4 Tips for Healthy Hair
Using the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
One of the most important things you can do to help your hair is choose good quality shampoos and conditioners that nourish your hair without drying it out. Protein rich shampoos and conditioners are often used to help maintain the health of the hair. Using a gentle shampoo that is rich in protein is important, especially if you wash your hair daily. A good cholesterol conditioner is also helpful when used on a regular basis, and can supply the hair with the extra protein that it needs.
An at-home remedy for repairing split ends and the damage caused by over-processing is simple: generously apply your favorite conditioner to the hair, almost drenching it. Place hair beneath a shower cap. Leave on for 30-60 minutes before rinsing. This homespun deep conditioning treatment can be done once weekly for shinier, healthier hair.
Avoid Unnecessary Damage
Hair care techniques are also important to the overall health and luster of one’s hair. Excessive heat can be harmful to the hair, and can make it dry and brittle. Use low settings when blow drying the hair, and use a good thermal spray to protect hair when using curling irons or straightening irons on the hair. It is also important to limit the use of hair care products that contain alcohol, as these can also damage and dry the hair over time.
Using a natural boar bristle brush instead of synthetic brushes can also help keep hair shiny, because these types of bristles help to distribute the natural oils onto the entire hair shaft, increasing the hair’s luster.
Treatments to Restore Shine and Repair Damage
There are a number of treatments that can be used not only to treat hair that has become dry and damaged, but also to help prevent the damage from occurring in the first place. These include getting an occasional hot oil massage, which can be extremely beneficial to the hair and scalp and works to restore shine as well.
There are also a number of natural products which are helpful for maintaining the luster and health of the hair, such as yogurt, avocado paste, mayonnaise, coconut oil, honey or olive oil. Washing or rinsing the hair with herbal teas such as chamomile, rosemary and yucca can also help restore the shine to the hair.
Maintain and Restore Luster
There are also many types of conditions that you can buy that can be used to maintain or restore the hair’s luster. If the hair is already damaged, choosing a deep conditioner can help to repair it. Deep conditioners are generally left on the hair for a longer period of time, and should be chosen for your specific hair type. It’s important to follow the instructions for the specific conditioner used, but as a general rule, you will be first shampooing the hair, and towel drying it. Using a small amount of conditioner, rub it together in your hands, and then distribute evenly throughout the hair and scalp, concentrating a little more on the ends of the hair.
Some conditioners recommend covering the head with a plastic bag, to hold in heat and moisture while using the conditioner. Leave the conditioner on the hair for the recommended amount of time, and then rinse and style.
By following the tips described above and caring for your hair properly, you will be able to keep it healthy, shiny and full of luster.
