A comprehensive approach is just the tonic if you want perfect hair, so today, we’re talking about holistic hair care. Of course, you’ll need more than a few products to promote long-term hair health. However, a few simple diets and lifestyle adjustments can make the difference.
Holistic Hair Care Fundamentals
When it comes to a healthy hair routine, we have all focused on the wrong things for too long. Shampoos and conditioners can only get you so far. In fact, many of the most popular hair products damage your hair. Chemicals commonly found in these products dry the hair and strip it of its natural oils. Hair fights back by producing more oil than necessary, leading to a greasy appearance, which usually has us reaching for the shampoo again and starting a vicious cycle. Healthy hair begins with a healthy lifestyle and diet.
You Are What You Eat!
You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but you really are what you eat! Your diet has a massive effect on your hair. Healthy hair starts from the inside. Here are the ingredients for healthy locks:
- Protein – Hair is made of protein, and getting enough in your diet ensures you have the main ingredient for hair growth. Some great sources include fish and eggs, or, for the veggies out there, legumes and nuts.
- Omega-3 helps lock moisture into your hair and scalp. You can get it from oily fish and avocado, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts.
- Healthy circulation is essential for spreading nutrients throughout the body, and hair is no exception. Iron is necessary for good circulation, and you can get it from spinach, lentils, and leafy green vegetables.
- Vitamin A and C and really important for hair health. Vitamin C helps you absorb Iron (see above!), and Vitamin A contributes to the production of sebum – a healthy, natural oil. You can get your vitamins from fruit and veg like carrots, blueberries, oranges, broccoli, and sweet potato.
- You should also consume nuts and whole grains for Vitamin E, Zinc and Biotin, all of which contribute to healthy hair.
Living Life
Your day-to-day habits and activities have a knock-on effect on your body, and your hair is not immune to this. Not all knock-on effects are harmful, however! You can make positive changes that really help your hair stay strong and healthy. Most of these are positive changes we should all be trying to make anyway, with health and wellbeing benefits from the head (and hair) to toe.
Let’s start with some of the things that you should give the boot:
- First, shampoos with harsh chemicals are among the top nasties to avoid: Parabens, tetrasodium, and petroleum jelly. Many chemicals make your hair feel and smell clean initially, but they strip away natural protective cells and oils and cause an itchy scalp.
- Stress Less – Stress causes hair weakness, breakages, and other detrimental effects on health and wellbeing.
- Too much heat – go easy on the curly tongs, straightening irons and blow dryers. Too much heat can damage hair, mainly if applied regularly.
So what positive lifestyle changes can you make for a holistic hair care routine?
- Exercise – physical activity is excellent for your hair as it reduces stress and improves circulation.
- Drink water – think you need conditioner to keep your hair moisturized? How about starting with good hydration and moisturizing from the inside!
- Sleep Well- restorative sleep promotes renewal and rejuvenation of skin and hair cells, so make sure you get 7-8 hours of good, undisturbed sleep every night (with compromise!).
- Swap out the chemical nasties and substitute them with some great organic and natural hair products. For example, try this paraben-free Andalou Organics Revitalizing Conditioner, fortified with Vitamin E.
So there you have, holistic hair care tips for all-around health and beauty. Looking for more natural hair care routine tips? Read about The Magic of Coconut Oil for Hair.
View all Andalou natural organic Haire Care products!
