If there is any particular “secret” to healthy hair, perhaps it is simply this: In order to have healthy hair, you first need a healthy scalp. This may sound like a no-brainer, yet you may be surprised to learn that many men and women alike suffer from unhealthy scalp conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, scalp allergies, and more. These scalp conditions often go undiagnosed and therefore untreated, which can contribute greatly to hair loss. The good news is, there are things you can do to maintain a clean and healthy scalp—and to promote proper hair growth, in the process.
Tips to Preserve a Healthy Scalp—and Healthy Hair
So what do dermatologists actually recommend, as far as scalp health goes? Here’s a quick rundown.
Eat a proper diet. You are what you eat, the old saying goes—and actually, there’s a lot of truth to that. It’s important to eat nutrient-rich foods, because those nutrients form the building blocks of healthy hair and skin. In particular, make sure you’re eating lean proteins and food enriched with iron. (Iron-fortified cereal is just one easy suggestion.)
Take supplements—if you need them. A routine appointment with your physician will afford you a chance to get your vitamin levels checked, and to ask if there are any supplements you should be taking. Again, iron is an important one. Biotin and fish oil also provide benefits for your skin and hair.
Get some hair products with silicone. There’s not necessarily a magic formula for healthier hair, but there are certain things you can do to provide your hair with an added layer of protection—and using silicone is one of the best. If you use anti-frizz products, they tend to be especially silicone-rich. If you’re not sure what kind of silicone-based product to use, you can always give us a call for a recommendation.
Be careful about home styling. There’s nothing wrong with straightening, coloring, or processing your hair at home—except that if you end up doing something that causes hair damage, there’s nobody there to see it or to let you know. Exercise caution when doing any home styling, especially if it involves heat—and have as much styling done at the salon as possible.
Don’t leave products in your hair longer than specified. Leaving them in longer than advised does not mean they will work better—and in fact, it can actually do some serious damage to the scalp.
Avoid stylists who cause pain. Having your hair done shouldn’t be torture! It should be fun, and it should feel good. If you have a stylist who is being too rough with you, it may be time to find a new one—and of course, we are happy to provide help right here in our studio.
The bottom line: There are things you can do to preserve your scalp—and help your hair, in the process. Contact New Image to learn more or to arrange an appointment with a stylist.