How to Have Healthy Hair Naturally
“Straight, wavy or curly, if it’s healthy, it’s beautiful”
We all want healthy, shiny hair, but achieving it can sometimes feel like a mystery. I often see these women on IG with perfect, shiny, hair and feel instantly defeated. I have improved my hair incrementally over the past couple of years by developing better habits and experimenting with beneficial herbs and essential oils.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to maintain healthy hair and promote hair growth, and many of them involve simple lifestyle changes. In this post, we'll explore some of the most effective ways to nourish your locks from the inside out, with the help of herbs and essential oils.
Berries are full of antioxidants.
They protect the hair follicles by protecting them from free radical damage..
Tip 1: Eating a Balanced Diet
One of the best ways to promote healthy hair growth is by eating a whole food, balanced diet. This means getting enough of the nutrients that are essential for hair health, such as protein, iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. We'll explore some of the best food sources for these nutrients and explain why they're important for healthy hair. Additionally, we can incorporate herbs like rosemary, nettle, and horsetail into our diets, as they contain minerals and vitamins that promote healthy hair growth.
There are several nutrient-rich foods that can contribute to healthy hair. I’ve always loved using food as medicine and bringing all kinds of herbs from the garden into our meals. Here are some of the best food sources for promoting hair health:
Eggs: Eggs are an excellent source of protein, which is a key component of hair. They also contain biotin and other B-vitamins that are essential for healthy hair growth.
Fish: Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which nourish the hair follicles and promote scalp health. They also provide protein, vitamin D, and other nutrients that are beneficial for hair.
Spinach: Spinach is packed with iron, folate, and vitamins A and C, which are important for a healthy scalp and hair growth. It also contains antioxidants that help protect the hair follicles from damage.
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are all great sources of nutrients for healthy hair. They provide omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E, which promote scalp health and nourish the hair.
Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is necessary for the production of sebum, the natural oil that keeps the scalp and hair moisturized.
Berries: Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are loaded with antioxidants that protect the hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals. They also provide vitamin C, which aids in collagen production and strengthens the hair shaft.
Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a great source of protein, which is essential for healthy hair growth. It also contains vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), which may help prevent hair thinning and loss.
Lean poultry: Chicken and turkey are excellent sources of high-quality protein, which is necessary for strong and healthy hair. They also provide iron, zinc, and B-vitamins that support hair growth.
Legumes: Lentils, beans, and chickpeas are rich in protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, all of which contribute to healthy hair growth. They also provide folate, which helps in the formation of red blood cells and supports proper oxygen and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles.
Oysters: Oysters are a fantastic source of zinc, which is essential for hair growth and scalp health. Zinc deficiency has been linked to hair loss, so incorporating oysters or other zinc-rich foods into your diet can be beneficial.
Incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into your regular diet can provide the building blocks necessary for healthy hair growth and overall hair health.
Essential Oils
Scalp massage with peppermint or rosemary essential oils stimulates blood flow to the scalp.
Tip 2: Consistent Exercise
Regular exercise is another important way to promote healthy hair growth. By improving circulation throughout the body, exercise can help deliver more nutrients to the hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. We'll discuss some of the best types of exercise for hair health and explain how they can benefit your locks. To complement this, we can use essential oils like peppermint or rosemary for a stimulating scalp massage before or after exercise.
While there are no specific exercises exclusively targeted for hair health, certain types of exercises can indirectly contribute to healthy hair by improving overall blood circulation and reducing stress levels. Here are three exercises that can be beneficial for promoting healthy hair:
Cardiovascular exercises: Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming increase blood circulation throughout the body, including the scalp. Improved blood flow helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting healthier hair growth.
Scalp massages: Scalp massages are not traditional exercises, but they can help stimulate blood flow to the scalp and promote relaxation. Gently massaging your scalp with your fingertips in circular motions for a few minutes a day can improve circulation to the hair follicles and encourage healthy hair growth.
Yoga: Yoga combines physical movement, stretching, and deep breathing, which can help reduce stress levels. High stress levels can contribute to hair loss, so practicing yoga regularly may indirectly promote healthy hair. Certain yoga poses, such as downward-facing dog and headstands, also encourage blood flow to the scalp.
Remember that maintaining an active lifestyle overall is beneficial for overall health, including hair health. The key to consistent exercise is to find something you enjoy doing, otherwise you’ll never stick with it.
Herbs
Use herbs like rosemary and chamomile to make a herbal hair rinse
Tip 3: Proper Hair Care
Taking good care of your hair is essential for maintaining healthy locks. This means using gentle shampoos and conditioners, avoiding heat styling tools, and being gentle when brushing and detangling. We'll offer some tips for proper hair care and explain why each one is important for healthy hair. In addition, we can use herbs like rosemary, chamomile, lavender, and hibiscus to make natural hair rinses that can add shine, soften hair, and promote healthy growth. These can also be a luxurious way to elevate your shower experience.
Proper hair care is essential for maintaining healthy and vibrant hair. Here are some tips to help you take care of your hair effectively:
Use a gentle shampoo: Choose a shampoo that is suitable for your hair type and free of harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens. Avoid over-washing your hair, as it can strip away natural oils that are essential for hair health.
Condition regularly: Conditioning your hair helps to restore moisture, nourish the strands, and improve manageability. Apply conditioner from mid-length to the ends of your hair, focusing on the areas that tend to be drier. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing it out. Using a leave-in conditioner can also further improve dry hair.
Limit heat styling: Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause damage to your hair over time. Minimize the use of these tools or use them at lower heat settings to reduce the risk of heat-related damage. Prioritize air-drying your hair whenever possible. This seems to be much easier in the warmer months.
Protect from UV rays: Prolonged sun exposure can lead to dryness, brittleness, and color fading. Shield your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using hair products that contain UV filters. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Be gentle when brushing: I wish someone would tell this to my hair stylist! Avoid aggressive brushing, especially when your hair is wet, as wet hair is more prone to breakage. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush with flexible bristles to detangle your hair gently, starting from the ends and gradually working your way up.
Trim regularly: Regular trims help to prevent split ends and maintain the overall health of your hair. Aim to trim your hair every 8-12 weeks, or as needed, to remove damaged or split ends and promote healthy hair growth.
Protect from harsh chemicals: Limit the use of chemical treatments such as bleaching, perming, and coloring, as they can damage the hair shaft and cause dryness and breakage. Grey is the new blonde, right? If you do use chemical treatments, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and consider seeking professional help.
Use a wide-toothed comb in the shower: When applying conditioner in the shower, use a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your hair. This helps distribute the conditioner evenly and prevents excessive tugging, reducing the risk of breakage.
Avoid tight hairstyles: Pulling your hair tightly into hairstyles like ponytails, braids, or buns can cause tension on the hair follicles and lead to hair breakage and traction alopecia. Opt for looser hairstyles or use accessories that are gentle on your hair, such as soft scrunchies (yep, they’re back!)or silk hair ties.
By implementing these tips into your hair care routine, you can help keep your hair healthy, strong, and looking its best. Remember, finding the right practices and products that suit your hair type and specific needs may require some experimentation and adaptation
Make it stand out
Managing stress is key for overall health
Tip 4: Managing Stress :
Stress can have a negative impact on hair health, so finding ways to manage stress is important for maintaining healthy locks. Some effective stress management techniques are: meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and focused breath work. We can also use essential oils like lavender, bergamot, or clary sage for a calming and soothing effect on the scalp or in a diffuser, so you can de-stress as you go about your day.
Maintaining healthy hair requires a holistic approach that involves nourishing your locks from the inside out, and using herbs and essential oils can be a beneficial addition. I hope you’ll incorporate some of these lifestyle hacks to not only improve your hair health, but your overall health as well.