Hair is a beautiful ornament of the face. Good hair loved by all. Hair is easily damaged by exposure to dust, heat and other chemicals. So how to ensure that you have healthy hair? Do not fret as there are three simple steps which help you achieve this.
- Washing & Drying
Washing the hair: How you wash your hair makes tremendous difference to the quality of the hair. Hair should always be washed with lukewarm or normal temperature water. Hot water strips off the natural oil from the hair leading to dryness and frizzy hair. It also degrades the scalp health, and may lead to dry, itchy scalp or dandruff. Split ends increase and hair structure weakens with the use of hot water. Hot water should never be used to wash hair.
Hair should be washed with shampoos which have little or no chemicals, to enrich the hair quality.
Drying the hair: Hot blowers should not be used to dry hair. The hot hair when it comes in contact with the scalp reduces the skin health and loosens the hair roots. This might also lead to dryness, brittleness of hair and poor hair health. Wet hair should be dried using soft, absorbent towels. Wet hair should not be exposed to direct heat or wind as it weakens hair structure.
- Oiling
Ayurveda instructs everyone to regularly oil the scalp. This improves nourishment to the scalp, increases the circulation, keeps the scalp moisturized and promotes hair growth. Oils contain vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that help strengthen the hair structure, reducing hair breakage and split ends. Oil also forms a protective barrier against UV radiation, pollution and destruction from heated styling tools. It gives a shinier appearance to the hair and reduces frizz and breakages. Added benefit of oiling is that it helps to prevent diseases like headaches, earaches, reduces strain of the eyes, keeps mind calm and cool and promotes good sleep. Ayurveda advises that one should apply oil to the hair daily as an integral part of routine.
- Hair packs
Herbal hair packs are a great way of boosting the hair quality. Enriched with natural ingredients, they provide the much-needed nutrients, vitamins and minerals to nourish the hair and scalp. They can help reinforce the hair strand strength, strengthening them from the roots, reducing the breakage and split ends. Ingredients like aloe vera, hibiscus and coconut help to moisturize the hair, preventing dryness, frizz and reduce splits. They improve the texture of hair. Herbs like neem have antimicrobial properties, which reduce dandruff, itching, inflammation and other hair issues and promote a healthy scalp. Amla, Bhringaraj, fenugreek stimulate the hair growth by improving blood circulation, improve the luster of hair and provide nutrients to the hair follicle. Hair packs add shine and luster to hair. Henna, hibiscus help reduce hair fall by strengthening hair roots. Regular application of hair packs can help remove dirt, reduce the damage from exposure to UV rays, dust, heat and promote healthy hair.
Maintaining good health of hair involves healthy washing habits, usage of nourishing oil, herbal packs and gentle drying techniques. Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals, excess of heat/heated styling devices and protecting, nourishing the scalp are essential for string, shiny and healthy hair. Good care results in good hair.
