Hair Care-The Basics

Hair Care-The Basics  

Hair Care-The Basics  

Great-looking hair and a healthy scalp come from within. They are very good indicators of stress levels, diet, hormonal balance, and circulation. To achieve healthy, shiny,  and strong hair, try to strike a balance between activity and rest; embrace a diet that nourishes your whole system; reduce your exposure to external factors, such as pollution and chemicals; and treat your hair with tender, loving care.

CLEANSE YOUR LIFESTYLE 

Your lifestyle choices play a part in how healthy your hair is. If like so many of us,  you live in a sealed building with central heating and/or air conditioning, surrounded by electrical equipment, such as a phone, TV, and computer, this may leave your hair dry and static. A healthy diet (see box, opposite) can tackle the side effects of unavoidable factors and keep hair manageable. 

TREAT STRESS AND ANXIETY, 

which are linked to the poor condition and thinning of hair. These do not just harm hair, but they can also lead us to indulge in habits that make the problem worse, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. A good diet can also neutralize the effects of stress.

DO NOT SMOKE

 because it is detrimental to healthy hair. It depletes the body of nutrients, is dehydrating, puts toxic chemicals into your body, and envelopes you in fumes that leave hair looking dull. Give up smoking and not only will you be healthier, your hair will look and smell better,  and will not discolor. 

DRINK LESS ALCOHOL

 because it is dehydrating and leeches the essential nutrients from your body. GET ACTIVE to ensure that blood circulates to all parts of your body, including your scalp. Healthy circulation leads to strong, healthy hair.

environmental factors

Hair changes from day to day, and week to week, responding to both internal and external environments. Your hair will not always look the same or need to be treated in the same way week in and week out.  The condition of your hair varies according to the season, most notably in winter and summer. In the winter, the scalp is tight and the hair grows at a slower rate. Central heating can also be a problem, as it dries the hair and can make it dull and more static. 

In the summer, the sun has a damaging and drying effect and hair may become bleached and lose its vitality. Swimming can also damage the hair, either because of the chlorine or the salt in the water. Take care to protect your hair from damage by keeping it covered when swimming and using a balm or oil to prevent moisture loss in the hot sun. Soft or hard water may also affect the condition of your hair, how well your shampoos clean, and how easily your conditioners rinse out.