How to Have Healthy Hair

Don't we all want healthy, shiny, manageable hair? Here are some easy steps to a healthier mane.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• good quality shampoo and conditioner
• a few items from the grocery store
• a good comb and brush

1. Healthy hair comes from the inside out. It's good to begin your quest for healthy hair at the grocery store - not in the shampoo aisle, but in the produce section.
   
   You will want to eat foods with lots of vitamins and healthy oils. Examples include: avocados, tomatoes, peppers, nuts, seeds, berries and other fresh produce. Eat a variety and avoid foods loaded with pesticide and hormones. Eat locally grown foods as much as possible.
   
   A good healthy hair snack might be a couple tablespoons of hummus with carrots and peppers. The tahini (sesame seed paste) and olive oil are both great for your hair and skin. Plus, the protein in the chickpeas will help build quality hair proteins. Or you can try a little guacamole with whole grain tortilla to dip.

2. Purchase only high quality hair products and do not "overdo" your hair. Too many products can damage hair over time. I recommend a good shampoo and conditioner. Avalon Organics, Sebastian and Pantene Pro V are good choices. I have found that TJ Maxx and Marshall's offer great quality products at a fraction of the cost of salon prices.
   
   Care for your hair according to your hair type. All hair types are not created equal. Note if you have dry, normal or oily hair. If you have particularly dry hair you may not need to wash your hair every other day. This may be too drying. Try every other day and see how your hair responds over time. If you have oily hair, try a clarifying shampoo or one with tea tree oil or peppermint. This can help control the oil.

3. Be kind to your hair! Use a comb if you can, since brushes can be more damaging. If you must use a brush because of your hair type then try to use a soft bristled brush and be extra gentle, so as not to break ends.
   
   If you can avoid the hair dryer and curling/straightening iron, do so. The heat is very damaging. If you must use a hair dryer then hold it as far from your head as you can and move the dryer around a lot. Every little bit helps, so you may want to start a day or two per week (maybe on the weekends) when you do not use heat or added products on you hair.
   
   Avoid coloring or perming your hair. The chemicals will dry out your hair and cause more breakage/damage overall. Following these steps should lead to healthier, shinier hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Eat a healthy diet full of fresh produce and healthy oils.
• Use quality products appropriate to your hair type.
• Avoid damaging heat and chemicals.
• The above article is simply an example of my personal opinions.
• Please consult a professional with any questions you may have.

[jonhensley]

on 9/30/2008 Fantastic advice.. very detailed.