Thinning hair is a problem for many of us as we age, as the accumulation of damage from years of using too many heated treatments piles up. You’ll first notice it when, perhaps, your ponytail no longer keeps the fullness of its previous shape, or when more and more hair falls out when you’re showering or bathing.
Do not think of these things as irreparable, however; with the right hair products for thinning hair, you can restore much of its former glory. It’s a fact of life that hair loses density – which becomes especially noticeable by around age 50 in most women and some men – and the strands become less thick. Combine the following everyday practices with elite-level hair products to help your hair bounce back.
Consider the Use of Natural Herbs
There are, seemingly, herbs for nearly every ailment that humans deal with; hair loss is another. Although hardly an ailment, you can combat it by taking certain supplements such as saw palmetto extracts and ginkgo biloba. These have been shown to regulate the testosterone levels that are associated with hair loss.
You can find them in certain lotions and shampoo bases; additionally, ginkgo increases blood flow, which helps carry the antioxidants you include in your diet to the appropriate regions of your body that discourage hair thinning and excess hair loss.
Sleep and Stress
Reducing your stress levels and getting enough sleep lead to whole-body improvements. More specifically, stress reduction leads to an improvement in the circulation of blood which, as mentioned above, aids in the delivery of antioxidants to crucial sites throughout the body. The net effect of this circulation is increased hair growth.
Improve Your Diet
Nutrients are your life-blood if you want fuller, more robust hair. The correlation is a direct one, and most dermatologists can tell how healthy you are by simply looking at the quality of your hair. What qualifies as good food for this endeavor, though? Protein is one very important macronutrient; make sure that much of it comes from fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel. These also have the essential omega-3 fatty acids that will do wonders for the health of your hair.
Vegetables with loads of iron are also good (look for leafy greens), as are foods rich in vitamin A and C. Biotin and zinc are also essential for your hair health – as well as your overall health, of course. Make a list of foods with these elements, and incorporate them into your diet.
Foods you want to avoid are those with loads of processed sugar, trans fat and cholesterol. Minimize your caffeine intake, and go easy on the alcohol, as well. Your hair will thank you for it.
Scalp Massage
This has the effect of boosting your circulation, and blood flow carries nutrients and antioxidants – especially if you’re eating a lot of fruits and vegetables – throughout your body, where it can do the maximum amount of good. Massage your scalp at the roots of your hair to dislodge oil and dirt, too. Use a wide-toothed comb, and only brush your hair after it has dried.
Another benefit of scalp massaging is that it helps the shampoo reach deeper into your hair. So, in addition to the improved environment for hair growth spurred on by the blood circulation, you also clear it out of any foreign objects.
Minimize the Heat Damage
This primarily extends to the curling irons and blow dryers you must use sometimes. After all, what good is a shock of healthy hair if you don’t get to play with it, dress it up and feel as stylish as you can from time-to-time? They key here is moderation; don’t curl it every day, obviously. Also, use quick dry towels to get the water out before blow drying; this way, you can use the dryer on the lowest heat setting.
This extends to when you take showers; very hot water is the enemy of hair. The heat dries your hair and makes it more prone to breakage once the brittleness sets in. Wear a hair cap if you really like hot showers, or simply alternate the temperature once it’s time to wash your head.