12 Habits for Healthy Hair

Bad hair days are a bummer; that’s a beautiful truth. But they are no joke: According to a reliable poll, 74% of women say a bad hair day makes them feel less confident. So, when your hair is in good shape, it undoubtedly looks better, and the chances of that happening are far less likely— or at least less frequent.

The challenge is your strands are constantly prone to hair damage: dullness, thinning, dryness, breakage, frizz, and more. With all these potential strand stresses, it’s no surprise that having healthy hair requires effort to keep it looking lush. And while there isn’t a secret shortcut to healthier hair, taking time to keep strands strong is worth the commitment. With small tweaks to your routine, maintaining great hair can be effortless.

Here are tips to help you establish healthy habits in your haircare routine for great hair days ahead!

1. Brush your hair before you shower
No matter what your hair texture is, taking 60 seconds to detangle strands will keep them strong. When your hair is wet it is more vulnerable to breakage, so always brush knots out of your hair when it’s dry. One added benefit: brushing dry hair distributes the natural oils from your scalp down to the ends of your hair. Another plus: post-shower it’s already smooth and ready to style!

2. Condition correctly — and with care
Unless your hair is long, e.g. Rapunzel-like, a nickel-size drop of conditioner is plenty for most textures and lengths. Apply your conditioner first to the mid-shaft and ends of your hair; then work your way up to the scalp. It’s important to make sure your scalp gets hydration as well. Leave it on for a full minute before washing it out. If you are a dry shampoo addict (no judgment!), this is especially important to prevent a dry scalp.

3. Take time for hair masks
To keep strands hydrated and smooth, use a moisturizing hair mask or deep conditioner at least once a week, and more frequently if you use hot tools regularly.

4. Be mindful of key ingredients
Staring down the haircare aisle can be overwhelming: with endless haircare options, how do you choose the one? As you pick out your products, narrow down your options by looking for strengthening ingredients, which will nourish your strands. Brook suggests incorporating coconut oil, Argan oil, aloe, or spirulina into your regimen.

5. Eat a Balanced Diet

You already know that you are what you eat. Your hair is mostly made up of protein, so eating a balanced diet of protein-rich food is important. Add these items to your grocery list:

• Fish
• Meat
• Eggs
• Beans

Other good sources of hair food: are berries, spinach, and avocados, along with anything else rich in vitamins C and E which will help boost collagen production, resulting in stronger strands.

Other good sources of hair food: are berries, spinach, and avocados, along with anything else rich in vitamins C and E which will help boost collagen production, resulting in stronger strands.

6. Take a deep breath
Repeat after us: breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. The little things make a big difference. Your hair is an outgrowth of your body; if you are stressed, your skin will be stressed and that includes your scalp. Now, keep calm and read on.

7. Turn down the temp of your shower
As soothing as a steamy show may feel, taking a super-hot shower daily can irritate your scalp and possibly weaken your hair as it grows out. Keep the temperature on the warm side and at the end of the shower, do a quick cold-water rinse to seal the cuticles shut, boost shine, and maintain healthy hair.