How to get healthy & strong Hair

Hair is a symbol of charm and personal identity for women of all ages. Healthy hair can contribute to greater self-confidence. 

We listed simple and natural tips for growing beautiful and shiny hair. 

 

What Can Cause Weak Hair?

Overly Aggressive Shampoos

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), commonly used in shampoos, may present risks to hair follicles. Its intense cleaning action can cause damage to the follicles, potentially leading to hair loss. Persistent use of SLS-infused products can disrupt the hair growth cycle, resulting in weaker, less healthy hair strands.

Excessive Styling

Tight hairdos, frequent braids, as well as hair extensions put a lot of stress on your hair shaft, which can result in weaker hair. Coloring, perming, and high-heat styling techniques such as straightening, blow drying and curling damage the cuticle, the outer protective layer of your hair.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal issues such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) result in very weak hair. Also, women suffering from PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can develop male-pattern receding hairline on the scalp.

Poor Diet coupled with Vitamins & Minerals deficiency

When you eat a poor diet, the effect is visible in your hair. Healthy eating is essential for strong and healthy hair. Lack of zinc, vitamins A, D, and E, biotin, iron, niacin, folic acid, and protein may cause weak hair.

Mistakes In Hair Care

Brushing or combing or brushing your hair too vigorously will weaken it from the roots, which results in excessive hair shedding. Similarly, when you tie the hair too tightly or wear the same style repeatedly it puts a lot of strain on your roots, making them weak with time.

Pregnancy

Your body experiences a surge of hormones during pregnancy, forcing more hair to become weak. This hair enters the thinning phase after delivery and begins to fall out. Your hair can sometimes continue falling out for a few months after giving birth. Weak hair can occur because of mineral deficiencies all through pregnancy.

Environmental Damage

Constant exposure to UV radiation from the sun, and also airborne pollutants such as various chemical toxins, dirt, dust, and smoke could wreak havoc on your hair.

UV rays and pollutants produce free radicals, which destroy the hair shaft and make it dry and brittle. Furthermore, these free radicals penetrate the hair follicles, weakening the hair’s foundation and hindering growth.

Over-Washing

Too much washing can be damaging to your hair. Over washing is the most common mistake people make. Nothing beats the natural oils in your hair for shine. Brushing your hair gently on a regular basis may help distribute the natural oils. Just don’t skip shampoo for more than just a few days; you still have to rinse away hair product buildup to maintain thicker and strong hair

 

---

In a nutshell: How to Get Strong hair

• Minimize external aggressions

  • Avoid ammonia-based products as often as possible
  • Limit the number of annual Brazilian straightening sessions
  • Dry your hair with medium warm heat
  • Prefer a gentle ceramic straightener over a classic one. You can couple it with a heat protecting spray
  • Avoid silicone products
  • Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo
• Take hair growth supplements
  • Vitamins 
  • Minerals
  • Proteins
• Adopt a hair promoting diet
• Use Proteins and Natural Oil Mask
• Maintain healthy hair bulbs
• Moisturize hair daily
• Avoid Over-Washing

 

---

Wash your hairs with gentler shampoos

This is by far one of the most important rules for growing healthy hair! 

It has been found that foaming agents contained in Shampoos can have a negative effect on skin cells and hence hair bulbs (a mini-organ responsible for generating the hair). Washing your hair with irritating foaming agents could result in a loss of vitality after many years of daily use. That is why we recommend including a gentle shampoo in your daily washing routine. Such shampoos usually do not contain Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate and any other harsh chemical.

In case of doubt, you can always check the irritation potential of ingredients here on SkinCarisma.

Our bar shampoo for dry hair or our shampoo bar for fine hair are very gentle shampoos.

 

Take Supplements for increasing healthy hair growth

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is necessary for cell growth, which in turn promotes strong hair. Vitamin A is also beneficial to your skin glands, which are used to generate sebum. Vitamin A is not recommended during pregnancy. 

Vitamin C

Hair can benefit from vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial for healthy hair growth because it is a powerful antioxidant. It promotes blood circulation all over the body, including the scalp. Higher blood circulation to the scalp will help in better stimulation of your hair follicles, which may aid in hair growth.

Iron & Zinc

Iron is essential for hair growth. This micronutrient increases circulation and aids in the efficient delivery of oxygen to your cells, which helps in stronger hair growth. 

Zinc is a small mineral that the body only requires in lesser amounts. It may be small but powerful, and it’s involved in everything from cell function to DNA creation. Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss.

Vitamin D

A vitamin D deficiency can cause hair loss. Keratinocytes, skin cells that create keratin, absorb vitamin D in the skin. When the body lacks vitamin D, the keratinocytes in your hair follicles struggle to grow strong hair, which results in shedding as well as hair loss.

Biotin

Biotin, also commonly known as B7, is just a complex B vitamin with hair straightening benefits. Biotin aids in the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen and nutrients to your scalp and hair follicles. This also aids in the production of keratin, a key component of hair.

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

It is essential for cell health and is believed to improve the health of your scalp and hair.

 

Avoid silicone shampoos or masks

Many shampoos, conditioners, masks, and styling creams available on the market use components designed to artificially increase the density of the hair. Compared to protein or keratin masks, the effect is purely cosmetic as silicon does not interact with hair fibers but rather artificially inflate the space between each hair. Furthermore, silicone tends to accumulate in the scalp. If possible, choose silicone-free products.

Our Coconut Shampoo Bar or our bar shampoo for fine hair do not contain silicone.

Use Keratin and protein masks to boost hair fibers

After 30, hair follicles produce less keratin (the main protein which constitutes the hair). The result is weakened and less resistant hair. To make up for these losses, it is beneficial to use care products rich in proteins and nutrients that you can apply in your daily hair-care routine.

Protein-rich and keratin-rich masks will help replenish the structural integrity of the hair fiber. Their effect does not last very long so you should try to use a mask once a week for maximal benefits.

Here a list of DIY protein masks ideas

Use weekly vegetable oil masks to restore shine

Natural oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil nourish the hair intensely and strengthen its vitality. Do not hesitate to use them as natural masks, to be applied on the lengths (one inch from the root) in the evening before going to bed, for example, to let the components act all night long.
To maximize the oils’ moisturizing properties, you can wrap the hair in a towel after applying your care. This technique is called “hair plopping” 

You can learn more about hair plopping in our detailled guide 

To learn more about hair masks, you can visit our DIY hair mask guide 

 

Deal with common hair problems

Get rid of excess oil

First, be aware that the frequency of shampoo washes directly influences the appearance of oily hair. Shampoos stimulate the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for the production of sebum. Hence the importance of spacing out shampoo sessions or using non-aggressive shampoos to reduce excess sebum.

Experts recommend washing hair once to three times a week and avoiding intensive massage of the scalp when shampooing. Also, using mildly warm or cold water when rinsing is recommended, as hot water causes sebum to build up.
When using hair masks such as described above, be careful however, to apply it only to the lengths and ends and not to the roots, so as not to add oiliness to your scalp.

Say goodbye to annoying split ends

The easiest and most radical way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off each time they appear.

To prevent them, avoid dying and frequent smoothing or brushing. If you must style your hair with heat, use a heat-protective spray to limit the damage caused by intensive heat on the hair. Repeated detangling sessions are also not recommended because they damage the scales of our hair.

Finally, if you are a fan of organic and natural masks, prepare home-made masks by mixing avocado, coconut oil and banana. These are ideal for dry hair. Apply the mixture by parting it section by section with a hairbrush for greater effectiveness.

Tame frizz

There is nothing like styling (natural) lotions to get rid of frizz. Before styling, spray your hair to coat the hair fiber and easily tame your unruly hair. After having sprayed, apply to the entire length with a fine-tooth comb. In addition, nourishing your hair with moisturizing masks will tame the frizz.

Try a mid-length cut

During your hair strengthening period, you can try the mid-length cut to look fresh and dynamic.
Another great benefit of this haircut is that you can style it almost any way you like. Whether your hair is curly or straight, the mid-length cut is suitable for all hair types. If you prefer to tie your hair up in the summer, you can also go for this cut coupled with a ponytail or bun. For an even more stylish look, finish off your hairstyle with accessories such as headbands or barrettes.

Maintain healthy hair bulbs

With age, hair follicles begin to become less active. This phenomenon is the result of natural aging, hormonal imbalance increasing and additional environmental factors such as ultraviolet rays, pollution, smoking, bad diet, unhealthy living style, alcohol, or stress. To keep healthy follicles, we suggest the following steps:

1. Encourage hair regrowth through daily scalp massages with active known to promote hair growth. These massages have been shown to stimulate blood flow in the capillaries, the small blood vessels that bring nutrients to follicles.
2. Every day before bed, infuse your scalp with growth promoting substances, which have known benefits hair follicles. 
3. Protect the hair from the sun and pollution thanks to anti-pollution protective mists that prevent the hair scales from drying out.
4. Use a friendly washing routine with gentler shampoos, less frequent washes, and dry washing once every other day
5. Use alternative drying methods such as hair bands. These natural straightening methods are easy to use and work with all hair types for incredibly smooth results.

 

1. Rosemary Essential Oil: Some research suggests that rosemary oil can help with hair growth. It’s believed to increase cellular metabolism, which stimulates hair growth.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint oil can cause a cold, tingling feeling when it increases circulation to the area it’s applied to. This can help promote hair growth during the anagen (or growing) phase.
3. Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender oil is believed to have many benefits that may help with hair growth. It has properties that can generate the growth of cells and reduce stress. One study found that this oil was able to generate faster hair growth in mice. It also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can improve scalp health.
4. Castor Oil: Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid found to fight inflammation. It can help moisturize the scalp, easing dandruff and promoting healthier hair growth. When applied to the scalp, it’s reputed to enhance the health of the hair follicles and, in turn, promote the growth of thicker, healthier strands.
5. Caffeine and biotin: can be diluted in your oils to strengthen the growing effect.
6. Fermented rice water: a recent hair secret from Asia which has potential to fortify hair, boost shine, stimulate hair growth, and maintain a healthy scalp due to its nutrient-rich composition. 

Mask grey hair with plant-based or gentler dyes

It is at the age of thirty that the first grey hairs begin to appear. Hair coloring can become an option to camouflage them. We suggest you use natural dyes to take good care of your hair. Some chemical or ammonia-based hair dyes contain specific components that can weaken hair fibers. Some vegetable dyes do not penetrate deeply into the fibers but wrap themselves around them to create a barrier that protects the hair fibers from external damage.
You can also decide to embrace your grey hair proudly, especially since it has become trendy lately. Make sure, however, that you use appropriate shampoos designed to preserve vitality.

https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-hair-dye

Eat a healthy and balanced diet

Hair bulb health is linked to a healthy lifestyle and hence a healthy diet. Remember that bad lifestyle habits will eventually translate into brittle and fragile hair.

Additionally, taking food supplements, such as super nutrients, fruit extracts, antioxidants, Omega -3 iron, zinc, magnesium, proteins, and vitamins (A, Biotin) will help with hair growth.

A diet rich in minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium has also been associated with stronger and thicker hair. Therefore, prioritize foods such as wholegrain cereals, bananas, seafood, dark chocolate, and almonds in your daily diet.

These foods are known to make hair stronger 

1. Greek Yogurt
   Greek yogurt is high in protein, which is the building block of your hair. Greek yogurt contains vitamins that promote blood flow to your scalp and hair growth. It can also help with hair thinning and hair loss.
2. Salmon
   Fish such as salmon and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids. They aid in disease prevention, but your body also requires them to grow hair as well as keep it strong, shiny, and full.
3. Spinach
   Spinach, like many other green leafy vegetables, is high in nutrients. It is high in vitamin A, as well as iron, beta folate, and vitamin C. These all contribute to a healthy scalp and hair.
4. Eggs
   When you eat eggs, you cover your protein and iron needs. They’re high in biotin, a B vitamin that promotes strong hair. Weak hair can grow if you do not get enough of this vitamin.
5. Almonds
   Almonds have zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin E, B1, and B6, all of which are beneficial to hair growth. All of these elements are important to promote strong hair. Almonds always nourish your hair from the roots, which makes it shinier and stronger.
6. Cinnamon
   Sprinkle this spice on toast, oatmeal, or in coffee. It promotes blood flow, also known as circulation. That’s how oxygen and nutrients get to your hair follicles.
7. Chia Seeds
   Chia seeds are always high in protein, phosphorus, and copper, all of which are essential for thick hair. They also have keratin, which helps to promote strong, thick hair. Furthermore, the copper in the seeds prevents breakage and promotes hair growth. It also protects your scalp from infection and also keeps the scalp healthy.

Moisturize and detangle daily

These natural lightweight oils are perfect to use in your morning routine for moisturizing and detangling:

• camelina oil
• camellia oil
• argan oil
• sunflower oil
• grapeseed oil
• jojoba oil
• rosehip seed oil

A few drops when your hair is still wet will help with detangling and bring lots of shine throughout the day.

A new hair craze has emerged recently: fermented rice hair masks. Interestingly, in a study on the effects of rinsing hair with rice water was published in the Journal of Cosmetic Chemists in 2010, researchers found regular wash with fermented rice water may increase hair growth and make hair smooth and soft.