Are you using expensive shampoos but still noticing hair fall or hair damage? Well, it is one of the common complaints by many individuals. The advertisements we may come across display overly exaggerated results. Remember, these ads are developed to attract customers and there will be a different story in reality. Before spending on expensive conditioners and shampoos, we suggest checking these natural hair care tips shared by a leading cosmetologist in Chennai. Follow these simple and easy tips for healthier, shiny, and lustrous hair and show off your hair as the models do.

1. A good hair care routine?

Coconut oil:

Coconut oil helps in safeguarding your hair from dandruff, sun damage and prevents sebum formation from hair follicles that hastens hair growth. The essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in coconut oil strengthen the roots and enhance the overall strength of your hair.

Deep conditioning:

It is possible to achieve excellent results by deep conditioning your hair. After washing with shampoo, remove the extra water in your hair by squeezing gently and dry using a soft towel. Take a sufficient amount of hair conditioner and apply it to the hair roots. Run a broad-toothed comb all through the hair and ensure the conditioner spreads everywhere. Let the conditioner remain in for around ten to thirty minutes. Next, rinse the hair thoroughly and enjoy the results- smooth and silky hair.

Avoid lukewarm water showers:

Warm showers may feel soothing. However, when it comes to hair care, they are not worth it. If you wash the hair with hot-to-touch water, it can damage the essential oils in your hair, presenting a dull and dry look. Ensure to change the water temperature when you are stepping into the shower for hair wash. Do you love bathing in hot water? Remember, it is the main culprit for hair and skin damage. The dry complexion is also caused due to steamy shower baths.

Extra thorough rinsing:

Before stepping out of the shower, ensure to wash again to clear the remaining product. It is important to wash the entire leftover product out as it can result in the build-up.

Use shampoo on your scalp:

As per the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology), the shampoo application should be focused on the scalp and not only the ends and lengths of the strands. If you are using shampoo to wash only the ends and lengths, the moisture gets stripped, resulting in dull, dry, and lackluster hair. The scalp is the main part that produces oil and continuously sheds skin cells. So, while shampooing, focus on your roots and scalps.

Do not dry using a towel:

It is common for all individuals to use a towel for drying hair and removing excess water post-shower. The towel is not the best cloth for your hair. Old cotton T-shirts are gentler than the towel. Ensure to use an old T-shirt for drying and removing excess water from your hair.

2. Hair maintenance Routine

1. Get your hair cut regularly. It is recommended to plan once in ten to twelve weeks. It helps in preventing split ends and keeping hair healthy.
2. Massaging your scalp helps in increasing blood circulation and promoting hair growth.
3. If you are using hair dye or hair colour, select shades that are close to your natural hair colour.
4. While blow-drying your hair, begin with the lowest heat settings and slowly increase (if needed).
5. Do not use very cold or very hot water for washing your hair.
6. Do not rub wet hair harshly with a towel.
7. Do not comb or brush wet hair. If needed, you can detangle with a wide-tooth comb.
8. Protect your hair strands from UV rays by covering your head with a hat.
9. Ensure to air dry your hair whenever you have time after hair wash.
10. If you are using dry shampoo, see whether it does not leave any residue behind like clay.
11. Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase for better hair care. Cotton pillowcases are harsh on strands and absorb hair care products.
12. Avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals as they are bad for hair.

3. A Good Diet:

Diet is the major step in hair care. It means you need to include two important things- protein and iron regularly in your diet. One of the fastest developing cells in our body is the hair cell. They are the first cells to get affected when you suffer from deficiencies or do not eat right as these cells are not required for survival.

Try to add iron-rich foods such as cereals, soybeans, chickpea, beans, pumpkin seeds, fish, and leafy vegetables to your diet. Proteins aid in strengthening your hair. So, include wholesome proteins that are high in amino acids such as yogurt, cheese, quinoa, peas, soy, lentils, and milk in your daily diet.

We have listed top foods that aid in healthy hair growth and can be included in your diet easily.

·        Avocado (Vitamin E)

·        Carrot (Vitamin A)

·        Whole Grains (Biotin)

·        Seeds and nuts (Omega 3 Fatty Acids)

·        Citrus Fruits (Vitamin C)

·        Dark green leafy vegetables and spinach (Iron)

·        Eggs (Protein)

·        Lentils and pumpkin seeds (Zinc)

If you are not getting enough nutrients through your diet, supplements would be helpful. As per research, the supplements are ideal for deficient individuals. It is not recommended if you are not deficient as large doses of minerals and vitamins are harmful to your overall health. By consulting a doctor, you can learn what to consume and whether you are deficient or not.

4. A good dose of Vitamins  

Healthy and shiny hair is a sign of beauty or wellness. Just like other body parts, hair requires several nutrients to grow and be healthy. Most nutritional deficiencies are connected with hair loss. Though factors like hormones, genetics, and age affect hair growth, ideal nutrient intake is important. The top five nutrients that are significant for hair growth are as follows:

Vitamin A: Kale, spinach, pumpkins, carrots, and sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene. Vitamin A is rich in animal products like yogurt, cod liver oil, eggs, and milk.

Vitamin E: Being an antioxidant, it aids in preventing oxidative stress. Avocados, spinach, almonds, and sunflower seeds are excellent options for Vitamin E intake.

Vitamin D: Our body produces Vitamin D when directly exposed to the sun’s rays. Besides, we can consume Vitamin D-rich foods like cod liver oil, fatty fish, fortified foods, and some mushrooms.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C aids in absorbing iron – an important source for hair growth. Citrus fruits, guavas, peppers, and strawberries are excellent sources of Vitamin C.

Vitamin B: Also referred to as Biotin, Vitamin B is easily seen in many foods such as dark, green leafy vegetables, seafood, fish, meat, almonds, and whole grains. If you are following a vegan diet, you should consider taking a Vitamin B supplement.

5. A healthy Lifestyle for healthy hair

There are a lot of methods you can follow to enhance hair growth like making simple lifestyle changes to following FDA-approved prescription medicines and consuming certain nutrients. If you are wondering where and how to start, you should follow our guide.

Stop smoking cigarettes:

Ditching the cigarette habit may look easier while planning and making decisions than following real-time. If you are searching for a solid good reason to quit smoking, you should consider doing it for the wellness of your hair. Scientists have determined that there is an association between smoking and hair loss. It can be due to several reasons. As smoke is pollution, it has a chance to damage your skin and hair. At the biological level, cigarettes can affect hair follicles' DNA.

Consume Biotin supplements:

One of the best water-soluble vitamins that play an important part in the development of nails and hair is Biotin. It is a popular supplement that helps in promoting fingernails and hair growth.

De-stress:

Hair loss and stress are interconnected. Are you surprised to hear that stress can cause hair loss? Well, in medical terms, stress-related hair loss is referred to as telogen effluvium. This condition can get triggered because of persistent stress or traumatic events and also things like working too hard, crash dieting, etc. Fortunately, it is a temporary condition. It means reducing stress minimizes the chances of getting acquainted with this condition.

If you are in doubt, consult a dermatologist:

It is recommended to consult an experienced dermatologist to check and treat the hair loss issue. It may also happen due to an autoimmune case like alopecia areata. At times, hair loss may happen due to hereditary conditions and passes in the entire family.

There are several treatment options like oral medications, vitamin supplementations, topical medications, and also procedures like hair transplantation, platelet-rich plasma injections that can help. Ensure to meet a board-certified and specialized physician when you want to get the best treatment for your hair.