While some people are genetically blessed with good hair, achieving a luscious head of locks has a lot to do with how well you care for your mane on a daily basis. From what you eat to how you brush your hair, a multitude of different factors affect how smooth, shiny, and strong your hair is.
If you’re looking to improve the health of your hair, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be sharing our top hair habits that, when implemented regularly, will help you make positive strides towards attaining your healthiest hair ever in 2022.
1. Go sulphate free
One of the most important steps you can take to improve the health of your hair is switching to a sulphate-free shampoo. Sulphates—chemicals used as cleaning agents—can strip too much moisture from your hair and weaken hair follicles over time, leading to breakage and thinning. Sulphate-free shampoos gently cleanse your hair and scalp to remove excess sebum and debris, without completely stripping it of its natural oils.
Don’t forget to use a sulphate-free conditioner, too! Most people only need a nickel-size amount of conditioner. After shampooing, apply your conditioner to the mid-shaft and ends of your hair. Then, massage your way up to the scalp. Leave it on for a full minute and then rinse.
2. Get regular trims
While it might seem counterintuitive, regularly trimming your hair can allow it to grow faster and healthier. Trims prevent split ends from working their way up the stands, which could cause you to have to cut off more length in the future. Experts recommend trimming a quarter to half an inch off your hair every 12 weeks to ensure minimal split ends and breakage.
3. Give your hair a rest
Going all-natural is the healthiest choice when it comes to protecting and strengthening your hair, however, many people feel most confident when they style their hair using heat tools and products. To give your hair some downtime, let it recuperate on days when you don’t have any plans. This means letting it air-dry, keeping it out of tight hairstyles, and avoiding heat tools and styling products.
Also, when you do use heat tools, always use a heat protectant on your hair, which will help reduce the risk of damage.
4. Avoid hot showers
On a cold winter morning, nothing feels better than a steamy, hot shower, however, hot water is not your hair’s friend. As with the skin on your body, hot water can strip necessary oils from your scalp and hair, which can affect hair quality, texture, and growth.
To keep your scalp and hair happy, use lukewarm water to shower. If you must experience the occasional hot shower, try to limit it to five minutes.
5. Brush your hair before your shower
Brushing your hair before your shower only takes a few seconds, yet will go a long way in keeping your hair healthy and strong. This is because when your hair is wet, it’s more vulnerable to breakage. Detangling your hair when it’s dry will reduce pulling and snagging when brushing your hair out after a shower. Plus, brushing dry hair distributes the natural oils from your scalp down to the ends of your hair.
6. Maintain a hair-healthy diet
While taking care of your hair is essential, a healthy mane starts from within. Eating a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits, veggies, and protein-rich foods is key when it comes to supporting the health of your hair.
In particular, try to eat more of the following healthy plant-based foods, which are brimming with vitamins and minerals that support hair growth: berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, sweet potatoes, avocados, almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, papaya, bell pepper, beans, and seaweed. Achieving healthy hair never tasted so good!
7. Take a supportive supplement
While eating a nutrient-rich diet is key, taking a well-balanced hair growth supplement can further support you on your quest for healthier hair. Due to a lack of time, preferences, and restrictions, getting all of the nutrients your hair needs is not always possible. A high-quality hair growth supplement can cover your nutritional blind spots, ensuring you get all of the vitamins and nutrients your hair needs for optimal health.
As with other kinds of supplements, quality matters, so choose a hair supplement, such as Hair Divine, that contains ingredients made from natural sources and that is free of additives and preservatives.
The bottom line
To support the health of your hair, apply these healthy hair habits—and stick to them! Like any other healthy habit, these tips need to be practiced consistently to reap the rewards. While your hair likely won’t transform overnight, with regular implementation, you’ll soon realise that your hair is longer, shinier, and healthier than it’s been in years.