One of my most asked questions on social media is how I keep my hair so healthy (followed by if I have extensions – I don’t). I’ll be honest, while genetics play a role in determining the baseline of your hair’s condition, there are a number of steps you can take to help your hair stay healthy and grow to its full potential. In this blog post, we’ll explore my top tips for managing healthy, long hair that go beyond just using the “right shampoo”.
Please Note: I am Indo-American and have long, fairly straight and thick hair. So my recommendations are based more on my experience with my hair type. Additionally, different health conditions might negate every tip here. My lupus and thyroid illnesses sometimes make it very hard to maintain healthy hair and skin, but this is what I try to do at all times to help give my hair a fighting chance.
Nourish from Within
The right nutrition will definitely help with keeping your hair healthy. Ensure your meals include a variety of nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients promote hair growth and strengthen the strands. Foods like fish, nuts, leafy greens, and eggs can contribute to a healthier mane. I have been taking a daily combo of Biotin, collagen, and lysine which I believe has been a huge factor in my hair’s health.
Regular Trims
It might sound counterintuitive, but trimming your hair regularly is crucial for its overall health. Removing split ends prevents them from traveling up the hair shaft, causing more damage. When you get a trim will depend on your hair texture and health, but just make sure that you do it before the ends of your hair get too unhealthy.
Gentle Washing
While cleanliness is essential, washing your hair every day can strip it of natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and condition or mask regularly to keep your locks hydrated. Again, every hair texture is different, but I only shampoo the hair by my scalp and condition the bottom half of my hair before doing a deep conditioning mask all over my hair. Overall, I tend to believe we wash our hair a bit too much, so if your hair is feeling dry or brittle, think about how often (and how) you are shampooing.
Avoid Heat Damage
Excessive heat styling can wreak havoc on your hair. Whenever possible, let your hair air dry and limit the use of hot tools like straighteners and curling irons. If you must use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant to minimize damage. Truth be told, I use hot tools on my hair maybe 4 times a year max.
Choose the Right Products
Every hair type is unique, and so are its needs. Invest in high-quality hair care products designed for your specific hair type – whether it’s curly, straight, oily, or dry. Look for sulfate-free shampoos, moisturizing conditioners, and nourishing hair masks.
Protect Your Hair at Night
Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to breakage and frizz. Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize damage while you sleep. Alternatively, you can also tie your hair in a loose bun or braid to prevent tangling.
Regular Scalp Massages
Stimulating your scalp through gentle massages promotes blood circulation, which, in turn, encourages hair growth. Use your fingertips to massage your scalp in circular motions for a few minutes each day to keep your hair follicles healthy. Lysine also helps keep skin, including your scalp, healthy.
Stay Hydrated
Just as a well-balanced diet contributes to healthy hair, staying hydrated is equally important. Water helps to nourish hair from within, promoting overall health and encouraging growth. I only drink water and I make sure I drink half of my weight in ounces every day, so if you weigh 140 pounds, you’d drink 70 ounces.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Just as your skin needs protection from the sun, so does your hair. UV rays can damage the outer layer of the hair strand, leading to dryness and brittleness. Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection when spending extended periods in the sun.
Manage Stress
Stress can have a direct impact on your hair’s health. I mean, it has an impact on your health in general. Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to maintain a healthy mind, which often translates to healthy hair. Also, I know this one is easier said than done.
Achieving and maintaining healthy, long hair requires a holistic approach. It definitely requires work on your part, but if your goal is healthy, long hair, it’ll be worth it to put the time in. Remember, patience is key, and with consistent care, your hair will thank you with shine, strength, and length.
