Why should you think of your hair care holistically?
Unlike traditional haircare routines that focus solely on the external treatments, a holistic haircare approach recognizes that the health of your hair is influenced by various factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and the use of chemical products.
Holistic haircare focuses on taking this well-rounded approach to maintaining hair health by considering various factors that can impact its overall condition.
What Factors Affect the Health of your Hair?
Genetics
Your hair's health can be influenced by your genetic makeup. Factors such as hair thickness, thinning, texture, and susceptibility to certain conditions like hair loss can be inherited.
Nutrition
A balanced diet plays a crucial role in promoting healthy hair. Nutrients like vitamins (biotin, vitamins A, C, D, E), minerals (such as iron, zinc, and selenium), and omega-3 fatty acids help nourish the hair follicles and promote strong shiny hair.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can affect the health of your hair. These changes can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to temporary hair loss or changes in texture.
Haircare Practices
Over washing or using harsh shampoos can strip away natural oils and cause dryness, while infrequent washing can lead to a build-up of dirt and oils. Excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, and improper brushing can also cause damage to the hair shafts.
Stress
Mental and emotional stress can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and lead to excessive shedding or thinning hair.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to pollution, UV radiation, heat, and humidity can lead to hair dryness, frizz, and brittleness. It is important to protect your hair from excessive sun exposure and to minimize exposure to pollutants when possible.
Ways to Look After your Hair Holistically
Holistic haircare is about promoting the overall health of your hair, addressing both internal and external factors to achieve healthy, strong, and vibrant locks.
Nutrition
Just like your skin, your hair's health is closely linked to your overall diet and nutrition. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help promote strong and healthy hair. Include foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats to provide essential nutrients for hair growth and strength.
Scalp Health
A healthy scalp is crucial for promoting healthy hair growth. Regularly cleanse your scalp to remove dirt, oil, and product build up. Massage your scalp gently to stimulate blood flow, which can enhance hair follicle health and nutrient delivery to the hair shaft.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can negatively impact hair health and contribute to hair loss or hair thinning. Find ways to manage your stress levels, such as exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques.
Haircare Routine
Choose hair products that are gentle, free from harsh chemicals, and suitable for your hair type. Avoid over-washing or using excessive heat styling tools, as these can damage the hair and lead to dryness or breakage. Also avoid wearing tight hairstyles that can cause tension on the hair follicles and practicing proper scalp care with regular cleansing and moisturizing.
Environmental Protection
Protect your hair from environmental damage, including UV radiation and pollution. Wear a hat or use haircare products with UV filters when spending extended periods in the sun. Minimise exposure to pollutants or use protective sprays to shield your hair from harmful particles.
Ingredients to Avoid in your Haircare
When it comes to harsh haircare ingredients, there are several that you may want to avoid. It important to note that individual sensitivities and reactions can vary, so what may be harsh for one person may not be for another.
Sulphates
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) are foaming agents commonly found in shampoos. They tend to strip the hair strands and can be harsh and drying, especially those with dry or sensitive scalps.
Parabens
Methylparaben and propylparaben, are preservatives used in many haircare products to prolong shelf life. There have been concerns about their potential hormone-disrupting effects.
Silicones
Non-water-soluble silicones can build up on the hair over time, leading to potential issues like weighing down the hair, reducing volume, and blocking moisture from penetrating the hair shaft.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and can be found in some haircare products. There are concerns about their potential hormone-disrupting effects, although there is still ongoing research on their safety.
Synthetic fragrances
Synthetic fragrances, listed as "fragrance" or "parfum" on the ingredient label, can contain a mixture of different chemicals, some of which may be irritating or allergenic.
How to Care for your Scalp
Caring for your scalp is essential for maintaining healthy hair and promoting optimal hair growth.
Keep your scalp clean
Regularly wash your hair with a gentle shampoo to remove dirt, excess oil, and product build up from your scalp. Use lukewarm water and massage your scalp with your fingertips to stimulate circulation and promote a clean and healthy scalp.
Moisturise your scalp
Just like your skin, your scalp also requires moisture. If you have a dry scalp, consider using a moisturising scalp treatment or applying a small amount of natural oils, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, to your scalp before shampooing. Be careful not to over-moisturise, as it can lead to greasiness or build up.
Exfoliate your scalp
Regularly exfoliating your scalp can help remove dead skin cells, unclog hair follicles, and promote a healthy scalp environment. You can use a scalp scrub or create your own by mixing a gentle exfoliant, such as sugar or coffee grounds, with a carrier oil and gently massaging it onto your scalp before shampooing.
Protect your scalp from the sun
Just like your skin, your scalp can also get sunburned. When spending time outdoors, especially in direct sunlight, protect your scalp by wearing a hat or using a scalp-specific sunscreen to prevent sunburn and damage.
Holistic Hair Care
To maintain healthy skin and minimize the negative impact of haircare on your skin, consider the following tips:
- Wash your hair regularly to keep the scalp clean and free from excessive oils or product build up.
- Choose haircare products that are suitable for your scalp and hair type and avoid those with ingredients known to cause skin irritation.
- Be mindful of the products you use near your face, ensuring they are non-comedogenic and won't clog your pores.
- Avoid excessive heat styling, as it can dry out your hair and potentially damage the skin on your scalp or hairline.
- If you notice any allergic reactions or skin irritations after using specific hair products or undergoing chemical treatments, consult a dermatologist for professional advice.
Remember, a holistic approach to hair and skincare can lead to healthier hair and skin overall.
