Everybody wants beautiful hair, and many often seek it through pricey salon treatments. While it’s great to pamper yourself every so often, if you’re on a budget, you might have fewer options when it comes to your haircare regimen.
What if there were things you could do at home to get healthier hair? Here are some ways to help you attain gorgeous tresses without breaking the bank.
1. Space out that shampoo
There is a lot of speculation about how often one should wash one’s hair. Some people swear by it every other day, while others only do it once a week. The fact is, there are no absolutes that assure hair health.
The best way to figure out how often to wash your hair is to think about your hair type. Those with extremely thin hair like the feeling of it being clean and dry, as it gives the illusion of volume and structure. Thick hair absorbs more natural oils produced by the scalp and, hence, does not need to be washed as frequently.
Experts do not advocate shampooing every day, whether you have curly or straight hair. The use of cleansers regularly might create scalp dryness and irritation, even though there are gentler shampoos that can moisturise more than others.
When needed, use a dry shampoo and follow up with a clarifying rinse the next day.
2. Eat smarter
Avocado lovers will be happy to hear some good news about their hair: a diet rich in healthy fats, according to experts, is crucial for healthy and robust tresses. They argue that, while genetics influence hair texture and curling, food influences how genes are expressed.
So make sure you’re getting lots of high-quality protein and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil. Fruits, vegetables, almonds, and salmon are also advised for obtaining all the necessary nutrients for healthier hair growth.
3. Sleep on silk
Silk pillowcases have been said to help you have thicker hair if you sleep on them every night. The gentle fabric supposedly hydrates your hair, making it stronger and less brittle. Silk stimulates natural movement, whereas cotton absorbs moisture and oils.
For those who spend money on high-quality hair products, deep conditioners, and frequent haircuts, making the move to silk is a must. Its soft, smooth texture helps reduce frizz, knots and breakage, resulting in soft, lustrous hair.
4. Do some research
Do you have a dry, itchy or flaky scalp? Look for the source of the issue. Scalp inflammation can stop hair development, so try anti-dandruff shampoos, and stay away from strongly scented products that can irritate delicate skin.
Your hair will be at its best when your scalp is healthy.
5. Deep condition
Nothing beats a thorough conditioning – not even shampoos and serums that claim to include hair-growing vitamins. (According to experts, those aren’t effective since they don’t penetrate the hair.)
When you next shampoo your hair, wring out the excess water and towel-dry. Apply a liberal amount of conditioner down to the roots of your hair, and rub it through with a broad-toothed comb.
If you have long hair, pull it up and secure it with a clip. Leave the conditioner on for a minimum of 10 minutes and up to an hour. Finally, give it a proper rinse and enjoy your shiny, silky-smooth hair!
This article first appeared in The New Savvy, Asia’s leading financial, investments and career platform for women. Its vision is to empower 100 million women to achieve financial happiness by delivering high-quality content through conferences, e-learning platforms, personal finance apps and e-commerce stores.