Having shiny, strong, and easy-to-manage hair is the dream of many people. However, it can be challenging to obtain.
Although genes play a fundamental role in hair characteristics, certain tricks can help you improve hair health.
Here are ten tips that can help you improve the overall appearance of your hair.
1. Dial Down the Heat
Heated styling tools, such as curling irons, straightening irons, and blow dryers can damage your hair, especially if it is fine, dry, or prone to breakage. In this way, dryness or frizz is generated in the hair.
According to a study, it is advisable to keep the blow dryer at a distance of 6 inches from the hair and move the dryer through different areas.
Try to use these heat tools no more than 2-3 times a week. Also, put them at the minimum temperature to avoid damaging the hair.
2. Boost Your Vitamin Intake
Hair also needs vitamins and minerals to be healthy. In fact, one study found that nutrient deficiencies lead to hair loss.
The beneficial vitamins and minerals for your hair are:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
- Iron
You can incorporate these vitamins and minerals through natural foods or supplements.
However, it is essential to consult your doctor before taking supplements, especially biotin. According to research, excess biotin can alter laboratory test results.
3. Go Easy on The Shampoo
Most shampoos use components that remove the natural oils from the hair.
In this way, unless the hair is extremely oily, it is not advisable to wash the hair with shampoo every day as this could cause dryness.
Also, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, they only need a quarter-sized amount of shampoo. Apply mainly to the scalp.
4. Massage Your Scalp
Massaging the scalp can help improve blood circulation, increasing blood flow over the hair follicles.
A study claims that massaging the scalp for 4 minutes every day helps the hair become more robust and thicker.
5. Up The Protein in Your Diet
It is essential to incorporate more protein into the diet to achieve healthy hair growth.
According to research, protein deficiency can result in weak hair.
Some foods rich in protein are eggs, beans, legumes, fish, spinach, kale, lean meats, nuts, and seeds.
6. Try an Egg Yolk Mask
Egg yolks have proteins that make the hair follicle stronger. In addition, a study found that egg yolk has peptides that help hair grow healthier.
On the other hand, egg yolks have essential nutrients that help improve hair health, such as vitamins A and D, biotin, and folate.
To prepare your egg yolk mask, you must follow these steps:
- Place 3 egg yolks and 3 tablespoons of warm coconut oil in a container.
- Mix the two ingredients.
- Apply on your scalp and roots.
- Put a shower cap over your mask.
- Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir with plenty of cold water.
7. Use a Cool Rinse
Boiling water can damage both the roots and the cuticle of the hair. In this way, washing the hair with hot water opens the cuticles, causing frizz, dryness, and breakage.
For this reason, it is advisable to wash your hair with warm water and then finish the shower with a cold water spray on all the hair. This helps close the cuticles and the hair to retain moisture for longer.
8. Use Aloe Vera on Your Hair and Scalp
Aloe vera is a plant rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are beneficial for the health of hair cells.
In addition, aloe vera contains vitamin B-12 and folic acid, fundamental properties to improving hair health.
However, there is still not much evidence to confirm that the properties of aloe vera penetrate the scalp if applied topically.
9. Swap Your Towel For a T-Shirt
After washing, rubbing your hair with a towel can cause hair damage due to friction.
It is advisable to use a microfiber towel or, more accessible and cheaper, a cotton shirt.
To use it, follow these steps:
- After washing your hair, squeeze sections of your hair to remove excess water.
- Wrap a shirt around your head like a turban.
- Let your hair dry for 5-10 minutes and then remove the shirt from your head.
- Use the shirt to squeeze the parts of your hair that are still damp.
10. Try a Hot Oil Treatment
According to a study, coconut oil helps reduce protein loss in all hair types.
Follow these steps to create your hot oil treatment:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of room temperature coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil.
- Put the mixture in a jug and place over a pot of hot water.
- Let it heat for 2 minutes or until the oils have melted and come together.
- Test on a portion of your skin that does not burn. If it is at a suitable temperature, apply it all over the hair.
- Put a shower cap on your head and let the treatment rest for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
