Having healthy hair is something many of us crave. But with so many ‘miracle cures’ out there, it can be tricky to know where to begin – and the truth is that it involves a combination of factors.
From switching out curling tongs for heatless curls to changing your haircare products and eating a balanced diet, there are plenty of things to consider.
Here’s what you need to know.
Include more protein in your diet
There are endless benefits to a balanced diet. Better skin, more energy – the list goes on. If you’re finding that your hair looks a little lifeless, reviewing your diet is a good place to start.
Experts believe that protein is key to healthy hair. In fact, hair is primarily made up of protein. According to the NHS, youcan integrate more protein into your diet by eating eggs, beans, pulses, meat and fish. It’s thought that you should be eating at least 45 grams of protein a day.
Choose the right shampoo
Sadly, while cheaper shampoos are better for our wallets,they’re not necessarily the best option for our hair. Often, there are unsavoury ingredients, such as sulphate, that can cause damage to your hair and scalp, which doesn’t lay out the best foundations for healthy hair growth.
Be sure to check whether your hair type is best suited to a particular type of shampoo, as you may need formulasdesigned for high-porosity or low-porosity hair. It’s also worth checking whether you need products suited to oily, normal or dry hair. You can also get a shampoo that tackles dandruff. If you want extra guidance, speak to a hair expert, such as a hairdresser or trichologist.
Try hair supplements
While a balanced diet is the top priority for healthy hair, some people might need a little extra help – even if it’s just for a shorter period. You could be deficient in certain vitamins, which can hinder hair growth. It’s recommended that you speak with your doctor and get a blood test before taking vitamins – and if you fall into this category, there are some great options on the market. You can get easy-to-take vitamins designed for women with hair loss. Vitamins like thesecontain ingredients that could help with hair thickness.
Cut out certain products
Going back to balanced diets, it may be that you need to consider other factors in your lifestyle. For healthy hair, you should ditch calorie-focused diets, as this can put a strain on your body and even trigger hair loss. Alongside a good diet, you might want to consider cutting down on alcohol and consider how you can reduce stress in your life. Perhaps this involves switching jobs or assessing the relationships in your life.