Getting and keeping a healthy head of hair is not difficult, but does require some maintenance and care. Keys to healthy hair include good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Other conditions that affect hair include proper cleansing, moisturizing and frugal use of hair care products or chemicals.
Healthy Lifestyle
Step 1
Eat a healthy diet. Hair requires nutrients to stay balanced and for growth. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a healthy diet which includes lean protein such as fish, beans and chicken. Vitamin deficiencies of zinc, iron and omega-3 fatty acids can cause hair loss.
Step 2
Walk, jog, bike or engage in some form of aerobic exercise for 30 minutes daily. Even brisk walking is aerobic if it gets your heart rate up over your normal resting state. Exercise increases circulation and blood flow to the scalp. The circulatory system is what brings the nutrients to the hair and scalp.
Step 3
Participate in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation or listening to soothing music. Stress can cause hair loss. Unexplained hair loss, alopecia areata, is caused by periods of intense stress. Another hair loss condition called telogen effluvium is also caused by stress, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Hair Care and Maintenance
Step 1
Shampoo hair twice weekly instead of daily, as this will keep natural oils on the scalp and prevent dryness and flaking. Use only gentle cleansers, such as jojoba oil shampoos, which contain moisturizing ingredients. Jojoba oil is similar to human sebum. Many shampoos include jojoba oil to normalize the scalp. Shampoo the scalp first and then run the excess shampoo through the ends of the hair when finished. This keeps oil on the hair ends. Rinse with cool water.
Step 2
Moisturize after shampooing. Moisturizers smooth scaly projections on the hair cuticle, making it easier to comb. The type of moisturizer you use will depend on your type of hair and whether your hair is dry, oily or damaged. Shea butter, jojoba oil and other plant extracts are good for most hair types. Heavy oils such as macadamia and coconut oils are not for oily hair, but work well with color treated or damaged hair.
Step 3
Deep moisturize the hair with a protein or moisture conditioner once a week. Put the deep conditioner on wet hair and put a plastic cap over the hair. Leave on for 30 to 60 minutes, rinse and style. Deep conditioners can boost shine and help bring hair back to a healthy state.
Step 4
Massage a blend of hair enhancing essential oils into the scalp once a week before shampooing. In a November 1998 study reported in the Archives of Dermatology, it was concluded that essential oils, thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood, mixed with carrier oils, grapeseed and jojoba oil, when massaged into the scalp, increased circulation and stimulated hair growth. Always test for skin sensitivity to essential oils and consult with your dermatologist before starting any hair treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- Blow dry hair less. If necessary, keep the dryer moving so as not to burn the hair. Style the hair using clips and fabric ties as an alternative to curlers and other products that can damage hair. Use lemon juice mixed with 1/2 cup of water after shampooing and rinsing. Pour the juice through hair and then rinse. This will make the hair shiny.
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