Tricks for Healthier, Fuller-Looking Hair

Hair it is

While genetics play a part, your food, the weather, pollution, and your overall hair care routine are all important in keeping your crowning beauty in good shape. Learn how a healthy diet and good grooming can keep your tresses looking their best.

1. Pump up the protein

A well-rounded diet is an important factor in hair and scalp health. Hair is primarily made up of protein, so be sure to eat at least 45 grams of protein daily. Good sources include:
1. lean meat
2. poultry
3. fish
4. beans
5. low-fat dairy products
6. eggs

Diets with inadequate protein can result in weak, brittle hair and loss of hair color, as well as loss of hair itself.

2. Zinc about it

Hair loss can be caused by a zinc deficiency. To help with shedding, include nuts like Brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans, cashews, and almonds in your diet.

Consume copious amounts of:
1. vegetables
2. fruits
3. leafy green salads
4. plenty of clean, filtered water

When necessary, a multivitamin or zinc supplement can be used to supplement your diet.

3. Omega your hair nice

Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids may stimulate your hair follicles and sebaceous glands. While this won’t cause your hair to grow, it may improve scalp health.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, and herring. Other good sources include:
1. flax seed
2. yogurt
3. cottage cheese
4. salad
5. cereal

4. Know thy hair

There are conflicting opinions about how often to shampoo your hair. It all comes down to personal preference and individual needs, which depend on:

1. your hair type and texture
2. how often you use hair products
3. your activity level

For example, people with oily hair may need to shampoo every day, while people with dry hair may need to shampoo less frequently.

5. Choose the right shampoo

Using the wrong shampoo and styling agent can cause significant hair damage. Look for products that are right for your hair type — oily, normal, or dry — and target any problems you have, such as dandruff.

Try to avoid shampoos with harsh ingredients, such as ammonium lauryl sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate. And remember, cost doesn’t necessarily indicate the quality of a product.

6. Get condition-specific

Conditioning your hair after showering is essential for keeping it silky, lustrous, and manageable. A separate conditioner or a shampoo with built-in conditioner are both options.

Distribute conditioner evenly by combing it through. Before rinsing it out, leave it in your hair for two to three minutes.

Not everyone needs to condition their hair every time they wash it, just like not everyone needs to wash their hair. Experiment with different options to see what works best for you.

7. Wash up and brush up

Experts suggest that many people over-shampoo or shampoo incorrectly. The standard rules of thumb are:

1. Don’t wash your hair more than once a day.
2. Use only enough of the product to cover your hair.
3. Avoid using very hot or very cold water.

Treat hair gently when it’s wet — it’s three times more vulnerable to breakage. Don’t rub wet hair excessively with a towel. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, but don’t comb too much or brush wet hair.