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The Best Ways to Make Your Hair Healthy
Thick, shiny hair isn't just for supermodels and movie stars. Beautiful hair is one sign of good health, although genetics and how you treat your hair plays a role in what it looks like. Once hair is damaged, the damage can't be undone. While the roots of hair are alive, the rest of the hair is not--it has no blood supply or nerves. But, you can cut off the damaged portions and take steps to prevent damage to new hair as it grows out.
Get Regular Trims
Regularly trimming the ends of your hair removes split ends and damaged ends. Use sharp scissors made for cutting hair. Susan Maxwell Schmidt of Long Locks recommends removing ½ inch each month if you're maintaining the length of your hair and ½ inch every three months if you are trying to grow your hair longer.
Stay Away From Chemicals
Chemical relaxers, perms and dyes can damage hair and leave it overly dry. If you want to use these products, look for extra gentle formulas. The less your hair is chemically treated, the healthier it will be.
Avoid Heat
Blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons and hot curlers can all damage hair, so avoid them as much as possible. If you use these appliances, apply a product to your hair designed to protect the hair from heat damage, and use the lowest temperature for the least amount of time.
Be Gentle
Use a good quality natural bristle hair brush that doesn't pull your hair. Don't use rubber bands on your hair, since the rubber catches hair and pulls it out. Use elastic bands. Don't pull your hair back very tightly. If you take your hair down and handfuls of hair come out, that's a clue that that style is bad for your hair.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet provides all the nutrients you need for healthy hair. Fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats such as olive oil and protein from lean meats and low-fat dairy will keep you and your hair healthy. If you have trouble eating a balanced diet, ask your doctor about taking a multi-vitamin.
Shampoo Less Often
Washing your hair every few days instead of every day allows natural oils to build up in the hair, providing extra conditioning.
Condition
Use a detangler or light conditioner every time you wash your hair. This will make it easier to comb out and help you avoid ripping out hair. Some conditioners contain UV protection to protect your hair from sun damage. Deep-condition hair once a month or so. Deep conditioners penetrate the hair shaft and can make hair appear smoother, shinier and thicker.