How to Keep the Hair Cuticle Healthy

The hair cuticle is the exterior part of the hair that serves as protection for your lovely locks. Healthy hair looks shiny and moves fluidly. However, if hair is not taken care of, damaged hair cuticles can make it look dull, lifeless, brittle or stringy. Although there are different types of hair--oily, dry and normal--every type of hair cuticle can benefit from some steps to keep it healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Conditioner
• Gentle shampoo
• Water
• Lean proteins
• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole-grain carbohydrates

Instructions

1. Although you view your hair from outside your body, it grows from inside. Therefore, the food you eat can influence the appearance, growth and health of your hair. Healthy hair cuticles require plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and carbohydrates that are made from whole grains. Certain vitamins (biotin and vitamin B) can enhance hair growth and help hair become thicker. Hair vitamins also can be purchased to supplement your diet.

2. Avoid pulling on your hair to remove tangles or binding it tightly. Choose a comb or brush that is gentle on the hair. Even pushing it back or using clips and accessories that hold your hair tightly in position can damage the hair cuticles. If hair becomes caught in a clip, gently disengage the hair instead of trying to yank it out of the accessory.

3. Limit exposure to chlorine, smoke and other chemicals that can damage or weaken hair cuticles. If you swim in freshwater or saltwater, rinse your hair afterward to remove the harmful chemicals. Some people can easily see chlorine damage, since it can discolor hair.

4. Blow dryers, curling irons, electric curlers and flat irons can damage hair with excessive heat. Air dry your hair whenever possible and limit the use of hot implements to style your hair. When you dry your hair with a styling tool, use a conditioner to help protect the hair cuticle and avoid pulling your hair excessively.

5. Although all hair types can benefit from using a gentle shampoo and deep conditioner, make sure that colored hair or hair that has had a straightening treatment is regularly treated with a deep conditioner. Hair that has undergone stronger chemical treatments should have a serum to help protect it. Chemicals in hair dye can damage the hair cuticle or lift it, which may reduce the amount of moisture in it. A conditioner helps keep hair moisturized.

   Avoid shampooing your hair daily. Hair only needs to be washed when it is dirty. If your hair is not dirty, just rinse it and apply conditioner to help it retain moisture.

References

• Enemies of Healthy Hair
• Eat Your Way to Better Hair