Beauty Tips For Gorgeous Hair

Hair plays an important part in our daily life. Great hair enhances appearance, boosts confidence, and increase positive impression. The condition of hair is not only a symbol of beauty, but also a reflection of one’s health. Our fast-paced lifestyles, stressful workplaces and polluted environment are just a few factors that prevent us from having healthy hair. Let’s look at some warning indications that your hair is in an unhealthy state.

Split Ends - Split hair occurs when the tip of hair is split into two. Common causes include chemical processing, heat treatments and forcefully brushing your hair with comb.

Dull appearance - Healthy hair reflects light and creates natural shine under the sunlight. If your hair appears dull after using shampoo and hair conditioner, your hair might be damaged.

Brittle texture - Your hair may be damaged due to a lack of moisture if it feels rough, dry, and brittle with random sticking out strands.

Noticeable hair loss - Hair falling is common in the shower or when brushing your hair, but excessive hair shedding should be treated seriously. This might result in hair loss and eventually bald spot if not treated promptly.

Fragile hair strand - Strong and elastic hair is a sign of good health. Stretch one single hair strand with your fingertips. Your hair is probably unhealthy if it snaps and breaks easily.

If you are currently facing these issues, fret not! Follow these 7 golden rules to own gorgeous hair.

Rule No.1 Reduce the usage of hair styling product

Hair sprays, waxes and gels are frequently used for a better looking and longer-lasting effect. However, you should be cautious if these products contain ingredients such as oils, scents, conditioning agents or polymers. These substances are extremely harmful to your scalp. When you use these products daily, it irritates your scalp, resulting in dandruff and oil build-up.[1] 

Rule No.2 Skip hair dye

Hair dye is another product that you should avoid if you wish to have healthy hair. Beware of chemicals that are commonly used in the hair dyeing process, such as bleach, henna and P-Phenylenediamine. Hair dye alters the protein structure of the hair that is harmful enough to penetrate the hair strand, resulting in side effects include hair loss, reduced hair thickness, increased ruggedness of hair follicle, and affect hair’s ability to withstand heat.[2] 

Rule No.3 Avoid heat as much as possible

It is recommended to use heat styling tools such as blow dryers, hair straightener and hair curler iron on alternate days to avoid split ends. Your favorite heat treatment tools weakens your hair follicle, causing breakage and dry strands. Make sure you use heat protectant spray when you can’t avoid using heat styling equipment.

Rule No.4 Choose suitable haircare product

Most of us wash our hair everyday due to the hot weather in Malaysia. If you notice recent oily, dandruff, hair fall or itchy scalp, reassure yourself if your haircare routine products, from shampoo to hair cream, contain chemicals such as sulfates, silicones, parabens, formaldehyde, DMDM hydantoin, phthalates. These chemicals are identified as toxic substances to your scalp.[3]

Select shampoo that are sulfate and parabens- free to gently clean your hair and scalp by removing excess sebum and debris. Also, frequently use hair conditioner to lock the moisture and prevent dryness.

Rule No.5 Protect your hair from the sun

Prolong exposure to the sun can lead to hair damage. When your hair absorbs the UV radiation, a photochemical breakdown commences and release free radicals. It damages hair lipids, resulting in hair protein loss and degradation of hair pigment.[4]

The best way to protect from sun damage is to avoid exposure to the strongest sun’s UV rays in the middle of the day, between 10am to 4pm. Alternatively, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cover yourself with an umbrella.[5]  

Rule No.6 Healthy eating

Diet can play a key role in helping you to achieve healthier, thicker hair. If you constantly experiencing hair fall problem, a diet rich in Vitamin A, B, C, D and E may help stimulate your hair follicles for growth. Consume enough of other nutrients such as iron, zinc and protein are also crucial in hair tissue growth and repairs.[6] 

Rule No.7 Consume health supplements

You may attain fuller, shinier, and stronger hair by consuming the appropriate combination of vitamins from diet and supplements. However, large doses of vitamins might be hazardous and have severe effects on your hair. Hence, the best practice is to consult with a doctor before taking any supplements to diagnose and treat scalp and hair problems.