10 Ways to Improve Overall Hair Health, According to Dermatologists
Maintaining and growing healthy hair might be more difficult than you would imagine. There are several things to take into account, ranging from dietary modifications and stress levels to the continuous stream of new items. But the good news is that dermatologists recommend incorporating a few tried-and-true methods into your routine, whether you’re looking to target a specific issue like excessive hair shedding, hair loss, hair damage from color and heat styling, or just maintain the current health and length of your hair. Discover the greatest advice for achieving (and preserving) healthy, lustrous, gorgeous hair from physicians Dr. Rachel Nazarian and Dr. Ainah Tan, as well as trichologist Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris.
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1. Create a Regular Haircare Schedule
You should select and adhere to a mild, moisturizing regimen based on your hair type. Get a leave-in conditioner that protects against heat, a shampoo and conditioner that are customized for you, a protein treatment every other week, and a deep moisturizing treatment for the weeks when you “off” the protein treatment.
Make sure to read the ingredient labels of the shampoos, conditioners, and styling products you use to avoid accidentally damaging your hair. According to Chambers-Harris, “look for ingredients like keratin, collagen, and silk proteins.” “Proteins are the building blocks of hair, and they help repair damage, strengthen the hair shaft, and prevent breakage.” Dr. Nazarian continues, “ingredients like oils, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol can strengthen the hair follicle.”
Sulfate-free shampoos are an excellent choice for those with sensitive scalps and moderate to normal oil production, according to Dr. Nazarian. Sulfates remove natural oils, which are frequently required to lubricate hair follicles, while also providing a deeper clean. Aside from formaldehyde and phthalates, which over time can destroy hair follicles, I also advise staying away from silicone-based polymers “.
2. Steer clear of heat styling if possible
“Minimize hair care practices that can damage the hair cuticle, especially those that use heat,” cautions Tan. This covers blow drying and hot tool styling, among other things. “These practices induce bubbles and breaks in the hair that can decrease luster and actually cause hair breakage,” Tan explains. When using heat, always cover your hair with a heat protectant and start with a low to medium heat. But, if you’re taking a vacation from hot tools, consider styling your hair using heatless items like waveformers and curling ribbons. Additionally, while regular style and product accumulation can eventually have a negative impact on the health of your strands and scalp, you should refrain from overworking your hair.
3. Consume a Diet Rich in Nutrients
You really are what you eat when it comes to hair. You’ll get shinier hair by feeding your hair follicles with a diet rich in nutrients. “Make sure that you are eating a healthy diet including lots of leafy vegetables and sources of iron,” suggests Tan. “Vitamin D and iron both aid in the growth and strengthening of hair. This explains why hair supplements frequently contain these chemicals.”
“Fat-restricted, full-protein diets can take a toll on hair health, so I encourage a well-rounded healthy diet, including healthy fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, iron, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, and copper,” Nazarian states. “A Mediterranean diet is a great start, and incorporate foods like eggs, nuts, avocado, and citrus fruits.”
4. Use Oils to Your Hair
Numerous products are available to support healthy hair. When choosing a hair oil, Chambers-Harris advises “looking for oils like argan oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil.”These oils promote the general condition of the hair, lessen frizz, and hydrate and nourish the hair.” Aloe vera “helps balance the scalp’s pH level, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth,” she continues, adding that it also has calming qualities. Additionally helpful for hydration is coconut oil, according to Dr. Nazarian, and “rosemary oil has been shown to help with hair growth.”
5. Look After Your Scalp
Many individuals overlook their scalps, which are the starting point of all hair issues. According to Dr. Nazarian, unhealthy scalps can also result from inherent sensitivity and need specific substances and treatments. While certain scalp issues are caused by bad habits like excessive use of dry shampoo or vigorous cleaning, other scalp conditions are the result of natural sensitivity. “Don’t ignore a dry, scaly or flaky scalp, or one that itches or burns as this may be a sign of an underlying scalp condition and require treatment from a dermatologist,” she cautions. “Maintain a healthy scalp by cleansing regularly, and avoiding abrasive cleansers or scrubs, and keeping it protected from damaging environmental sources like pollution, cigarette smoke and ultraviolet light.” Chambers-Harris continues, “Monthly exfoliations with products like mild scalp scrubs and scalp massages can also help maintain the health of the scalp.”
06. Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase to Sleep
Satin or silk pillowcases can have a significant impact on the condition of your hair. “Silk is beneficial to the hair because it is a breathable fabric, allowing circulation and preventing the moisture from night sweats from getting trapped at the root of the hair,” Hill explains. Additionally, it lessens the friction that exists between cotton textiles and human hair. Freshly blown-out and groomed hair retains its natural luster because to the fabric’s structure.”
7. Continue to Monitor Your Health
Your hair may be an indicator that anything is wrong with your body. “See your physician annually to ensure your body isn’t lacking some of the basics needed for hair growth,” according to Dr. Nazarian. “They can check things like your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), as thyroid dysfunction can be a reason for dull or thinning hair,” says Tan.
8. Reduce Tension
Tan says, “As much as possible, minimize stress.” Stress has a profound impact on the body, including the hair. Your body and mind get agitated, which takes energy away from growing thick, luxuriant hair.” Furthermore, Tan points out that telogen effluvium, a form of hair loss, can be brought on by stressful events like giving birth, being admitted to the hospital, or dealing with a death in the family. “But don’t worry, once the stress is decreased and life starts getting back to normal, hair growth typically returns to a healthy state,” Tan explains.
09. Examine Keratin Procedures
Beyond only smoothing, keratin may strengthen your hair and increase the tensile strength of your strands: Tan says that products like Nioxin and keratin treatments at hair salons “can help thicken hair and improve its appearance.”
10. Use Sun Protection for Your Hair
“Your hair might get damaged and dry out with prolonged sun exposure. When spending time outside, wear a hat or use UV-protective hair and scalp products, advises Chambers-Harris. She also notes that since most people don’t realize that their scalp is also skin, it’s a good idea to put sunscreen there as well.