Tips for Healthy Hair

Whether your hair is relaxed, natural or loc’d, having a hair care routine and healthy habits is essential in growing hair and retaining hair length. Your hair care routine should be tailored to your specific hair type, hair concerns and hair needs.

Here are some tips for a healthier head of hair:

1. Drink enough water.

2. Eat a healthy diet.

3. Exercise regularly. Ladies, I know we are concerned about sweating out our hair but exercise is necessary for overall health and wellbeing.

4. Invest in high quality hair care products that are formulated with nourishing ingredients. Use sulfate-free products. Use a moisture boosting shampoo and conditioner. May shampoos contain chemicals like ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate.

5. Wash your hair once a week or at least every other week. Have a wash day routine. Do not use hot water when washing your hair as it dries out your hair and removes natural moisture.

6. Clean your scalp. Shampoo your scalp and work your way out to the tips of your hair. Use an apple cider rinse to help with dandruff or product buildup.

7. Use a deep conditioner after every wash to help restore moisture and strenthghen your hair. Use a silicone free conditioner to keep your hair soft and ready for moisture. Look for conditioners that are natural and contain ingredients like coconut extract, aloe vera extract and/or avocado oil to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.

8. Detangle your hair in sections while its being conditioned. Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb. Be gentle.

9. Use a hot oil treatment at least once a month.

10. Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible.

11. Avoid heat styling as much as possible. If you must heat style, use a heat protectant spray.

12. Protect your hair while sleeping. Wear a satin bonnet or use a satin pillowcase. Some fabrics can absorb moisture from your hair and scalp causing dryness and breakage. If you don’t protect your hair, it can be damaged from the movement of your head while sleeping.

13. When using protective styles, make sure braids and weaves are not too tight.

How do I know if my hair is healthy?

1. Healthy hair is strong, resilient and less prone to damage and breakage.

2. Healthy hair looks and feels healthy.

3. Healthy hair grows well and at a normal rate.

4. Healthy hair is well-moisturized and less prone to dryness.

5. Healthy hair is smooth and silky.

6. Healthy hair is less prone to tangles and knots.

7. Healthy hair has a natural shine and luster.

8. Healthy hair is easy to style and maintain.

9. Healthy hair doesn’t have split ends or other signs of damage.

If you treat your hair with care and respect, it will look and feel great. It doesn’t matter if you are relaxed or natural, wear your hair long or short, straight or curly, use a routine that works for you and your beautiful crown of hair.