No matter the length, style or type of your hair, there are things you can do every day to keep it healthy and shiny. Caring for your hair doesn't have to cost a lot of money or involve a bathroom full of beauty products. In fact, sometimes your hair can be damaged if you use too many products or apply them too often.
Types
Basic hair care means using a shampoo and conditioner. Shampoo removes dirt, oil and other substances from your hair and also works to clean the roots and scalp. Conditioner coats the hair and makes it appear shiny and full.
You can also use at-home hair treatments and natural products. According to "Marie Claire," some commercial hair care products are packed with chemicals and additives that can strip your hair of natural and beneficial oils, so it may be healthiest to treat hair with natural items, such as avocado mashes or olive oil treatments.
There are also a host of other hair-care products, such as gels, pomades and sprays. Most of these products are for styling hair and are not designed to promote hair health.
Benefits
Caring for your hair properly will prevent it from becoming dry, flaky or developing dandruff. Using healthy products on your hair and washing it regularly will preserve its natural oils and proteins, making it appear shiny. Full, healthy hair is an outward sign of a healthy body. If you eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly and treat your hair gently, it will look and feel better.
Effects
If you have dry or damaged hair, changing your hair care routine and treating your hair well can change its appearance dramatically. Damaged hair can be brittle or weak, so CNN's Guide to Healthy Hair recommends blow drying it only occasionally and shampooing and conditioning several times per week. This simple routine can help restore shine and body to your hair. Even if your hair is already healthy, consistently following these simple treatments with basic or natural products will help it retain natural shine and volume.
Considerations
Consider your hair type and the condition of your hair when you're thinking about getting a chemical treatment or using a new product. The majority of hair dyes, creams and specialty products are made with strong chemicals, so you should always consult a hair care professional before using them if you are unsure about how they'll affect your hair's health in the long term. In many cases, continued use of these products over time can dry out hair or damage it irreversibly.
Heated tools such as tongs, straighteners, curling irons and hairdryers can also have negative effects on the hair. Instead of using these tools, towel dry hair or pat it with a dry T-shirt or other soft fabric. Straighten or curl hair with a product and comb instead of a heating tool, or simply use heated styling tools less often to prevent damage.
Warnings
According to "Reader's Digest," a poor diet that is lacking in nutrients can contribute to the development of weak or damaged hair. To prevent nutritional deficiencies from affecting your hair's health, eat a varied diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.
You can also prevent hair damage by limiting your the of chemical products. Choose natural hair care treatments whenever possible to preserve your hair's chemical balance and keep it looking soft, shiny and full.
Finally, avoid tying your hair up tightly or pinning it in the same place every day. Repeated stress and pressure on the same points in your scalp and at your roots can wear away at hair over time and contribute to bald patches or thinning.
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