How to make the best with these healthy hair habits?

[su_quote cite=”Jack Canfield”]Your habits will determine your future.[/su_quote]

They say that it takes about 21 days to cultivate a habit and follow it religiously. We believe that any habit that benefits the health of your hair is worth following. Besides, in this fast-paced life, maintaining your hair’s health has become a necessity.As several internal and external factors contribute to hair fall and hair loss. Protecting your hair from environmental damage can be an arduous task. But if you’re wondering how to get healthy hair and how to keep your hair healthy naturally, then following some great hair habits can do the trick for you. Just like everything else in your life, healthy practices also have a positive impact on your hair. It’s all about following some good habits and keeping at it. So, here’s everything you should know about hair care habits, in what ways can they help you, and some healthy hair tips that can give your hair the nourishment and love it deserves.

What are the signs for your hair to become unhealthy?

If you think about it, worrying comes naturally to us. And if you think deeply, you’ll realise that most of your worries revolve around your hair troubles—why am I having so much of hair fall? Am I using the wrong shampoo and conditioner? Why is my hair not growing?—and so much more. But have you ever stopped and thought, when and why has your hair become unhealthy?

Top 5 signs of unhealthy hair

1. Lacklustre Hair

Dull hair that lacks any shine is a big sign of unhealthy hair. It basically means that the hair cuticles are getting damaged and your hair is in a dire need of protein.

2. Split Ends

As soon as you witness your hair developing split ends, stay rest assured that your hair is getting damaged. Check your hair regularly for two hairs when there should ideally be only one.

3. Brittle Hair

Just by feeling your hair you can come to know the texture of your hair. If your hair feels brittle, it is a sign of damaged hair. If only the ends of your hair are brittle, it basically means you need a trim. If the majority of the hair is dry and brittle, you need a good hair mask to treat your hair

4. Frizzy Hair

Brushing your hair with too many pit stops in between means your hair is damaged. When your hair is damaged and tangled, the cuticles are raised, making the hair more prone to entanglement.

5. Poor Hair Elasticity

When you try stretching your hair and it doesn’t stretch much and easily breaks in your hands, your hair is unhealthy. Moreover, if your hair does not bounce back to its original shape, it means your hair is not healthy.

Unhealthy v/s Healthy hair: How can you distinguish?

You can ask the universe for all the signs you want, but if you’re ignoring the signs then you only end up with unhealthy, dull, and damaged hair. So, don’t make the mistake of overlooking the signs. It’s always good to know the signs and focus on how to take care of your hair in a much better way. Here are the signs of healthy vs. unhealthy hair.

Is there any test to determine the health of your hair?

Remember the numerous tests that you appeared for in the school—English, Maths, Science, etc.? Were the tests for all of these subjects the same? Similarly, there isn’t just one test to determine the health of your hair. Here are the three ultimate tests to learn the health of your hair.

1. The Stretch Test:

Take this stretch test to determine the bounce in your hair. All you need to do is pluck a wet strand of hair from your head, and gently tug it at both ends. If your hair stretches a bit before it snaps, it is claimed to have good elasticity. If the hair breaks instantly, your hair is definitely weak and dehydrated. Hair aggressors like hair straighteners, hairdryers, curling irons, hair colouring can be the reason that your hair cuticle is weak, loses its bounce and shine, and leads to hair fall.

2. The Volume Test:

In case you feel that your hair has become brittle or your strands are becoming thinner, here’s a good way to find out. Take an elastic band and tie your hair in a ponytail. If the band goes around your ponytail more than three times, then it means your hair is losing its density. A study claims that keeping a track of the density of your ponytail can help you determine how much hair you’re losing.

3. The Hydration Test:

If your hair feels dry and lacks moisture, it means your hair is prone to damage. At such times, you should remove a single strand of your hair and place it in a glass of water. If it manages to stay afloat for a few seconds, it means it has moisture. If it sinks immediately, it means that the hair cuticles are weak and getting stripped of the natural oils.

What are healthy hair habits?

Everyone wishes to have long, beautiful tresses like Rapunzel, but no one is ready to invest in their hair care regime to reach there. The fact is that just aspiring to get strong, silky, and hydrated hair isn’t enough, it also takes efforts to get that hair and then maintain it. So here are some easy and effective hair care habits to follow:

1. Combing your hair should be a regular process

We often comb our hair post a shower in the morning or before calling it a day. But did you know that it’s important to comb your hair at least 3-4 times in a day to eliminate dead skin cells and improve blood flow to the hair roots? Combing reduces frizz and makes your hair smoother.

2. Oil your hair to keep it nourished

Massage your scalp for a good 20 minutes with oil and let it last for a good 2-3 hours. Oiling the hair twice a weak keeps dandruff at bay and curbs the development of an itchy scalp.

3. Wash your hair frequently

This doesn’t mean that you wash your hair daily or don’t wash them for weeks together. Wash your hair with a sulphate silicone free shampoo for new cells to develop, and avoid stinky hair or infectious scalp.

4. Deep conditioning should be a routine

Strong healthy hair does not come easy. Keep your hair hydrated, nourished, and let it breathe through deep conditioning. Do not ignore the importance of conditioners. Conditioners comprising the natural botanical ingredients such as Babassu, Murumru, pea protein has been found to restore shine, lustre, and elasticity of hair.

5. Hair masks that offer your hair the right nutrition

Pamper your hair with a pea protein and ceramide hair mask. Pea protein is a plant-based protein that works to lessen hair breakage and offer optimal hydration to the hair.  Pea protein nourishes the scalp and strengthens the hair. Ceramides protect your hair from excessive wear and tear. They keep the hair cuticles flat, restore the hair’s elasticity, and add a shine to your hair. A hair mask with pea protein and ceramides penetrate deeper into the scalp and nourish it from the root to tip.

6. Let your hair dry after you’re done washing it

Don’t be in a hurry to tie your hair after you take a shower. Let your hair dry off completely or it may attract bacteria. Also, in a bid to dry it off faster, don’t opt for a hairdryer all the time. It can damage your hair quality.

7. Focus on your scalp’s health

You shouldn’t ignore the itchiness or dryness that you feel on your scalp. When your scalp feels itchy, you may have dandruff issues. At such times, an anti-dandruff shampoo with tea tree oil and sage leaf extract is a great option. Tea tree oil prevents the build-up of chemicals and dead skin on the scalp. It contains anti-bacterial properties, keeps your hair moisturised, prevents hair fall, helping your hair to grow at a normal rate. A medicinal plant, Sage Leaf extract reduces itchiness, treats hair loss issues, regenerates new hair follicles, improves blood circulation to the hair, and restores the lustre to your hair.

8. Give your hair the break it deserves

You may not realise it, but we put our hair through a lot all through the week. Hence, whenever you find the time, you need to let your hair down and let it relax. Avoid using any products on it, air dry, and don’t tie it up in a ponytail that pulls the hair shaft. Let the hair just be.

9. Great time to get out those hats

When you step out of your house, ensure that you wear a hat to protect your hair. Exposure to excessive sunlight may dry your hair out and dehydrate it.

10. Don’t take too many hot showers

Although a hot shower after a long day sounds heavenly, it may dry out your hair and suck out all the moisture. Opt for lukewarm water while you shower.

11. Avoid the temptation of touching your hair all the time

Tugging and twirling your hair can lead to traction, which puts a lot of pressure on the hair scalp. Tying your hair in a ponytail may feel good at first, but not so good for the hair. Pulling the hair or playing with the ends of it may end up traumatising the hair. Due to this, you may witness a receding hairline in a few years.

The secret to getting healthy, lustrous, and happy hair is hidden in your daily habits. If you feel your hair isn’t healthy and nourished, then it’s time to pull up your socks and transform your hair care routine completely. Some of the healthy hair tips mentioned above are gold and can do wonders for the hair. Ensure that you follow them religiously and soon, the results will be visible on your hair. Remember, the quality of your hair is dependent on the quality of your habits. So, make sure that your habits don’t disappoint.