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Ciara Williams
For many black women, hair is part of our identity. Every woman has experienced challenges and changes during her hair journey. Each has had to work to love different textures and curl types of hair.
As we navigate through that process, our hair can undergo changes we don’t think are coming or can’t control, such as changes in thickness or length. Now that we know more than one is experiencing hair loss, we wondered what our lifestyle choices had to do with it. I went in and understood how everything from my diet to how much and how much I slept can affect my strands.
diet
Whether you want your hair to grow longer, keep it hydrated, or avoid breakage, your diet can affect it all. We are what we eat, so incorporating more nutritious meals into our lifestyle is a great place to start seeing positive changes.
“Our hair needs the right nutrients to grow, so it’s imperative that we maintain a diet rich in the essential vitamins our bodies need to function properly,” says Mitchell Dermatology FAAD, MD. says Hope Mitchell.
She recommends vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamin options, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iodine to help promote healthy hair.
Studies have shown that iron, omega-3, and zinc deficiencies, in addition to these products, can lead to hair loss.
“Thus, a Western diet or a mineral-deficient diet may be associated with hair loss. We should not underestimate the power of lifestyle,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD FAAD. , says the creator of Specific Beauty skincare.
stress
Stress can wreak havoc on your mind and body if you feel out of balance.
“Stress affects the body’s immune system, and hormonal balance inhibits hair growth internally,” says Mitchell. Additionally, cortisol levels are elevated by stress, which can promote thinning hair and hair loss. It may help you control.
sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult when you have a long list of responsibilities, but poor sleep habits can ultimately lead to several health-related problems, including problems related to hair growth. There is a possibility
“Sleep is an essential part of keeping your body in optimal functioning,” says Mitchell. “Nutrients are absorbed and cells are regenerated while we sleep. As a result, the hair becomes weak and stagnate.
Therefore, she recommends 8-10 hours of sleep per day. Helps promote her hair growth. Additionally, introducing a routine to go to bed on time will greatly benefit not only your mane, but the rest of your body as well.
“Establishing a nighttime routine, such as reading a book before bed or drinking water or tea, can help your brain adjust and prepare for sleep,” says Woolery-Lloyd. . “Additionally, practicing healthy sleep hygiene may be associated with healthy hair growth.”
daily practice
Smoking cigarettes can damage hair follicles, increasing the risk of hair loss.
“Tobacco contains toxic chemicals that can accelerate the aging process. Many changes occur with age, but the potential damaging effects of smoke on hair follicle DNA are of great concern.” It’s a matter of course,” Mitchell says.
Smoking and excessive drinking are associated with hair loss. Also, Mitchell says too much sun exposure can be detrimental to hair health.
“Our scalp can also experience sunburn, and too much exposure can lead to skin cancer on the scalp, so it’s imperative to protect it in the same way we protect our face and body. She also suggests avoiding overly hot water when showering, saying that you should treat your scalp and skin the same. It may cause the symptom.”
self care practice
Suppose you are trying to incorporate self-care into your daily hair care and lifestyle. Both doctors recommend meditation. Studies show that just 5 minutes of meditation a day can benefit your overall health, and going for a walk can lead to healthy hair growth. Yoga and other exercise routines are also said to promote hormonal balance.
Dr. Mitchell says that incorporating scalp massage and exfoliation will improve blood circulation and remove built-up dirt and dead skin cells.
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With all that in mind, everyone’s hair is different, but taking care of your mind and body is essential to the health of every mane.
“There may be factors that contribute to hair health, such as genetics and the aging process. But everyday choices can also affect hair condition and health,” says Mitchell. Rate, appearance, strength, and follicle activity can be affected by lifestyle choices.”
Maintaining a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and moderate fish consumption (and drinking enough water) is associated with hair growth and hair health. Regardless of your hair type, just like your skin, it needs nourishment and care. Practicing a healthy lifestyle helps us grow the healthy hair we want.
