While some people find it easy to grow their hair and keep it looking healthy and thick, it may take a little more work for others. The good news is that there are plenty of steps you can take to achieve longer, stronger and shinier hair. Here are five ways to reduce breakage and promote healthy and lustrous locks.
Don’t Wash Your Hair Every Day
Although it may be tempting, washing your hair daily can deprive it of its natural oils, making it appear lackluster and brittle. It can also disrupt your hair’s natural microbiome and therefore lead bacteria to cause inflammation, which in turn discourages growth. Allowing your scalp’s natural oils to penetrate your hair can hydrate and restore it. You can encourage this process by brushing your hair daily to distribute the oils from your scalp to your ends. Limit washing your hair to two or three times a week to support growth and shine.
Also Read: Best Tips to Naturally Regrow Your Hair
Additionally, refrain from using shampoos with sulfates, as they can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause redness, itchiness and dry scalp.
Use Soft Water
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 85% of individuals have hard water in their homes. Therefore, it’s likely that you do, too. Hard water contains high amounts of dissolved calcium and magnesium, which are two minerals naturally found in water. Although these minerals are crucial for your health, they don’t need to be in your water. Hard water can lead to excess buildup in your hair, making it appear dull and frizzy. On the other hand, soft water is gentler on your hair due to its lack of minerals. It requires less shampoo to generate a lather and also rinses shampoo from your hair more quickly. Using a water softener can allow you to achieve softer and silkier hair by removing the harsh minerals that are probably lurking in your water.
Get Frequent Trims
Although it may sound counterintuitive, trimming your hair often can actually promote growth. This is because a regular trim will rid your hair of split ends and other breakage, therefore allowing your hair to grow undisturbed. Hair Stylists recommend trimming up to a half-inch off of your hair every three months if you’re aiming to grow it out. Generally, cutting your hair more often than once every three months won’t cause your hair to grow any quicker or longer.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Having strong, healthy hair doesn’t only depend on how you treat it, but also on how you feed your body. Hair is made of keratin, a protein that functions as the hair’s building blocks. Therefore, eating foods rich in protein, such as eggs, chicken, lentils and nuts can support growth. In addition to protein, you should also aim to consume foods high in vitamins A, C and E, iron and omega-3 fatty acids. If you find that you’re not getting essential nutrients from your diet, add a supplement to your daily routine. There are plenty of multivitamins on the market that include molecules such as biotin, folate and cysteine, which encourage healthy and shiny hair.
Be Kind to Your Hair
Just as you would with any other part of your body, be kind to your hair. Avoid excessive use of blow-dryers and heat-styling tools, as they can make your hair dry and brittle. Try to air-dry your hair instead, and use heat protectant spray if you do need to use a heat tool. Heat protectant sprays act like sunscreen, blocking your hair from the damaging effects of heat tools. Additionally, stay away from chemical treatments such as bleaching or relaxers, as they can damage your hair’s cuticle and therefore cause your hair to lose its moisture. When in doubt, stick to natural methods when styling your hair.
Although it may seem like a tedious process, growing healthier and longer hair is possible. Following these five tips can help you on your way to stronger and shinier tresses.
