A lifetime of wear and tear can leave your hair flat, lifeless and dull. We asked Tony Masciangelo, editorial stylist for Nexxus Salon Hair Care, for tips on how to bring your hair back from the dead and keep it healthy, shiny and damage-free.
1. Eat well
Just like healthy skin, healthy hair begins on the inside with what you eat and drink.
"Diet definitely affects the health of your hair," says Masciangelo. "The more balanced your diet is, the more efficiently your body will perform – and those benefits are directly evidenced in the health of your hair."
Shiny, strong hair and speedier growth are benefits you can look forward to when eating foods full of antioxidants, such as blueberries, tomatoes and broccoli, as well as fish oils and protein. "Hair is pure protein and needs to be replenished, so a diet rich in protein will boost (the health of your) hair."
Upping your intake of vitamins B and D will also benefit your hair, says Masciangelo, who has noticed increased hair growth and extra-luminous locks on some of his clients who take supplements.
2. Look for specific ingredients tailored to your hair type
"Healthy hair is maintained with the products you use," explains Masciangelo, who advises clients to start their hair-care regimen with a shampoo and conditioner containing ingredients that promote healthy hair.
Check the labels for shea butter, coconut oil and keratin, which help strengthen locks, as well as panthenol for moisture and gelatin and vitamin B12 to repair and protect split ends.
It's also important to use products formulated specifically for your hair type. If you have curly hair, look for products that contain humectants (moisturizing ingredients) such as glycerol to reduce frizz and define curls. If your goal is to plump up fine hair, hunt for volumizing and lifting ingredients such as niacin and wheat protein.
Page 1 of 2 -- Find more healthy hair tips, inlcuding expert advice on colour treatment and how to use hot styling tools for your hair on page 2
