With hot weather and high humidity, hair needs more care than ever, as having clean, healthy, and strong hair is one of the main standards women strive for. Achieving and maintaining healthy hair requires a holistic approach that goes beyond just washing—it includes proper personal hygiene, correct hair care, good nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle.
اضافة اعلان
Here are the best ways to achieve clean and healthy hair, through daily habits, product choices, environmental factors, and internal health.
How to Maintain Clean and Healthy Hair:
1. Hair and scalp health:
Before diving into routines and techniques, it is important to understand the structure of hair and the role of the scalp. Hair is made of a protein called keratin, produced in hair follicles in the scalp. Healthy hair growth begins with a healthy scalp that provides the nutrients and environment needed for hair to thrive. Common scalp issues, such as dryness, dandruff, or excessive oil production, directly affect hair quality. Therefore, any method to improve hair health must address both the hair strands and the scalp.
2. Proper and regular washing:
Regular washing is the most essential step in keeping hair clean and healthy. The frequency and method matter a lot. Over-washing strips the hair of its natural oils, causing dryness and breakage, while under-washing leads to oil buildup, dandruff, and a dirty scalp.
Experts generally recommend washing hair 2–3 times a week, depending on hair type, scalp condition, and lifestyle (such as exercise or exposure to pollution). Using lukewarm water helps open the cuticle layer and clean the scalp without heat damage.
Choosing the right shampoo for your hair type—oily, dry, curly, straight, or colored—is crucial. Sulfate-free shampoos are usually gentler and help retain natural scalp oils. Massaging the scalp gently while washing stimulates blood circulation and removes dirt and excess oils.
3. Conditioning and moisturizing:
While shampoo cleanses, conditioner restores moisture and smoothness. Skipping conditioner can lead to dryness and breakage. Conditioner should be applied to the mid-lengths and ends, not directly to the scalp, to avoid greasiness. Leave-in conditioners and deep-moisturizing treatments provide extra nourishment, especially for damaged or chemically treated hair.
For curly or coarse hair, hydration is even more important. Leave-in creams, oils, and natural butters like shea or coconut oil help lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
4. Nutrition and hydration:
Hair health is strongly linked to overall health. Just like skin glows with proper nutrition, hair thrives when the body receives the right nutrients. Proteins, vitamins, and minerals all play key roles in hair growth and preventing hair loss:
Protein is essential for keratin production.
Biotin (Vitamin B7) supports thickness and growth.
Vitamin A promotes sebum production to keep the scalp moisturized.
Iron and zinc support follicle health.
Omega-3 fatty acids maintain shine and scalp hydration.
A balanced diet rich in leafy greens, nuts, eggs, lean meats, fish, and whole grains nourishes hair from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water also helps keep the scalp hydrated and hair strands elastic.
5. Avoiding heat and chemical damage:
Heat-styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause long-term damage if overused or used without protection. High heat breaks down the hair’s protein structure, leading to split ends, breakage, and dullness.
To protect hair:
Use styling tools on low to medium heat.
Apply heat-protectant sprays or serums before styling.
Let hair air-dry whenever possible.
Chemical treatments such as dyeing and straightening weaken hair shafts and damage follicles. If you choose to use them, do so sparingly and professionally. Aftercare with protein-rich masks and moisturizing treatments is essential to restore strength and integrity.
6. Natural remedies and scalp care:
Nature offers many solutions for healthy hair. Oils such as coconut, argan, castor, and jojoba are known for their moisturizing and strengthening properties. Regular oil massages stimulate circulation and nourish the scalp. Aloe vera, onion juice, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil are also widely used for scalp treatment and dandruff control.
Natural hair masks used weekly or biweekly can improve texture and shine. For example:
Honey and yogurt add moisture and softness.
Egg and olive oil provide protein and healthy fats.
Fenugreek and hibiscus paste, used in Ayurveda, enhance growth and reduce hair fall.
7. Healthy lifestyle habits:
Lifestyle factors directly impact hair health. Stress, lack of sleep, and pollution are common causes of hair loss, dullness, and breakage. Chronic stress can trigger hormonal imbalances that lead to hair loss, including conditions such as telogen effluvium.
To support hair health:
Get 7–9 hours of sleep each night.
Manage stress through mindfulness, yoga, or exercise.
Protect hair from sun and pollution with hats or UV-protectant serums.
Avoid tight hairstyles that strain roots and may cause traction alopecia.
8. Regular trimming and gentle handling:
Even the healthiest hair can develop split ends and tangles. Trimming every 6–8 weeks prevents split ends from traveling up the shaft and causing more damage.
Gentle combing with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush reduces breakage. Wet hair is more fragile, so it should be dried gently with a soft towel and detangled carefully. Sleeping on silk or satin pillowcases reduces friction and breakage compared to cotton ones.
Zahrat Al Khaleej
