Here at NUYU, January is a time to reflect on our hair condition and to learn new habits.  It is also a time when we are more conscious of this conditioning.  The winter winds and constant wet and dry can cause dryness while wearing a hat can lead to split ends.  Consequently, this is the month when we should all look to adopt some healthy hair habits.  It will make our preparation for the summer months so much easier and will make us feel better too.

Here are our favourite healthy hair habits to help you avoid hair loss, brittle and thinning hair, dandruff, itchy scalp, and so much more.

Regular haircuts

One of the best ways to keep the condition of your hair in check is to have regular trims.  A haircut every six weeks or so helps to remove any damaged hair and keeps new growth healthy.  It also allows the hairdresser to offer treatments or other care suggestions.  If you are trying to grow your hair, it is counterproductive to avoid the hairdresser.

Not only will you have to live with drying out, but we will also have to deal with the frizz of damaged split ends.  If we regularly have a trim, then you minimise the breakage.  You are also more likely to keep growing your hair, as you won’t have that moment of exasperation when you suddenly have it all cut off.

Give it a rest

Sometimes we need to allow our hair to be natural.  We need to allow it to flow freely out of any hair bands and other pins.  Each time you pull your hair into a ponytail, for instance, you are tugging at the hair shaft and causing brittleness.  Hair should also have periods where you are not colouring.  The use of chemicals on the hair can have detrimental effects on its long-term condition.  Consequently, you shouldn’t colour every time you go for a haircut.

Remember your scalp

Dry and brittle hair can lead to a scratchy scalp.  Constant scratching of your head can lead to a traumatising of the roots.  You may want to consult a doctor if this scalp itching is more than just the ordinary.  Alternatively, you may need to invest in shampoos that work to treat the scalp as well as the hair.

Our scalp is skin and therefore open to irritation from the products we use on the hair. Consequently, it might also mean puzzling out what you use that causes you to itch more and stop the use of these. Good hair care practices mean looking after your scalp as well as your hair for healthier results.

Eat healthily and drink water

An odd suggestion, you might think.  However, we are primarily a biological machine. Therefore, what we put into our body has a direct impact on the condition of everything about us – including our hair.  Our hair relies on protein to develop healthily.  As our hair is a non-essential system, if there is a shortage of protein in the body, it will be sent to the organs first.

Therefore, we need to consider eating nuts and oily fish.  Iron is also a mineral our hair needs to stay healthy.  People who struggle with iron-deficiency are also like to suffer from hair loss.

Drinking enough water is another essential tip.  Not only does it help keep our skin clear by removing toxins from the body, but it also helps with healthy hair growth.

Avoid excessive contact with extreme heat

Hot tools and scolding showers are a killer on the hair.  If you blow-dry your every time, then you are going to struggle with dry hair and split ends – unless you do something to protect your strands.  You can choose a cooler setting and a slower speed.  This setting may make the process of drying longer, but your hair will thank you.  Alternatively, you can spray your hair with a heat protector before you start drying – or curling – or straightening.

Scorching showers can also dry out the hair.  Therefore, a cooler, even lukewarm shower, is much better for your hair – and it helps to refresh your skin too.

And so much more

There are so many ways you can protect your hair.  You could choose a shampoo that best fits your hair type – and if dry wash only two or three times a week.  You could deep condition once a week, to give your hair some nourishment.  You could try to avoid touching your hair all the time or brush too vigorously.  Whatever small habits you can pick up could help you feel so much better about your hair.