to breakage.
There are often natural alternatives to chemical hair treatments-for example, using henna in place of regular hair dye
Part 3 of 3: Making Healthy Choices
Step 1. Eat for strong hair
In general, a healthy diet consists of lots of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, and avoiding processed foods. Here are some of the main foods to eat for healthy hair:
- Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which protect you from disease, help your body grow, and maintain healthy, shiny hair.
- Greek yogurt contains protein and vitamin B5 (also known as pantothenic acid), both of which are essential for healthy hair growth. If you don't get enough protein in your diet, hair growth will stop.
- Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale contain vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, folate and vitamin C, which help maintain healthy scalp and hair. Vitamin C in particular is very helpful in preventing hair breakage.
- Sweet potatoes and citrus fruits and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe, and mangoes contain the antioxidant beta carotene, which helps keep hair moisturized and shiny.
- Cinnamon and other spices increase the body's circulation, helping to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Sprinkle spices that can increase blood flow to various foods and drinks.
- Eggs are an excellent source of protein, iron, and biotin (a B vitamin that helps hair growth).
Step 2. Make sure you are getting enough iron
Apart from making you tired, unfocused, and depressed, iron deficiency can cause hair loss.
- If you think you're not getting enough iron in your diet, try eating fortified cereals, whole grains, and pasta.
- You can also find iron in soybeans, lentils, various shellfish, dark green leafy vegetables, beef, and organ meats, such as liver.
Step 3. Drink enough water
If you are dehydrated, your scalp becomes drier and your hair becomes dull and dry. Drink half your body weight (in pounds) in ounces each day.
Example: a 150-pound (68 kg) woman should drink at least 75 ounces (2 liters) of water each day-more if she is active or lives in a hot climate (eg when she sweats)
Step 4. Reduce stress
Stress can cause hair loss. To help reduce stress, exercise regularly, get at least 7 hours of sleep each night (8.5 hours if you're a teenager), and do things that help you relax.
Some things that can help you relax are meditation, socializing with people you feel comfortable with, taking a bath, or taking up a fun hobby (for example, being a member of a book club, taking part in music, dance, or recreational sports)
Step 5. Call the doctor
If your hair is thinning or damaged and there's no obvious cause (for example, you don't bleach your hair regularly or style it with a hot styling tool all the time), call your doctor for any possible health problems. Some health problems that can cause hair loss/damage are:
- An overactive or underactive thyroid
- Other hormonal problems
- Anemia/iron deficiency
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Severe infection
