5 tips for looking after your hair
1. Ditch your straighteners
These magic wands may make your locks look lovely, but extreme heat is a hair care no-no. Straighteners and curlers can cause untold damage to the hair shaft, weakening it and causing breakage. Tresses begin to look puffy and dull, which triggers the urge to straighten further. It’s a vicious circle. Try using avocados instead; the oil moisturises the scalp and promotes hair growth. Mash the flesh of one or two whole fruits and massage into your scalp through to the ends. Wrap your hair in a towel, then wash off after an hour.
2. Trim and detox
Dull, lifeless hair is often caused by product build-up. So once you’ve had a good cut, use a hair cleansing shampoo designed to remove residue, only the smallest blob of conditioner, then leave hair au naturel. Treat this as day zero for your mane.
3. Clean up your diet
A lack of protein can cause your hair to stop growing, as your body shifts follicles into the ‘resting’ stage to conserve this nutrient. Why not tuck into protein-rich nuts, seeds and pulses, such as lentils and chickpeas? Eggs should also be on your menu at least twice a week for biotin, a B-group vitamin vital for the maintenance of normal hair. Eat spinach to support your levels of iron and zinc, both vital minerals for similar hair benefits.
4. Beyond the plate
When the sun’s shining, try and spend half an hour outside each day to get your dose of Vitamin D, which is thought to promote healthy hair growth. Cold and gloomy out? No problem – a Vitamin D supplement is a great booster on darker days.7
5. Massage your scalp
Firmly massage your entire head with your fingertips using small, circular movements for five minutes each day to boost hair thickness. Not only does this feel delicious (especially if you can persuade someone else to do it for you!), it boosts blood flow to the hair follicles, bringing a good supply of nutrients right where they’re needed and delivering, over time, a truly lustrous shine.
Other ways to give your hair some TLC
- Wash your hair regularly
- Use natural hair products
- Leave your hair to dry naturally
- Use a wide-toothed comb
- Style your hair naturally
- Get it trimmed regularly
- Use pre-shampoo treatments
- Apply hair masks
- Use fabric hairbands instead of plastic ones
- Protect your hair from the sun8