How to mantain healthy hair — naturally
Hair is important for a variety of reasons. To begin with, it serves as a protective barrier for the skin, helping to regulate body temperature and protect against environmental factors such as UV radiation, weather and wind. Hair also plays a role in social and cultural identity, with different hairstyles and colors often being used as a form of self-expression. In addition, hair can be an indicator of overall health, with changes in hair texture, thickness, or growth patterns sometimes being a sign of underlying health issues.
Here are some of the most common signs that your hair may not be as healthy as it could be.
- Split Ends: Split ends occur when the ends of your hair become dry and brittle, causing them to split into two or more strands. If you have split ends, it's a sign that your hair is damaged and needs trimming.
- Hair Breakage: If your hair is breaking easily or you're finding a lot of hair in your brush or on the floor, it may be a sign that your hair is weak and brittle.
- Dryness: Dry hair is a common sign of unhealthy hair. If your hair is dry and lacks shine, it may be a sign that it's not getting enough moisture.
- Dullness: Dull hair is another sign that your hair may not be as healthy as it could be. If your hair is lacking in shine or looks lifeless, it may be a sign that it's not getting the nutrients it needs.
- Scalp Problems: If you're experiencing scalp problems such as itching, dandruff, or flaking, it may be a sign that your hair is not as healthy as it could be.
- Lack of Elasticity: Healthy hair should have some elasticity, meaning it should be able to stretch and then return to its original shape. If your hair is lacking in elasticity, it may be a sign that it's weak and damaged.
- Slow Growth: If your hair is growing slowly or not at all, it may be a sign that it's not as healthy as it could be. Slow hair growth can be caused by various factors, including poor diet, stress, and hormonal imbalances.
If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's important to take steps to improve the health of your hair.
Hair care is not just about what you do on the outside, but also what you put into your body. Good hair health requires both external care and internal care. It means that taking care of your hair requires more than just applying topical products. Instead, it involves adopting healthy habits that support the overall health of your hair from the inside out.
8 ways to take care of your hair from the inside out:
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Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet that's rich in vitamins and minerals can help promote healthy hair growth. Foods that are good sources of protein, nuts and seeds, leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables especially those high in Betacarotene, Vitamins A and C, Vitamin E, and Trace Minerals (iron, zinc, etc). Like leafy greens, Sweet Potatoes, Avocados, Carrots, Celery, Papaya, Citric fruits, Strawberries, Mango and the list goes on!
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your hair hydrated and prevent dryness, which can lead to breakage and split ends. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
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Include Herbs and Plants in your daily rituals that are believed to promote hair growth and may be used in herbal medicine for this purpose: Some of them are Rosemary, Ginseng, Lavender, Sage and Nettle. Packed with antioxidants that may help to prevent hair damage, and also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to soothe the scalp. Herbs that improve blood circulation to the scalp help to deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles.
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Comb your hair gently preferably dry when the natural oils from your scalp are distributed to the ends of your hair: Use a soft-bristled brush to gently detangle your hair. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. Avoid pulling or tugging on your hair, as this can cause breakage. Brushing wet hair can lead to breakage and result in hair loss.
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Avoid using hot styling tools and chemical treatments: Hot styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can damage your hair and cause it to become dry and brittle.
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Massage Your Scalp: Massaging your scalp can help improve circulation and promote healthy hair growth. Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp for a few minutes daily. If you want to enrich the experience apply a plant-based organic oil such as Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, or Argan Oil or a blend of them like Everyday Balance Oil. I recommended practicing a scalp massage oil ritual once a week, every day or as needed on the ends to maintain hydrated and smooth strands.
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Wash your hair less frequently using gentle shampoo that doesnt stripe natural oils or dries out the scalp: over-washing your hair and using shampoos with chemical ingredients can strip it of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle.
- Condition your hair with natural and botanical conditioners generously: Botanical hair treatments and conditioners made with natural ingredients can help nourish and strengthen your hair. All our hair essentials are made with natural ingredients that are beneficial for your hair and scalp. We use pure essential oils, herbs, and botanical extracts. They are free of harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens, making them a gentler option for sensitive scalps and better for the Planet.