Think about the last shampoo commercial you saw. Deeply aspirational in nature, these commercials depict people with thick shiny hair, without a bit of frizz in sight. Does anyone actually have that kind of hair, though? The fact is that while everyone wants to have hair like these commercial models, most people don’t – but that doesn’t mean you can’t.
If you want thicker, healthier hair, making a few simple changes – both in terms of diet and maintenance – can make a big difference. You may never look like someone in a shampoo commercial, but you can come pretty close.
Get A Biotin Boost
One of the most important nutrients for hair growth is a form of vitamin B called biotin, which is integral in the production of keratin, the main protein in hair, and getting more of it in your diet is easy: just eat more eggs. Eggs are a great source of biotin, as well as protein, zinc, and selenium, all of which contribute to hair health.
Are you vegan or allergic to eggs? The good news is that beans are also rich in biotin, zinc, and protein, so there’s no need to stress about supplementing. The only major hair-healthy nutrient you can’t get from beans that you would get from eggs is selenium, which vegans often have to get from supplements, though brazil nuts are also a good source.
Mind Your Stress
For many people, hair care is part of self-care, even if it’s just giving yourself a spa day at home, but the benefits of pampering go well beyond that. The fact is that too much stress can lead to hair loss, leaving people with previously thick, healthy hair with thin, limp strands. Unfortunately, as we all know, minimizing stress is easier said than done – so what’s the solution?
One way to give your hair a boost when stress ravages your locks is by using low-level light therapy to stimulate hair follicles and boost growth. It’s an innovative treatment, but with the right tools you can enhance hair growth with under 30 minutes of light exposure every other day. It doesn’t get much easier.
Highlight Hydration
Shampoo and conditioner commercials make a lot of claims about how their products will enhance your hair, but when it comes to choosing the right products, you need to be selective, and you’ll want to pick treatments that will hydrate your hair. That means opting for sulfate-free shampoos and washing your hair at most every other day.
As for conditioner, double your treatments by conditioning your hair every day, even when you’re not washing it. This will help infuse your hair with the nutrients that it needs to grow, while also keeping it shiny and supple.
Ban The Blow Dryer
Blow drying your hair is convenient, especially if you’re trying to get out of the house on a cold morning, but it’s a death sentence for your hair. As much as possible, then, avoid using heat on your hair – that includes hair straighteners and curling irons – and instead let your hair air dry. It also helps to apply a little serum to smooth flyaway strands before styling, but otherwise you should go easy on the product.
Overall, the journey to healthy hair is one of simplicity – simple, healthy foods, minimal product, and a low-stress life. Too much fuss will leave your hair dry or thin, greasy or frizzy, but a relaxed approach to hair maintenance will get you to your goal.
