6 Simple Scalp and Hair Care Tips

Many women have had their hair chemically processed, whether it is rebonding or relaxing or colouring. Then there are the serums and other products that we use to make hair soft and smooth. All these take a toll on the hair and leave it looking dull.

Here are some ways to give the hair and scalp some tender loving care:

1. Use sulphate-free shampoos. Traditional shampoos are usually made with harsh detergents (sulphates) that strip away natural oils. This makes hair dry and frizzy and can cause oil glands to overproduce and make hair oily and flat with dry ends.

Yes, sulphate-free shampoos don’t make hair as soft and silky as most shampoos but they are kinder to your scalp. Perhaps it is impossible to avoid sulphate-free shampoos forever, so what can be done is to use them one week every month. You’d be surprised that after one use, there will be no more itchiness and definitely less falling hair.

2. Stay away from heat. Lay off the curling iron, blow-dryer and straightening iron for a few days and you’ll find that your hair is shinier and less dry. Yes, heat can really damage hair, especially if you iron it when it’s still damp. A few days sans heat will definitely do wonders for your hair condition.

3. Comb hair before shampooing. This will result in less falling hair as detangling wet hair can result in a lot of breakage. When you have tangles, always start from the bottom couple of inches and work your way up. Be gentle when combing hair, wet or dry.

4. Take vitamins. The vitamins you take can help your hair become healthier. Vitamin C prevents hair loss because it acts as an anti-oxidant. Lysine is an amino acid and one of the building blocks of protein. Because hair is made of protein, adding lysine to the diet helps prevent hair loss. The suggested dosage is 500 to 1000 mg daily. B vitamins reduce the stress that can cause hair loss. The best way to take B vitamins is in a complex where all of the B vitamins are combined.

Vitamin D is actually a hormone and because hair loss can be connected to hormones, adding vitamin D to the diet grows hair. Vitamin A stimulates the hair follicle where hair growth begins. Vitamin E is important for the circulation in the body and has been shown to grow blood vessels, which increases circulation. The increased circulation improves the body’s ability to make new hair.

5. Regularly clean brushes and combs. Regularly refers to at least twice a week. These tools get run down if not cleaned regularly and/or properly. Hairbrushes and combs collect debris and the transmitted build-up is not good for your hair.

6. Use a shampoo mask. This is best for chemically-processed hair. Use a hair mask at least twice a week.