Everyone wants the look of thick, shiny, beautiful hair, and this includes both men and women. We admire the celebrities who have this and dismiss those who don't, or worry about our own dull and frizzy mane. While it's true that genetics play a very large role in the head of hair we're blessed or cursed with, we can also do much to take care of our own and improve the look and texture. And this means without expense salon treatments! Most ingredients you need to take care of yourself can be found in your kitchen cupboards or pantry.
To understand how to get healthy looking hair you need to have a basic understanding of its structure and what makes it healthy or not. It's important to realize that your hair is nourished at the scalp and the scalp alone. The shaft or strand gets vitamins and oils from the scalp and then needs to push it along to the tip. This is why people are more likely to get split ends and those ends typically look less healthy; they are far from the source of nourishment and so are more vulnerable to being dry and therefore splitting. Also, when we use styling tools on our hair it's usually at the end, to curl them up or under or push them back. This combination of a lack of nourishment and added stress is a recipe for disaster!
Realizing that the hair shaft or strand gets no nourishment when it's away from the scalp is why things such as hot oil treatments and conditioners are necessary. You're adding moisture to this area that isn't getting much. This moisture is one big reason why some hair is shiny versus some that is dull-looking. Of course you need to rinse any oils or conditioners out thoroughly so that it doesn't build up; think of adding lotion to your hands. You want it to be absorbed, not caked on. The same for hot oil treatments or conditioners - let it soak and get absorbed, but rinse the residue away thoroughly.
Vitamins are also important, as they help to add shine and body to your hair as well. Eggs and beer are great sources for the natural nourishment your scalp needs. Eggs are rich in Vitamin A and beer has natural grains that are also helpful. Lemon juice is a natural highlighter for your hair, as it gently bleaches some of the pigment in areas without damaging it the way peroxide does. Adding a little bit of lemon juice to your shampoo can give you the look of costly highlights for so much less money! Vinegar is also a very healthy shampoo that cleanses your scalp and removes the residue of styling products that dull your hair. Mix a fourth of a cup of vinegar or apple cider vinegar to a gallon of water and rinse your hair with this before your regular shampoo.
The real key to healthy hair is to take care of it consistently. Trying a treatment once per month won't be enough; develop a good routine every day and you're sure to have a beautiful mane that everyone will love!
Be advised that if you decided to take Vitamins A internally that vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.
David Cowley has created numerous articles about the relationship between diseases and vitamins. Visit Health Related Articles |
