Are you not happy with the way your hair looks?
Well, you are not alone!
Check out these concerning findings from a recent study on hair issues:
- On average, Americans have 96 bad hair days each year.
- About one-third (33%) have taken a sick day off work because of hair problems.
- Almost half (43%) have avoided a job interview due to a less-than-ideal hair day.
- A significant 77 percent feel less attractive when dealing with bad hair.
It is clear that hair problems are on the rise, and you are not the only one suffering.
Here’s the good news, though – there are various tips and techniques available to turn your bad hair into good hair.
In this article, we are going to share 10 proven hair care strategies by experts from Makeover.
So, let’s begin!
On this page
- 1. Regularly wash your hair to keep the scalp clean
- 2. Use the right hair wellness products
- 3. Comb your hair prior to showering
- 4. Use chemical-free shampoos and condition correctly
- 5. Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated
- 6. Keep the heat away
- 7. Oil your hair properly
- 9. Sleep on silk
- 10. Cover your hair
- Conclusion
1. Regularly wash your hair to keep the scalp clean
The biggest culprit behind hair fall and damaged hair is a dirty scalp. When your scalp becomes too dry or itchy, it can lead to hair fall. Cleaning your hair regularly helps keep your scalp and hair free from dirt and too much oil.
But how often you should do it depends on your hair type and what you like. If your hair is dry, wash it twice a week. For those with an oily scalp, washing every other day can help. Use your fingertips and gently massage your scalp to clean it.
2. Use the right hair wellness products
When using hair wellness products, remember to check the ingredients. Not all the products available in the market are safe for you. Many contain harmful ingredients that offer short-term results but damage your hair in the long run.
When you’re picking your products, focus on finding ones that make your hair stronger and healthier. Look for ingredients like coconut oil, aloe, Argan oil, or spirulina. These can be good for your hair.
3. Comb your hair prior to showering
If you are experiencing hair fall while you wash your hair, this tip can help. Regardless of your hair type, spending just 60 seconds detangling your strands can keep them strong.
Experts report that when your hair is damp, it is more prone to breakage, so it’s best to brush out knots when your hair is dry.
Brushing dry hair helps spread the natural oils from your scalp to the ends, and it’s already smooth and ready to style after a shower.
4. Use chemical-free shampoos and condition correctly
You might not control everything that harms your hair from the environment, but you do have a say in the shampoo and conditioner you choose. The fewer chemicals in your shampoo, the better for your hair. Go for mild shampoos that match your hair type.
Some shampoos have sulfates and parabens for lathering and preserving. They can lead to skin irritation and possibly mess with your hormones.
Apart from this, you also need to learn how to condition your hair correctly. Conditioner is there to make your hair smooth and easy to manage. Remember, apply it only to the ends of your hair, not your scalp. And be sure to rinse it off completely after using it.
5. Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated
The saying “you are what you eat” holds true when it comes to caring for your hair and skin. Your hair is mainly made up of proteins and amino acids, so it needs the right nutrition to grow and stay healthy.
Foods like eggs, nuts, fish, berries, and green leafy vegetables, as well as sweet potatoes, are excellent for promoting healthy hair. Eat foods rich in iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Keeping your body hydrated from the inside and outside is crucial for balanced and good hair health. While eating healthy food is helpful, drinking at least 3 liters of water every day is also essential.
6. Keep the heat away
Heat can damage your hair and make it dry, dull, and lifeless. So, make sure you avoid using excessively hot water to wash your hair. It is best to use lukewarm water to lower the damage.
Also, stay away from heat products to dry and style your hair. Blow drying can make your hair look as amazing as your favorite movie star’s. But using too much heat can harm your hair and scalp. Save it for special occasions if you need to style it.
The best way is to let your hair air dry or use a towel after washing. If you still want to use a straightener, curler, or blow dryer, use a good heat-protectant serum first.
7. Oil your hair properly
Treating your hair before shampooing, like using oils and giving your scalp a nice massage, is a great way to relax your muscles, boost blood flow, and make your hair shiny and healthy.
It also adds moisture, promotes hair growth, and fixes split ends. You can pick from oils like coconut, olive, almond, or castor—just avoid mineral oil.
8. Trim your hair regularly
Get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks to get rid of split ends. Split ends happen when your hair gets damaged from things like using too much heat, smoking, pollution, stress, and so on. Trimming won’t make your hair grow faster—it grows from the scalp. But trimming helps keep your hair healthy.
9. Sleep on silk
Get your beauty sleep by changing your cotton pillowcase to a silk one. According to experts, this helps protect your hair by lessening the rubbing between your hair and the fabric.
Sleep with your hair in a loose topknot—tied with a silk scrunchie—or try a low, loose braid if you have thick or textured hair. It gives you more control over your strands at night.
10. Cover your hair
If you are traveling in areas where there is too much pollution, remember to cover your hair. Use a scarf or a hat to protect your hair from dust, dirt, and pollution. Also, avoid going out in the sun.
The strong sunlight can take away the moisture from your hair, making it dry, fragile, and damaged over time. If you’re swimming, use caps to protect your hair. The chlorine in pool water isn’t good for your hair.
Conclusion
If you neglect your hair, it might eventually stop growing, and you could start dealing with issues like hair loss, dandruff, dryness, and dullness.
So, make sure you follow the tips to keep your hair in the best condition. Most importantly, if you face persistent hair fall and damage despite a good routine, consult your doctor.