There is nothing worse than a bad hair day – especially if you have somewhere special to go. The truth is we all have them. Perhaps you ran out of conditioner or trimmed your bangs too short. Maybe you overslept and ran out of time to fix your hair or spent too much time at the beach or the pool this summer.
Whatever the reason, adopting some healthy hair habits can help you reduce those bad hair days.
You may have heard that your hair changes every seven years. It is true that the anagen (growth phase) cycle lasts about seven years, although it can range from 2 to 7 years depending on individual factors. As you age, the anagen phase can decrease, and you may find thinner and fewer hair strands, so bad hair days may seem to increase.
Menopause, andropause (low testosterone), and other hormonal changes can affect the hair growth cycle. Humidity, dry weather, stress, water changes, and other factors can also impact your hair’s appearance.
Discovering the cause of your hair problems and making some changes may help improve how your hair looks and feels.
Reasons for Bad Hair Days
We know that changing climates can make your hair frizz or curl. If you binge on junk food, your body and your hair may let you know. Poor haircuts, rushing, and not taking the time to care for your hair properly can influence its appearance.
Here are some of the other reasons you may have bad hair days:
● Hormones
Hormonal changes have a significant impact on nails, hair, and skin. For example, HGH deficiency can lead to sagging skin and thinning or balding of hair as it influences cell regeneration. Find out more about that by learning about Sermorelin HGH for sale. HGH benefits go beyond improving the appearance of your hair, nails, and skin.
● Poor Washing Choices
Frequent washing and use of chemical-laden shampoos and conditioners can weaken and damage hair. Hot water also removes moisture from hair and weakens the follicles, increasing the risk of hair shedding.
● Autoimmune Diseases
Some autoimmune diseases, including alopecia areata, can affect hair growth, causing it to fall out sooner and not grow back as well. Other hair-affecting autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto’s disease, psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves disease, and Crohn’s disease.
● Heat-Styling Tools
Heat directly applied to the hair can cause damage. Using the proper tools and hair protectants can help prevent damage.
● Stress
High stress in your life increases the production of cortisol, which also causes your hair to become dry, brittle, and thin. Elevated cortisol decreased growth hormone, which we already mentioned is crucial for hair growth.
● Trauma
As with stress, trauma sends signals and increases cortisol to the scalp. Many people who face traumatic situations find a loss of hair about six weeks later.
5 Ways to Improve Your Hair’s Appearance
We know that when we look in the mirror and are happy with our appearance, we have better self-confidence. No one wants to go into a meeting looking disheveled. From stringy to oily to dry hair, these problems affect many people – you are not alone.
Let us take a closer look at 5 ways to improve your hair’s appearance to minimize bad hair days:
● Wash and Condition Correctly
It is important to wash your scalp, occasionally using a product that contains tea tree oil to help remove buildup that can hinder ideal growth. Use products designed for itching and flaking if you have those issues. Do not wash your hair too often, as you are washing away crucial oils and nutrients. If you are prone to sweating or exposed to harmful pollutants, wash and condition your hair.
When conditioning, do not use too much. Short and mid-length hair only needs about a nickel-sized drop of conditioner. Apply first to the mid-shaft of your hair, working down to the ends, as those are the areas that need it the most. Then, using what is left on your hands, apply to the scalp and work down again. Use a wide-tooth comb to work the conditioner through the hair.
● Be Cognizant of Ingredients
Many of the hair and cosmetic products we use have potentially harmful chemicals. Look for ones that are free from phthalates and other chemicals. Choose natural products that include Argan and coconut oils, aloe,
● Brush Your Hair Before Showering
Wet hair is more prone to breakage, so brushing it before you wash it while it is dry can help eliminate knots. Brushing your dry hair also helps remove oil from the scalp and distribute it down the hair shaft for better hair health. Also, begin by brushing from the mid-shaft, not the scalp, holding your hair to avoid pulling the roots. Then, work your way up the hair shaft to detangle safely.
● Keratin and Hair Mask Treatments
The hair strand is made up of keratin, so doing deep-conditioning treatments once a week, especially those with added keratin, can help keep your hair feeling and looking healthy, shiny, and soft.
● Rinse Your Hair with Cold Water
Hot water can irritate the scalp and weaken the hair shafts. Choose warm water instead of hot for your head, and rinse with the coldest water you can stand. That seals the cuticles and boosts hair shine. (By the way, a cold-water rinse is also good for your skin.)
Would you like a few more tips to help improve your hair’s appearance?
Here are some other things to consider and try:
● Balanced Diet of Protein-Rich Food
What you eat can make a tremendous difference in your hair’s appearance. Increase your protein intake, including fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.
● Use a Silk Pillowcase
Silk reduces friction while you sleep, protecting the hair cuticles from damage.
● Do Not Rub Your Hair Dry
Towel drying your hair by rubbing it damages the hair shaft, causing breakage and split ends. Wrap your hair in a soft cloth and gently squeeze out the water.
● Use Heat Protectors
Protect your hair from damage caused by heat styling by spraying on a high-quality heat protector.
● Choose Better Hair Tools
Straighteners and curling irons with ionic technology and those that are solid ceramic (not just ceramic coating) are better for distributing heat and protecting your hair during styling.
● Get Regular Cuts
Trimming your hair every two months helps improve its growth and gets rid of split ends.
● Protect Hair From Sun Damage
When going swimming or out in the sun, apply a leave-in protector to your hair.
Conclusion
The better care you take of your hair, the fewer bad hair days you should have. Protecting your hair on the outside with the proper products – and from the inside through good nutrition – can go a long way to improving your hair’s appearance.
See a hormone specialist if you have concerns about hormone-related hair growth issues. If you have an autoimmune disease, protecting your hair from the inside is crucial. Good nutrition benefits your overall health.
Bob Duncan is the lead writer and partner on ConversationsWithBianca.com. A passionate parent, he’s always excited to dive into the conversation about anything from parenting, food & drink, travel, to gifts & more!