by Ekemini Udoh
The hair is one of the biggest beauty concerns of the average woman. Length, body structure, every woman wants to have the perfect hair and sometimes, we go out to add extensions just to create the right look. One cannot begrudge that, as the status of the hair (especially hairline) can drastically affect the appearance of a person. It is therefore important that we must take very good care of our hair as a matter of routine.
Depending on the texture, porosity and overall condition of your hair, environmental and other internal factors, your daily hair care routine may differ. However, here are some basic hair care practices that you should include in your daily hair-care routine.
- Eat healthy daily: Healthy hair depends on a range of vitamins and minerals, especially biotin (a B vitamin), zinc, iron, folic acid, vitamins A, C, E, and most important, protein. Hair is made of a special protein called keratin, and if you don’t get enough protein in your diet, it can affect the normal hair cycle resulting in severe hair-loss.
- Take in adequate amount of water daily: To combat dehydration which may eventually lead to dryness of the hair. About two liters of water is recommended on a daily basis, this may increase during dry season.
- Exercise: Exercise is important for healthy living; it also has a specific role to play in daily hair-care. Techniques such as inversion methods are a good workout for the hair as it enhances circulation, nourishes the hair follicle and stimulates or enhances healthy hair growth. A daily 5-mins scalp massage is a special and effective workout for the hair.
- Ensure that your hair is clean: A healthy hair begins with a clean scalp, ensure that your hair and scalp is clean. Shampooing and conditioning should be done simultaneously to maintain healthy hair. The type of shampoo and conditioner is solely dependent on the condition of the hair. Though shampooing should not be an everyday ritual, a commitment to a weekly or biweekly routine of shampooing is recommended for healthy hair to thrive.
- Moisturize your hair daily: This nourishes your strands and protects it from the elements e.g. UV rays form the sun which may react to cause discoloration. It also helps to maintain a certain level of moisture that will prevent dryness and possible breakage.
- Use the right tools and techniques to comb or brush your hair. Gently brush your hair from ends to root to prevent breakage.
- Protect your hair at night by wearing a satin bonnet or satin scarf before you go to bed
- Avoid rubbing your hair against the wall or chair: this will cause friction and possible cuticle damage, resulting in hair breakage.