What does it take to have healthy hair?

 We spend a lot of time, money and energy on our hair.  As early as the 14th Century B.C  hair has been associated with beauty. In  Ancient Egypt during the 10th Century B.C. both royals and regular folks alike (all ages, men and women) used hair “gel” made from a fatty substance to style their hair into all sorts of  styles. They would curl it, slick down, wear it short or long, and believe it or not, they even  used it with hair extensions. Hair as always been an important role in our life.  So what does it take to have and keep your hair beautiful and healthy?

The number one most important thing you can do for your hair is look at your diet. If your a fast food junkie, this may be a problem for you.  However, keeping an eye on what you are eating and the vitamins your taking is the most important thing  you can do if you want beautiful, healthy hair. What are the vitamins that you hair needs? Iron, Zinc, Vitamin D, Protein, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and Biotin.  Once you find the right combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs, you'll notice that in just a few months you notice shinier, healthier, fuller hair and you nails and skin will benefit as well.

Are you shampooing correctly? During the shampoo, massage the scalp not the ends, Condition starting from the ends up, staying away from the scalp. Another thing to be aware of is the temperature of the water.  Avoid using hot water.  Your hair should have a cooler water temperature.  Heat is not your hairs friend.  Also try not to shampoo more than twice a week.  Our hair needs the natural oils that shampooing removes.   Experts agree that it's a big myth that hair adapts to your shampoo and you need to change it.  If you've found a shampoo that works stick with it.

Don't scrimp on moisturizing your hair.  Conditioning your hair can actually cut down on friction and breakage when you brush your hair later, especially if your hair as been chemically altered.  It also adds shine and luster. Did you know that you can also use your conditioner as a light shampoo from time to time?  Be sure and do a deep conditioner as often as your stylist recommends. 

Now that you've shampooed and conditioned properly, how are you drying your hair.? Of course, if you could avoid heat completely that would be best. However, in this day and time, that is almost impossible.  So what should you do?  Find one of those old T-shirts that you don't wear anymore and gently wrap your hair in that instead of a towel or grab a micro-fiber towel. Be sure to leave your hair wrapped 10 -15 mins prior to drying or better yet air dry.  Never use a towel to rub the hair dry, that can also cause frizz and damage.

 Be sure you are limiting the amount of time you are spending in the sun.  Not only is the sun damaging on you skin, but it's damaging on your hair as well, it's just harder to tell right away. If you're going to be out in the sun all day, be sure to protect your hair with a hat.  For every day maintenance, use a leave in conditioner every other day.  Spray mid-shaft to ends to help combat damage caused by UV rays, wind, and saltwater.

Don't forget to schedule for "dusting" every 6 to 8 weeks.  Regular trims are equally important for your hair.  Having a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks keep split ends at bays.  This is especially important if your growing your hair out.   You don't have to cut a lot , 1/4th of an inch can make a big differance.  This is necessary to keep split ends from forming when the hair cuticle splits.  Once your hair splits, there is no way to repair it. There are cutting techniques, but it's best to stop the damage before it starts.