Tips for healthy hair

Monday, July 4, 2022

From heat treatments to coloring to hairstyles that tug at our hairlines, many of us put our hair through a lot. If your hair has seen better days, there are some habits you can adopt to get it looking lively again. We’ve put together some practical tips for healthy hair from the inside out to help you get a little closer to your hair goals.

How to get healthy hair and keep it that way?

Care for your hair and scalp

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. That’s why, if you’re experiencing hair loss, dermatologists are well equipped to help you understand what’s causing it. After all, your scalp is part of your skin.

Be sure to keep your scalp clean by concentrating your shampoo on your scalp when washing. If you have a persistently flaky scalp, try a shampoo designed for dry scalp. If the problem is persistent, it might be time to see a dermatologist. 

Treat your hair with care

What’s your daily hair routine? This can also affect the health of your hair. Try not to use heat tools (blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons) too often. At the very least, use a heat-protecting spray to shield your hair from the effects of these tools.


You should also avoid wearing tight, pulled-back hairstyles too often because they can cause traction alopecia (a type of hair loss caused by tension).

Your hair will be healthiest when you keep it clean and don’t overprocess it. That means avoiding or at least dialing back on harsh chemicals like bleach and relaxers as well.

Get the vitamins and nutrients you need

Here’s the part where you need to think about your hair’s health from the inside out. If you think the condition of your hair might be suffering because of a vitamin deficiency, you’ll want to talk to a doctor.

Taking certain vitamins without knowing which ones you need can be harmful at worst and ineffective at best. Although there are a lot of supplements and chewable vitamins out there claiming to strengthen your hair and even your nails, it’s best to get a doctor’s expert opinion instead.

You should also keep an eye on your protein intake. If you aren’t getting enough protein on a daily basis, try incorporating a protein powder, eggs, beans, or legumes into your diet to benefit your hair. 

Wash your hair the right way

How often you need to wash your hair depends on your scalp and your hair texture. If your hair tends to get oily quickly, you’ll need to wash it more often. But for dryer hair that’s been color-treated or curly and coily textures that don’t get oily as fast, washing about once per week usually works just fine.

When you shampoo, focus on cleansing your scalp and massaging the product around with your fingers. You can even try a clarifying shampoo once in a while to give your scalp a good clean and get rid of any product buildup that could be causing flakes.

Be sure to also use a conditioner after every shampoo. Soon your hair will look shinier and feel smoother too. Follow these simple tips and your hair will thank you.

 When to consult a dermatologist

Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a surge of people experiencing hair loss. If you’re among the millions dealing with hair loss, you’ll want to know what the possible causes are. Hair loss can be the result of:

  • Stress and traumatic events (hair loss typically occurs three months after the event)

  • Tension from frequently wearing very tight hairstyles

  • Major hormonal changes (including the changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause)

  • Certain medications, treatments, and conditions (including chemotherapy and thyroid problems)

If you’re losing hair and unsure why the best course of action is to speak to a dermatologist. They can help you identify the cause and possibly prevent further hair loss.

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