A lot of shampoos on the market contain sulfates, which can strip your hair of its natural oils. These natural oils help your hair to stay moisturized, preventing breakage. Search for sulfate-free products to keep your hair healthy and strong. [3] X Research source Remember to deep condition when you wash. Deep conditioning can be time consuming, but it may help repair any damage from breakage. [4] X Research source
Mix together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of castor oil, and 4 drops of tea tree oil and apply to damp or dry hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes before shampooing as normal. [7] X Research source Mix together 4 tablespoons of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon each of 3 different oils. Olive, castor, coconut, almond, and jojoba oil are all great choices. Warm the mixture in the microwave and apply it to dry, unwashed hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap and a thermal heat turban and let it sit for an hour before washing as normal. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source
Water is the best moisturizer for dry hair. Some days you may be able to get by with just spraying a little water on your hair to keep it soft. If you do have to buy a moisturizer, search for products that have water listed as the first or second ingredient. Sealants help keep the moisture in your hair, and are often made with oils and butters. You should only apply sealants after you moisturize, otherwise you’ll just have greasy hair. If you find a product that contains both water and oil, it may work as a moisturizer and a sealant. If your hair is especially kinky or dry, search for thicker, creamier moisturizers.
Protective styles are styles that protect the ends of your hair by tucking them away. Cornrows, and two-strand twists, are common examples of protective styles. [12] X Research source Weaves and extensions are technically protective styles, but can still damage your hair. [13] X Research source Some protective styles, such as a two-strand twist, allow you to further style your hair with a bun, or a twist-out. [14] X Research source Braiding cornrows can be a time consuming task and takes a bit of practice to master. Have a friend help you if you plan on going this route. Low manipulation styles don’t protect the ends of the hair, but they can still prevent breakage. They are easier to do and less permanent than protective styles. Twist-outs and coils are examples of low manipulation styles. [15] X Research source
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair. If you find that using a comb causes your hair to break, then switch to finger-combing. Some people prefer to use a little conditioner or shea butter to help detangle their hair. Once your hair is detangled, rinse the moisturizer out with water.
In between trims use a sealant to protect the ends of your hair. [18] X Research source Trimming your hair when it is dry will give you a better idea of your hair’s actual length. Dry hair also allows you to see more split ends and the true shape of your hair. [19] X Research source Trimming your hair when it is wet might be easier because your hair is more flexible. But, during a wet trim you can’t see the actual shape of your hair. [20] X Research source
Too much heat may lead to more frequent trims, which means a longer growing process. Try braiding or twisting your hair to naturally increase the length.
The recommended daily amount is 9 glasses of water for women, and 13 glasses for men. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Poultry is a good source of protein and iron. Beans are also a good source of protein and iron, as well as zinc and biotin. Incorporating nuts into your diet will also give you a good protein boost. Some nuts, such as Brazil nuts, contain selenium, which promotes scalp health.
Substitute a couple of tablespoons of flaxseed into your diet to get your Omega-3s if you’re a vegetarian.
Broccoli, spinach, kale, and chard are just a few examples of some greens to add to your diet for healthy hair. Carrots are also an excellent source of vitamin A, though they aren’t technically a green.
