Diet: A well-balanced diet, rich in silica, calcium and iron, will help reduce or prevent hair loss. Green, leafy vegetables, especially sea vegetables, are good mineral sources. Raw oats provide silica. Eat plenty of iron-rich foods, like liver (Avoid if you are pregnant) and other organ meat, whole grain cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, dates, and raisins. The hair is comprised mostly of protein, therefore to encourage hair growth, adhere to a diet rich in protein. A recommended diet for this purpose includes calves liver, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, and two tablespoons of granulated lecithin. Along with protein, these foods are also high in B vitamins, an important nutrient for hair. Silica is found in the outer coverings of potatoes, green and red peppers and cucumbers. Bean sprouts are also high in silica. Eat whole foods including sprouts. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron. Include a good serving of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Vitamin E is important for healthy hair growth. Eat avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil on a regular basis. If hair loss is due to thyroid dysfunction, eat more foods rich in vitamin A and iodine. Eat vegetables such as carrots or spinach in unrefined, cold-pressed seed oils such as flax, walnut or pumpkin seed and sea salt. Take turnips, cabbage, mustard, soy beans, peanuts, pine nuts and millet if there is a deficiency of iodine.
Washing Routine: Your hair-type will determine your cleansing routine, some of you may need to shampoo daily, others every other day, others even once a week. The water you use to wash your hair should neither be too hot, or too cold. Use your fingertips, and never your nails, to gently scrub your scalp. Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly in order to get all of the soap out and then maximize the shine.
Combing: To begin with combing, first separate hair into small sections. Untangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb, carefully work from the ends in a downward direction only. Use only a wooden or tortoise shell comb – never rubber. Do not pull or yank hair. Brush hair only when dry. Hair is weakest when it is wet and brushing can easily damage it. Even when hair is dry always comb before brushing.
If possible, wash your hair leaning over a basin or the bath, so that blood circulation is increased around your scalp and hair roots. Continue this by gently massaging your head with your fingertips while shampooing, begin at the nape of the neck and use the pads of your fingertips, keep your nails well clear and don’t use your entire hand. Gently rotate your scalp (not your hair) with circular movements, traveling towards the crown of your head. Do this in a slow gentle fashion for a couple of minutes. Next exert a little more pressure as you move towards your hairline. At the same time use the thumbs to move over your ears towards the temples. Take your time and relax and enjoy your shampooing ritual, you will feel the benefit after you have finished. After shampooing rinse your hair well, then pat your hair dry with a towel as opposed to rubbing it with the towel.
Drying: Air-dry whenever possible. Try to minimize the use of blow dryer as the strong heat tends to damage the hair, also the moisture lost makes them look rough and lifeless. Give your hair a break from that blow dryer, those curling irons and so many perms. When you are kind to your hair, it rewards you by looking and feeling better. Choose a hairstyle that will let your hair fall naturally.
Environment: Before going out to the beach or pool, comb conditioner through the hair. This helps to protect hair from the sun, chlorine, salt water, and from the sun’s heat, and serves as a deep conditioning treatment. Wear a hat, cap or scarf if you can to protect hair from over-exposure to the sun, salt or chlorinated water, wind and air pollution.
Trimming: Get your hair trimmed on a regular basis (approximately every two months). This is especially important for growing out layers and/or bangs to reshape and make each stage of growing hair out a style.
Shampoo & Conditioning: Choose simple, cheap shampoos that promise only to wash away the dirty and the oil. The more complicated the formula is and the more expensive the shampoo the less it does good in your hair. Conditioners, are an invention of the cosmetic industry and if your hair is dried out and dull looking you have been abusing it. Use a milder shampoo and try washing your hair less frequently. Also, always apply conditioner from the ears down – never condition the scalp. Do not over-condition for it might cause the cuticle layer of hair to lift making hair brittle and leading to breakage. Some of today’s new line of shampoos have a special ingredient advertised as a hair thickener as well as a shampoo that will make your hair look thicker. These shampoos actually coat each strand of hair with a layer of protein each time you use it thus making the hair appear thicker. These shampoos are really very good and can have quite a beneficial effect on most women. Always Check the label on the back of the shampoo or conditioner to see what it contains before using it. Look out for urea, lactic acid and lecithin.
Styling: Your hair style is a reflection of your personality and a wonderful way to express your individuality. All too often conventional styling products contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals. These ingredients are used to keep the hair in place and to give the appearance ofshiny healthy hair. In the case of these mass-marketed products the look achieved is only surface deep and they tend to damage the hair. Choose styling products which will make your hair look great, and impart essential botanicals and vitamins to each strand.
Sleep Pattern: Comb your hair before going to bed, do not let the bands or clips on. Even the way you sleep can affect your hair. Restless sleepers may actually be breaking hair as they sleep.If you’re a restless sleeper, try a satin pillowcase so that the hair glides when you move in your sleep. On regular cotton cases hair can get caught and break. Putting hair up to sleep is also helpful. Hair should be put in a ponytail on top of the head. Always use rubber bands that are rapped in cloth.
Check for products used: Some of you might have scalp problems such as seborrhea dermatitis, or dandruff therefore look in your local store and get a product that is designed for these problems and read the directions carefully and this should solve your scalp problems. Before buying a new product try using a sachet and watch its effect on your hair, has it lead to unwanted hair-fall etc and once you are sure then only buy it for regular use. You can also consult a dermatologist who will help you in choosing the right kind of product for your hair. Before using a dye test it by applying it to a small area on the arm. If a patch of inflammation has developed, the dye must not be used on the hair. Bleaching the hair repeatedly with hydrogen peroxide may make them brittle. If this happens the hair may turn rough, develop split ends, or become thinned or shortened.
Patience and proper maintenance is the key, to hair care. It is VERY important to trim split ends as the need arises. Eat a well-balanced diet, work out and supplement your diet with our vitamins, which are specifically designed to help balance your hair. Remember that hair is a man-made fiber and is a natural reflection of your health and well being. So if you are unhealthy to your body, your hair will lack the look you desire. Treat your body with care, follow a proper hair care program and supplement your diet with balancing vitamins and a drop of patience and your hair will look and feel great.
