Having hair that you’re happy with can do wonders for your self-esteem. Not only does having healthy natural hair make you feel good, but for those who want to, growing longer hair that can be styled gives you a canvas to express your personality. Unfortunately, not everyone has hair that they love.
Whilst there are so many factors that influence the look and feel of your hair, from genetics to weather, there are some things that you can do if you want to give it a boost. In this post, we share our top tips for healthy hair growth.
Eat plenty of protein
When we think of the benefits of eating protein, we typically think about building muscle. However, you might be surprised to learn that it’s also very important for healthy hair growth. Hair follicles are primarily made up of protein, so you’ll need to ensure that you’re getting enough in your diet to give your mane the support it needs.
If you notice that your hair feels dry, brittle or is losing color, then it might be time to look at your diet. Top protein-rich foods to add include lean meat, eggs, beans, and fatty fish.
Make sure you’re getting all of your vitamins and minerals
If you’re noticing hair loss, or your hair just seems particularly slow growing, then you may need to look at the amount of vitamins and minerals that you’re consuming. Everything from vitamin A through to zinc can help your hair grow, so a deficiency in this area may not be helping.
Again, getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals should be primarily possible through your diet. You’ll need to include a variety of fruits and vegetables to get the full range of nutrients you need. However, if you’re still seeing issues, or if your doctor has identified certain deficiencies via blood tests, then you may need to take a daily supplement.
Tailor your washing routine to your hair
Every person’s hair is unique. Yours might be dry, oily, balanced, coloured, curly or flat – the reasons for all of these can be because of everything from the oil glands on your head to hormones or even a change in the weather. You may feel frustrated that no matter what you do, you seem to end up washing your hair every day, whereas others only have to wash theirs once a week.
The secret to good hair care is understanding the hair that you have, as well as what you want it to look like. Shampoo and conditioner can be targeted to different hair types and scalp concerns, so making sure you pick the right one will make all the difference. Once you’re working in harmony with your hair, it will start to look and feel better, and you will too.
Get it trimmed regularly
When you’re growing your hair out, it can feel counterintuitive to go to the hairdresser to get it trimmed. You don’t want to lose your hard-won inches – but you’ve got to believe in the bigger picture. Trimming your hair doesn’t make it grow any faster, but it removes split ends, and therefore stops them traveling up the hair shaft. It can also make your hair look fuller and healthier.
Experts recommend getting a trim every two to three months, depending on your hair type, style and the condition of your locks.
Look and feel better
Your hair is one of the first things you may notice when you look in the mirror, and it’s often crucial for your self-esteem and confidence. Taking care of your tresses can help you feel better about yourself, giving you a boost as you go about your day.