5 Healthy Hair Tips

Beautiful hair is one of the best accessories.  Your overall health can contribute to the condition of your hair, and the steps you take to care for it can make a huge difference.  Whether your locks are long or short, thick or thin, curly or straight, blond or brown, there are simple habits you can incorporate into your beauty routine to make your hair healthier and ultimately, more beautiful.  Cotton Candy contributor Claudia Mejerle shares five secrets sure to result in gorgeous hair.

Eating
It’s not just what you put on your tresses that counts – it’s also what you put in your body.  Healthy hair is often a result of eating a balanced diet full of so-called good fats, leafy, green veggies, antioxidant-rich fruits and protein-rich meats.  Both your hair and scalp thrive on foods packed with vitamins and nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C.  Salmon, walnuts and avocado provide protein and omega 3 fatty acids that promote hair growth and hydration.  Blueberries and spinach are examples of foods that are rich in vitamin C that is necessary for circulation and healthy hair follicles that prevent breakage.

Moisturizing
Your hair and scalp need to be moisturized just like the rest of your body.  Coconut oil has a long list of health and beauty uses, and you better believe it’s one of the best substances to nourish your hair.  A bit of melted coconut oil is wonderful to smooth into the ends of dried hair.  It can also be used as a bi-weekly conditioning treatment for both the hair and scalp.  People often neglect their scalp, which is literally the root of hair health.  So don’t forget to give your scalp some love so that your hair is strong and healthy, from root to tip.

Washing
Dirt, natural oils, pollution, styling products and even your tap water, can cause your hair to become lusterless and unmanageable due to buildup.  Who would have known that water could be the reason for half of your hair complaints?  Hard water – or water with excess minerals, can leave residue and make your hair limp, lifeless and dull.  The cure to any type of buildup is to do a clarifying wash.  Of course you can use a clarifying shampoo, but they can be expensive, loaded with harsh chemicals and strip your hair of wanted oils and moisture.  So make your own clarifying concoction of apple cider vinegar (1 tsp), baking soda (1 tbsp) and warm water (1.5 cups).  Rinse your hair with this mixture once a week and be amazed by your hair being brought back to life.

Brushing
It may sound elementary, but knowing how to safely brush your hair will prevent tons of damage.  Your hair can really take a beating if you use the improper tool or techniques to brush your hair.  Avoid plastic bristles all together—they’re just too stiff for brushing.  Natural boar bristle brushes are great for dry hair, while soft, rubber-toothed wide-paneled brushes are best for damp hair. Because wet hair is weaker, be extra gentle when brushing your hair when you get out of the shower or pool.  And instead of brushing root to tip, start at the ends to release tangles, then work your way up toward the scalp.

Styling
Give your hair a break from styling every few days. Excessive heat from hair dryers, curlers and irons dries out hair, in effect causing damage and frizz.  So air-dry your hair.  Who doesn’t want a break from styling? Use a curl crème if you want to encourage your natural waves, or go for a product that gives fullness at the root if your strands are straight.  This is a perfect opportunity try a braid, use a cute hair accessory like a headband or go for a chignon.

Written by: Claudia Mejerle
Mejerle is an Atlanta-based makeup artist with experience ranging from weddings to commercials, headshots, film, editorials and video shoots.