Your genes largely determine your hair type, texture, density, and color. However, proper care of your hair can make the difference between lifeless hair and hair that writes down.
Factors such as diet, stress and age can also affect hair health.
Below, we’ll take a thorough look at how to best care for your hair and keep your locks healthy.
If you want to keep your hair shiny, it helps to know your hair type and texture. There are four basic types of hair:
The shape of the hair follicle, determined by genetics, influences the natural curl pattern.
In addition to its type, hair has one or more of three basic textures:
Use the yarn test to determine texture. Fine hair is thinner than thread, medium hair is about the same width, and thick or coarse hair is thicker than thread.
Knowing your hair type and texture is an important first step in caring for your hair. For example, curly, thick hair types may not need to be washed as often.
Read on to learn more about hair types and how to care for your own hair.
A balanced diet helps in healthy hair growth. Foods that support hair health include:
- egg
- berry
- spinach
- Omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, herring, and mackerel
- sweet potato
- Avocado
- nuts
- beans
Read more about foods for hair growth.
Vitamins and supplements believed to contribute to healthy hair include B vitamins, biotin, and omega-3s.
Vitamins A, C, D, and E, iron, zinc, and selenium may also help maintain healthy hair.
Other studies have linked oils such as
Before considering taking supplements for hair growth, we recommend that you first consult with your doctor.
Read more about essential oils for hair.
Careful grooming is another important aspect of keeping your hair healthy.
shopping
Look for products designed for your hair’s needs. For example, if you dye your hair, use a shampoo and conditioner formulated for colored hair.
Try products that contain natural oils such as coconut, avocado, olive, argan, and shea butter.Look for proteins like keratin, wheat protein, panthenol, and biotin.
Among the product ingredients that everyone should avoid:
Consider skipping products containing these ingredients as they can be harmful to you and the environment.Some people also avoid products containing sulfates which can cause skin irritation. You may want to
washing and drying
Concentrate on your scalp when using shampoo. If you don’t use a 2-in-1 shampoo, always use conditioner and coat the ends.
How often you wash depends on your personal preferences and needs. For example, someone with oily hair may want to shampoo daily, while someone with dry hair may prefer to shampoo less frequently.
Other factors that influence shampoo frequency include:
- your activity level
- How many products do you use
- Whether your hair has been chemically treated
- your age
Do not dry your hair with a towel after showering or bathing. Instead, wrap your hair to absorb moisture and let it dry naturally.
Choose a leave-in conditioner to moisturize curly hair and use your fingers to style rather than a comb. Let it dry naturally as much as possible.
hair care and styling
What about brushing your hair 100 strokes a day? please do not. Brush and comb your hair with a wide comb just for styling.
Those with oily hair or those with thick, curly hair that is washed infrequently may want to consider using a dry shampoo between washes.
Before styling, use heat protection products and make sure your ceramic comb or iron is at the lowest temperature possible.
Certain hairstyles can permanently damage hair follicles over time. These include tight braids, ponytails, and buns. Always keep your hair pulled tight. It is recommended not to Try alternating between loose hairstyles and updos.
Read on for more tips for fuller, healthier hair.
Hair loss, or alopecia, can affect the scalp or the whole body. It is often hereditary and can be temporary or permanent.
- hormonal changes
- stress
- hair treatment
- certain medical conditions
- aging
- certain drugs
Usually 50-100 hairs are shed per day. New hair usually grows as hair falls out. Hair loss occurs when the hair that falls out is not replaced by new hair.
If you notice sudden hair loss, consider seeing a doctor. It could be an underlying medical condition or a sign of nutritional deficiencies.
Read more about hair loss and its causes.
Addressing your hair type and texture and supporting it with the right routines, products, and styling techniques will help you grow a healthy head of hair.
