the keys to healthy hair?!

[onwisconsin]

Thoughts?! My hair is horribly damaged and I know heat styling isn't the best, but... what would you say are the keys to great, healthy hair?!

[bimbi284]

Moisture is important!!

Also, using shampoos without sulfates and conditioners/products without silicones will help balance out your hair's natural moisture and texture. Hair One from Sally's like Mav mentioned is a good option for people because it is actually a cleansing conditioner, so it cleans your hair and scalp without harsh detergents that can strip moisture from your hair, and also conditions it well. I personally haven't tried it yet, but I plan on going tomorrow to pick some up. I've been told the jojoba one is good.

I also like using organic extra virgin coconut oil as a conditioning treatment. I usually just slather it all over my hair, hit it with some heat from the hair dryer, cover it in a shower cap, and chill for about 30-60 min, then I wash, condition, and style as usual.

[FormerCityGirl]

Oct 3, 2012 20:21:01 GMT -5 @mavjen said:

Take vitamins and supplements everyday. I shampoo every couple of days, no more daily shampoos unless I need it due to swimming, etc.

Moroccan oil. Hair One cleansing conditioner. T3 hair dryer.

Frequent haircuts/trims too.

This. I sub Oribe or Sojourn for Hair One though. Daily washing strips so much out of your hair. Use dry shampoo if you need anything on off wash days. I also use heat protectant, sun protectant, and stay away from styling tools on a daily basis. You should even use heat protectant just to blow dry. Also, pull your hair back with the hair ribbon ties like the ones from Sephora or Anthro. The cheap kind will rip your hair out causing breakage.

ETA: Ditto on the sulfate free products. Sulfate and paraben free are even better.

[ILikeSloths]

Frequent trims, gentle shampoo and conditioner (I use sulfate and silicone-free), and coconut oil helps to moisturize and strengthen.

If it's very damaged I would probably bite the bullet and get quite a bit cut off, then let it regrow. I did this with mine last year and it looks much healthier now. This, in combination with sulfate-free shampoo and coconut oil, has helped tremendously.

[misshark122]

I agree with frequent trims for sure! I think that's huge.

[highlarious]

Healthy diet. Make sure you get enough healthy fat. It's essential for good hair and skin. Biotin supplements are also helpful.

Be extremely gentle with it when wet. This is its most vulnerable state. Don't rub a towel through it when wet. It's better to gently wrap the towel around the hair and lightly squeeze. Don't run a brush through wet hair.

Use a heat protectant. Try to let it air dry a little before using the blow dryer. Intermittently use the cool setting on your dryer to break up the blast of heat.

If you use a flat iron, make sure hair is completely dry first.

Be gentle when putting it into (and releasing it from) a pony tail to avoid breakage.

Massaging your scalp is thought to help stimulate blood flow to the follicles, which helps hair health. It also feels really good.

[Deleted]

I think my hair is pretty healthy despite being color treated and using heat often.

I agree with getting regular trims. Also, use a heat protectant spray before using any heat on your hair. Use a sulfate free shampoo, and possibly even a cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo, such as Hair One or Wen. I use Hair One and love it. Some people use a little bit of oil, like argan or coconut, on their hair as a leave in treatment.