Hair Health
The condition of your hair actually says a lot more about your health than you may think. When you have shiny, lustrous hair, it shows that you are not just healthy on the outside – but on the inside as well. Many times when someone has problems with their hair, they'll often turn to different hair care products to try and fix the damage that is present.
However, more often than not, unhealthy hair is not only caused by external damage, but by the lack of proper internal nutrition and lifestyle routines. If you are experiencing problems with the condition of your hair, there are many internal and external factors to consider.
Start with Internal Health
The health of your hair is similar to that of your skin. In order to create healthy hair, you need to start from the inside in order to see results on the outside. Many people who suffer from dry and brittle hair discover that they are not eating a diet that is rich in the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy hair. When your body does not have these nutrients, it's going to show in the health of your hair, skin, and nails. Just like the internal parts of your body, your hair needs the right nutrition.
Hair health diet
Vitamins and minerals. In order to provide your hair with the nutrition it needs, you need to maintain a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. By eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, you're giving your body the nutritional sources it needs for healthy hair and optimal hair growth. It is recommended that you eat at least 5 to 6 servings each day in order to achieve optimal health.
Protein. Other than fruits and vegetables, eating whole gains, nuts, and foods that are high in protein are important for healthy hair growth. When you make these foods part of your everyday diet, you're not only going to improve the condition of your hair by eliminating breakage, but you'll also notice that your hair will be softer and shiner.
Water. Drinking a lot of water is also important for healthy hair. When your hair is dry, this can be the result of not taking in enough water each day, which causes your body to become dehydrated. By drinking water throughout the day, you'll give your body the hydration it needs for healthy hair.
External Hair Care
While taking care of your hair starts from the inside, there are also some important steps you can take to improve the condition of your locks from the outside.
- Condition the hair. The first thing you need to do to get your hair in its healthiest state is ensure external moisture. By using a deep condition on a weekly basis and allowing it to sit in your hair for 10 to 20 minutes, your hair gets the moisture it needs. However, when you are done with the conditioning process, it's important that you rinse the product from your hair completely because product buildup can also cause damage.
- Protecting from heat. It is also crucial to protect your hair while you are styling it. When you use heated styling devices, but do not use protection, this causes your hair to break, develop split ends, and shed. Beauty experts recommend a heat protection spray and avoiding blow drying and styling tools when possible.
- Shampoo correctly. If your scalp is oily, you need to wash it daily, but concentrate the shampoo on the scalp, not the hair. Washing only the hair will create dull, coarse, and flyaway hair. Also, if hair is dry, daily shampooing is not necessary.
- Protect hair from chlorine. Swimming in chlorinated water can damage hair by stripping moisture. If you are an avid swimmer, wear a swim cap when possible. Also, use a specially formulated swimmer's shampoo and deep conditioner after swimming.