Key Takeaways
- Your hair is made of protein, so you need to eat enough of it.
- Key nutrients like zinc and omega-3s boost scalp and hair health.
- Your washing routine should match your specific hair type.
- Gentle handling, especially when wet, prevents breakage.
- Heat styling, harsh products, and even stress can damage your hair.
Hey there, it’s Ashleigh! Let’s talk hair. We all want that full, healthy, shiny hair, right? While our genes set the stage, so much of what we eat, the products we use, and how we treat our hair daily makes a huge difference. Think of it this way: your hair is a reflection of your overall health and habits. So, let’s break down how you can give your mane the love it deserves.
1. Feed Your Hair From the Inside
Since hair is mostly protein, skimping on it can leave your hair weak, brittle, or even cause shedding. Aim for at least 45 grams daily from sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, or beans. Also, don’t forget zinc (think nuts!) and omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, flax seeds, or yogurt). These nutrients keep your scalp happy and your hair looking its best.
2. Shampoo Smarter, Not Harder
How often you wash totally depends on you—your hair type, how much you sweat, the products you use. Oily hair might need a daily cleanse, while dry hair can wait longer. The key is using a shampoo that matches your hair (oily, normal, dry) and avoiding harsh sulfates like ammonium lauryl sulfate. Price tag doesn’t always mean better!
3. Condition with Care
Conditioner is your secret weapon for soft, shiny, tangle-free hair. You can use a leave in conditioner.. Comb it through, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. But you might not need it every single wash, play around to see what your hair craves.
4. Be Gentle, Especially When Wet
Wet hair is fragile! Avoid rubbing it aggressively with a towel. Instead, pat dry and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle. And when you wash, stick to lukewarm water—super hot or cold isn’t doing you any favors.
5. Style with Kindness
Whenever you can, let your hair air dry. If you use heat, start on the low setting and work your way up. Switch up where you put clips and hair ties to avoid stressing the same spots. If you color, try to stay within three shades of your natural color to minimize damage.
6. Trim Regularly & Scalp Massages Are Your Friends
Get a trim every 10-12 weeks to prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. And a quick scalp massage here and there stimulates blood flow, which can encourage healthier growth.
7. Watch Out for Sneaky Saboteurs
Sometimes the culprits aren’t just your products. Things like super restrictive diets, high stress, certain medications, and even overdoing alcohol can impact your hair’s health. It’s all connected.
The Bottom Line?
Your hair’s thickness and health come down to a mix of genetics, nutrition, age, and your daily routine. If you’re ever worried about thinning or shedding, it’s always a good idea to chat with a dermatologist. They can help you figure out if there’s an underlying issue or a treatment that could help.
Ready to transform your hair routine? Start with one or two of these tips this week, and see how your hair responds. Share your progress with me—I’d love to hear what works for you!
Cheers to healthier, happier hair,
Ashleigh D Hair