For a lot of women, our hair plays a major role in how we show ourselves to the world. A lot of effort goes into styling and preparing our hair, but are you sure that you’re giving it the level of care that it really needs? Just like you care for your skin and overall health, you should ensure that you’re giving your hair’s health enough attention, as well. Consistent care and protection are vital to help it stay strong and healthy. Here, we’re going to look at some of the specifics of what that may entail.
Hydration Is Number One
First and foremost, it has to be understood that hydration is the foundation of the healthy function of the entire body, the hair included. Your hair needs moisture to stay strong and resilient, and dry hair is a lot more prone ot breakages, split ends, frizziness, and other issues.
Hydrating your hair should be done in a variety of ways, such as by using moisturizing shampoos and conditions that use ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and natural oils to help your hair retain moisture. Drinking water is just as important, however, as if your body is dehydrated, then your hair is more likely to be, as well.
Protect It From The Sun
You may be well aware of the concept of protecting your skin from the sun, such as by wearing sunscreen, but many don’t learn that their hair can also be at risk of sun damage, as well. The UV rays in sunlight can damage the protein structure of the hair, which can not only cause discoloration, but dryness and brittleness, as well. Similarly, prolonged exposure to sunlight can also damage your scalp, leading to irritation and flaking. When you’re out in the sun, whether for a long time or on a particularly sunny day, consider using UV-protectant spray and leave-in conditions that contain SPF, or wearing scarves or a hat to keep your hair out of the sun.
Care For Your Scalp
Good hair health begins with good scalp health, but a lot of us skip it when we’re investing time and money into our haircare routine. First of all, it’s important to ensure your scalp doesn’t get clogged with dead skin, excess oil, and building up from styling products. Exfoliating your scalp and massaging it with nourishing oils like tea tree, rosemary, or peppermint is recommended, and can even improve circulation to the scalp, which helps your hair grow healthier.
Washing your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo prevents scalp irritation and dryness. Overwashing can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to excessive oil production or flakiness. Scalp care can differ from person to person, as we have different skin types, so it’s important to find the balance that works for you.
Reduce the Risk Of Hair Loss
Hair loss is a very common concern amongst women, but there is a wide range of different causes that can be at the root of any issues you’re having. Genetics, stress, hormonal imbalances, and even your diet and hair care habits can influence how much hair you shed. If you’re losing more than the expected 50-100 hairs a day, this is considered excessive hair loss.
Addressing the root causes is vital. For instance, if it’s a hormonal imbalance, then hormone therapy treatments from your doctor can help, while dietary changes and supplements can help with deficiencies. However, for severe cases, hair transplant solutions from providers like Silicon Valley Hair Institute tend to offer the most-effective and longest-lasting solutions. This procedure involves transplanting healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another, creating a fuller, more natural-looking head of hair.
How Sleep Affects Your Hair
Sleep and hair health are a lot more closely tied than many people think. Much of this connection is down to how sleep and stress are tied together. Sleep deprivation leads to greater production of cortisol, the stress hormone, and excessive levels of stress can cause you to shed hair more than you regularly would.
Poor sleep also makes your hair generally more dull and lifeless. As such, taking steps to improve your sleep, such as with the use of essential oils like lavender, and making sure that your bedroom is comfortable, can be vital in protecting your air. Similarly, friction in sleep can play a big role, too. Using a silk or satin pillowcase can also prevent friction and breakage while sleeping, while cotton can contribute to shedding more hair at night.
Be Mindful Of The Products That You Use
It’s always recommended that you take a close look at the products you use for your haircare and the ingredients they contain. While some products may be designed to target specific issues, they may contain harmful ingredients, like those listed at 100% Pure, that may do more harm to the overall health of your hair than good. This includes ingredients like sulfates that can strip the natural oils out of your hair, and parabens, which can affect the hormone levels in your hair and scalp.
The Importance Of Haircuts
Lastly, it’s important to mention the importance of giving your hair the occasional trim. Even if you’re aiming to grow it longer, snipping it black now and then prevents and gets rid of split ends and breakages, which not only make your hair look messier, but can lead to further damage down the line if not addressed. A professional haircut can also help shape your hair, making styling easier and reducing the need for excessive heat styling.
If you’re dealing with thinning hair, a well-crafted haircut can add volume and make hair appear fuller. You should aim for a trim every six to eight weeks for the best results.
Taking care of your hair goes beyond washing and styling. It requires a thoughtful approach that includes proper hydration, sun protection, scalp care, and using the right products. Understanding the factors that contribute to hair loss and taking steps to prevent damage can ensure that your hair remains strong, healthy, and beautiful.