There are as many signs of healthy hair as there are different types of hair. Understanding your type of hair can help you determine the best routine for caring for your hair.
Hair stylists categorize hair type into four main categories along with extra subtypes based on shape. How often hair should be washed or what sort of shampoo to use all depends on whether one’s hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily. No matter what type of hair you have, here are some general tips for healthy hair:
How Can I Keep My Hair Healthy?
If you generally have more oily hair, you may need to wash it more. If your hair is drier, you may need to wash it less. Understanding and establishing a routine of proper care is important in keeping your hair healthy. Some more natural hair care routines suggest washing every two weeks or twice a month.
Give your hair time between color touch-ups as very treated hair is more prone to breakage. It is okay to wrap your hair in a towel, but drying your hair with a towel can ruffle hair cuticles or cause hair to be pulled or twisted – which can lead to breakage. Patting hair dry is generally better than rubbing back and forth.
What Does Hair Need to Be Healthy?
Genetics, stress levels, temperature, and more can all have an effect on your hair. However, the two things that are most in your control are your diet and the products you use on them.
Your hair – like the rest of your body – needs certain nutrients to do its best. If your hair isn’t getting what it needs, then you may see effects like either excessive dryness or oiliness. Essential fatty acids (like those found in fatty fish and vegetables) play a vital role in the health of your skin, nails, and – of course – your hair. It’s also important to have at least one serving of some kind of protein every day.
Another choice you can make is finding the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. That, along with understanding how often your hair needs washing, will have you looking your best and brightest.
What Does Unhealthy Hair Look Like?
There are many products and services that claim to cure unhealthy or damaged hair, but it can be hard to recognize. A good sign to look out for is if your hair feels dry and brittle. You might also notice unhealthy hair if it doesn’t seem to be taking color as well as it used to, or you have extra difficulty styling it in the way you would normally.
Brittle hair can also lead to breakage, split ends, flyaways, and an overall dullness in appearance. But fortunately, it can generally be fixed by making some simple lifestyle adjustments like changing shampoos or giving your hair a break from the salon.
What Causes Unhealthy Hair?
Heat – Blow dryers and other styling tools are certainly helpful in achieving some of our favorite looks, but our hair can suffer under all that hot air. Too much heat can dry hair out, which, over time, can cause your hair to become brittle.
Chemicals – Bleach, dyes, relaxers, perms, etc. These chemicals can help achieve the exact color and look you want, but it is possible they can also cause brittleness as well.
Environment – Prolonged exposure to either too much sun or too much cold can have a drying effect on your hair. When going outside for extended periods, be sure to wear a hat to limit exposure. Also, heavily chlorinated pools can also cause hair to be brittle. So be sure to thoroughly wash after a day at the pool.
Talk to the Hair Experts at RHRLI About Your Hair Loss
Even with the best hair care routine, hair loss can happen due to genetics and other factors. Here at RHRLI, we have transplanted more than a million hair follicles – and counting!
With that proven track record of experience, you can trust us to diagnose and treat your hair loss – be it with nonsurgical therapy or FUE hair transplant procedures using the ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System. These minimally invasive procedures will get you back to your day-to-day life quickly. Contact us today for a free consultation.