There are so many ways you can pamper and nourish your hair. Whether you are suffering from hair loss, premature graying, or any other hair problems; or you have a head full of healthy hair with not a problem in sight; spend some time to give your hair (and yourself) some love.
Giving your hair (and yourself) a great environment:
Get a water softener
If you live in an area where tap water is hard. Not only your hair but also your skin will thank you for it. And, I have no way to prove this or back it up with scientific research, but you have better digestion when you use a water softener. Hard water creates digestive disorders such as bloating.
Install a filter in your shower.
Yes, a filter can be directly installed in the head of your shower. It is super easy to do. You don’t need a plumber – you can do it yourself. Remember to change the filter periodically.
Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are widely available and inexpensive.
Use a satin pillowcase.
Satin does not create friction or soak up your hair oils. It allows for better airflow and most importantly gives a soft and luxurious feeling.
Physical care of your hair
Always use hair oil the night before you wash your hair.
In other words, never wash your hair if there is no oil in it. You will dry and wash away precious oils that provide nutrition and a protective layer on your hair shafts. Regardless of which oil you use, apply it with love and care. After application, using a wide-toothed comb, remove all tangles and continue to comb for a few minutes with utmost gentleness. Make sure you start each stroke close to the scalp and go to the tips of your hair. This will give your scalp a gentle massage and spread the oil to the tips of your hair. There are three types of hair oil that I will recommend in what I believe to be the order of effectiveness:
- Castor oil + Kalonji oil + onion juice
This is the stinkiest but most effective for both arresting hair loss (kalonji oil + onion juice) and promoting new growth (castor oil). Make this hair oil at home and use it on the days when you are willing/able to tolerate the smell. 2 tbsp castor oil, 2 tbsp coconut oil, 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp kalonji oil. Mix the oils and keep in a jar. Warm it gently before applying directly to the scalp. Next, add in a teaspoon of onion juice (this makes it even more smelly). Massage with fingertips using a gentle circular motion. Leave it overnight or at least for a couple of hours before washing your hair.
- Castor oil + coconut oil + olive oil.
Castor oil is a super ingredient for hair regrowth. On days you are not up for hair oil 1, use this instead. Warm it gently before applying directly to the scalp. Massage with fingertips using a gentle circular motion. Leave it overnight or at least for a couple of hours before washing your hair.
- Herbal hair oil
The lightest oil I have found (and the least smelly) which has great reviews both for arresting hair loss and for promoting new growth is the Pure herbal Coocoo Mystical Hair Oil (don’t laugh it is real and is said to be phenomenally effective – check out the Amazon reviews). I don’t usually warm this oil. Massage with fingertips using a gentle circular motion. Leave it overnight or at least for a couple of hours before washing your hair.
Use rice water every other week.
Thoroughly wash and soak rice for a few hours and use the water to fill a spray bottle. Spray generously on your hair and with special attention to the roots. This is an age-old Japanese secret for hair care.
Apply yogurt every other week to your hair.
It is the biggest source of vegetarian protein for your hair. If you are ok with eggs, they will provide protein to your hair too. I would recommend alternating rice water and yogurt/egg so that each week you are doing one of the applications. It is ok to apply these to hair when you have oil in them.
Try not to wash your hair too often.
Twice a week is adequate. Once a week is even better.
Take multi-vitamins
Even general multivitamins (not the ones specifically for hair and nails) can do wonders if taken consistently
Drink green juice and/or incorporating leafy green vegetables in your diet.
Spinach and celery-based juice each morning is great for your overall health but will do wonders for your hair and skin. Eat salads with or instead of your meals for better nutrient value.
Inversion position
Stay in the feet against the wall position for 15 minutes before bed each night. It improves the flow of blood to your head and will also soothe your mind for a good night’s sleep.
Have a bed time hair care routine
Take 10 minutes before you go to bed to remove all hair ties or clips and pins, slowly untangle your hair and brush it gently with a wide-toothed comb. Once all tangles are out and your hair is nicely brushed, tie it in a loose braid. Fasten it with a fabric-covered hair tye (to protect your hair from the harsh elastic). It will create loose waves in your hair when you wake up. Be ok with it. Avoid heat-activated styling altogether or save it for extremely rare occasions.
Take care of your diet and sleep
Follow a consistently healthy routine. Overall good health will improve the quality of your hair.
Psychological
- Don’t stress – not about anything and most certainly not about your hair. People who lose every strand of hair on their head also grow it back, so don’t let hair loss/premature graying, or other hair problems create anxiety in you. Anxiety will only make matters worse.
- Meditating – even 15 minutes a day goes a long way to calm your mind and your improved mental state will certainly show up in your hair.
- If gray hair, or thin hair, or bald spots embarrass you or you find that people stare, wear a hat or some other head covering of your choice when in public. But do this only for a short time as you want your hair and scalp to be able to breathe. More importantly, remember this is not because you need to conceal anything but rather you don’t want your hair to become a topic of discussion.
- Recall the title of this post. It says how to love your hair more. It is already assuming that you love yourself and by extension your hair (or the lack of it). Whether your hair is long, short, thick, wavy, straight, gray, or non- existent, it is ok. It is ok because you are you – wonderful, unique, and one of a kind. Don’t let your hair or any other part of your appearance define you. Your appearance does not determine who you are or what kind of life you will lead. But the thoughts running inside your head certainly will. So focus on positive, peaceful, kind, and loving thoughts. Love everyone and love yourself the most.
Airak 