If I have a goal for 2023, it’s to spend a little more time on me, at least from a health/lifestyle/appearance perspective. I’ve never been one for loads of make up or hair styling but that’s mainly because I’ve never really known what to do! Hurtling towards middle-age however, well there’s no time like the present.
Hair is definitely a conundrum – I’ve gone from super thick full hair as a meat-eating teen to fairly flyaway as a vegan with a chronic illness (hair along with nails are one of the expendables when you have a chronic illness) to thankfully regaining a bit of vigour as I have to take prescribed iron supplements and am generally trying to do a bit better with my diet.
There are so many factors when it comes to looking after hair, not least the products we use so here’s a round-up if you’re looking for some tips.
Do’s In Hair Care
Choosing Your Shampoo
There are so, so many products on the market that often finding the right shampoo can only come after months of trial and error. I’ve been using a shampoo bar for the last year or so which is much more natural than most chemical-based shampoos and I’ve definitely noticed an improvement. Shampooing your hair is supposed to remove excess dirt and oil from the scalp, thereby preventing hair damage. If your scalp feels tight or itchy after washing your hair, you should use a moisturizing shampoo. However, if your scalp is oily and has dandruff flakes, you should use a deep cleansing shampoo.
Ideally if you can adjust, you should use shampoos with fewer chemicals for healthier hair. For instance, many shampoos in the market contain sulfates for lathering and preserving, but they can cause skin irritation and increase the risk of hormonal disruptions over time. Aim for gentle shampoos that are appropriate for your hair type.
Hair Serum For Smooth And Shiny Looks
Who remembers the huge popularity of Frizz-Ease in the 90s? Hair serum is a thick mixture of water, essential oils, and herbs and most of us need to deal with some sort of curl/frizz/flyaways and hair serum is one of the best hair products. With its nourishing and protecting properties, hair serum removes extra dryness, leaving you with softened hair strands which are so much more manageable when it comes to styling..
Simply pump a couple of pumps of serum onto your palm and apply it to your hair. It saves time while improving the natural texture of your hair. Our skin and hair require essential vitamins and micronutrients as we age. To learn more about the importance of a hair and skincare routine, you can go straight to thosegraces.com for a complete walk-through guide and explanation about all the best beauty secrets and tips for the coming year.
Conditioning Your Hair
Conditioner isn’t for everyone but if you find the right one, it will contain ingredients that help your hair look its best and keep it natural and manageable. Conditioning your hair shields your hair from environmental irritants. However, one quick reminder condition is only for the ends of your hair and not your scalp. Also, after applying it, remember to rinse it off properly.
Although shampoo cleans your hair, it removes essential natural oils and moisture. A conditioner is a must-have hair care product for anyone who wants to restore moisture and strengthen their hair. Deep conditioning your hair will make it easier to detangle wet hair and leave a protective coat on it. If conditioning makes your hair extra oily, look for products labeled as light, strengthening, volumising, or balancing.
Getting A Regular Trim
This is definitely my weakness, I often go far too long without regular hair maintenance. Splits in the hair occur when the hair is damaged due to exposure to heat, pollution, stress, etc. so it’s important to trim your split ends every few weeks. A common misconception though about trimming is it can cause hair to grow faster. Hair grows from the scalp, and trimming ensures healthy hair. If you want to have a go yourself, check the best scissors for your hair cutting.
Washing Your Hair
Regular washing keeps scalp and hair dirt-free and prevents excess oil. However, your hair type should determine the appropriate number of times you wash. If you have a dry scalp, limit washing to twice a week. If you have an oily scalp, wash your hair on alternate days. I’ve been able to change my washing days from every other day to only twice a week now and my hair is definitely better for it.
Don’ts in Hair Care
Warm Showers
Hot showers strip your scalp’s natural oils, resulting in dry and flaky scalps. It’s long been best practice to try and use as cool a shower/water as possible which will also leave hair with a lovely shine.
Anxiety
Another related cause of hair problems is stress or anxiety. I lost a lot of hair very quickly going through a difficult time and it’s commonly known how an exceedingly stressful environment can lead to hair loss and unhealthy hair.
Chemical substances
Another regret I have is spending long periods of time colour-treating my hair. When I stop and think how completely ridiculous it is think about putting bleach directly onto my scalp (i never went blonde but certainly bright red for a long time), it’s horrifying. Chemicals used in dying, perming, and other hair treatments damage your hair follicles, disrupt hair growth and can cause hair loss.
Hair Styling Supplies
Using heat styling with straighteners, blow dryers, and curlers for extended periods changes the texture of the hair, making it dry and prone to breakage. This is another reason I’m happy to have reduced the amount of times I wash my hair per week.
Additional Tips
Eating Habits
I really am a firm believer that we are what we eat. No matter whether skincare or haircare, it’s true. Proteins and amino acids make up your hair. It requires proper nutrition to grow and maintain itself. Some great foods for healthy hair include eggs, berries, nuts, fish, green leafy vegetables, and sweet potatoes.
Sunlight And Hair
Excessive exposure to it can harm your skin and hair. The sun can damage your hair, our main target, by making it dry and brittle and, over time, by fading its colour. Therefore, the best way to protect your hair from the sun is to cover it or use a hair serum.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to hair care and the above are some of the things to consider for your best healthy hair. I’m definitely planning to consider more carefully about what I put into my body plus making sure I get plenty of exercise and water intake. Don’t forget skincare too with this guide for a simple skincare routine that works. Let’s make 2023 our best self-care year ever.
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