Want Healthy Hair? These are the Do’s and Don’ts To Keep In Mind

Are you experiencing hair loss? Or perhaps as you grow older, you are noticing your mane isn’t as thick and healthy as it used to be. For those that want lush, healthy hair, there could be a number of reasons why you are having trouble achieving it. From genetics, to using the wrong product, ignoring your scalp and even the pillowcase you use, there are several issues that can lead to unhealthy hair and consequently hair loss.

So, what can you do about it? We take a look at why you may be experiencing hair loss, dull, lifeless hair, and how you can help your mane, grow and breathe better!

Healthy hair tip # 1 – Wash your hair everyday 


If you’ve been advised not to wash your hair every day, think again. Many people advocate not washing your hair every single day, but the real purpose of shampoo is to clean your scalp. In fact, regular hair washing can actually prevent hair loss as it keeps the scalp clean and free of excess dirt or sebum. By keeping your scalp
clean , you are lowering the risk of infections and dandruff that may eventually lead to hair breakage or hair loss. Do you know that the scalp can repair itself at night? That is why it is not a good idea to sleep with a dirty scalp. 

On the contrary, if you leave your hair and scalp oily for too long, it can lead to itchiness, weak follicles, sebum production and an overall oily feel. Clean hair looks great too! You’ll need to check the status of your hair – if you feel it gets weighed down by oil too often, your hair is begging for a wash!

SMIB’s product range is built specially for cleansing of the scalp. The main ingredients include Calcium which relieves itching due to inflammation. It also helps to form a natural skin barrier and protect the scalp. Better still, this essential mineral will leave your hair with a natural shine!

Healthy hair tip # 2 - Wash your hair properly

 

Improper technique can often lead to your hair looking lack-luster and not benefitting from any of the products that you use. Make sure that you rinse your hair thoroughly with water before shampooing. Start with application of the shampoo at the scalp thoroughly and evenly to get rid of excess oil and stubborn residue. When rinsing the shampoo out, the ends will get clean by themselves. Also, lather up your product in your hands, before applying directly to your head. Scrubbing and foaming up shampoo on the hair, can lead to further breakage. A clean scalp is important for a normal healthy hair growth. Leaving residue by not washing off your shampoo and treatment can cause further scalp problems.

 

Healthy hair tip # 3 - Avoid brushing wet hair 

It may seem convenient to quickly brush your hair when it is wet, but when damp, your hair is in its weakest state. Brushing it when it is wet will lead to hair loss and breakage. Instead, choose your products well to ensure your hair is less tangled and needs even fewer brush strokes. SMIB’s treatment is meant to be used after shampooing and softens your strands while it treats. If there is a need to comb after, gently run through and hold your hair to prevent from pulling it.

 

Healthy hair tip # 4 - Sort your diet out

 

It’s hard to control your genes and other issues that come as one grows older, but your diet is in your hands. Consuming a diet lacking the right nutrients can lead to hair loss which is why experts suggest eating a well-balanced diet that includes nutrients.

This also applies to your hair. What you eat can have a huge effect on the health of your hair. A lack of the right nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, B vitamins, iron, biotin, protein and essential fatty acids can slow down hair growth or cause hair loss.

Fortunately, correcting a deficiency in any of these nutrients can help treat hair loss and promote the rate of hair regrowth!  If you are experiencing significant hair loss, speak to your medical provider and run a blood panel test. This will highlight the need for any supplements and dietary improvements. You’ll also see the benefit shine through your hair and skin!

Healthy hair tip # 5 -  Rinse hair after the gym

Back after a run? Don't just rinse your hair! It is necessary to wash your scalp, and your hair after a workout. Exercise produces sweat which cannot be removed with rinsing and can clog the pores on your scalp, leading to itchiness, inflammation and hair loss. Furthermore rinsing hair with water after a sweaty workout will make your scalp oilier.

 

Healthy hair tip # 6 – use enough product


You need to be mindful about using enough shampoo when you clean your scalp. Using too little will not clean out your hair properly and that will lead to all the issues we have listed above. The same applies to your
conditioner or treatment. Apply enough to spread through your hair, and nourish the ends – too less, and you’ll barely notice your products performing at all!

 

Healthy hair tip # 7 -  Styling products and heat

 

The use of styling lotions and gels can cause product build up on your hair and scalp, leading to irritation and damage. In fact, frequent or heavy product use may mean that you need to wash your hair more frequently.

When you do start washing your hair frequently, try and skip styling or applying extra products to it. It still boils down to a healthy scalp and the care your follicles need. If you need to wash often, then do so and avoid build up!

You should also limit your use of hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons, as unregulated heat from these can weaken hair proteins. Constant heating and drying can lead to brittleness and fragility and we all know what that means – hair loss! You are already aware of the damage caused by excessive use of hair dryers, and straightening irons, so make sure to limit their use. When using a hair dryer, move it to the coolest setting, so you can dry your hair with relatively less damage!

 Healthy hair tip # 8 -  Healthy hair tip – Embrace hair loss vitamins

 

Vitamins play an essential part in your overall well-being but they are also equally important for your hair. For instance, vitamin A encourages healthy production of sebum in the scalp, on the other hand, vitamin E betters blood circulation in the scalp to help hair follicles remain productive. Vitamin B maintains the healthy colour of your hair and vitamin D is associated with nonscarring alopecia.. You would have also heard about Biotin — vitamin H or B7— which plays a huge role in the synthesis of fatty acid in your body. This process is essential to the life cycle of your hair and may lead to hair loss should there be a deficiency.

Healthy hair tip # 9 - Drink lots(and lots) of water

We all know how water makes up a large part of the human body. The same applies to your hair too! Hair strands contain about one fourth water. This means that  adequate hydration will result in stronger, healthier hair and a better scalp. Drinking enough water will also make your skin feel soft and supple – and this applies to the skin under your hair too, that of your scalp! And finally, a hydrated scalp reduces hair fall, resulting in full, shiny looking hair.

Healthy hair tip # 10 - Go easy with hair treatments 

We all are aware that colouring of hair, especially bleaching, makes it harder to stop hair falling out. Bleaching removes the natural pigment because of its harsh chemicals and can leave your hair looking much worse than before. Other chemical treatments, like perms or hair colour, may also damage hair and scalp as they contain ingredients that often cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

So what should you do? As we age, colouring of grey hairs is inevitable, so make sure to ask your hair stylist for hair colour and straightening alternatives. There are plenty of options for organic hair dyes, and other products that come without ammonia, peroxide, or PPD’s. Also, make sure to nourish your hair with tonics and hair masks, whenever possible!

Healthy hair tip # 11 – skip the mom bun

Avoid hair styles that cause your hair to be tightly wound together such as braids, ponytails or the convenient mom bun! Tight braids or ponytails can pull on hair at the root and potentially lead to excessive shedding. Hair is most delicate when wet, avoid tying your hair when it's wet. And while we are on the topic, make sure to allow your hair to dry naturally too. You are already aware of the damage caused by excessive use of hair dryers, and straightening irons, so make sure to limit their use. When using a blow dryer, move it to the coolest setting, so you can dry your hair with relatively less damage!

Healthy hair tip # 12 – Embrace technology

Did you know that Plasma technology can help your hair grow better and quicker? SMIB have innovated a portable device that incorporates plasma technology into the massager. This helps to combat hair loss and aids in the absorption of their Coral Calcium hair essence. As the massager releases plasma, it helps to increase scalp metabolism, and aids in absorption of the Coral Calcium Essence. You’ll also benefit from bacterial control on the scalp and see an increase in hair cell follicular proliferation.

Healthy hair tip # 13 - Wash your pillowcase

Where does you head hit at the end of the day? Remembering to wash your pillowcases often will not only work miracles for your skin, but for your hair too. When you lie down on a pillow, you transfer oil and sweat onto it. This builds up over time and does not benefit your hair or skin. You can also consider investing in a silk pillowcase that is known to keep your hair soft, shiny and tangle free while you catch up on your zzzz’s.


Healthy hair tip # 14 - Be patient!
 

hair loss

When you start using a new product, know that you may not see results instantly. Your hair will go through an adjustment period as it adapts to the new products and its ingredients. Taking care of your scalp to a healthy level is not immediate as oil secretion needs time to balance. It usually takes between 8-12 weeks for the scalp to become acclimated, and only then can you start to see real results. 

Trying out topical products is the first line. Should you experience any initial negative effects such as oiliness, or itchiness after trying for a period of time, this might indicate underlying conditions. For instance, in the case of scalp disorders, a product might not be able to help and it would be best to seek professional advice.

Takeaway

A healthy scalp = healthy hair.

Taking care of your hair and making your scalp healthier is a process and needs time to show results. Always try to choose brands such as SMIB where the products focus on maintaining a clean and healthy scalp. Once your scalp is healthy, you will see an improvement in hair loss but will also experience overall better scalp health! Should you have a scalp disorder or an extreme condition, please refer to your doctor before investing in any hair products or treatments.

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