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10 TIPS FOR HEALTHIER HAIR

a man with healthy hair

Whether your hair is soft and silky or curly and bouncy or just about any shape, color, texture, and length, effective hair care must be practiced at all times. Preserve your hair’s natural beauty and flaunt its locks in any season and on any day through following the below hair care tips: 146

Tip 1: Know when to wash your hair! 147

There is a lot of debate on the internet about how frequently one should wash their hair. Some people claim every other day, while others only claim once a week. There is, however, no hard and fast rule for that. The frequency of hair wash is determined by the type of hair you have. Daily washing can severely dry out the hair, but less stringent shampoos can moisturize the hair more than others, providing a good middle ground for shampooing daily without over-drying it. 

Some people with fine hair prefer the feel of clean, dry hair because it makes their hair appear fuller and more textured. Because thick hair absorbs more of the natural oils produced by the scalp, those with thick hair don't need to wash as frequently.

There are also some tips and strategies on hair washing! 

Tip 2: Know when to cut your hair! 148

A split end is a split end. Trim or cut your split ends for healthier hair! 

People with longer hair and thin ends do not cut their hair for a long time because they are interested in length and not in consistency. The roots become thicker, while the ends become thinner. Those who color, heat style, or use treatments, like keratin, on their hair should cut it every eight weeks as a general rule.

Tip 3: Only heat style your hair on occasions!  149 150

To protect your hair and cuticle, limit your use of heat styling tools. Understanding your hair and how to enhance its natural texture will allow you to rely on products instead of heat styling. Hair care products can protect your hair while also improving its shape or texture. However, if you don't have any other choice but to style, use blow dryers as they have far less direct heat on your hair.

Tip 4: Watch what you eat and what you do not eat! 151

Your diet can have a significant impact on your hair. Sugar, in particular, can stimulate your body's production of DHT, a hormone that causes hair loss. As a result, it is critical to limit your sugar intake. Consume whole foods high in nutrients like protein, Vitamin C, and omega 3 fatty acids. Iron, B12, folate, biotin, and zinc are all beneficial to hair. When you are low on iron, B12, and folate, (or, in other words, suffer from anemia) lower blood flow reaches the hair, which might cause hair loss.  

Other recommendations include zinc, which reduces inflammation, the first step in hair loss. Taking a probiotic supplement can also assist your gut—or gastrointestinal system—in absorbing important nutrients that your hair requires to thrive.

Tip 5: For healthy hair, you need a healthy scalp! 152

Dandruff is a common cause of scalp problems. Every scalp is different when it comes to treating dandruff. Flaking comes in many different shapes and sizes, necessitating a variety of approaches. Flakes that resemble powdered sugar, for example, indicate a dry scalp, necessitating the use of a medicated shampoo and conditioner 2-3 times per week, as well as conditioning every time you wash. However, thicker, larger, and yellowish flakes may indicate seborrheic dermatitis, necessitating the use of a medical shampoo and/or conditioner and follow-up application of actives.

Tip 6: Leave your hair alone!  153

Your hair works the same way whether it is curly, coily, or tightly textured. The outermost layer of your hair, named cuticle, provides the desired sheen, softness, and manageability. Cuticle closure is aided by a good conditioner. Essentially, the least amount of manipulation is the best thing you can do for your hair. Choose low-tension protective style and avoid using excessive heat or harsh chemicals.

Tip 7: Protect your hair from the sun! 154

Sunlight is harmful to your hair in the same way that it is to your skin. Sun rays can deplete the moisture in your hair, causing it to become dry, brittle, and damaged over time. Wear a hat when you go out to protect your hair from the sun.

Tip 8: Dry your hair with care! 

You can use your t-shirt to dry your wet hair without damaging it. Traditional towels are harsh on the cuticles of your hair and can cause damage over time. Save your old t-shirts for a purpose! 

Tip 9: Oil and massage your hair! 155

Oiling and massaging the scalp before shampooing improves blood circulation, relaxes muscles, increases shine, and nourishes the hair. It also hydrates the hair, promotes growth, and repairs split ends. Coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, castor oil, and other similar oils can be used. Mineral oil, however, should never be applied to your hair.

Tip 10: Enjoy the process! 

Hair care takes time and effort. Devote some time to your hair and celebrate your success along the way! Follow the tips and just wave goodbye to bad hair days, and hello to good hair days, any day and every day!  

If you notice any signs of hair loss, consult a dermatologist to receive an accurate diagnosis of the type of hair loss you're dealing with and to learn how to manage it properly.. Regaine® has a range of hair loss products that is scientifically proven to help stop and even reverse hereditary hair loss. Regaine® is rich with minoxidil, which is an ultimate ingredient for hair care. 

References: 

  1. 146 Sinclair, Rodney D. "Healthy hair: what is it?." Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings. Vol. 12. No. 2. Elsevier, 2007.
  2. 147 https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/how-to-wash-your-hair
  3. 148 https://www.timesnownews.com/life-style/article/how-often-do-you-need-to-trim-your-hair-to-keep-them-healthy/669884
  4. 149 McMullen, R., & Jachowicz, J. (1998). Thermal degradation of hair. I. Effect of curling irons. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, 49(4), 223-244. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289291195_Thermal_degradation_of_hair_I_Effect_of_curling_irons
  5. 150 Christian, P., Winsey, N., Whatmough, M., & Cornwell, P. A. (2011). The effects of water on heat-styling damage. Journal of cosmetic science, 62(1), 15.
  6. 151 O'Connor, K., & Goldberg, L. J. (2021). Nutrition and hair. Clinics in dermatology, 39(5), 809-818.
  7. 152 Park, H. K., Ha, M. H., Park, S. G., Kim, M. N., Kim, B. J., & Kim, W. (2012). Characterization of the fungal microbiota (mycobiome) in healthy and dandruff-afflicted human scalps. PloS one, 7(2), e32847.
  8. 153 Rogers, G. E. (2019). Known and unknown features of hair cuticle structure: A Brief Review. Cosmetics, 6(2), 32.
  9. 154 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/best-ways-to-protect-your-hair-from-sun-damage/
  10. 155 Putt, S. C., Weinstein, L., & Dzindolet, M. T. (1994). A case study: massage, relaxation, and reward for treatment of alopecia areata. Psychological reports, 74(3_suppl), 1315-1318.