Healthy hair can help you create that all-important positive first impression and raise your self-confidence levels. While some people seem to be blessed with naturally gorgeous hair, others suffer from hair that ranges from oily to dry or damaged. Taking care of your hair from shower to style can help promote healthy hair, and what you put in your body is just as important as the external influences on your tresses.
Step 1
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits and lean protein. Salmon and other fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that help support scalp health and prevent dry, dull hair, according to Andrea Giancoli, MPH, R.D., a dietitian in Los Angeles and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. Walnuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids, and they are a good source of zinc, which helps prevent hair shedding. Spinach and other leafy greens provide vitamins A and C to help your hair produce its natural oils.
Step 2
Wash your hair every other day unless your hair is very oily or you engage in heavy physical activity that makes you sweat. The cleansers in shampoos strip the natural oils from your hair, and most hair looks best when the scalp oils reach the ends.
Step 3
Use a moisturizing conditioner, especially if your hair is dry or damaged. Focus the majority of the conditioner on the ends of your hair, which tend to be drier than hair closer to your scalp.
Step 4
Untangle your hair by using a wide-toothed comb when it is wet, and start combing it out in the middle instead of tugging it from your scalp to the ends, which can cause breakage.
Step 5
Massage your scalp with your fingertips to help stimulate blood flow and promote healthy hair growth.
Step 6
Allow your hair to air dry slightly before using a blow dryer or other heated styling tools, recommends stylist Peter Coppola. Using heat on soaked hair can damage it considerably.
Step 7
Use coated ponytail holders that do not have exposed metal to tie your hair back. Alternate placement of your ponytail so that you do not create too much stress and tension in the same area. Fastening your hair back in the same position all the time can create breakage.
Things You'll Need
- Mild shampoo
- Conditioner
- Wide-toothed comb
- Coated ponytail holders (optional)
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