Routines For Healthy, Shiny Hair

Nurul Afiqah binti Abd Talib

mansiqah7074@gmail.com

Brush up on how to keep your hair in good condition, from exfoliating your scalp to regular cuts and eating properly.

GET ENOUGH PROTEIN

Because your hair is comprised of keratin, a protein, a lack of protein in your diet can result in dry, brittle strands, according to dietitian Jo Lewin. She suggests eating chicken, turkey, fish, dairy products, and eggs. Vegetarians and vegans should eat beans, almonds, tofu, and quinoa. Iron and complex carbs are also crucial.

BRUSH YOUR HAIR GENTLY

Anabel Kingsley, a trichologist, points out that nutrition, while vital, can only enhance freshly formed strands, not the hair that has already grown. One of the most prevalent causes of breakage, she adds, is using the improper brush, and she recommends using a brush with plastic, rounded prongs. Brushing the hair from the ends and working your way up to the top of the head also helps to prevent breaking strands.

AIR DRY IS BETTER FOR YOUR HAIR

Hairdryers and hot styling appliances can cause hair to become brittle and dull. “Heat may, in a way, cook the hair,” dermatologist Dr. Zoe Draelos explains. She suggests letting hair air dry whenever feasible, and using a protective spray or serum, and starting on the lowest setting before gradually increasing the heat.

EXFOLIATE YOUR SCALP!

Dandruff can be exacerbated by cold or hot conditions. To cure dandruff, shampoos containing zinc pyrithione or salicylic acid are advised, or for a less expensive solution, try the Guardian beauty columnist Sali Hughes' homemade recipe: Pre-shower, mix sea salt flakes into shampoo and vigorously massage into scalp.

MANAGE STRESS!

Stress can cause hair loss, says Kingsley. Exercise, a healthy diet, meditation, and prioritizing sleep all help to de-stress body and mind.

HYDRATE GREY HAIR

Grey hair is generally finer and more delicate, although it might appear rougher as we age owing to oil glands generating less sebum. Matt Hawes of Josh Wood Colour recommends using a hydrating and moisturizing conditioner as well as oils like argan and jojoba as part of a regimen to soften hair and combat dullness. Purple and blue-toned hair products are also intended to brighten grey hair.

REGULARLY TRIM YOUR HAIR

It is critical to remove broken ends before the harm spreads higher. Charlotte Mensah, the multiple British Hairdressing Awards winner for best Afro hairdresser, suggests a cut every six to eight weeks. “Afro hair, while less apparent than straight hair, has to be cut on a regular basis to guarantee greater curl definition.”