How to Maintain Healthy Hair – 20+ Tips and Home Remedies, Good Hair health and Hair care
Overview
In today’s world of pollution and the use of cosmetics containing high amounts of various chemicals, the quality of the outer layer of the body is gradually declining. This layer includes skin, hair, nails etc.
In this article we will discuss healthy hair, the causes of hair loss, its symptoms and its home remedies.
How to know if your hair is healthy or not?
The health of our hair can be measured by observing the texture- smooth or rough, strength, growth and other signs. Here are some the ways to find out if your hair is properly nourished or malnourished –
1) Note the amount of hair fall
Hair fall is a natural process. New hair grows replacing the old fallen hair strands. However, if the rate and speed of hair loss exceeds the speed and volume of new hair growth, then it can be considered as a problem. Notice the hair fall situations at the time of washing and combing; notice your pillow if it has fallen stings. It is not a big issue if face loss of 10 to 100 strands of hair a day. If your hair loss speed and volume is more than that of its growth then you should probably consult a specialist.
2) Consider the Structure of the Hair
Healthy hair does not tangle easily. Rough, dry malnourished hairs are easily tangled. If your hair is tangled even with a gentle breeze, if your fingers easily get stuck into your hair, then your hair needs nourishment.
3) Good Elasticity is a Quality
One of the hallmarks of healthy hair is good elasticity. Nourished hair shows elasticity like a spring when it is suddenly matched with a hairpin attached to the scalp or the hair on the scalp. In addition, the hair strands can be pulled gently by holding it in at both ends. If you are able to break the strand by doing this then your hair probably suffers from malnutrition. If after the gentle pull the strand comes back to its previous position then it’s a quality of good healthy hair.
4) No Dandruff Problem Visible
Healthy hairs also have healthy roots and are free of issues. If your scalp is dry and dirty, dandruff problems will pop up. Dandruffs are usually dead cells of skin that are removed from the scalp. This can lead to other related problems. If you suffer from frequent dandruff problems even after maintaining excessive hygiene, then your scalp is probably not healthy. This type of skin also affects the quality of the hair.
5) Notice Split ends
Pay close attention to the tips of your hair. Notice carefully if there are cracks or split ends. Dry malnourished hair follicles usually split in two. This is one of the most common symptoms of malnutrition of hair health.
6) Note the freshness of hair
Nutritious hair shine and freshness can be seen from afar. This type of strands reflects more of the light rays as it has no cracks in its outer shell. Such hair is not only visibly shiny but also smooth. If your hair looks dull even in excessive daylight, then it doesn’t fall under the category of healthy hair.
7) Test the strength of the hair
Smooth fresh looking hair can also be weak at times. Gently pull one strand holding its two ends. If it is easy to break then this hair is suffering from malnutrition. Healthy hair is not easy to pull and break.
8) Consider the effects of humidity
Notice if your hair gets wet even with a little moisture. This is due to cracks in the cuticle layer of the hair. When the cuticle shell ruptures, it allows water to enter the hair follicles. The cuticle of healthy hair is protected and the humidity of the external environment does not easily affect the hair.
9) Too many hair loss
As mentioned earlier, easily breakable hair is not healthy. This problem can also be caused by stress, polluted external environment, ultraviolet rays of the sun and lack of nutritious food. If you have frequent hair fall issues then you should probably seek an expert’s help and need to take hair treatment.
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Factors contributing to unhealthy hair
There can be various reasons for hair loss or loss of its quality. The following are some of the most commonly observed factors –
- Hormones
In healthy hair, structure and growth both female and male hormones are essential. The hormone responsible for hair growth in the male body and to some extent in the female body is androgen. As you grow older, your body’s production of these hormones decreases. This can lead to hair loss, thinning of hair etc. In addition, the male hormone testosterone and the female hormone estrogen also affect the health of the hair.
- Stress
Sometimes stress can cause hair loss. This condition is called Telogen Effluvium. Studies on this show that stress interferes with the natural growth of hair.
- Hereditary
Hereditary causes can also lead to hair loss, graying and thinning of hair, roughness. It can also act as a barrier to the process of healthy hair growth. The testosterone hormone, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), appears to be more effective in men with genetic susceptibility which binds and destroys new cells in the hair follicles. As a result, in some portions the person may notice baldness. On the other hand, a woman with the same sensitive genes, the hormone estrogen, reduces hair growth and makes hair thinner. This level of estrogen decreases after menopause, which leads to hair loss.
- Eating Habits
Hair is mainly made up of a protein type called ‘carotene’. Therefore, a balanced diet helps maintain healthy hair. Lack of an adequate protein rich diet lowers the quality of hair health. In addition to protein, vitamins also play an important role in good hair health. Vitamins prolong the state of Anagen and can reverse the condition of Telogen. Similarly, some vitamins (such as vitamin A) can help keep hair growing.
- Pollution
Air polluting dusts, nickel, lead, arsenic, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, vaporized organic compounds, etc. first settles at the roots of hair strands and gradually enters the skin; which causes oxidative stress. This stress causes itching of the hair follicles, reddening of the skin, excessive sebum secretion, vomiting, aching and finally hair loss.
- Strong Medicines
Some of the medications taken for gout, arthritis, blood pressure, anticoagulants, antidepressants, vitamin A supplements, birth control pills, etc. appear to hold the primary side effects contributing to hair loss.
- Health Problems
Thyroid hormone inhibits the metabolic function of hair cells. Even a small amount of this hormone can lead to thinning of the hair and make it easier to break while combing. Other autoimmune problems such as celiac, systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis and chronic diseases alter the metabolism of cells and damage hair. After recovering from such ailments, the hair loss problem stops and the hair becomes normal again.
- Smoking
Smoking disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, which in turn inhibits hair growth. The toxicity of this smoke is harmful to the hair. It destroys the hair follicles by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hair follicles.
- Beauty Appliances
The heat emitted from some of the most popular beauty appliances nowadays, such as blow dryers, flat irons, hair straighteners, curling devices, etc., are detrimental to healthy hair.
- Hair Aging
Hair aging refers to the weakening of the hair follicles, the growth of hair follicles and the growth of cells. This aging can be caused by external factors (Ex- pollution, smoking, oxidative stress, malnutrition) and internal factors (premature hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, etc.).
- Toxic Hair Products
Some of the hair products we use most often are shampoos containing polythene glycol and alcohol; Hair color containing para phenylenediamine can cause severe itching, allergies, thinning of hair, hair loss etc.
- The condition of the Scalp
Hair loss is also caused by some fungal infections. Symptoms may include rash, ringworm infections of the scalp, Alopecia Areata, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and folliculitis. This condition causes inflammation of the hair follicles and increases the itching of the scalp. This condition of the scalp affects the structure and strength of the hair cells. Once these problems are resolved and the scalp heals, hair starts to grow again.
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Home remedies for various hair issues
Hair plays an important role in the beauty of the human body. Many methods and treatments have been used since ancient times to protect the hair against various diseases and ailments. Here are some effective remedies for hair problems –
- Scalp Massage
Use oil to maintain healthy hair. Massaging the scalp with various beneficial oils such as coconut oil, sesame oil, onion oil, fenugreek oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc., regenerates the hair follicles and cells and improves blood circulation to the scalp. This results in better hair growth and structure.
Also Read: 13+ Curing Benefits of Amla Oil
- Hair Cleaning
Always keep hair clean. Prevent the accumulation of toxic substances from the environment in the roots of hair. On summer days, at least once a week, wash your hair with shampoo that suits your skin.
- Do not comb wet Hair
Wet hair strands are soft and easily break. Combining wet hair often leads to loss of even healthy hair. In addition, doing so can have a number of negative effects on the health of the hair. Therefore, it is always advised to let the hair dry first and then comb.
- Drink enough water:
Keeping the body hydrated allows other physical activities to run smoothly which helps to keep the scalp healthy and indirectly maintains the health of the hair.
- Limit Alcohol and Smoking
Alcohol and smoking adversely affects the functioning of the organs of the body. Abnormal hair fall problems are more common in people who drink and smoke more frequently.
- Stay away from Stress
Numerous scientific studies have shown that mental stress inhibits hair growth and contributes to hair loss. Take the help of meditation, music or any activities you like to relieve stress.
- Exercise
Performing exercise on a daily basis improves blood circulation and removes toxins from the body in the form of sweat which keeps the scalp and hair cells healthy along with other organs. This results in better hair growth and structure.
- Take Nutritious Diet
As we mentioned before, hair is made up of a protein called keratin. Vitamins also play an important role in maintaining the health of hair. Therefore, eating nutritious food accelerates the growth of hair, strengthens the hair strands and roots and prevents hair loss. Different types of fruits, vegetables, milk, fish and meat should be consumed for hair health.
Sometimes along with these foods hair also requires vitamin and protein supplements to maintain good health. In such cases, take supplements according to expert advice.
- Hair Masks
A variety of herbal remedies, such as herbal henna or hair masks, are believed to be good for hair growth, texture, and scalp. Such masks are scientifically proven. Therefore, home-made or naturally prepared masks are available in the market and can be applied.
Also Read: Henna – Medicinal Importance, Benefits, Uses, Side Effects
Conclusion:
This article discusses healthy hair, its affecting factors, and some home remedies for frequently seen hair problems. We hope that the information included in this article will help you in various ways. Thank You!
FAQ
1) How to maintain long hair?
A- You need to take proper care of long hair. Just washing and shampooing your hair is not enough to keep them healthy. You need to trim them regularly, as well as use shampoos and conditioners according to your hair type and dry your hair carefully. Avoid tight hairstyles that pull your hair and can cause hair loss. It’s also important what you eat, so prefer taking a balanced diet to keep your hair healthy long and strong.
2) How to use conditioner?
A- Usually, conditioners are applied every time the hair is shampooed. To use a conditioner, you must shampoo your hair and scalp and wash it thoroughly. Drain the water from your hair and then use conditioner according to your hair type from the middle of your hair shaft to the tip and then leave it on for a few minutes. Rinse off the conditioner and let your hair dry.
3) How to grow hair faster?
A- You need to take care of it to grow your hair faster. Your hair cannot grow overnight, so you need to follow a complete hair care routine which includes regular trimming, applying oil or hair masks on a weekly basis. You may also take supplements to speed up hair growth, but you should consult your doctor first.
4) What is the cause of drandruff and dry scalp?
A- Dandruff can occur for various reasons. Causes can include dry scalp, eczema or even psoriasis. Itching on dry skin can lead to dandruff flakes. These are actually the dry skin of scalp that has fallen due to itching.
5) How to stop hair loss?
A- You need to take proper care of your hair to stop hair loss. Using shampoos filled with shampoos and chemicals that contain hard ingredients can damage your hair and cause hair loss. Choose a gentle shampoo instead, that will cleanse your scalp without damaging your hair. Use good combs and massage your scalp thoroughly to stimulate blood circulation.
6) Why does the scalp often become oily?
A- Sometimes hair becomes too oily due to the oil released from the scalp, some people produce more oil than others. It can also be the result of using oily hair care products. Extra oil production can also be triggered by various other factors such as puberty, stress, pregnancy, menstruation, or hormone drugs.
7) How often should hair be washed?
A- This depends on your hair type, if you have dry to normal hair you can wash it once a week, but if your scalp is oily you probably need to wash it in alternate days.