- Maintain Your Hair
- Get Regular Haircuts. There is a myth that getting your hair trimmed makes your hair grow faster but that is simply not the truth. Your hair growth is regulated by your hair follicles and those are on your scalp. However, getting your hair cut or trimmed regularly does keep your hair more healthy as it grows. Healthy hair grows about 1/2 inch every 4-5 weeks so when to get your hair trimmed or cut is based upon the length of your hair. The shorter your hair the more often you will need a cut or trim to maintain your style. It general is recommended that you get your hair cut every 8-12 weeks for long hair and 6-12 weeks if you have medium length hair. More details from liveabout. It’s also helpful to have a professional look at your hair regularly. They may notice something about your hair or scalp that you missed so seeing them regularly is helpful.
- Less is More. Go natural as often as you can. Try letting your hair air dry and skip the use of products every once in a while. This will give your scalp and hair the needed break they deserve. Your body is designed to balance and manage itself when given the opportunity.
2. Protect Your Hair
- Wear Hats. Hats can hep to protect your scalp from drying as well as your hair color. Cloth, straw, treated fabric, wide rim, cowboy and floppy – there are so many styles to choose from that it makes wearing a hat easy. BTW your also potentially protecting your face, neck and shoulders from sun damage. I personally like the list from Oprah Magazine as they highlight hats that can fit in your bag and are more stylish than the traditional outdoor hat.
- Don’t Take Scalding Hot Showers. It’s true, hot showers can leave your scalp dry and itchy. The steam from a shower can lift hair’s cuticle, causing moisture loss, dehydration and color fade. The best way to protect your hair, scalp and color is cooler water temps with no steam. Cooler showers are also better for your skin.
- Avoid Hot Tools (or at least protect your hair from them). The most damaging tools and techniques include: all heated tools, crimpers, wearing tight ponytails and using hair brushes when your hair is wet. For more check out this article from Galore Magazine.
3. Take Some Extra Steps
- Monitor your Scalp Conditions. Your scalp condition can be an early indicator of bigger health problems. Some scalp conditions are totally normal and easily treated while others may be cause for concern. Example: Male pattern balding is hereditary. Dandruff white flakes are common and easily treated but if dandruff is yellow then there is likely an infection. Read more from on health here.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet. Healthline recommends the following top 14 food products for healthy hair growth. It’s no surprise that the list of best foods for hair would be very similar to a list for overall health. Some of the top items include – Eggs, Berries, Spinach, Fatty Fish, Avocados, Sweet Potatoes, Nuts, Seeds, Oysters, Green Peppers and Beans. On the negative side of things foods rich in vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, B vitamins, iron, biotin, protein and essential fatty acids may slow down hair growth or even cause hair loss. You can read more here from real simple.
- Deep Condition Once a Week. You can spend a fortune on beauty and hair treatments. My recommendation is to try a less expensive, more attainable option first. So, off to the drugstore we go. Some of the top choices include: Neutrogena Triple Moisturize, TRESemme Color Revitalize & Herbal Essences Hydralicious Reconditioning Conditioner. Want more choices, Totalbeauty highlights their top 14 choices.
- Use Essential Oils for Specific Treatment. Much like your skin, essential oils and carrier oils can help treat your scalp and hair. Almond oil helps to sooth the scalp, coconut and chamomile oil is known to soften and increase shine, while cedar wood and sage oil stimulate the scalp for hair growth. Since our scalps produce their own natural oils, using oil near your roots can make your hair look greasy. It’s recommended that you apply a few drops drops through the mid-lengths and ends of your hair to condition. This way you can apply sparingly to your roots as needed. I’ve used our REWIND on the ends of my hair and it really helps to smooth, increase shine and minimize frizz.
In summary, having healthy hair is similar to taking care of your general health. Maintaining, protecting and monitoring your hair can make a big difference.
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