10 Remedies for Healthy Hair

Summer sunshine and outdoor activities may be great for your spirit but can be tough on your hair. Here are my top 10 tips for healthy hair that you can use this summer and year round.

1. Protect scalp and hair from damaging sun rays by wearing a comfortable hat.
2. Massage your scalp weekly to stimulate blood flow and relieve stress. Sluggish blood flow and stress can both cause hair loss.
3. Avoid exposing hair to chlorinated pool water or any other chemical solutions. If you use perms, straighteners or dyes, you may need to compensate for the damage they cause by babying your hair with gentle shampoos and extra conditioners.
4. Eat a balanced and sensible diet to ensure you are getting essential nutrients.
5. Use a mild shampoo. Afterward, gently towel hair dry and use a conditioner.
6. Avoid excessive dry heat, such as that from blow dryers and curling irons.
7. Don’t wear tight wigs or hats that can cause hair to rub off (called friction alopecia).
8. Keep braids or ponytails loose. Otherwise, hair can fall out due to the tight pulling (called traction alopecia).
9. For women with thinning hair, a short hairstyle can make hair look fuller. Mousses, gels and hairspray can lend extra body and hide thinning hair. But be kind to your scalp: Use only small amounts of these products so the cells and hair follicles can breathe.
10. Quit smoking. English scientists found that smokers were four times more likely to have gray hair than nonsmokers and were more prone to hair loss.