Simple Daily Habits For Healthier, Fuller Hair
A head full of lush, strong hair is not just about the right haircare products. If you want a truly healthy mane, it’s all about a good diet, managing stress effectively, and handling your locks with care.
But don’t worry. We’re not asking you to make drastic lifestyle changes. Just incorporate a few habits into your routine to boost the growth and thickness of your hair the natural way.
A balanced diet is a hair-friendly diet
Make sure that your diet supports hair growth and contains the key nutrients needed to nourish hair follicles. Protein is essential. Vitamins A, B, C, and E, are also key. And don’t forget essential minerals like zinc and iron. To get these nutrients, focus on foods such as lean meats, eggs, fish, legumes, nuts, and leafy greens.
Of course, diet alone can’t provide all the nutrients to keep your hair in top shape. It’s a good idea to incorporate specific hair loss vitamins, such as biotin and vitamin D, to help make your hair less prone to thinning.
Practice gentle hair care
If your hair is breaking or otherwise acting up, it can be tempting to wash it more often or look for a quick-fix hair product. Try to resist this temptation. Over-washing and chemical-laden products can weaken strands. Wash your hair two to three times a week so natural oils can nourish your scalp. Choose sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are right for your hair type.
Also, put down your straighteners and other heat-styling appliances. Yes, your hair will look ‘healthy’ in the short term, but it’s being damaged in the process. If you use heat tools, apply a heat protectant and select the lowest possible temperature setting.
Regular scalp massages
Healthy hair starts at the root, with the hair follicles. Regular scalp massages increase blood circulation to the follicles and can promote hair growth and thickness. To enhance hydration, add natural oils like coconut or castor oil.
You only need a few minutes every day to massage your scalp. One time-saving tip is to do it while you shampoo your hair.
Stay hydrated
We all know that drinking eight glasses of water each day is the secret to healthy skin. Did you also know that dehydration leads to brittle hair that breaks easily? Deep conditioning can help keep hair moisturised but if you want it to have lasting elasticity, stick to your water quota. Adding fruit slices to water is a good way to keep motivated. And remember, water-rich foods such as cucumber and watermelon also count toward proper hydration.
Manage your stress levels
Stress can contribute to hair thinning and shedding by disrupting your hair growth cycle. The good news is that stress-related hair loss can be reversed with the right stress management practices. Take time out of your day to do relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing – they’ll benefit your well-being and your hair.
Start on the path to healthier hair today
With just a few small, consistent changes, you can improve the long-term health and fullness of your hair. Which of these habits can you start incorporating today?
Top photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
