Our hair is one of the first things we begin to see as a sign of getting older. If you are starting to get gray hairs you may feel the temptation to start covering up, but it’s important to remember there are a number of ways that we can keep it healthier so we can win the battle against aging and keep our locks luxurious and flowing. So here are a few things to think about to keep your hair healthy.
Be Smart With Your Shampoo and Conditioner
The most important thing to remember when it comes to shampoo is that you use the right types of shampoo to keep your hair stronger. If you’ve already taken to dying or bleaching your hair, you can get a bleach hair shampoo that is completely free of sulfates. You also need to have the right conditioner. When it comes to conditioning, you need to do it correctly. A small drop of conditioner is more than enough, even for long hair. When you apply the conditioner, make sure it goes on the mid-shaft and ends of your hair before you work your way up to the scalp.
Be Aware of the Ingredients
Many shampoos have numerous different ingredients that make many people overwhelmed when trying to find the right product. Make sure you look for the strengthening ingredients that are going to nourish your hair. Things like argan oil, coconut oil, and aloe can make a big difference to your hair strength.
Brush Your Hair Before You Go in the Shower
Most people think that the water from the shower is going to be enough to untangle their hair. But before you get in the shower take a minute to detangle any strands, which will keep them strong. You need to brush knots out of your hair when it’s dry because if your hair is wet, it is more vulnerable to breakage. Additionally, when you brush dry hair, this is going to distribute the natural oils from your scalp to the ends of your hair and, as a bonus, after you get out of the shower, your hair is already smooth and ready to style, saving yourself time in the process.
Reduce the Temperature of Your Shower
Many people talk about the benefits of cold showers, but they are amazing for your hair too! As nice as a hot shower is, it is going to irritate your scalp and it could run the risk of weakening your hair as it grows. This in conjunction with a really strong shampoo could strip all of the natural oils out of your hair. If you like a warm shower, keep the temperature slightly warm but at the end of the shower, do a quick cold water burst. This seals the cuticles shut and will boost the shine of your hair.
Focus on Your Scalp
We think that we need to make our hair healthy by focusing on the hair, but if you notice any itching or dryness with your scalp, this is going to directly affect your hair. This is why having a good anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner will make a big difference because it will just get rid of any dandruff or scalp issues, but will also give you really fresh hair.
Reduce Your Stress
One of the main reasons people go gray is because they’re not getting enough sleep. Reducing your stress may not seem like it has a direct impact on your hair, but it does! If you feel stressed, this means your skin is stressed, which will go to your hair. Having a practice such as slow, low, and deep breathing (in through your nose and out through your mouth) can make a big difference in preventing any gray hairs. Having a solid 8 hours of sleep will make a big difference, especially if you’re worried about your hair going gray. And if you are worried about your hair going gray, the solution is to stop worrying by calming down.
Use a Hair Mask
A hair mask is an amazing way to keep your strands smooth and hydrated. You can also use a deep conditioner. And if you use hot tools on your hair, it’s recommended that you use a deep conditioner at least once a week.
Be Smarter When It Comes to Styling
Using hair tongs or any hot tools is going to damage your hair. Tools that come with ionic technology means they will infuse moisture into your hair. You can also try a solid ceramic curling iron or straightener rather than just a ceramic coating as this will distribute heat evenly.
Eat the Right Things
We all know we are what we eat, and as much as we can invest in numerous products, if we are not giving ourselves the right nutrients, this is not going to help us in the long run. We have to remember that our hair is mainly made of protein. Therefore, having protein-rich food is super important. Proteins such as fish and eggs are excellent for our hair. Additionally, anything that is rich in vitamins C and E is going to boost collagen production so we will have stronger hair strands.
Be Careful How You Dry Your Hair
If you take a towel to your hair, it will roughen up your cuticles. This doesn’t just mean that you will have to work hard to smooth the hair, but you are causing microdamage. Using softer materials such as cotton will make a big difference to your hair. As an added benefit, if you can afford silk, this is going to protect the cuticles of your hair even further.
Get Your Hair Cut
A simple thing, but so important. You need regular haircuts to keep your hair healthy so they don’t break off at the ends. If you don’t want to lose any length, you can always ask for a “dusting.” This is where only the tips are trimmed, getting rid of any damaged ends while keeping the length.
Ensuring that you keep your hair healthy is about a combination of factors. With all of these approaches, you can guarantee a healthy head of hair.
