5 Tips For Healthier, Shinier Hair
Healthy, shiny hair is something most of us have on our wish lists, but it can be difficult to achieve without proper care and attention. Whether you want to repair damage to over-processed locks, revive the look of limp, dull strands, or boost your scalp and hair health, incorporating healthy habits into your hair care routine can help support a luscious mane! Here, the Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery med spa team shares 5 tips to take care of the hair you have and how Alma TED hair restoration can help you prevent hair loss and regrow fuller, healthier hair.
Factors that affect hair health
Before we dive into the tips for healthier, shinier hair, the factors that affect hair health should be considered.
- Genetics help determine your hair’s texture, thickness, and growth rate.
- Nutrition and proper hydration influence hair structure and growth.
- Styling choices can weaken the hair and cause breakage and dullness.
- Lifestyle and environmental factors such as smoking and exposure to pollution, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperatures can damage your hair.
Tips to boost your hair’s health and appearance
Even if you weren’t naturally blessed by the hair gods, chances are incorporating these tips and products can help improve your scalp and hair health.
1. Maintain a healthy diet
Eating a balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods can help keep your hair healthy and boost shine. Here are some hair-helping foods to add to your grocery list:
- Eggs are a great source of protein—essential for healthy hair growth. They also contain biotin (a B vitamin) that helps improve hair thickness and strength. Tip: Consider choosing pastured eggs for maximal nutrition.
- Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help nourish the scalp and promote hair growth. It also has vitamin D to help prevent hair loss.
- Avocado is packed with healthy fats, which help moisturize and nourish hair; it also contains vitamin E—an antioxidant that helps protect hair from damage.
- Spinach is a great source of iron, which is essential for healthy hair growth. It also contains vitamin C, which helps improve hair strength and prevents breakage.
- Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A to produce sebum, a natural oil that helps moisturize and protect the scalp.
- Nuts provide healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, all of which help promote healthy hair growth. Walnuts, in particular, contain biotin, which helps improve hair strength and prevent hair loss.
- Greek yogurt is a good protein source and contains vitamin B5, which helps improve blood flow to the scalp and increases hair growth.
Remember, a healthy diet is just one aspect of maintaining healthy hair; be sure to also care for your hair through proper hygiene and hair care practices.
2. Try a silk pillowcase or sleeping cap
Silk pillowcases and sleeping caps are becoming increasingly popular, and with these benefits, it’s easy to see why:
- Reduces hair breakage. Cotton pillowcases can cause hair to tangle and pull, especially if you move around in your sleep. Silk, on the other hand, has a smooth surface that allows hair to glide over it, reducing friction and preventing damage.
- Retains moisture. Cotton and other fabrics can absorb moisture from your hair, leaving hair dry and prone to breakage. Silk pillowcases and sleeping caps allow your hair to retain its natural oils and remain moisturized throughout the night.
- Prevents frizz. Silk’s smooth surface helps prevent hair from getting tangled and frizzy, especially for those with curly or textured hair. It also helps control static and flyaways.
- Preserves hairstyles. If you’ve spent time styling your hair, a silk pillowcase or sleeping cap can help preserve the style. Silk reduces friction, which means your hairstyle will be less likely to get tousled while you sleep.
3. Use a heat protectant
Heat protection products are a must-have in your hair care routine if you use heat-styling tools such as blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. That’s because these tools reach high temperatures that can damage the hair; a heat protectant creates a barrier between the heat and the hair, preventing damage such as split ends, breakage, and dryness.
Heat styling can also cause the hair to lose moisture, making hair look dull and frizzy. Heat protection products help retain moisture, making your hair less prone to tangling and frizzing and easier to style.
By protecting the hair from damage and retaining moisture, heat protectants also boost shine—making a big difference in your hair’s overall appearance and health.
4. Switch to a microfiber hair wrap
Ditch your bath towel and use a microfiber hair wrap to dry your hair instead. Microfiber hair wraps are much gentler on hair than traditional towels, which can be rough and can cause friction and tangles in the hair. Microfiber is much softer and gentler, which means less friction and frizz.
Microfiber absorbs more water than traditional towels, so you can dry your hair more quickly and with less rubbing, which is better for your hair overall. When you use a microfiber hair wrap, your hair will dry faster, so you may not need as much heat styling to achieve your desired style.
5. Check your ingredient labels
Your shampoo and conditioner (and other hair care products) may contain ingredients that contribute to hair woes and can thereby undo any good hair deeds you incorporate. Take inventory of your hair care products and check their labels for any of these ingredient no-nos:
- Sulfates. Sulfates are often added to shampoos to create lather; however, sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, causing dryness and damage. Look for shampoos that are sulfate-free or contain milder surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine.
- Parabens. Parabens are a common preservative found in hair products. They have been linked to hormone disruption, increased risk of certain cancers, and other serious health concerns.
- Phthalates. Phthalates are a group of chemicals that may be used in hair sprays, gels, and other similar products. They have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues and banned in some countries. Look for hair products that are phthalate-free.
- Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a preservative that is used in a range of cosmetic products and hair straightening treatments. It can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and has been linked to cancer.
- Alcohol. Some hair products contain high levels of alcohol, which dries out the hair. Look for hair products that contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or natural oils.
- Silicones. Silicones are used in many hair care products to create a smooth, silky finish; however, they can build up on the hair, making it heavy and dull. Look for silicone-free products or water-soluble silicones that will wash out easily.
Choose products free from harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients to help keep your hair healthy and vibrant while protecting your health.
Professional hair loss treatments with Alma TED
If your hair is thinning or you’re experiencing bald spots, Alma TED hair restoration can prevent hair loss and regrow thicker, healthier hair. The best part? There’s no needles, incisions, or downtime! Not only will your treatments be discreet, you’ll actually enjoy the process. Alma TED hair loss treatments use ultrasonic waves to gently deliver hair growth serum directly into your hair follicles. It’s basically an invigorating scalp massage that is proven to strengthen the hair you have and regrow hair you’ve lost.
You’ll receive 3 treatments scheduled about 4 weeks apart. We will take baseline photos of your scalp before you begin your treatments and take new photos at each appointment to monitor your hair growth! Many patients notice less shedding about 2 weeks after their first treatment, and new hair growth can be seen in as little as 3 months for some patients!
Alma TED’s gentle treatment protocol allows you to safely receive additional treatments if you would like to see further improvement after your initial treatment series. We would be happy to assess your hair and scalp and discuss your options at a consultation!
Aesthetic treatments to complement your new do
What goes best with healthier, shinier hair? Glowing skin and other facial enhancements! Our med spa team offers a range of non-surgical treatments to refresh your skin and enhance your features.
Treatments
Choose one of our safe and effective treatment options to share the love beyond your hair:
- Hydrafacial
- Chemical peels
- Skincare products
- DaVinci Teeth Whitening
- Laser hair reduction
- Latisse
- Upneeq
Injectable enhancements
Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery offers med spa patients a range of injectable options to reduce signs of aging and enhance your natural features:
- Dermal fillers
- Neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin
About Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery
Taking care of your hair is an important part of your overall self-care routine, and our expert surgeons and outstanding med spa team are here to help you wherever you are on your self-care journey. Whether you desire a quick treatment to boost your glow and confidence or wish to experience a significant transformation with our plastic surgery options, we’ve got you covered. Schedule a consultation at Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery to start taking care of you today! Our practice can be reached at (916) 242-2662, or you can fill out our online form.
