Tips to Keep Your Hair Healthy

Tips to Keep Your Hair Healthy
Photo Credit my long hair image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com

One of the first things people notice when they see you is your hair. Regardless of its length, texture or style, having a healthy head of hair is essential to looking as good as possible and making a positive impression. A little attention will give your hair the glowing sheen you want.

Stay Hydrated

Drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day to stay hydrated inside and out. Your hair is fed from what you consume. When you are thirsty, your hair is, too. Try to avoid too many foods and drinks that are diuretic, because your hair will suffer.

Eat a Healthy Diet

The term "You are what you eat" also applies to your hair. According to the Mayo Clinic, a balanced diet is essential to keeping your hair healthy. Hair is made of protein, so you will want to eat plenty of protein-rich food, like meat, fish, eggs, dairy and protein-enriched cereals. You also need minerals, like iron that carries oxygen to all parts of the body, including the scalp, zinc that helps prevent hair loss and copper that helps maintain a lustrous color. Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin C are essential to good hair health, so eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Avoid eating too many processed foods that may not contain the nutrients essential to good hair health.

Avoid Stress

Excess stress can take its toll on your hair. Try to avoid it, but if you find yourself in a stressful situation, find ways to deal with it. Employ relaxation techniques, such as soothing music, meditation, aromatherapy and massage therapy. If you get plenty of sleep and rest, the stress may not seem so bad.

Brush and Comb Carefully

When you brush your hair, use a natural bristle brush that is not as likely to damage the hair follicles. Brush your hair only when it is dry. When the hair is wet, a brush will stretch the shaft and make it weaker, or it may snap if it reaches the breaking point. When your hair is wet, use a wide-tooth comb and start at the bottom of the hair. Work your way up. Do not force the comb through a mass of tangles. To avoid hair having wet, tangled hair, brush it before you wash it and use caution not to get the hair in knots while shampooing.

Wash Only When Needed

Do not wash your hair too often. If you have oily hair and feel that you must wash it daily, use a tiny amount of mild shampoo. If your hair is normal or dry, skip one, two or three days between washings. This allows the natural oils on your scalp to add sheen to your hair. After you wash your hair, use a conditioner made for your hair type.

References

Article reviewed by Helen Covington Last updated on: Mar 23, 2010

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