How to Make Hair Look Healthy & Soft
Like most other areas of the body, healthy hair takes a certain amount of effort and maintenance. Lifestyle factors can damage hair, including cosmetic products, diet, lack of sleep and other issues. In fact, even sunlight can be damaging for hair. According to a study cited on IVillage.com, sun exposure damages hair's natural film, which makes hair dry, fragile and brittle. Despite the assortment of hazards, there are several ways to make hair healthy and soft. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Be gentle. In the process of washing and styling hair, it can often be misused which may end in breakage. A hair tip published in "Self" magazine in 2009 emphasizes the importance of not roughly brushing damp hair. According to the tip, Phillip Kingslet Ph.D. (a hair and scalp expert) explained that when hair is wet it expands and may snap more easily. Kingslet recommends conditioning well and removing tangles in the shower to avoid this problem.
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Don't overuse shampoo. Shampoo is great for keeping hair squeaky clean; however, it strips hair of its natural oils and can take away some of the shine and softness. Instead, shampoo every 2 to 3 days as needed.
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Avoid heat. When it comes to hair, heat is often the name of the game. Whether its blow-drying, flat ironing, curling or crimping, it all adds up to hair damage. When possible, allow hair to air dry or style without heating products. Another alternative is to get a thermal protector that locks in moisture so hair does not get overly dry.
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Massage your scalp. According to a suggestion by Martin Hillier, co-owner of The Lounge Hair Studio in Vancouver, certain techniques can improve hair health. Published in a 2008 edition of "Best Health" magazine, Hillier explains that a scalp massage provides stimulus and increases blood flow. This may reduce hair thinning and hair loss. In addition to simply massaging your scalp with your hands, you can also purchase a brush that provides a gentle hair massage. Most stylists recommend using a brush with boar's head bristles, which are easier on the hair.
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Focus on food. People rarely think of diet when trying to get healthier locks, but according to Dawn Jackson Blatner, registered dietitian, the foundation for all new hair growth is the nutrients that people eat. A 2008 article published on Good Housekeeping.com reveals Blatner's food recommendations for healthy hair. One food that aids in healthy hair is salmon, which has omega-3 fatty acids to support scalp health. Other food sources recommended by Blatner are dark green vegetables, which are packed with vitamins A and C. These vitamins help the body produce sebum, oil that is a natural hair-conditioning agent.
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