How can I have healthy hair naturally?
Our hair and how we style it is integral to our personal look and how we feel about ourselves. It could be the reason why many spend hundreds of dollars on hair products each year to maintain their manes. But are they doing more harm than good? Can we have healthy hair minus the chemicals? Here are some things to consider on the road to having healthy hair, naturally.
Enrich your body with healthy hair vitamins
It’s not rocket science. What you put into your body will show on the outside and your hair is no exception. Your hair thrives on B complex vitamins, Vitamin D, iron and protein. You could get these via supplements but they are also available through consuming a nutrient-dense diet and by getting some sunshine each day. In terms of food, think of eating: green leafy vegetables, yoghurt, legumes, nuts, seeds, eggs and tofu. If you are not vegetarian, you can incorporate: seafood, poultry and red meat in healthy amounts. You are what you eat and a body fed healthy food will look healthy on the outside too.
Avoid certain chemicals
Common chemicals used in hair products include Sodium Laurel Sulphate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Isopropyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol and Polyethylene Glycol. Whilst these chemicals give you a lovely lather when you shower and promise to remove oils, give shine and deep clean your hair, it comes at a cost in the long term. These toxic chemicals cause dryness, scalp irritation, brittleness and possible hair loss.
Choose a healthy shampoo and conditioner
If you want to use a healthier shampoo and conditioner, consider buying one from a health store. Compared to their supermarket counterparts, these hair products are better for your hair and the environment. They are more likely to use organic ingredients and have no: nasty chemicals, parabens, animal testing, palm oil, sulphates, synthetic fragances, and the list goes on. Check the ingredients on the bottle before you buy.
Thinning hair and sensitive scalps
Hair loss and sensitive skin on your head can be caused by various things. Whilst some are hormonal or side effects of various conditions, others are within our control to change. Stress, a poor diet and the regular or improper use of hair products, hair dryers, curlers and straighteners, can affect the strength of our hair and irritate our scalp.
Many people go to great lengths to enhance their locks when their natural hair can be beautiful all on its own. A diverse diet of whole foods; using hair products with healthy, organic ingredients; and limiting the use of styling tools means you can have healthy hair, naturally. And we are sure the rest of your body will feel great too!
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313791#causes
https://www.lovehair.com/blogs/the-daily-muse/harmful-hair-products
https://www.health.com/beauty/hair-vitamins
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b-foods
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/foods-high-in-iron
https://www.myfooddata.com/articles/foods-highest-in-protein.php