A majority of us Indian women prefer to sport long hair. Agree? Though long hair looks aesthetically pleasing, it can be a daunting task to manage it!
From getting stuck between surfaces to giving you a hard time while untangling, a long hair person goes through many troubles.
Here are some ways in which you can take care of your long hair, without plucking them off your head.
Is It Healthy To Have Long Hair?
Besides aesthetic reasons, styling hair that is long can be fun and offers different ways of experimenting with it. It also offers warmth and protection from the chilly weather during winters.
However, long hair can make you feel very hot in summers. Most importantly, it can lead to unmanageable knots very often and carries the risk of getting stuck in between sharp surfaces, which could result in hair breakage.
How To Take Care Of Long Hair?
1. Don’t Overwash
In order to encourage hair growth and keep it long and healthy, you must make sure your scalp's essential oils are intact. Shampooing your hair too often can strip away the natural oils and moisture from your scalp, which may interfere with its growth.
If you have a greasy scalp you can condition your scalp instead of shampooing it. You can also use dry shampoo to keep your scalp clean and free of oil and dirt.
2. Clean Pillows
You don’t want dirt and grease to accumulate on your scalp! Stay away from dirty pillow covers and towels that may transfer gunk onto your scalp. This can cause your hair to break or feel extra greasy, encouraging you to wash it more often. They can even contribute to other scalp conditions like dandruff and eventually hair fall.
3. Right Brushes/Combs Are Vital
If you have long hair, chances are that your hair gets easily tangled. You may want to use a comb instead of a paddle brush in order to avoid breakage. You must also make it a point to start combing your hair from the ends while detangling it. This will prevent it from breaking.
SkinKraft Tip:
Detangle your hair while your conditioner is on, to make it easier and prevent breakage.
4. Diet
Research suggests that Vitamin B, D and iron deficiency can result in hair fall (1) (2). Make sure you follow a vitamin and mineral-packed diet for healthy hair.
Foods that are rich in Vitamin B
- Legumes
- Grains
- Avocados
- Eggs
- Potato
- Dairy products
- Fortified bread
- Green vegetables
Foods that are rich in Vitamin D
- Cod liver oil
- Egg yolk
- Fortified foods
- Salmon
Foods that are rich in iron
- Spinach
- Poultry
- Dark greens
- Fish
Note:
Talk to your doctor about the supplements you can consume in case of a deficiency. Make sure you don’t consume an overdose of these supplements as they can be harmful.
5. Heat Protectant Is A Must
Avoid using any tools that produce heat like straighteners and blow-dryers. These strip away natural oils from your hair and scalp, causing it to break.
In case you do tend to use these too often, make it a point to use a heat protectant to prevent the eradication of natural oils and moisture from your hair.
6. Brush Your Hair Before Bed
Brushing your hair before bed will prevent breakage by detangling it. It also ensures that your scalp oils are spread evenly across your hair strands. This keeps it hydrated and moisturized, preventing damage and breakage.
7. Avoid Using Too Many Hair Tools
These can damage your hair and may even cause it to break. Chemicals used on your hair can remove essential oils from it. Chemicals also interfere with your scalp’s pH levels, eradicating your skin barrier and damaging it.
8. Trim Your Hair Frequently To Get Rid Of Split Ends
Trimming your hair every few weeks makes it look fuller. It also helps you get rid of dry ends and split ends, contributing to a voluminous, healthier appearance.
Note:
Cutting your hair does not encourage hair growth. Your hair grows from follicles present beneath your scalp.
9. Avoid Tight Hair Styles
Tying your hair up too tight can pull it from its roots, causing you to lose hair. It can also contribute to breakage and make it appear thinner.
10. Oil Your Hair Once A Week
Head massages are said to enhance blood flow to your follicles, promoting hair growth. Essential oils also address specific scalp issues like dandruff, contributing to healthy hair and regrowth (3) (4).
Some Commonly Used Essential Oils For Hair
- Peppermint essential oil
- Tea tree essential oil
- Clove essential oil
- Cinnamon essential oil
- Jojoba essential oil
Wrapping Up
Long hair is not easy to maintain. You have to make sure you’re using the right products for your hair type and following a good hair care routine. Massaging your hair once a week is recommended to enhance your blood flow and keep your hair long and healthy. Avoid chemically treating your hair and any products that may produce heat. Consuming foods that are rich in Vitamins B, D and iron will ensure that your hair grows evenly and in a healthy way.
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