Bad hair days happen a lot more often when our hair isn't healthy. Having beautiful hair every single day isn't something that happens by accident. However, you may not realize there is a lot you can do to improve the health of your hair. You don't even have to spend a lot of time or money to do it. Here are some quick and easy hair tips that will allow you to wave goodbye to bad hair days for good.
Tip #1: Increase Your Protein Intake
Did you know that your hair is primarily made of protein? It's true! Because of that, it makes sense the more protein you consume, the more beautiful and healthy your hair will be. According to Healthline, women should strive for at least 45 grams of protein every single day. If you haven't already, you may want to consider adding more of the following to your diet:
- Eggs
- Lean meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Dairy products
- Beans
If you're not getting enough protein every day, your hair may suffer as a result. This can be the cause of dry, brittle hair that breaks easily or even falls out excessively.
Tip #2: Take Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that doesn't get as much attention as it should. Not only is it helpful in improving your skin, but it can help protect your hair too. If you've noticed your hair seems lifeless or that it falls out a lot, a zinc deficiency could be to blame.
Fortunately, it's easy to start adding more zinc to your diet. If you plan on following tip #1, you'll get more as a result of increasing your protein. Nuts, spinach, and mushrooms also have a lot of zinc and are easy to add to your diet. If none of those appeals to you, pick up a good zinc supplement at your local vitamin store. Just take one a day and you're good to go.
Tip #3: Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Although omega-3 fatty acids won't help your hair grow any faster, they will make your scalp healthier than it has ever been. This is because they stimulate the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. There are several ways you can increase your intake of omega-3s, and they include eating more:
- Coldwater fish
- Salad
- Cottage cheese
- Cereal
- Flaxseed
You can supplement with omega-3 fatty acid supplements and a lot of people do. But that may not be the most effective way of getting them. If you do decide to supplement, try to increase your dietary intake as well.
Tip #4: Get to Know Your Hair!
Maybe you've tried asking your friends on social media for hair tips, but you've been discouraged because they didn't work for you. That's because everyone's hair is different. It's up to you to get to know your hair, and once you do, you'll have a better understanding of what it needs.
For example, does your hair tend to be more on the dry side? If it is, it might be better for you to avoid washing it every day. If your hair tends to be oily, washing it daily may be a necessity. You may even want to keep a little journal with details about your hair on a day-to-day basis. What is it like when it's raining outside? Is it different in the winter than it is in the summer? The more you know, the easier it will be to find the right products and routines that will work for you.
Tip #5: Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
Once you know your hair, it will be much easier for you to choose the best shampoo and conditioner to make it look its best. If you use the wrong products, you're likely to experience issues like dandruff, dry or oily hair, breakage, or other problems. Also, not every shampoo and conditioner is created equally. Some may have harsh ingredients that can contribute to unhealthy hair.
Here is a list of ingredients you may want to avoid:
- Sulfates
- Formaldehyde
- Hexachlorophene
- Phthalates
Tip #6: Use Your Shampoo and Conditioner Wisely
Sometimes we tend to see shampoo and conditioner as twins that cannot be separated. But nothing could be further from the truth. These two products are important, but you probably don't need to use them both every day. For example, some people only condition their hair a few times a week, and not every time they shampoo. Others might use shampoo less frequently, choosing to use conditioner instead to keep their hair soft and manageable.
You may need to do a little bit of experimenting to find out what works for you. The conditioner works best when you comb it through your hair and then let it sit for 2-3 minutes before washing it out. You may also want to try a shampoo/conditioner combo product to see how your hair responds.
Tip #7: Use Warm Water for the Best Results
If you're someone who just adores a nice, hot shower, you might want to dial the temperature back to save the health of your hair. When the water is too hot or too cold, it can cause damage, according to Dove. Warm water is perfect because it opens the cuticles and allows the shampoo to penetrate and clean your hair.
Don't worry, you can still take hot showers after a particularly hard gym workout or when you want to relax. Just invest in a shower cap to keep your hair dry when you do.
Tip #8: Be Kind to Wet Hair
We get it, you’re busy! You might be someone who likes to hop out of the shower, get dressed, brush your hair, and go. But that could be contributing to your unhealthy hair. The good news is it doesn't take much longer to use a little love and care with your locks.
After you shower, pat your hair dry with a towel but avoid rubbing it excessively, which can lead to breakage. Instead of brushing it while it's still wet, invest in a wide-toothed comb so you can detangle it. Wait until your hair dries or use your hairdryer (preferably on a warm or cold setting, not a hot setting) before you brush it and style it.
Tip #9: Speaking of Hair Dryers...
Like most women, your hairdryer is probably one of your best friends. It's a tool you use often - maybe even every day. But even though it is very convenient, it might be at the root of your unhealthy hair if you are using it incorrectly.
Like we mentioned above, keep the temperature low when you're drying your hair. As it dries, you can slowly increase how hot it is. If at all possible, try to let your hair air dry when you can. You'll save yourself some valuable time, and you'll contribute to beautiful, gorgeous tresses. Switching to a healthier alternative like RevAir which uses low heat and doesn’t have any damaging tension is a good choice, too.
Tip #10: Cut Down on Alcohol, or Cut it Out Completely
According to Healthline, no evidence suggests that alcohol causes people to lose their hair. But if you're someone who drinks heavily - even if it's just once or twice a month - it could be contributing to unhealthy hair. This is because of the loss of nutrients in your body that help your hair feel and look its best.
Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to:
- Low iron levels
- Low zinc levels
- Low copper levels
- Thyroid problems
- Improper protein absorption
Of course, there's nothing wrong with enjoying a glass of wine with your dinner once in a while. But if you are in a pattern of drinking too much, and you're worried about your hair's health, it may be time for a change.
Bonus Tip: Keep Your Stress Levels in Check
We often don't realize how closely our emotional health is linked with our physical health, but they are related! If you're constantly stressed, it's possible that it could lead to hair loss or other issues with your hair. Do what you need to do to avoid getting too stressed out. You may want to consider:
- Meditating or praying
- Doing something nice for yourself, such as getting a massage
- Confiding in a friend about the problems in your life
- Making time to have fun and enjoy life
Make it a habit to check your stress levels and keep yourself emotionally healthy. Your hair will thank you!
Begin Improving Your Hair's Health Today
If you're tired of unhealthy hair, the best time to get started with improving its health is right now. At RevAir, we love helping and empowering women by addressing their hair health needs. It can be a process to undo some of the damage that has been done, but with perseverance and dedication, you can, and we will be there for you.
Is it time for you to make some changes to your hair? If so, we can help! Contact us today!
