Reviewed By Dr. Kalpesh Kumar Maheshbhai Prajapati MBBS, DNB (Dermatology,Venereology, Leprosy)
Today, it is no unknown fact that men suffer from hair thinning and hair loss as early as their 20s. Gone are the days of thick hair that lasted at least until middle age. While genetics does play a significant role in this, there are many other things to consider. A few common reasons for hair loss in men include stress, pollution, lack of a hair care routine, poor nutrition, and lifestyle habits such as smoking.
In short, it zeroes down to how well you take care of your body and hair. Hair loss is just one of the symptoms. If you don't manage your hair correctly, you may experience dandruff, dryness, dullness, and breakage. But don't get your hopes down! You can expect positive results using these best healthy hair tips from experts. Within a few months of consistent care, you can save your hair from further damage and help it grow healthier.
Begin with determining your scalp and hair type
As a general rule, it is essential to understand your scalp and hair type before deciding on your hair care routine and products. Scalp types are divided into three broad categories—oily, dry, and balanced. If you are unsure about your scalp and hair type, it is a good idea to consult a hair expert to figure out the best hair care routine and products.
Wash your hair regularly, but don't overdo it
Generally, experts recommend washing hair every 2-3 days. Any more than that can strip your scalp of its natural oils and make it dull and rough, while any less than that may slow hair growth and cause ingrown hair, dandruff, an itchy scalp, and a foul odor. However, you may wash your hair more or less depending on your activity level and scalp and hair type.
Take a lukewarm water shower
While getting into a piping hot water shower after a long day's work or on a cold day is tempting, it is not exactly beneficial for your hair. Hot water can dry out your scalp and make it flaky and itchy. Furthermore, the hair becomes weak and frizzy, making it prone to breakage. Similarly, a cold water shower has its cons as well—it blocks the nutrient-carrying capillaries in the scalp. Therefore, it is best to wash your hair with lukewarm water.
Choose the right shampoo
The products you use for your hair can impact its quality over time. It is crucial to check the ingredients of the shampoo before using it. Chemicals such as sulfates and parabens added for foaming and preserving replenish the natural oils in your hair, making it dry and dull. It is better to use a shampoo free of such harmful chemicals. You can choose a shampoo with ingredients that will help your hair type.
Use a good conditioner
There are many myths about using conditioners. Some say it causes hair to fall out, while others deem its use unnecessary. Experts believe a hair wash routine is complete by using a conditioner. Shampooing opens the hair cuticles to remove the dirt, and the conditioner locks them with moisture. It makes the hair soft, smooth, and easier to manage. However, overusing the conditioner, improper rinsing, applying it on your scalp, or using the wrong product can be harmful.
Dry and comb your hair gently
Often, we tend to dry our hair quickly by rubbing it with a towel or blow-drying it. While it certainly gets the job done faster, it is not healthy for your hair as wet hair is prone to breakage. It is best to pat dry it with a towel and then allow it to air dry completely before going outdoors to avoid dirt accumulation. Secondly, comb your hair gently with a wide-toothed comb once it is dry.
Massage your scalp with oil
Always apply warm oil on your scalp and lightly massage it using your fingertips before washing your hair. It helps improve blood circulation, strengthens your hair roots, and keeps your scalp and hair moisturized. With oiling, there are some essential don'ts to remember as well. You need not soak your hair in oil as you will need more shampoo to remove it, which can dry your hair. Do not leave the hair oiled overnight as it will collect dust and block your hair follicles—30 minutes before hair wash is good enough. Also, if you have an oily scalp or forehead acne, you must avoid oiling as it can trigger infections.
Trim your hair regularly
You must get a haircut done every 6-8 weeks to ensure you get rid of split ends, have less breakage, and have healthier hair.
Change your lifestyle habits and diet
Stress, sleep, smoking, excessive alcohol, and poor nutrition directly correlate with your hair health. These factors stall hair growth, damage them, and cause hair fall. It would be best if you switched to a healthy lifestyle and diet to have healthy hair for longer. Smoking and drinking are strict no-nos. You can incorporate stress management techniques such as walking, yoga, meditation, and journaling. Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night. Lastly, focus on eating a balanced diet for healthy hair—eggs, milk, grains, dry fruits, fruits, vegetables, and drinking lots of water. Since hair is made of keratin, add more protein to your diet. Similarly, micronutrients such as vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and iron are crucial for hair growth too.
Protect your hair
It is good to stay as natural as possible. Regular chemical treatments such as perming, straightening, and coloring can cause permanent damage to your hair. Similarly, using hair products such as wax, gels, and sprays is also harmful to the hair. When you wear headgear such as hats or helmets, ensure they are the correct size. Ill-fitting ones can interfere with the blood circulation in your scalp and impact your hair health. Also, protect your hair from chlorine and sun exposure.
Takeaway
You see, it does not take a lot to maintain healthy hair! All you need is a good hair care routine, hair products suitable for your scalp and hair type, and good lifestyle habits and diet.
