The way you wash your hair and the products you use can go a long way in keeping hair soft and shiny. Follow these simple tips from dermatologists to maintain healthy hair.
Healthy hair tips
How you wash your hair and the products you use can go a long way toward keeping hair soft and shiny. Follow these simple tips from board-certified dermatologists of the American Academy of Dermatology [s] and Healthline [s].
1. Wash oily hair frequently
How often you wash your hair should depend on the amount of oil your scalp produces.
- If your scalp is oily, you may need to wash it once a day.
- If you have chemically treated your hair, your hair may be drier, so you may want to wash it less often.
- As you get older, your scalp produces less oil, so you may not need to shampoo as often. But if you see scales in your hair, you may not be using enough shampoo. This can lead to dandruff and other scalp diseases.
2. Eat food rich in protein
A good diet is an important factor in hair and scalp health. Hair is mainly made up of protein, so make sure you get at least 45 grams of protein a day. Good sources include:
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Beans
- Low-fat dairy products
- Egg
Diets with insufficient protein can lead to weak and brittle hair, loss of hair color, as well as hair loss itself.
3. Use conditioner after every shampoo unless you are using a “2 in 1” shampoo that cleanses and conditions hair.
Using a conditioner can greatly improve the appearance of damaged hair by increasing shine, reducing static, improving strength, and providing some protection from harmful UV rays.
See: Actinic Keratosis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention
4. Concentrate the conditioner on the ends of the hair
Because conditioner can make fine hair appear limp, it should only be used on the ends of the hair and not on the scalp or length of hair.5. Eat food rich in zinc
Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss. Include nuts like walnuts, pecans, cashews and almonds in your diet to combat hair loss.
Eat and drink plenty of:
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Green leafy salads
- Plenty of clean, filtered water
A vitamin or zinc supplement can boost your diet when necessary.
6 Know your hair
There are conflicting opinions about how often to shampoo your hair. It all comes down to personal preferences and individual needs, which depend on:
- Your hair type and texture
- How often do you use hair products?
- Your activity level
For example, people with oily hair may need to shampoo daily, while people with dry hair may need to shampoo less frequently.
7. Choose a shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for your hair type
For example, if you color your hair, use a shampoo designed for dyed hair. If your hair is damaged or chemically treated, consider using a "2 in 1" shampoo. Regardless of the cost, many brands of shampoo and conditioner provide the same benefits.
See: 6 Tips to Reduce the Scar at Home
8. Eat food rich in omega-3
Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids may stimulate hair follicles and sebaceous glands. While this won't cause your hair to grow back, it may improve scalp health.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines and herring. Other good sources include:
- Flaxseed
- Yogurt
- Cowardice
- Salad
- Pills
9. Protect hair when swimming
Protect your hair from the harmful effects of chlorine by moisturizing and conditioning your hair before swimming.
Wear a tight swimming cap and use a specially formulated swimmer's shampoo and conditioner after swimming to replace lost moisture.
10. Choose the right shampoo
Using the wrong shampoo and styling agent can cause significant damage to the hair. Find the right products for your oily, normal or dry hair type and target any problems you have, such as dandruff.
Try to avoid shampoos that contain harsh ingredients, such as ammonium lauryl sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate. And remember that cost does not necessarily indicate the quality of the product.
11. Comb your hair before showering
No matter your hair's texture, taking 60 seconds to detangle strands will keep them strong before you shower. When your hair is wet it is more prone to breakage, so always remove knots from your hair when it is dry.
Brushing dry hair distributes the natural oils from your scalp to the ends of your hair. Post-shower is really smooth and ready for style!