Hair care is important for not only our appearance, but also for our overall hygiene. Having healthy hair allows us to look our best and ensure our hair and scalp is healthy. It is important to visit a reputable salon and utilize quality hair care products to ensure your hair is as healthy as possible. The look of hair is important to many and has a significant impact on our self-esteem. This is highlighted in a survey that states a staggering 88% of women say that their hair is related to their self-confidence.

Hair Healthy Habits Everyone Should Practice.

Shampoo for Strength.

One of the most important steps in keeping your hair healthy begins with using a sulfate-free shampoo daily, or at least every other day. Sulfates, which are detergents found in many shampoos, can weaken hair follicles over time, making your hair susceptible to breakage and the appearance of thinning. If you have color treated hair, it’s especially important to avoid sulfates because they can pull the pigment from your strands. Sulfate–free shampoos gently clean your hair and scalp to provide the right environment for healthy hair growth by removing excess sebum and debris.

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Don’t Skip the Conditioner.

Conditioning your hair every time you shampoo is equally important. Try using a leave-in conditioner once a week to keep your hair smooth and shiny. Look for a deep conditioning mask or make your own using one of these DIY recipes.

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Not All Brushes Are Created Equal.

Using the best brush for your hair type can make a huge difference in the health of your hair. For fine or thinning hair, use a brush with boar bristles to maximize volume and shine. The top choice for textured or curly hair is a synthetic fiber brush as they’re more flexible and help you detangle without damaging your hair.

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Avoid Heat Whenever Possible.

While everybody loves their hot styling tools like blow dryers, hot rollers and flat irons, the best way to avoid split ends is to skip the heat a few times a week. The high temperatures of your favorite tools can weaken and damage your hair, resulting in breakage and dull, dry strands. On the days when you can’t go without your hot tools, make sure to use a heat protectant spray. If you insist on blow-drying your hair every day, be smart: Don’t concentrate the highest heat level on your hair for a long time. “Keep it moving on a cooler setting and lower velocity,” Pullan says. “It takes a little bit longer, but the extra time will be beneficial.” If you plan to curl or straighten your hair with a hot wand or iron, use a protective spray beforehand—that’s Bumble and Bumble colorist Amelia Trammel’s number one rule for clients.

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Minimize Breakage.

There are several ways you can help minimize hair breakage. If you have long hair, avoid pulling it back frequently and when you do, use a hair tie that is designed to be gentle. You might also want to try blotting your hair with a soft t-shirt instead of rubbing or wringing it dry with a towel after your shower. Wet hair is fragile and prone to breaking so you’ll want to use a wide tooth comb starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots when detangling.

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Eat a Hair Healthy Diet.

Diet can play a key role in helping you achieve healthier, thicker hair. Your hair is made up of mostly protein, so a smart way to keep your hair strong is to eat protein-rich foods. Taking a multivitamin is also important because vitamin deficiencies can potentially cause hair loss. For more hair-healthy nutrition tips. “Protein is the building block of hair, because hair is keratinized protein,” Pullan says. Like all your body parts, hair relies on protein from your diet. But hair is considered a non-essential tissue, so the body doesn’t send protein to hair follicles first—it focuses on essential organs, like the heart or liver. That said, if you’re eating enough, the body will be able to distribute protein everywhere it’s needed. (Don’t worry if you’re a vegetarian—there are still ways to work protein into your diet.) Another crucial nutrient is iron. “It’s an energy source and a mineral the hair needs,” Pullan says. In fact, studies have shown iron deficiency has been linked to female patterned hair loss.

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Protect Your Hair from The Sun.

In addition to fading color-treated hair, the sun can dry your locks, causing them to become brittle. Invest in a hat to wear when you’re spending time outside. If you’re relaxing pool side, slather on a leave-in conditioner and pull your hair back into a loose bun. You’ll get the added benefit of a deep conditioning treatment, while protecting your hair from harmful UV rays. “The sun oxidizes your hair and dries it out,” Pullan says. So while a hat protects your face from the sun, it also protects your scalp from burning and hair from dehydrating. This is as good an excuse as any to treat yourself to a cute sun hat.

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Get Regular Haircuts.

In an effort to make your hair grow faster, you may be tempted to skip a trim. But, this can actually lead to more split ends and breakage. Even if you want to grow your hair longer, it’s important to get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks. All of the experts agree: Avoiding the salon is counterproductive to growing out your hair. “The ends are drying and splitting, so you’re not getting the length,” explains Stephen Pullan, a trichologist (or hair specialist) at the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic. Regular haircuts ensure minimal split ends or breakage. Pullan recommends a trim every six to eight weeks.

Go Natural as Often as You Can.

Your hair needs a rest from everything it endures during the week. Lindsey Bordone, a dermatologist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, recommends using the weekend to let your hair recuperate. If possible, let your hair air-dry, avoid heated styling products, and keep it out of a ponytail or tight headband to avoid unnecessary pulling on the hair shaft. In other words, sometimes you just have to let your hair chill.

Don’t Take Scalding Hot Showers.

Yes, it feels amazing to take a hot shower after a long day (especially in the winter), but scalding hot water doesn’t benefit your hair. In fact, it dries it out and, for color clients, washes out the hair color faster than cold water. Bordone recommends a lukewarm shower, which is also better for your skin.

Swap Products Seasonally.

While the idea that your hair can build up “resistance” to products is a myth, certain hair products are better for different times of the year. In the winter, shampoos and other products should be moisturizing and hydrating, says Bordone, but in the summer, switch to something lighter that won’t weigh hair down in the heat and humidity.

Improves Hair Health: Healthy hair habits can improve the overall health and appearance of your hair. By keeping your hair moisturized, nourished, and free of damage, your hair will look and feel stronger, shinier, and smoother. Boosts Confidence: Having healthy and beautiful hair can boost your self-confidence and make you feel more comfortable in your own skin. Taking care of your hair can be a form of self-care and can help you feel more confident and happy. Overall, healthy hair habits are an essential part of maintaining the health and appearance of your hair, and can help you feel confident and happy in your own skin.