How to Get Healthy Hair: 12 Tips to Improve Hair Health
How to Get Healthy Hair: 12 Tips to Improve Hair Health
From stress, hormones, nutrient deficiencies and modern styling habits – there are many factors at play daily that can compromise our hair health.
And while weak, thinning and damaged hair can feel like an enduring struggle – lush, thriving strands aren’t elusive. If you want to know how to get thick healthy hair, here are few easy steps you can implement into your beauty regime.
What is hair health?
Healthy hair is typically perceived as smooth in texture, naturally thick and resilient to breakage. But the difficulty is, your strands are consistently exposed to damage – weakened by environmental stressors, heat styling, colour and harsh haircare products. Eventually this results in loss of lustre, frizz, widening parts, split ends and other issues related to intrinsically weak hair.
What health issues cause hair loss?
In healthy women, anywhere from 6% – 38% will experience some degree of hair loss in their lives (1). Telogen effluvium (TE) is a term that describes a form of temporary, reversible hair loss. TE is very common and can happen for a variety of reasons.
Genetics
The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with ageing – which is known as androgenic alopecia or male and female pattern baldness. This tends to happen gradually, appearing as a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair along the centre of the scalp in women.
Hormone Changes
It’s extremely common for women to experience hair loss during periods of large hormonal fluctuations – including pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. Additionally, excess or deficiency in thyroid hormones can also prompt hair loss.
Post-partum hair loss is a prevalent concern amongst women. After childbirth an estimated average of 30% of hairs enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle – known as telogen – approximately nine weeks post-partum. And this is usually when new mothers begin to notice increased hair loss and thinning – which can last anywhere from 6-24 weeks.
In the lead up to menopause, women experience a dramatic decrease in oestrogen production along with other complex hormonal changes that create an imbalance in the ratio of androgens to oestrogen that is thought to cause alternations to the hair growth cycle (2).
Thyroid hormones are imperative for the development and maintenance of the hair follicle. Therefore, when the thyroid isn’t functioning properly – be it there is too much or too little thyroid hormones circulating – this can trigger hair loss (3).
Nutritional Deficiencies
There is a link between hair health and nutritional deficiencies. Extreme weight loss, severe reductions in carbohydrate intake, malnutrition or protein deficiency can trigger excessive shedding. Likewise, essential fatty acids, minerals and micronutrients are needed for normal cell growth and function and can contribute to hair loss when they are deficient. Nutrients that can impact hair growth, structure, and quality when deficient include zinc, B vitamins, iron, iodine, and selenium.
Stress And Medical Conditions
Acute or chronic stress can also lead to temporary hair loss. It may be an aggravating factor in a person who is already suffering from hair loss or stress may be secondary in response to an existing hair loss issue. With emotional stress, our bodies can prematurely push actively growing hairs from the anagen phase into telogen, the resting phase. When this heightened occurs, and hair stops growing and falls, you might experience thinning, sparse hair.
Hair loss can also be one of the symptoms of a medical illness or a side effect of certain medications.
There is a link between hair health and nutritional deficiencies. Extreme weight loss, severe reductions in carbohydrate intake, malnutrition or protein deficiency can trigger excessive shedding. Likewise, essential fatty acids, minerals and micronutrients are needed for normal cell growth and function and can contribute to hair loss when they are deficient. Nutrients that can impact hair growth, structure, and quality when deficient include zinc, B vitamins, iron, iodine, and selenium.
Incorporating hair supplements like Hairology capsules can address nutritional deficiencies effectively. Formulated with zinc, selenium and clinically proven AnaGain™, Vida Glow’s Hairology is proven to promote hair growth and hair thickness. Learn more about how Hairology can promote hair health and help to grow hair faster.
Stress And Medical Conditions
Acute or chronic stress can also lead to temporary hair loss. It may be an aggravating factor in a person who is already suffering from hair loss or stress may be secondary in response to an existing hair loss issue. With emotional stress, our bodies can prematurely push actively growing hairs from the anagen phase into telogen, the resting phase. When this heightened occurs, and hair stops growing and falls, you might experience thinning, sparse hair.
Hair loss can also be one of the symptoms of a medical illness or a side effect of certain medications.
How to achieve healthy hair?
If you’re wondering how to get thick healthy hair, there are a few simple tips you can follow to revive your strands to their healthiest state.
Treat your hair from the inside out
Weekly hair masks and scalp scrubs are a welcome addition to our haircare routines but reducing hair loss and supporting thick hair begins beneath the scalp. In our hair follicles.
Follicles are the life source of our hair. They’re microscopic structures found in our skin’s dermis which connect our roots to our bloodstream. This is where Vida Glow’s Hairology capsules work.
The health and density of our hair follicles determines how fast, thick and long our hair grows. And in one daily capsule, Hairology’s synergistic formula supports follicle health, reduces hair loss and improves lacklustre hair at its root cause.
Hairology’s hero active is AnaGain™, a clinically studied pea sprout extract. By delivering AnaGain™, iodine-rich bladderwrack seaweed, zinc, selenium and biotin into the bloodstream, Hairology reaches hair follicles with maximum efficacy. For fast, visible results – and a 34% reduction in hair loss after 28 days.
Add collagen to your routine
Collagen is the fundamental protein supporting your skin. Study shows that collagen provides structural support to bones, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Marine collagen provides various health benefits including promoting healthy hair. A clinical reserach shows that daily use of collagen powder assists in creating an optimal environment on the scalp, which builds the foundation to grow hair faster
Keep your routine consistent
Study shows that for collagen to work, consistency is key. In addition, adhering to your regular hair care routine and ensuring your hair is properly hydrated will enhance collagen effectiveness. Combining marine collagen intake with regular hair care routine to promote healthier, stronger hair.
Shampoo smarter
Try to avoid too-frequent shampooing. Over-washing can strip the hair of its natural oils, which are vital in creating healthy, shiny hair, according to a study on hair health. When washing, concentrate on the scalp, choose shampoos that suit your hair type and concerns, and avoid hot showers when possible as they can leave your scalp feeling dry and flaky. Unless your hair is extremely oily, you can cut back to washing with shampoo two to three times a week instead of daily.
Choose the right conditioner
Conditioning is an essential part of your hair care routine as they help moisturise and prevent frizz. Hair conditioners come in different types, whether you choose a built in conditioner or use a separate conditioner, they keep your hair smooth and manageable. Apply the conditioner on the tip of your hair and use a comb to distribute the conditioner evenly. Avoid applying conditioner on your scalp to prevent excess oil. Leave the conditioner on your hair for 3-5 minutes before rinsing it out.
Don’t wash your hair too frequently
Washing hair too frequently removes the natural hair oils which are essential to keep your scalp moisturised and healthy. How often you wash your hair depends on hair types. Straight hair and oily scalp require washing everyday while dry, curly hair is relatively low maintenance, washing 2-3 times a week or as needed.
Use a hair mask
Dry weather, pollutants and UV rays have adverse effects on hair health. Using an intensively moisturising hair mask prevents common hair problems such as weakened cuticles, frizz and dullness. Apply a hair mask once or twice a week or as needed to protect your hair.
Use UV protection
Exposure to UV rays may cause a number of hair problems, including brittle strands, split ends and breakage. When you go out on a sunny day, use a hair protection product such as waterproof sun sprays to minimum damage from strong UV rays.
Cut down on hot tools and high-tension styling
No matter how much we rely on our blow dryers, straighteners and slicked-back buns, they don’t show our hair any love.
By exposing our hair to high temperatures, hot tools break and then reset the bonds of our hair. Our hair shines and sits just right – but with time, this damage results in brittle, frizzy strands, breakage and split ends.
And while tight buns, ponytails and braids help us conceal our oily roots, these high-tension styles break and pull at our hair. If you can see broken hairs around your hairline and temples or at the midline of your hair where your hair tie sits, this is why.
The solution is simple. Give your hair – and your morning routine – a break. Learn how to air-dry your hair, try more relaxed hairstyles and save heat styling for when you want to add extra polish. With a little patience you’ll start to see your natural hair texture and thick, healthy hair return.
Gently brush and detangle
Brushing your hair 100 times before bed isn’t the most practical of hair tips – but the principle is sound. Daily brushing helps to increase circulation at the scalp and redistributes hair’s natural oils. If you’re prone to oily roots and dry ends, regular brushing can help soften and nourish hair – and even make for a cleaner clean on wash day.
To prevent damage and help restore your hair’s natural bounce, invest in quality tools – then use them carefully. Hair is most vulnerable when it’s wet, so apply your conditioner and gently work in small motions from your ends to roots with a wide-tooth comb. Once you’re out of the shower, gently blot hair dry with a microfiber towel and use the same technique to detangle.
When you’re working with dry hair, opt for a boar bristle or padded nylon brush to refresh your style, smooth flyaways and enhance your natural volume.
Invest in silk
Silk pillowcases and scrunchies are essential. Whether you’ve indulged in a blow-dry or are embracing your natural texture, you’ll find your hair glides over silk’s soft surface, keeps its shape and stays smoother for longer. And if you’re applying serums, creams or oils to your hair, they’ll stay right where they’re needed. A silk pillowcase won’t absorb your hydrating skincare or haircare like cotton.
For those of us who want to make a style statement or just protect your hair, silk hair ties and scrunchies also hold hair in place without breaking or kinking strands.
Care for your hair growth cycle
If your hair feels like it’s not growing or you’re finding more hair in the shower, your hair growth cycle might need some attention.
Our hair naturally grows in three stages. At any given time, 90% of our hair is in anagen, the active growing phase. Then comes catagen, the transition stage and telogen, the resting stage right before a hair falls. But lifestyle factors like nutritional deficiencies and stress or medical conditions can prematurely push our hair into the telogen phase. This is called telogen effluvium. You might find your hair falling en masse a couple of months after a trigger like severe illness or hormonal changes, or with no known explanation. So it’s important to seek advice from a medical professional – and trust that with time and the right treatment, your hair will grow thick and long again.
If you’re losing hair from lifestyle triggers like nutrient deficiencies or damaging hair styling, Hairology can reduce hair loss and boost hair growth. By helping to prolong the active growing phase, AnaGain™ supports healthy hair follicles and a healthy hair cycle – so your hair can naturally grow its thickest, longest and strongest.
If you’re ready to restore thick, healthy hair, adopt a holistic haircare routine. By addressing the causes of hair loss and thinning, Hairology supports the hair growth cycle – while you take care of your strands.
Shop the story
Sources:
(1) Varothai, S., Bergfeld, W.F. Androgenetic Alopecia: An Evidence-Based Treatment Update. Am J Clin Dermatol 15, 217–230 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-014-0077-5
(2) Grymowicz M, Rudnicka E, Podfigurna A, Napierala P, Smolarczyk R, Smolarczyk K, Meczekalski B. Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jul 28;21(15):5342. doi: 10.3390/ijms21155342. PMID: 32731328; PMCID: PMC7432488.
(3) Natarelli N, Gahoonia N, Sivamani RK. Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss. J Clin Med. 2023 Jan 23;12(3):893. doi: 10.3390/jcm12030893. PMID: 36769541; PMCID: PMC9917549.
(4) Dumoulin M, Gaudout D, Lemaire B. Clinical effects of an oral supplement rich in antioxidants on skin radiance in women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:315-324. Published 2016 Oct 18. doi:10.2147/CCID.S118920
(5) Evidence Review: Natural Hair Supplements: Biotin and Collagen. Plast Aesthet Nurs (Phila). 2023 Jul-Sep 01;43(3):E5. doi: 10.1097/PSN.0000000000000519. PMID: 37389622.