Healthy and natural hair is something many of us dream of. Luscious and strong hair isn’t easy to achieve. It actually doesn’t take that many products to take care of hair – it requires a lot of patience and habits. Here’s a list of tips that will help you achieve the most beautiful, natural` hair you can imagine.
Cut very frequently
Some of us are trying to grow out of our hair while others want to cut it. Either way, it’s important to trim it once in a while. Visit your hair stylist once every few months to cut off damaged ends. Split ends are very common, especially if you frequently style your hair and use heated tools. Split ends appear because of heat damage and improper hair treatment. You can even try to cut your hair yourself if you want to save money.
Don’t wash your hair very often
Wash your hair every 2-3 days to keep your natural hair oils at a normal level. Your hair will have body and volume when you wash it less often. If you have hair that gets oily quickly, try to get your hair used to not washing it and wait around two weeks for your oil levels to be regulated.
Don’t use hot water
Avoid washing your hair with steaming hot water – wash it with lukewarm only. Hot water can dry out strip hair from its protective oils. The temperature should be a bit warmer than your body temperature. It’s also recommended to rinse the hair with cold water after you finish washing it.
Use minimal products
Stick to a minimal amount of products: shampoo, conditioner, and a serum. Avoid using too many products since they create buildup on your scalp and can even cause dandruff. It’s even sometimes recommended to take a break from traditional shampoo and wash your hair with some type of organic rinses.
Avoid coloring dry hair
In general, dying your hair is bad, especially if it’s damaged or dry. It strips the hair of its natural oils. If you prefer natural lightening methods, it’s recommended to use lemon, honey or chamomile tea. You can also add some lemon juice to water and mist it all over your hair. The tea can be used to rinse your hair, while the honey can be added to the water you use to wash your hair.
Watch what you eat
Drinking a lot of water and maintaining a healthy diet are really important for your hair. Fruits and vegetables provide you with essential vitamins for your body, which is why they are great for your hair. They help give it some shine and can even help it grow faster. Everything you put into your body will show on the outside.
Avoid hot water
Avoid washing your hair with steaming hot water – wash it with lukewarm only. Hot water can dry out strip hair from its protective oils. The temperature should be a bit warmer than your body temperature. It’s also recommended to rinse the hair with cold water after you finish washing it.
Air-dry your hair as much as possible
Instead of using too much heat and unnecessarily damaging your hair, leave it to air-dry. If you don’t have the time for this, use your blow dryer on the lowest heat setting. Try not to sleep in wet hair – this can cause your hair to break.
Oil massage
A traditional remedy for having soft and shiny hair is oil massaging. You can use a natural oil – any type will work (coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil). Warm the oil and massage it to your scalp very precisely. Leave it on for an hour and rinse it off with lukewarm water after. Olive oil strengthens the roots and stops hair from breaking. A good idea is to leave it on overnight for deep conditioning.
Herbal hair mask
Hair masks are amazing for the hair – they live it nourished and rejuvenated.Take one teaspoon of triphala powder and mix it with one tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Add a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply it onto wet hair and leave it on for at least 20 minutes. Rinse it off thoroughly with cool water.
Avoid tight hair ties
Try scrunchies with cloth and fabric around them. Tight hair ties pull your hair and are painful. They also increase friction, leave dents in your hair and cause breakage.
Brush your hair
Don’t use combs with plastic bristles- they create breakage from static electricity. Avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet. It’s actually best to brush out tangles at first and then brush from the roots of the hair to the ends. This will properly spread your hair’s oils and prevent any unwanted breakage.
Always use heat protectant
Heat tools are super damaging to the hair. You should always use some type of protectant that keeps your hair from getting damaged. Heat protectants are usually available in spray, serums or lotions. They also add a lot of shine and silkiness to your hair. Of course, it’s best to use heat products (flat irons, curlers, blow dryers) as little as possible.
Baking soda mixture
For clean hair take three tablespoons of baking soda, add some water and stir well. Rinse your hair with this solution after you shampoo it. Let it set for around five minutes before a final rinse. This will leave your hair super clean and fresh.
Egg treatment
Eggs are amazing for the hair. Use an entire egg to condition your hair. Egg white moisturize your hair, especially dry or brittle hair. Use half a cup of any egg mixture and apply to clean hair that is damp. Leave it for around 30 minutes and rinse it off with cool water. If you prefer, you can also use shampoo to wash it off.
Apple cider vinegar
Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, two tablespoons of olive oil and three egg whites. Rub the mixture into your hair and rinse it through your hair. Leave it on covered in a shower cap for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with water and shampoo (you might have to repeat this process twice in order to get rid of the smell.)
Jojoba oil for damaged ends
Jojoba oil is naturally rich in lipids and peptides. It easily absorbs into the hair. A small amount of it on the hair will give it a nice shine and seal a lot of damaged ends. Argan oil is also great for damaged hair and can also be rubbed through the length of the hair. Focus most of the product on the ends of your hair.
Avoid sulfates
Sulfates are found in over 90% of hair products and can be called hormone disruptors and suspected gene mutagens. They are often used in products because they’re inexpensive and effective at cutting through oil. Look for the words sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate in the ingredients and avoid them as much as possible.
Avoid coloring dry hair
In general, dying your hair is bad, especially if it’s damaged or dry. It strips the hair of its natural oils. If you prefer natural lightening methods, it’s recommended to use lemon, honey or chamomile tea. You can also add some lemon juice to water and mist it all over your hair. The tea can be used to rinse your hair, while the honey can be added to the water you use to wash your hair.
Strawberry hair mask
Strawberries are natural hair conditioners and work well for luscious hair. Take eight mashes strawberries and mix them with one tablespoon of mayonnaise. Massage it into your hair and leave it on for a while. Wash it off with shampoo and conditioner. This will give your hair softness and shininess.
Protect your hair before swimming
Pools contain harsh chemicals that can damage your hair and leave it dry. Try to add a little conditioner to your hair before you swim to prevent it from being damaged. It’s a great tip for those who spend a lot of their time in pools.
Almond oil
Almond oil is great for dry and damaged hair. Take some of it into a bowl and heat for a little less than a minute. Apply it evenly onto your hair and leave it on for around 30 minutes. Rinse it off with shampoo and conditioner in cool water. This will make your hair stronger and less prone to breakage.
Don’t dry your hair with a towel
It’s not recommended to dry wet hair with a towel because it’s rough on the hair and can damage it. Leave it out to air dry and squeeze off excess water using a cotton T-shirt which is a lot gentler on the hair.
Olive Oil And Avocado Hair Mask
This mask is a great option for damaged hair. Blend one avocado with two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Apply onto the hair for 10-15 minutes and rinse off thoroughly. Make sure you repeat this mask at least once a week for effects that last.
Vinegar rinse
Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, two tablespoons of olive oil and three egg whites. Rub the mixture into your hair and rinse it through your hair. Leave it on covered in a shower cap for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with water and shampoo (you might have to repeat this process twice).
Honey and Banana Hair Mask
Mash a banana in a bowl until smooth and add in a few teaspoons of honey. Apply to clean, slightly damp hair and rinse after 20-30 minutes. Your hair will be super soft and smelling amazing after! The banana scent is beyond amazing and will stay on your hair for hours.
Rub on an avocado for shine
Avocados are rich in minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids that help keep your hair shiny and restored. Mash a ripe avocado with one egg and apply to damp hair. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it through a few times. Try to repeat this process about once a week. It’s a great method for hair that is super damaged and needs some rescue.
Try green tea
Green tea contains an antioxidant called EGCG which is great for the health of hair follicles and contributes to less hair loss and thinning. It’s also effective at treating dandruff and psoriasis. Flaky skin can be treated with green tea and it regulates the scalps moisture levels while also nourishing and hydrating it. Many shampoos contain green tea, but a good idea is to massage a freshly brewed and cooled cup of green tea onto the hair. It makes a great rinse and leaves your hair soft, smooth, shiny and nourished.
Essential oil for a dry and itchy scalp
All oils are great moisturizers, but rosemary and pine essential oils specifically are great for a dry and irritated scalp. Try adding a few drops into your hair and scalp and massage it in for a few minutes. These oils contain antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Use your shampoo on the scalp
Washing the strands and ends of your hair strips it of its oils. Focus on cleansing the scalp properly and that’s where you should concentrate the product. When you rinse the scalp with water, it runs through your strands and washes it with soap anyway, so it’s unnecessary to add extra shampoo.
Coconut Oil And Almond Milk Hair Mask
Mix together three tablespoons of egg white, four tablespoons of almond milk and two tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply the mixture onto your hair and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and notice how shiny and nourished your hair feels.
Crushed amla paste
The is a popular Indian paste that is often included in hair products, tonics and medical steams. It contains a lot of vitamin C and helps produce collagen protein, which boosts the regeneration of cells and stimulates hair length and volume. It also contains over 80% moisture. It acts as a natural scalp cleanser, removes germs, and helps prevent hair damage.
Use rice water as a shampoo and rinse
This method is a lesser known ancient Chinese remedy used for hundreds of years by women in Chinese villages. Rice water contains components with nutritional value for the hair. Around 16% of these components are proteins which are essential to cell health. Triglycerides and lipids each make up 10% of the rice water components, while starch makes up 9%. Carbohydrates, phytic acid and other organic substances are found in the water. It’s best to add it to your daily shampoo when washing your hair.
All of these tips will help keep your hair looking healthy, shiny and beautiful. See which remedies and methods work best for you and be consistent to see the amazing results!