Did you know that your hair grows only about a half inch per month? Did you also know that you tend to shed around 50-150 strands of hair a day? And to grow new strands of hair that replace those you lose daily, could take 2 to 7 years (an average life cycle for hair)…
With so many products and tools in the market, it sometimes gets confusing with what to use and do to jump-start the hair growth process. We asked a hair expert, a nutritionist and a hairstylist on the best advice they have for healthy hair, and tips to stop breakage.
Here’s what the specialists have to say:
Dr Kiran Kaur Sethi of Isya Aesthetics on what the dos and don’ts of haircare should be
First things first, shampoo less if u don’t have dandruff. Once a week is enough. The more u shampoo the drier and more damaged your hair can get. Using conditioner after you shampoo is beneficial but condition only the ends, and shampoo only the scalp. Try and include coconut oil and gently massage your scalp till you reach the ends. Leave on for an hour and do this once a week. You can also use coconut oil as a gentle serum—a tiny amount through ends to prevent pollution-related damage. Haircials help cleanse and remove pollution related obstruction from the scalp. Avoid keratin or any perming treatments that cause hair fall.
Dr Anupama Menon of Right Living on what to include into your diet
- Eggs: are full of protein and are loaded with essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, iron, zinc and Omega 6 fatty acids. They helps rebuild damaged hair by filling in the weakened spots along the hair strand.
- Walnuts: are small but greatly beneficial for the hair. Not only do walnuts have more omega-6 fatty acids than any other foods, but it is also rich in iron, zinc & B vitamins (B6, B9 and B1).
- Carrots: lend plenty of of Vitamin A and give excellent nourishment to scalp. A cold pressed carrot and beet juice daily is a great idea.
- Oats: are rich in soluble and insoluble fibre, zinc and iron that stimulates hair growth making the hair thicker and healthier.
- Yogurt: is packed with Vitamin B5 and Vitamin D that are known to promote hair follicle health. It is also good for a healthy gut that promotes health not just for the hair but for the whole body.
- Vitamin C rich food: like spinach, broccoli, tomatoes support the absorption of iron in our body, the deficiency of which may lead to hair loss. Vitamin C is also known for its antioxidant properties which reduce the damage caused by free radicals that may make your hair brittle and weak.
- Iron: lends strength to the shaft of your hair, so plenty of black sesame seeds, dark green leafy veggies (with lemon) as part of your daily routine, this can really prevent hair breakage.
Hairstylist, Samantha Dsouza lets us in on what she believes is the best way to get long and strong hair:
The 3 staples to healthy strong and long hair are; a shampoo that suits your scalp, a conditioner for your mid-lengths and ends and a leave-in conditioner to tame and protect the hair! A mask once a week to give the hair the added TLC that works wonders for colour treated hair! If the hair is frizzy or very dry use a fibreplex treatment every 2 weeks. Also if you blow-dry or iron your hair often use a heat protactant from MorrocanOil or Flatliner by Schwarzkopf are my favourites.
My top favourites products are, Nashi shampoo and conditioner, MorrocanOil Hair Masks, Moisture kick and colour freeze leave in conditioner sprays by Schwarzkopf and Aveda Damage Remedy shampoo and conditioner.
MoroccanOil Heat Style Protectant
Flatliner by Schwarzkopf
Schwarzkopf Professional BC Moisture Kick Spray
Aveda Damage Remedy Shampoo
Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Color Freeze Spray
Do you have any special tips or tricks for longer and fuller hair? Let us know in the comments below.
Follow @missmalinifashion and @missmalinibeauty on Instagram for more updates.