words Alexa Wang
Are you looking for easy ways to achieve healthy hair? Whether your goal is to increase shine or make it feel softer, there are a number of things you can do to achieve shiny, silky hair. Here are seven do’s and don’ts for healthy hair.
Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash
1. Do Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
Be sure to use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner system to increase moisture. When you wash your hair, use leave in conditioner before combing it out and blowing it dry. Use a moisturizing hair mask to give dry hair an extra hydration boost. It’s ideal for just about anyone with dry hair to use moisturizing hair products. But it’s even more important for people with bleached or color-treated hair.
2. Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Often
When you want to improve hair health, you might think that washing your hair more often will help. Unfortunately, it can actually have harmful effects on your locks. Although how often you’ll want to wash your hair depends on numerous factors, including your hair type and ethnicity, most people can go two to three days without washing their hair.
3. Do Use Caution With Hot Styling Tools
Hot styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and rollers can cause a significant amount of hair damage if you’re not careful. There are a number of things you can do to protect your precious locks.
For starters, reduce how often you’re using hot styling tools. Try letting your hair dry naturally and use other natural styling methods, such as braiding your hair, to achieve a curly or wavy look. When you do use hot styling tools, be sure to use a lower heat setting when possible and always apply a heat protectant to your hair before styling.
4. Don’t Wash Your Hair in Hot Water
Hot showers may be relaxing, but it’s best to avoid washing your hair with water that’s too hot. The problem is that hot water can burn your scalp and weaken your hair over time. Warm is the most ideal water temperature for hair health. When you’re done washing your hair, rinse it with cold water to seal the cuticles shut and maximize shine.
5. Do Focus on Your Diet
Diet and hair health tend to go hand in hand. Certain nutritional deficiencies can actually cause hair loss. Some of the nutrients most linked to hair loss include iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and biotin. Foods rich in antioxidants, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids can also help you grow healthier hair.
Some foods to focus on for hair health include eggs, berries, spinach, nuts, beans, seeds, avocados, meat, and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring. If you know that you suffer from a nutrient deficiency, be sure to talk to your doctor about supplementation. Most of us can benefit from Vitamin D and biotin supplements.
6. Don’t Sleep on a Cotton Pillowcase
Did you know that your pillowcase could be damaging your hair? Cotton causes friction with the hair, which leads to breakage. Satin pillowcases prevent this friction from occurring, leading to healthier hair. Sleeping with a satin pillowcase also helps reduce frizz and prevent tangles.
7. Do Brush Your Hair Before Showering
Hair is more fragile and prone to breakage when it’s wet. For this reason, you should always detangle your hair before you shower. This way, your hair will be easier to style — and less prone to damage — after you get out of the shower.
These are just seven do’s and don’ts for healthy hair. Following this advice can help you achieve silky, soft locks in no time!
