Five ways you can get healthier hair for free

1. Eat a balanced diet

We’re always going to encourage you to start from the inside out. The foods you eat has a direct impact on the health of your hair. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients can help to nourish your hair from the inside out. Focus on foods that are high in protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

In a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, researchers found that a diet deficient in certain nutrients, such as biotin and zinc, can lead to hair loss and other hair-related problems. 

In this light, make sure you’re staying hydrated as well!

2. A daily scalp massage

Clinical studies have found that scalp massage can help to improve hair growth. In a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, researchers found that four minutes of daily scalp massage for 24 weeks led to a significant increase in hair thickness in participants with androgenetic alopecia, a type of hair loss commonly seen in both men and women.

The theory behind why this works is that it relaxes your hair follicles which helps to increase blood circulation. An increase in blood flow to the hair follicles means they get the nutrients and oxygen they need to grow strong and healthy hair.

Click here to learn about the link between blood flow and hair growth

3. A regular wash schedule

You need to find a balance so that you are not over washing and not under washing your hair. Washing your scalp regularly helps to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup from your hair and scalp. This allows your hair follicles to perform at an optimal level as it has a clean and healthy environment to work with. 

We recommend washing your hair at least once a week. 

Click here to find out how determine your wash schedule

4. Reduce Heat Styling

Heat styling tools, such as flat irons, curling irons, and hair dryers, can cause damage to your hair over time. Excessive heat can dry out your hair, causing it to become brittle and prone to breakage. To reduce the amount of heat damage to your hair, consider reducing the frequency of heat styling or using lower heat settings.

Clinical studies have found that heat styling can cause structural damage to hair fibers. In a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, researchers found that heat styling tools can cause hair fibers to become thinner and more susceptible to breakage.

It’s best to limit heat styling to once a week and always make sure you use a water-based heat protectant.

Click here to get seven ways to protect your hair while heat styling

5. Avoid tight hair styles

Any style that pulls on your hair tightly can damage the hair and cause hair breakage. This includes tight ponytails, braids, weaves and extensions which increase the tension on the hair follicle.

The long terms effects of continuing tight hairstyles is a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. This is a type of hair loss caused by excessive pulling or tension on the hair follicle

A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in 2018, found that traction alopecia was the most common cause of hair loss in African American women, and that tight hairstyles were a significant contributing factor.

If you do choose to wear tight hairstyles, it's important to give your hair and scalp regular breaks and to massage your scalp to improve blood flow and prevent damage to the hair follicles.

Click here to learn how to manage traction alopecia

Achieving healthy hair doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. These five tips can jump start your healthy hair journey. And the beauty of it is that you can start today…

References

Koyama, T., Kobayashi, K., Hama, T., Murakami, K., & Ogawa, R. (2016). Standardized scalp massage results in increased hair thickness by inducing stretching forces to dermal papilla cells in the subcutaneous tissue. Archives of dermatology, 152(3), 287-292. doi: 10.1001/archdermatol.2015.4294

Soleymani, T., Lo Sicco, K., Shapiro, J., & Sinclair, R. (2017). Dietary fatty acid and micronutrient intake in different stages of alopecia areata - A case-control study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 16(4), 508-513. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12313

Khumalo, N. P., Jessop, S., & Gumedze, F. N. (2019). Structural changes in Caucasian hair upon exposure to heat: Changes to hair fibre width, shape and mechanical properties. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 41(4), 372-381. doi: 10.1111/ics.12557

Dlova, N. C., & Goh, C. L. (2011). Traction alopecia: a hair loss condition caused by mechanical stress. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 64(5), 876-880. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2010.07.024

Kyei, A., Bergfeld, W. F., Piliang, M., & Summers, P. (2016). Traction alopecia: 2017 update. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 31(1), 1-7. doi: 10.1111/jdv.13702