We all would like to have strong luscious hair but sometimes we need a little help to achieve this. Genes do play a role, but maximising what you have and finding ways to prevent hair loss and enhance a thicker re-growth can really make a difference in how your hair looks and feels.

1. Wash your hair less

Trying to extend the time between washes can be beneficial. The less you wash your hair the more the natural oils will nourish it and make it lush and healthy. Washing your hair every 3-4 days is ideal but even every 2-3 days will make a difference.

This may not be available to everybody, so if you absolutely have to wash your hair, make sure your shampoo does not contain harsh chemicals that strip your hair and scalp of all the good stuff as well as damage the environment. Here are the worst offenders: sulfates parabens, polyethylene glycols, triclosan, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrance and colours, dimethicone, retinyl palmitate.

2. Massage your scalp

Increasing blood flow to the scalp can help with hair growth and help increase hair thickness and strength over time. Work your fingers around in a circular motion with your fingertips on a dry or wet scalp.

3. Less styling

Heating tools such as blow dryers and straightening irons cause damage to the hair.

Limit the amount of times you style your hair and use hair masks occasionally and/or use protection products before styling.

In addition, set your dryer on low heat, keep the dryer a good distance from your hair, try to let your hair air dry until almost dry, and then finish off with the blow-dryer and irons at the end for minimum exposure to heat.

4. Avoid hot water

Turn down the heat when you shower. Steam from the shower can open up the cuticles on your hair, which may result in hair that is frizzy, dry, and prone to breakage. Finish off with cold water to create shiny hair as this closes the hair cuticles.

5. Boost your vitamin intake 

• B vitamins, especially biotin: found in avocados, nuts and seeds, egg yolk, liver, salmon, and dairy products.
• Beta-carotene/vitamin A: found in carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, potatoes, spinach, milk, eggs, and yogurt
• Vitamin C: found in citrus fruits, Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower), strawberries, and bell peppers
• Vitamin D3: found in fatty fish, egg yolk
• Vitamin E: good sources include sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, and avocados
• Iron: found in oysters, clams, eggs, red meat, lentils, and spinach
• Zinc: good sources include oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and lentils

If it’s difficult to get the necessary nutrients from the foods you eat, you may want to consider taking a multivitamin that includes the above vitamins and minerals.

NOTE: Only take iron supplements if you have been tested for iron deficiency. Always take iron away from zinc (zinc inhibits the absorption of iron)

Always speak to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements

6. Up the protein in your diet

Lack of protein in the diet can cause hair thinning and hair loss. Getting enough protein in your diet by eating eggs, fish and meat or if you are a vegan/vegetarian make sure you are combining grains and seeds/nuts throughout the day as well as including tofu, quinoa or other complete proteins from time to time

7. Try a hair mask

Coconut oil can do wonders for your mane. Coconut oil can penetrate the hair deeply and help to repair the hair.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.

Directions: Massage the oil into damp hair. Avoid the scalp and place hair into a bun. Place a towel on the pillow to protect the bed linen. Shampoo the next morning.

Summary

Luscious strong hair requires work externally and internally.

Minimising heat and over washing and using a good hair mask can be beneficial to hair health but what you put into your body has an impact too. Eating a variety of whole foods and protein sources can boost the health of your hair.

Making sure you get the nutrients mentioned above either through your diet and/or by taking supplements.

MULTI-TASKER {energy-stress} is a multivitamin that contains vitamins and herbs for stronger hair and nails, helping to encourage hair growth and reduce hair loss

REPAIR {skin+gut} is a collagen powder with added superfoods supplying you with vitamin C, E, betacarotene and zinc + Aloe vera and glutamine for a healthy gut.