Environmental factors like climate, pollution, and sun damage can all affect the health of your hair, as can the manner in which you care for it and the foods you eat. Just like you care for you body with proper nutrition, adequate sleep and exercise, your hair needs to be pampered on a regular basis, too. A few quick steps added to your weekly routine can make all the difference to the health of your hair.
Get Your Vitamins
What and how you eat will affect the health of your hair. A healthy diet will result in healthy hair, while an unhealthy diet can leave the hair limp, dull and lifeless. Make sure you are getting enough of the following vitamins and nutrients, either in the foods you eat or in a daily dietary supplement: vitamin E, protein, Omega 3 fatty acids and B vitamins--especially B6, and beta-carotene.
Massage the Scalp
A gentle daily scalp massage can stimulate the hair follicles by increasing circulation to the scalp. Either in the shower or on a dry scalp, use the fingertips to massage in a circular motion for about 5 minutes once a day, or at least twice a week.
Use Essential Oils
Rosemary oil is believed to stimulate the scalp and increase circulation to the hair follicles. More blood flow to the follicles encourages healthy hair growth. Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties and can clear clogged follicles to make way for new hair growth. Just like pores of the skin become clogged, so can the follicles of the scalp. Using an antiseptic like tea tree oil will clear the skin cells and sebum from the follicles that may have been inhibiting hair growth. Try applying a few drops of these oils to your scalp every time you massage it.
Clarify the Scalp with Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps clarify the scalp and hair by removing residue that may be blocking hair follicles. Mix 1 cup water with 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. After shampooing, rinse the hair with the vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse it out. Do this once a week.
Member Comments