We all want healthy, shiny hair, but getting there requires more than just regular shampoo and conditioning. I’ve seen it all as a professional hairstylist, from dry and brittle hair to oily, weighed-down locks. But one thing is certain: maintaining healthy hair is essential. After all, healthy hair is the foundation of any great hairstyle.
In this blog, we will look at the basics of hair growth and offer advice on how to grow and maintain healthy hair.
Nutrition, stress, and genetics are just a few of the factors that can influence how healthy our hair is. We can encourage healthy hair growth and keep our locks strong and full of life by following science-backed hair care tips.
Understanding Hair Growth
Hair growth occurs in three stages: the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. The anagen phase is the active growth phase, which lasts between two and six years. The catagen phase is the transitional phase, which lasts between two and three weeks. Lastly, the telogen phase is the resting phase, which lasts between two and four months. After the telogen phase, the hair falls out, and the cycle starts again.
The Science Behind Healthy Hair
Nutrition plays a crucial role in the health of our hair. Your hair needs certain nutrients to grow strong and healthy, including protein, vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-complex vitamins, as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, and biotin. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, a deficiency in nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin D can lead to hair loss. Incorporating foods such as eggs, nuts, leafy greens, and fatty fish can provide the necessary nutrients to promote hair growth.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can both promote healthy hair growth. Exercise improves blood flow to the scalp, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicles. Exercise increased the number of hair follicles in mice, according to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. This suggests that exercise may benefit hair growth in humans as well.
Stress is another factor that can affect the health of our hair. Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss. According to a study published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy, chronic stress can also lead to changes in the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage. Incorporating stress-reducing practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help promote healthy hair growth.
When it comes to hair care products, it is important to choose products that are gentle and free from harsh chemicals. A study in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that ingredients like sulfates and silicones, which are often found in hair care products, can damage the hair shaft and cause hair to break. Opting for natural hair care products or products specifically formulated for your hair type can help maintain the health of your hair. Back of Bottle and Aveda are two great product lines that are free of sulfates, silicones and parabens.
5 Healthy Hair Tips
Maintaining healthy hair takes work. Here are 5 tips I give my clients to keep their hair looking and feeling great:
- Get Regular Trims: Trims are essential for keeping your hair healthy. You can help prevent split ends and breakage by trimming your hair every 6 to 8 weeks to keep it looking fuller and healthier.
- Use a Heat Protectant: Blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons can cause damage to your hair if not used properly. To avoid heat damage, always apply a heat protectant spray or cream to your hair before heating it up.
- Reduce how often you wash your hair: The natural oils in your hair can be stripped away by over-washing, leaving it dry and brittle. Try to wash your hair every other day or even less frequently if it is particularly dry. Dry shampoos are a great alternative, too.
- Use a Deep Conditioning Treatment: If used once a week, a deep conditioning or hair bond rebuilder treatment can help nourish and hydrate your hair, leaving it soft and silky. Look for treatments that contain natural ingredients such as shea butter, avocado oil, or coconut oil. A leave-in conditioner can also help lock in moisture and prevent breakage.
- Protect Your Hair from the Sun: During the summer months, the sun’s rays can damage your hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends. To protect your hair from the sun, wear a hat or scarf when you’re outside for extended periods of time, and use a hair care product that contains SPF.
Healthy Scalp Tips
We all want our hair to look healthy, shiny, and full. However, did you know that a healthy scalp is equally as vital as healthy hair? A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth. Here are some tips on how to grow and maintain a healthy scalp and healthy hair.
Keep Your Scalp Clean
It’s essential to keep your scalp clean to prevent the buildup of oils, dirt, and dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles and prevent hair growth. Use a gentle shampoo that’s free from sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemicals. Washing your hair every other day can help to prevent an overly oily scalp.
Exfoliate your Scalp
Exfoliating your scalp can help to remove dead skin cells and unclog hair follicles, which can promote hair growth. The Aveda Scalp Solutions Exfoliation Scalp Treatment is a great addition to your haircare regimen. This skincare-inspired liquid gel exfoliant removes sebum, product buildup, and surface pollution instantly without disrupting the scalp barrier. Massage the scrub into your scalp in circular motions, then rinse with warm water.
Moisturize your Scalp
Just like your skin, your scalp needs moisture to be healthy. A dry scalp can cause itchiness, dandruff, and hair loss. Try the Aveda Scalp Renewal Serum to hydrate your scalp. This overnight scalp treatment protects against visible signs of premature scalp aging while you sleep, improving scalp hydration and barrier strength. Massage it in with your fingertips to increase blood flow and promote hair growth.
For healthy hair growth, you need a comprehensive plan that addresses both the scalp and the hair itself. Understanding the science behind hair growth and following the tips in the blog, you can keep your hair healthy from root to tip. Remember to maintain a healthy scalp, use the proper products, protect your hair, nourish it from the inside out, and make sure to get regular trims. With these easy steps, you can achieve the lush, healthy hair you’ve always desired. At Salon Blonde, we carry a wide range of products designed to promote healthy hair and scalp. Consult your hairstylist to create a personalized haircare regimen that will leave your hair looking and feeling great!