14 Tips for Healthier Hair

Healthy hair isn’t difficult to attain, but it does take some understanding of what damages it and which products you can use to maintain beautiful locks all year round.

14 tips for healthier hair

Tip # 1: brushing and styling

Ever tried a boar bristle brush? During the 1800s, they created shiny, healthy hair with no styling products. This is because when you choose a natural bristle brush, brushing becomes a conditioning treatment. The natural oils on your scalp get carried from the root to the hair shaft, repairing dry hair and adding lustre.

So you may have received mixed messages about brushing. Some recommend it, others don’t. When you use a boar bristle brush, you’ll need less styling products, you’ll need to wash your hair less often, and you’ll naturally condition your hair, improve its texture and reduce frizz.

Tip # 2: choose your products carefully?

Just popping to the shop and buying whatever shampoo you’ve seen on the TV recently for your hair type is one of the worst things you can do to your hair.

Here are the best natural products to look for in natural hair products, which work with your hair and not against them.

Shea butter

Shea butter is high in fatty acids and it’s an emollient, which means it stops your hair from losing its natural moisture. Seal in the goodness and prevent dry hair by using conditioners that contain shea butter.

Coconut oil

This emollient adds shine and strength to your locks, and it’ll make it smell lovely, too. Try coconut oil if you have thick, curly hair or very dry hair.

Aloe vera

Aloe is just perfect for hair loss and scalp problems, but it also conditions your hair beautifully. Apply some gel to your scalp for hair loss, and leave it on overnight before washing as usual. Alternatively, add it to the bottom half of your hair after washing as a leave-in, and enjoy how soft and conditioned it looks.

Vegetable glycerine

This is one of the best products for dry and damaged hair. It’s a humectant, so it attracts moisture so your hair won’t dry out. Products containing vegetable glycerine are really effective. Try making your own by combining aloe, glycerine and water to a spritz bottle and using between washes to add extra moisture to curls, waves and long or frizzy hair.

Tip # 3: cut hair at the right time

If your hair is long and you are growing it, it’s important to get the ends trimmed regularly to keep it healthy. Get your trim on every 8 to 12 weeks if you’re growing it. But if there is a lot of breakage or you want to maintain the length where it is, get it cut more often – like every 6 to 8 weeks. Find a great stylist that won’t cut off too much. Ask them to trim an inch or less off the ends.

Getting your hair cut at the right time of the month is also critical. The moon phases affect our hair. Search online for a hair calendar and get it cut at certain times for different effects: root work, length, thickness or beauty.

Tip # 4: be careful when using a hairdryer

Hairdryers and other styling tools can singe your hair. Beware, as you can ruin fine or damaged hair by using them too often or at high temperatures. The healthiest styles don’t involve heat. Check out how you can use rollers and other tricks and tools to style your hair without any heat or damaging products like hairspray.

Tip # 5: shiny hair

Shiny hair is healthy hair, so use the right natural products for your hair type and try out the vinegar rinse once a week to smooth your hair cuticle.

Tip # 6: dirty combs and brushes

Dirty combs and brushes leave residues on your hair, and this isn’t what you want to put on clean hair! You’ll end up washing it more often, and stripping away more natural oils.

To clean your brush, you can use shampoo, a toothpick and an old toothbrush. Start by soaking your brush in some warm water and shampoo. Then take the toothpick and pick out the hair and gunk stuck to the base. Now apply a little shampoo to the brush and get busy with the toothbrush. Brush it well, then rinse it and leave it to air dry somewhere warm.

Tip # 7: Best shampoos for normal hair

The best shampoos for normal hair are natural ones. In the last few years more sophisticated products have some onto the market. A good shampoo should never leave your hair feeling “squeaky”, or greasy. Experiment with some different types to find one that suits you specific hair type.

Tip # 8: for oily hair and dandruff

Vinegar works well on oily hair and dandruff. To make a dandruff treatment, use half a cup of warm water and 1/2 a cup of apple cider or white vinegar. Pour this mixture over your hair after you’ve conditioned it, and scrub gently for a couple of minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with water. You can also leave it on overnight for tough cases of dandruff.

Tip # 9: homemade conditioner

Making a conditioner at home for use once a week from eggs or oils can help you keep your hair healthy and in excellent condition.

Tip # 10: homemade moisturiser

Making a moisturising spritz to moisturise your hair between or after washing can make your hair shiny and happy. Try adding a little aloe vera gel to a bottle 3/4 full of water, and shake it up well. Spray onto tips.

Tip # 11: hair restoration

Once you start adding moisture to your hair, it will naturally restore itself. Deep condition it, go easy with the heat and products, and have faith. Your hair will improve markedly in less than a month.

Tip # 12: nourishing creams

Nourishing creams are great for dry and damaged hair, and there is a wide range of different options available on the market. Go for products that contain the natural ingredients above.

Tip # 13: prevent head lice

Try putting rosemary, lemongrass, tea tree or eucalyptus on your child’s hair if they have head lice, or on your own if they’re affecting you. The smell will keep them at bay.

Tip # 14 other suggestions

Naturally healthy hair is achievable for everyone. If you eat well, making sure you take in plenty of nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables and omega oils, you’ll have strong, healthy hair. Exercise and sweating is also beneficial to your scalp, as is scalp massage. With all of these tricks up your sleeve, you’re well on your way to the beautiful hair you desire!