- Feb 9, 2023
Basic Principles For Healthy Hair
Having healthy hair can increase one's confidence and self-esteem. However, hair thinning is a common issue, especially for those who experience stress, lack proper nutrition, or have an unhealthy lifestyle. If you're looking to regain a long and healthy head of hair, this article is here to help.
Take care of your hair shaft for healthy hair
The hair shaft is the visible part of your hair, and it's made up of dead cells that protect the inner structure of your hair. Keeping your hair shaft healthy can help prevent breakage, which can slow down the growth process. Here are a few steps you can take to take care of your hair shaft:
Use gentle shampoo and nourishing conditioner
It's important to take care of the individual strands to grow your hair faster and better. Use gentle shampoo and nourishing conditioner that won't damage your hair. Look for products that are free of harsh chemicals and sulfates, and contain nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, olive oil, rosemary essential oil, pomelo essential oil, or hydrolyzed silk proteins. The mentioned ingredients are all good for hair strength and growth.
Avoid extreme styling process using heat or chemical
Excessive heat and chemical exposure can damage the hair, causing hair breakage and slowing growth. If you must style your hair with heat, use a heat-protectant spray.
In addition, consider reducing the frequency of chemical treatments like coloring, relaxing, and especially bleaching. And while you do so, remember to use a strengthening hair mask regularly afterward to keep your hair healthy.
Spray hair tonic
Hair tonics can help to promote hair growth by providing essential nutrients to the hair follicles. Look for a product that contains biotin, which is a B vitamin that promotes hair health, and niacin, which increases blood flow to the scalp. Ones that have rosemary essential oil or pomelo essential oil in the ingredient will also work well.
Use hair mask to deep condition treatment once in a while
Even if your hair is not chemically styled, it still suffers from damage caused by sunlight, pool water, stretching, or tight hair tying. And if you have bleached, colored hair? This step is a must then.
Deep conditioning treatments, which should be done once per week or two weeks, are designed to penetrate the hair shaft and provide it with extra moisture and nourishment, which can help strengthen and repair the hair from the inside out. However, remember to look for products that are suitable for your hair type, as people have different hair, varying from dry, damaged to fine, limp hair.
Trim your hair regularly
Regular trims can help to remove split ends, promote healthy hair growth, and, most importantly, prevent damage happening at the split end from spreading up the hair shaft. You should get a trim every 6–8 weeks, or as needed based on your hair type and styling habits.
Don’t forget scalp health, it’s essential for healthy hair!
Healthy hair means your scalp is healthy also, as it can be considered the "hair manufacturer."
Use a massaging brush to stimulate hair growth
Scalp massages can help to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. You can either look for a dry hair brush or a wet silicone brush to use when washing your hair. Be gentle with your scalp because excessive brushing and force can cause a reserve effect.
Apply nourishing hair oil for healthy hair
Hair oil is great for pre-poo (a remedy to use before washing your hair). Look for oils that contain ingredients like castor oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc. These oils are all known for their hair-growth-promoting properties.
Oils infused with essential oils or herbs will be even better! Rosemary, pomelo peel, thyme, and lavender are some notable names that are good to go with a carrier oil. And not only for pre-poo, but applying hair oil to washed hair also strengthens it effectively, as well as protects hair from sunlight.
Keep your scalp clean and moisturized
A clean, moisturized scalp will promote healthy hair growth. A dirty scalp with lots of built-up can cause follicle weakening, hair breakage, dry hair, etc., while a dry scalp leads to flakes and also weak follicles. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to keep the scalp clean, and follow up with a light leave-in conditioner or hair oil to keep it moisturized. In addition, you can also look for a hair scrub to exfoliate the scalp if necessary.
Avoid tying your hair too tight
Tight hairstyles can cause damage to the hair follicles and slow down hair growth. Reduce hairstyles such as tight ponytails, braids, or buns that pull on the roots of your hair. Opt for looser hairstyles or fit with hair ties made of linen, silk, or soft materials. A silk scrunchie is the best one that you can use for your hair. If silk is too expensive, satin would be a good alternative with the same effect.
Have a good lifestyle and health to stimulate hair growth
Beauty and health go hand in hand, and the beauty of your hair isn’t ruled out. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to growing your hair faster and better. This includes eating a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress.
Eat a balanced diet
A diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, and zinc can help promote hair growth. Include foods like lean proteins, leafy greens, and whole grains in your diet to ensure that you're getting all the nutrients you need. Look for granolas, seeds, and nuts, such as peanuts, cashews, trail mix, etc., to nurture your hair. They are also good for weight loss if consumed moderately, which is double the benefits.
Sleep well
Lack of sleep can impact the overall health of your hair, so it is essential to prioritize getting enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule to help ensure that your body is getting the rest it needs.
If you have difficulty sleeping, try drinking some warm drinks before bed. We recommend cocoa, ginger tea, butterfly pea tea, or other sedative herbal tea.
Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is crucial for the overall health of your hair and skin. Scientists recommend 8 glasses of water per day to keep your body hydrated. When you're dehydrated, your hair can become brittle, dull, and prone to breakage. Well, not only your hair, but your skin will also face the same bad result.
Regular stress level
High levels of stress can lead to hair loss and other hair problems, so it is important to find ways to manage stress. Some recommended methods include meditation, deep breathing, exercise, or hobbies. You can also resort to aromatherapy as it has a proven effect on releasing stress.
Scented candles or essential oil diffusers are good examples to follow. Only choosing ones that are totally made from natural ingredients, such as plant-based wax and essential oils, and staying away from fragrances such as synthetic chemicals don’t help much with stress reduction.
Was that a lot for healthy hair?
While it may seem like a lot to take in, the good news is that it's not difficult to incorporate these tips into your daily routine. Try to take some time to read and understand these tips carefully. Remember, it may take a while to see results, but with patience and consistency, you will eventually see the benefits of healthy, well-cared-for hair. And at CHUS, you can find tons of products that are good for hair growth, from nourishing shampoos, conditioners, tonics, clean food, and even lovely, soft hair scrunchies. So, what are you waiting for? Start CHUS now!