Hair Care Tips

Hair care is one of the important and unavoidable part of a beauty regime. Most of us tend to spend a lot of money on hair care products and hair treatments, it may not work at all. While we spend a fortune for these products, the basics of hair care are often forgotten. Even though, the right hair care for an individual depends on the type of his/her hair, there are some basics, that can be helpful in maintaining a healthy hair.

The following are some of the hair care tips that can be followed by all, irrespective of the hair type. While many are aware of most of these basics, we tend to forget them, thereby paving way for hair damage.

• One of the golden rules of hair care is to refrain from over processing of hair. In other words, reduce the use of blow dryers, curling tongs, hair straighteners and flat irons. Use of harsh chemicals on hair must also be avoided. Hair care products must be chosen as per your hair type.
• Thoroughly wet the hair before shampooing and the shampoo and conditioner must be suited for your hair type, that too in very small amounts. Try to make the last rinse with cold water.
• Towel drying the hair is better than using a blow dryer. Use a wide-toothed comb on wet hair. Trimming of hair every two months is also said to be good for growing healthy hair.
• As in the case of heat products like blow dryers and flat iron, excessive sun can also damage hair. So avoid overexposure of the hair to harsh sunlight. Even chlorinated water can be detrimental to hair. So, wear a cap, while swimming in chlorinated water.
• One of the important hair care tips is with regard to diet and nutrition. Follow a balanced diet, cut down the fatty stuff and consume lots of fresh vegetable and fruits.
• Consumption of water is also equally important as far as hair care is concerned. Drink at least eighty to ten glasses of water per day. Inadequate sleep and stress can also affect the health of hair.

However, women have to be more careful as far as hair care is concerned, because, they tend to keep longer hair. Apart from that, the hormonal changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, can also affect their hair growth. So, take proper care of your hair, have a balanced diet, adopt an exercise regimen, avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, have adequate sleep and beat the stress. In case of long hair, you have to take special care. Such people must trim their hair once in every two months. Take care not to braid the hair tightly, so that it doesn't cause breakage. Instead of hair brush, use a wide tooth comb for such hair. Treat the hair gently while detangling and combing.

Hair Growth Tips

Hair growth can be affected by various factors like health, hormonal changes, hair care and intake of certain medication. It is a fact that you cannot speed up the rate of hair growth (differs from one person to another), but, you can support hair growth by not hindering it. This requires a proper hair care routine, as per the particular hair type. All the above said tips can prove beneficial in this task. Apart from that, there are various home remedies and supplements that are said to be good for hair growth. Aloe vera is one of the most popular home remedy for various hair problems. Apply the Aloe vera gel on the scalp and hair to prevent dandruff and lice. Oil massage is also said to be effective in making your hair well maintained. You may use lukewarm olive oil or coconut oil for this purpose. Apply the oil and rinse after one or two hours. If you have dandruff, then, go for steaming of the scalp and hair, before shampooing and conditioning. This is, especially, good for those with dry hair. In case of oily hair, application of lemon juice is found to be effective. You may also add egg white to the lemon juice. Henna is an effective alternative to chemical hair colors. Even gooseberries, hibiscus flower (with five-petals), mustard oil, fenugreek seeds and basil leaves, are used for hair care.

Apart from taking proper care of the hair, you must have a well-balanced diet and proper lifestyle, so as to keep your hair well maintained and healthy.