As featured on Times of India, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/dos-and-donts-to-get-healthy-hair/articleshow/96806667.cms
The dream of healthy hair can be turned into reality with proper hair care and a few tips mentioned below.
It's a universal truth that having awful hairdays is annoying and makes us feel insecure. For both men and women, taking care of their hair is a vital and healthy regimen. The issue is that hair is constantly being damaged, which causes frizz, dullness, thinning, dryness, and other issues including breakage. It is a fact that maintaining healthy hair requires attention and patience for potential strand stressors.
Moreover, healthy hair cannot be achieved overnight, but making an effort to maintain strong strands is worthwhile. With a few minor changes to yourhair care routine, maintaining good hair can be simple and easy. The dream of healthy hair can be turned into reality with proper hair care and a few tips mentioned below.
Dos for healthy hair
Do wash your hair on a regular basis
Washing your hair regularly can keep your scalp and hair clean and free of grease. If you have dry hair, make sure to shampoo it twice a week; if you have oily hair and a greasy scalp, shampooing it every other day can assist. Choose gentle and natural shampoos that are suitable for your hair type, as hair will be healthier if your shampoo contains fewer preservatives. Furthermore, look for products that improve hair health, get rid of residue, and oxygenate your scalp. The ingredients methi, onion, bhringraj, amla, soy protein, lotus oil, and hibiscus provide a deeper cleanse.
Do condition your hair after every shampoo
Conditioning hair is a hydrating step that makes hair supple. The ingredients in conditioners aid in straight and smooth hair growth. It protects your hair from heat styling as well as external irritants. However, it shouldn't be applied to your scalp; instead, just the tips of your hair. Evenly apply the conditioner through the ends of your hair by combing it through. Additionally, be sure to thoroughly rinse it after application, and choose organic conditioners.
Do adopt healthy washing habits
Do use lukewarm water instead of extremely hot water because the latter can harm hair and cause it to become dry and lifeless. Also, it's not a good idea to shampoo your hair twice before conditioning because doing so can strip it of its natural oils and slow down hair growth.
Do Shirobhyangam regularly
Be regular with the Ayurvedic hair oiling ritual, at least once a week, as this helps to strengthen hair follicles and reduces hair fall. Warm the oil, apply on the scalp and do a gentle head massage, leave on for about 1 hour pre-shampoo.The best oils for healthy hair include onion oil, bhringraj oil, methi oil, coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, castor oil, and others of a similar nature.
Do comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb
The wet hair is very delicate and prone to breaking. Before grooming your hair with a wide-toothed comb, let it air dry. You can protect your hair from harm with this type of comb.
Do trim your hair on a regular basis
To prevent split ends, develop a routine for getting your hair trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. When the hair is harmed by heat styling, pollution, smoking, stress, and other factors, split ends tend to develop. Although hair growth happens at the scalp level, trimming your hair won't make it grow faster. Regular haircutting maintains healthy hair.
Don’ts for healthy hair
Don’t brush your hair frequently
Although it's been widely believed that regular brushing results in healthier hair, the contrary is actually true. Frequently, combing your hair throughout the day can produce friction which causes further frizziness and hair breakage. It's sufficient to comb hair once or twice a day, beginning at the ends and working your way up to the roots.
Don’t take more than three days of hair cleansing gap
If you don't wash your hair for more than three days, there may be an excessive oil accumulation on your scalp. This can clog your hair follicles, which can lead to peeling, itching, and redness as well as hair that is difficult to style. Also, avoid using excessive amounts of shampoo and prefer using a dime or nickel-sized amount of shampoo for cleansing your hair, regardless of the brand.
Don’t use conditioners containing silicones and parabens
Paraben and silicone-containing conditioners temporarily coat the hair, which causes it to become heavy. Silicones have the ability to absorb air pollution, which can cause hair lose their lustre. Additionally, avoid using strong conditioner on the scalp; instead, use richer conditioners and hair masks near the ends of the hair, which are typically the driest. Also, can apply the conditioner on the length of hair from crown to tips.
Don’t use heating appliances
Using heating appliances to style and blow-dry your hair could help you achieve the same hairstyle as your favourite on-screen celebrity. However, it's recommended to let your hair dry naturally and stay away from using heating tools to style it because applying too much heat might damage your hair.
You may also use a simple DIY hair serum instead. Combine 50 ml of rosewater with 5 ml each of rosehip, almond, and moringa oils. Before using, thoroughly combine it and store it in a spray container. Use it on dry hair or post-hair wash, and finish it within a week.
Don’t go for chemical hair treatment
Stay away from chemical treatments and hair dyes, as some of these contain chemicals that are known allergens causing respiratory, skin and eye irritation.
Don’t consume fatty foods
A diet full of fatty foods and spicy foods may cause greasy hair as a side effect. Additionally, remove strong tea and coffee from your list because they both include stimulants that boost sebaceous gland activity, which is not healthy for your hair.
Inputs by Shreedha Singh, Co-Founder T.A.C – The Ayurveda Co.
