Let’s face it, your hair has a mind of its own and does pretty much whatever it wants on a daily basis. And, I’m sure there are days when you feel like it’s completely out of control. Here are certain basic tips that you can follow that can bring about a massive improvement in your hair in just a few days:
1) Diet
A well-balanced diet, rich in silica, calcium and iron, will help reduce or prevent hair loss. Green, leafy vegetables, especially sea vegetables, are good mineral sources while raw oats provide silica. Eat plenty of iron-rich foods, like whole grain cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, dates, and raisins.
The hair is comprised mostly of protein, therefore to encourage hair growth, adhere to a diet rich in protein. Along with protein, these foods are also high in B vitamins, an important nutrient for hair. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron thus include a good serving of fruits and vegetables in your diet. If hair loss is due to thyroid dysfunction, eat more foods rich in vitamin A and iodine. Eat vegetables such as carrots or spinach in unrefined, cold-pressed seed oils such as flax, walnut or pumpkin seed and sea salt. Take turnips, cabbage, mustard, soy beans, peanuts, pine nuts and millet if there is a deficiency of iodine.
2) Washing Routine :
Your hair-type will determine your cleansing routine, some of you may need to shampoo daily, others every other day, others even once a week. The water you use to wash your hair should neither be too hot nor too cold. Use your fingertips, and not your
nails, to gently scrub your scalp. Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly in order to get all of the soap which maximizes the shine.
3) Combing :
To begin with combing, first separate hair into small sections. Untangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb, carefully work from the ends
in a downward direction only. Use only a wooden or tortoise shell comb – never rubber. Do not pull or yank hair and make sure to Brush hair only when dry.
Hair is weakest when it is wet and brushing can easily damage it. Even when hair is dry always comb before brushing.
4) Drying :
Air-dry whenever possible. Try to minimize the use of blow dryer as the strong heat tends to damage the hair, also the moisture lost makes them look rough and lifeless. Give your hair a break from that blow dryer, those curling irons and so many perms. When you are kind to your hair, it rewards you by looking and feeling better. Choose a hairstyle that will let your hair fall naturally.
5) Environment :
Before going out to the beach or pool, comb conditioner through the hair. This helps to protect hair from the sun, chlorine, salt water, and from the sun’s heat, and serves as a deep conditioning treatment. Wear a hat, cap or scarf if you can to protect hair from over-exposure to the sun, salt or chlorinated water, wind and air pollution.
6) Trimming :
Get your hair trimmed over a period of 2 months. This is especially important for growing out layers and/or bangs to reshape and make each stage of growing hair out a style.
7) Shampoo & Conditioning :
Choose simple, cheap shampoos that promise only to wash away the dirty and the oil. The more complicated the formula is and the more expensive the shampoo the less it does good in your hair. Conditioners, are an invention of the cosmetic industry and if your hair is dried out and dull looking you have been abusing it.
Use a milder shampoo and try washing your hair less frequently. Also, always apply conditioner from the ears
down – never condition the scalp. Do not over-condition for it might cause the cuticle layer of hair to lift making hair brittle and leading to breakage. Some of today’s new line of shampoos have a special ingredient advertised as a hair thickener as well as a shampoo that will make your hair look thicker. These shampoos actually coat each strand of hair with a layer of protein each time you use it thus making the hair appear
thicker. These shampoos are really very good and can have quite a beneficial effect on most women. Always Check the label on the back of the shampoo or conditioner to see what it contains before using it. Look out for urea, lactic acid and lecithin.