Some women are just born lucky with gorgeous hair that tick all the right boxes – thick and strong with just the right bounce and sheen.
The less fortunate among us scramble to make the best of what we have, resorting to every hair product in the market to colour, style, straighten or perm our unruly locks into submission.
Many women these days also struggle with premature balding or thinning of hair due to nutritional deficiencies, emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, allergies and pollution.
A poor haircare routine can also create chaos with our hair, the same way using the wrong types of haircare products can.
If you’ve had enough of this perennial battle for a good head of hair, you’ll find these simple yet fascinating suggestions below a real treat.
1. Make lifestyle changes
Be mindful of eating a well-balanced diet, and managing your stress levels better as these are believed to be able to restore the thickness of your hair.
Getting enough Vitamin B and protein is essential to keep your hair thick and reduce hair fall while diets deficient in iron can lead to poor hair growth.
Get your Vitamin B fix from fruits, vegetables, nuts and brown rice. Iron meanwhile is abundant in beef, pork, lamb, poultry, fish, and green leafy vegetables. You may also consider taking a multivitamin supplement in addition to a good diet.
2. Avoid chemical-based hair products
Most shampoos, conditioners and styling products contain chemicals that are effective at cleaning your hair but damage it in the long run.
Most shampoos contain sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates, which can strip hair of its natural oils, weakening it and causing it to fall out over time.
However, not all hair types react to these chemicals in the same way. If you suffer from thinning hair, or unusual hair fall, it’s best to avoid such products altogether. Consider organic products or products made from natural oils and soap agents instead.
You should also limit the frequency in which you wash your hair. Frequent washing of our scalps may wash away the natural oils that coat the hair and which protect it from outside damage. On the other hand, leaving your hair unwashed for long periods is not a good idea either.
3. Oil therapy
Coconut oil, olive oil, chamomile, lavender, rosemary, thyme, geranium, cedarwood, almond oil, Indian gooseberry oil and many others help thicken hair.
Coconut oil contains proteins that add strength to thin hair, while olive oil contains omega-3 fatty-acids that your hair needs to become thicker.
Applying 10 to 20 drops of your chosen oil to your scalp while shampooing and conditioning works wonders. Using your finger tips, gently rub the oil down to the tip of each strand if thicker, healthier hair is what you’re after.
4. Handle with care
Always be gentle with your hair to decrease the possibility of hair loss. Use a wide-toothed comb to work out tangles rather than pull at them. Additionally, you may massage your scalp regularly, using your fingertips to make circular motions. Massaging your hair is helpful as it increases the circulation to your scalp, helping hair grow more healthily.
Protect your hair from chemicals and pollutants whenever you can. Wrap your hair in a chic scarf or trendy hat and always wear a swimming cap to protect hair from the chlorinated water of swimming pools.
5. Get a good cut
Cutting off dry, dead split-ends can make your hair appear thicker. Expert hair-stylists advise those with thin hair to wear shoulder-length or shorter cuts.
Many often mistake “longer hair” for “thicker hair” and these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. In reality, they’re totally different. This is because, thin or fine hair that’s very long often appears stringy and even thinner since it’s weighed down by the length.
6. Consider an egg treatment for better regrowth
If you want to increase the length, strength and volume of your hair, the proteins in an egg mask might just do the trick. Beat two medium-sized eggs in a bowl and apply the beaten egg to wet hair. Leave the egg mask on for 10-15 minutes and wash out with warm water and a mild shampoo. Do this twice weekly for best results.
However, if you suffer from a more serious scalp condition or if hair fall or thinning has not improved even after trying these remedies, you might want to see a hair expert or doctor for advice.
