Keeping Long Hair Healthy

Long healthy hair is the by-product of proper nutrition, loving care, and good hair genes. What if you were not blessed with good hair genes? Well, proper nutrition and loving care can still help you grow your hair as long as possible and keep it healthy.

Nutrition is very important for maintaining a healthy body and healthy hair. Starvation diets make hair dull and prone to breakage. People who do not consume enough calories and nutrients in an effort to lose extra pounds can experience a dramatic hair loss. Diets that are balanced and include protein, fat, carbohydrates, and lots of fruits and vegetables are best for people who want long healthy hair.

Weight loss goals can still be reached on a balanced diet. Plan to lose no more than 1 - 2 pounds a week if you want to maintain your health and your hair. Weight loss is a lot more likely to be permanent when people lose weight gradually by eating healthy foods in moderation.

Loving care is the other ingredient that helps keep long hair healthy. Rough treatment causes split ends that make hair break off and become shorter. Wash your hair gently and use a conditioner that gets the tangles out. Use a wide tooth comb to gently comb through wet hair. Brushing wet hair can cause damage. Trim off the damaged ends to stop the breakage, so your hair can become longer and healthier looking.

Wind, sun, and hair accessories can severely damage your hair. You can protect your hair from the drying effects of the wind and sun by tucking your hair up under a hat. Hair conditioners will also help protect your hair form the damaging effects of the wind and sun. Hair accessories that have hair on them when you remove them from your hair are ripping your hair. When you remove a hair accessory from your hair and find hair on it, do not put it back in your hair.

The chemicals you put on your hair in an effort to make it more beautiful can damage your hair. Before you color, perm, or straighten your hair do some research about the chemicals in the product that will be used on your hair. Consult a licensed hair expert. Tell the hair expert that you want to prevent damage and grow your hair long. You may be able to find products that will cause less damage to your hair while still delivering your desired results.

Heat styling with blow dryers and curling irons can cause a lot of damage. If you must heat style your hair, use a low setting and do not over dry your hair. Hair conditioners that are designed to be used while heat styling may help prevent damage.

The secret to growing long hair and keeping it healthy is part nature and part nurture. Even if you were not born with thick hair that grows super fast, you can get your hair to grow as long as possible and keep it healthy by eating a balanced diet, using a good conditioner, and avoiding things that damage your hair.