Healthy, manageable hair doesn’t happen overnight, it’s the result of small, consistent habits that nourish, protect, and strengthen your locks over time. From feeding your hair the nutrients it craves to perfecting your washing technique, here are a few essential practices to add to your routine for hair that feels great and looks great too.
Nourish Your Hair From The Inside Out
It’s easy to forget that healthy hair starts with what you put in your body, not just what you apply to it. Your diet plays a role in how your hair looks and feels, and getting the right nutrients can make all the difference between hair that’s lifeless and hair that’s full of shine and bounce.
Protein is a big player here, as your hair is built from a type of protein called keratin. If you’re not eating enough protein, your hair will lack the building blocks it needs to grow strong and resilient. Lean meats, eggs, fish and beans are excellent sources, providing the protein your hair needs for good growth.
However, protein alone won’t cut it. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, walnuts and chia seeds, help keep your scalp hydrated and cut down inflammation. A healthy scalp is essential for hair health. An irritated or dry scalp can lead to flakiness and weaken hair at the roots.
Vitamins and minerals also have a big impact. Biotin, vitamin E, and iron are essential for hair growth and strength. Biotin is known for promoting thicker, healthier hair, while vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant to protect against damage. Iron keeps your hair follicles oxygenated, supporting robust growth. Dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds and berries are great sources of these nutrients.
Master Your Washing Technique
Washing your hair might seem straightforward but doing it right can impact your hair’s health and manageability. For starters, washing every day is rarely necessary. In fact, most hair types do better with washing every few days, as over-washing strips away natural oils that keep your hair moisturised. If you’re concerned about feeling greasy between washes, try a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your style.
When you do wash, start with a gentle scalp massage. This boosts blood circulation and ensures that you’re cleansing the roots, where oil can build up. Avoid piling your hair on top of your head while shampooing, as this can lead to tangling and breakage. Instead, let the shampoo run through to the ends naturally as you rinse.
Temperature matters, too. Hot water feels nice, but it can strip your hair of moisture, leaving it dry and prone to frizz. Try washing with lukewarm water and finishing with a cool rinse to close the hair cuticle, which helps seal in moisture and adds a natural shine.
Conditioning is equally essential, but make sure to focus on the ends rather than the roots. Hair closer to the scalp benefits from natural oils, while the ends need the extra hydration and protection that conditioner provides. Leave it on for a couple of minutes to let it work its magic, and then rinse thoroughly.
Minimise Heat Styling And Embrace Your Natural Texture
While heat styling tools can give you the look you’re after, frequent use can lead to brittle, damaged hair. Embracing your natural hair texture whenever possible is one of the best things you can do for your hair’s health.
When you do use heat, lower the temperature settings. High heat is rarely necessary and turning it down can make a difference in reducing damage. Always apply a heat protectant spray before styling, as this creates a barrier that shields your hair from the intense heat of styling tools. If you’re drying your hair, try to let it air-dry most of the way, using the blow dryer just to finish it off.
If you’re looking to add texture or volume without the heat, there are plenty of options. Sea salt sprays and mousses can help give your hair a bit of extra body and hold without requiring heat.
Protect Your Hair From Environmental Damage
The elements can be surprisingly harsh on your hair. Exposure to sunlight, pollution, and harsh weather conditions can all weaken your hair and leave it looking dull. UV rays, in particular, break down the protein structure of your hair, which leads to dryness, split ends, and colour fading in dyed hair.
One simple way to protect your hair is to wear a hat or cap when you’re out in strong sunlight, especially if you’re spending extended time outdoors. If a hat isn’t your style, consider using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection. These products coat your hair, acting as a barrier against the sun’s harmful rays while also locking in moisture.
Create Your Own Daily Hair Care Routine
Healthy, manageable hair can be achieved without a drawn-out routine and piles of potions and products. Improving your daily routine and making small changes can help to nourish, protect, and strengthen your hair over time. By focusing on what goes into your body, and how you treat your hair during washing and styling, you’ll see a noticeable difference in the overall health of your hair.
Regular trims are also a vital part of your hair care routine and we can help you out with that. Book your next appointment and remember you can ask your barber for their hair care tips too.
Healthy, manageable hair doesn’t happen overnight, it’s the result of small, consistent habits that nourish, protect, and strengthen your locks over time. From feeding your hair the nutrients it craves to perfecting your washing technique, here are a few essential practices to add to your routine for hair that feels great and looks great too.
Nourish Your Hair From The Inside Out
It’s easy to forget that healthy hair starts with what you put in your body, not just what you apply to it. Your diet plays a role in how your hair looks and feels, and getting the right nutrients can make all the difference between hair that’s lifeless and hair that’s full of shine and bounce.
Protein is a big player here, as your hair is built from a type of protein called keratin. If you’re not eating enough protein, your hair will lack the building blocks it needs to grow strong and resilient. Lean meats, eggs, fish and beans are excellent sources, providing the protein your hair needs for good growth.
However, protein alone won’t cut it. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, walnuts and chia seeds, help keep your scalp hydrated and cut down inflammation. A healthy scalp is essential for hair health. An irritated or dry scalp can lead to flakiness and weaken hair at the roots.
Vitamins and minerals also have a big impact. Biotin, vitamin E, and iron are essential for hair growth and strength. Biotin is known for promoting thicker, healthier hair, while vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant to protect against damage. Iron keeps your hair follicles oxygenated, supporting robust growth. Dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds and berries are great sources of these nutrients.
Master Your Washing Technique
Washing your hair might seem straightforward but doing it right can impact your hair’s health and manageability. For starters, washing every day is rarely necessary. In fact, most hair types do better with washing every few days, as over-washing strips away natural oils that keep your hair moisturised. If you’re concerned about feeling greasy between washes, try a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your style.
When you do wash, start with a gentle scalp massage. This boosts blood circulation and ensures that you’re cleansing the roots, where oil can build up. Avoid piling your hair on top of your head while shampooing, as this can lead to tangling and breakage. Instead, let the shampoo run through to the ends naturally as you rinse.
Temperature matters, too. Hot water feels nice, but it can strip your hair of moisture, leaving it dry and prone to frizz. Try washing with lukewarm water and finishing with a cool rinse to close the hair cuticle, which helps seal in moisture and adds a natural shine.
Conditioning is equally essential, but make sure to focus on the ends rather than the roots. Hair closer to the scalp benefits from natural oils, while the ends need the extra hydration and protection that conditioner provides. Leave it on for a couple of minutes to let it work its magic, and then rinse thoroughly.
Minimise Heat Styling And Embrace Your Natural Texture
While heat styling tools can give you the look you’re after, frequent use can lead to brittle, damaged hair. Embracing your natural hair texture whenever possible is one of the best things you can do for your hair’s health.
When you do use heat, lower the temperature settings. High heat is rarely necessary and turning it down can make a difference in reducing damage. Always apply a heat protectant spray before styling, as this creates a barrier that shields your hair from the intense heat of styling tools. If you’re drying your hair, try to let it air-dry most of the way, using the blow dryer just to finish it off.
If you’re looking to add texture or volume without the heat, there are plenty of options. Sea salt sprays and mousses can help give your hair a bit of extra body and hold without requiring heat.
Protect Your Hair From Environmental Damage
The elements can be surprisingly harsh on your hair. Exposure to sunlight, pollution, and harsh weather conditions can all weaken your hair and leave it looking dull. UV rays, in particular, break down the protein structure of your hair, which leads to dryness, split ends, and colour fading in dyed hair.
One simple way to protect your hair is to wear a hat or cap when you’re out in strong sunlight, especially if you’re spending extended time outdoors. If a hat isn’t your style, consider using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection. These products coat your hair, acting as a barrier against the sun’s harmful rays while also locking in moisture.
Create Your Own Daily Hair Care Routine
Healthy, manageable hair can be achieved without a drawn-out routine and piles of potions and products. Improving your daily routine and making small changes can help to nourish, protect, and strengthen your hair over time. By focusing on what goes into your body, and how you treat your hair during washing and styling, you’ll see a noticeable difference in the overall health of your hair.
Regular trims are also a vital part of your hair care routine and we can help you out with that. Book your next appointment and remember you can ask your barber for their hair care tips too.
