Alexandra Ramirez
Just like every other girl in the world, you probably want to have that gorgeous, Hollywood-looking hair that shines brighter than the sun and that is stronger than Mr. Olympia. And it’s completely normal; after all, our hair is a large part of our beauty. However, many of us don’t actually do anything to help it become shiny and healthy – whether due to ignorance or carelessness. In the end, both us and our hair end up suffering.
I know that you’ve probably read a bunch of imprecise articles on how to take proper care of your hair, and I’m here to help. Let me show you a list of the best possible ways to keep your hair as healthy as possible.
Diet is the Ultimate First Step to Hair Care
You have probably heard of the saying “you are what you eat”, but what you didn’t hear is that your nutrition is a big part of your hair care. This part is especially important for all of you who suffer from sudden hair loss. I’m talking about those awful moments when you brush your hair in the morning and see so many strands on the brush that you immediately start groping your scalp wondering if you are bald now.
Don’t panic – keep in mind that an average person loses 100 to 150 hairs per day.
Also, there are many other reasons for losing your hair, from stress over genes all the way to vitamin deficiency – yes, even your hair needs vitamins such as biotin, vitamin D and others – but right now, we’re going to focus on your diet.
The most important things in your diet are protein and iron, and when your intake is insufficient, your hair is the first to suffer. You should consume at least 12 milligrams of iron every day (you can find it in eggs, liver, red meat, salmon, whole grains, dried nuts and beans). When it comes to protein, make sure you include complete proteins such as cheese, milk, peas and soy in your meal plan.
Unconventional Washing
What you probably do while washing your hair is the classic rinse – shampoo, rinse – shampoo again, rinse – conditioner, rinse routine. I have something better for you. First, unless your hair is extremely dirty and the shampoo didn’t produce any lather, never rinse and repeat – this way, you are just stripping the external layer of your hair. Also, don’t wash it too often. You’ll remove the essential oils from your scalp and your hair will be much drier.
I got one great advice from a friend of mine who works as a hair stylist. She said that, if you want an instantly brighter and shinier hair, damp it with plain white vinegar after using a shampoo, leave it for a couple of minutes and then rinse. Also, if your hair needs moisturizing, wash it with raw egg yolk instead of shampoo. Don’t ask why, just do it.
Make sure you use a sulfate-free shampoo – because sulfates strip your hair of essential oils, which dries it and causes scalp irritation.
Another great advice is to rinse your hair with cold water, since it will create a protective layer over your hairs which is great for both strength and glow.
Be Careful With Styling Products
What is the first thing 90 percent of girls would do after washing their hair? Comb it right away. This is wrong on so many levels. Hair is much more prone to breakage while it is wet. Go through it with your fingers, dry it, and then comb it.
Before blow-drying your hair (if you don’t have time to leave it dry naturally), make sure you’ve protected it with a blow-dry lotion or a leave-in conditioner.
Furthermore, make sure to avoid heat hair styling tools such as curling irons and hair straighteners. If you just HAVE to use them, don’t forget to cover your hair with a heat protectant. Also, don’t use the highest temperatures.
DIY Hair Masks
Some of them are tasty, some of them smell like garbage. But, they’re easy to make, they will help your hair a lot, and you probably already have all the necessary ingredients in your pantry.
- If your hair is very dry, the answer to all your problems would be an egg, curd and mustard oil mask.
- Once a month, you should make yourself a mask from mashed avocado and a few drops of peppermint oil. Avocados are great for our hair because they are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals.
- If you have troubles with hair growth, use a mask made of olive oil, coconut oil and egg.
Use all of these masks at least half an hour before washing your hair and you will see the results almost instantly.
That would be it. Have you tried any of these? Do you have some more? Share your ideas with us in the comments below.
