Top Ten Hair Care Tips to Keep Your Hair Healthy

Written by Dr. Griffin

February 22, 2016

At GHR our goal is to maximize all aspects of hair care. To that end we would like to educate our patients about general common sense lifestyle principles which we believe will help them maintain their hair as well as possible. It should be understood that in most cases genetic inheritance is at the root of the predisposition to thinning hair. however there are some factors which may affect genetics such that one may speed up or decrease the rate of thinning. The following are basic recommendations which might help to improve the quality of life and of ones hair.

In addition, Dr. Griffin put together the following hair and scalp care principles to stay healthy and prevent hair loss:

1. Eat nutrient-rich foods. Did you know that thinning hair is often linked to an iron deficiency? A well-balanced diet is the cornerstone of your overall health and promotes strong hair. We recommend a balanced diet with adequate protein intake, fruits, vegetables and grains. The best proteins include chicken, pork and fish. Fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids like salmon are a good choice. Similarly, walnut and flaxseed are high in omega 3’s. Vegetables rich in carotene like yams and sweet potatoes, and those rich in iron and B vitamins such as spinach or broccoli are helpful as well. Introducing a multivitamin contain iron or biotin is also a great addition to your diet to improve hair health.
2. Use gentle shampoo. The wrong hair products can wreak havoc on the hair. Make sure you using shampoo that is appropriate for your hair type. Try to look for shampoos that contain natural ingredients rather than sulfates. Niacin, biotin, argan oil and antioxidants are some of the ingredients that may help fortify follicles.
3. Cool things down. Excessively hot water can strip the hair and scalp of necessary moisture. It is also important to avoid using heat tools as much as possible. Straightening and perming can damage the hair as may even injure the roots.
4. Fortify the hair with a conditioning treatment. A deep conditioning treatment once a week can give hair an extra line of protection, strengthen individual strands, prevent breakage of hair shafts, and help maintain the hair’s structure.
5. Let the hair dry naturally. Blow drying the hair can overheat the hair and scalp. When towel drying the hair, avoid vigorous rubbing, which can cause the hair to tangle. If you must blow dry your hair, set your blow dryer in the coolest setting.
6. Do not pull or tug the hair. Many of us play with our hair out of habit. But twirling and twisting the hair can cause individual strands to fall out.
7. Wear the hair loose as much as possible. Tight ponytails or braids can strain the hair follicles causing damage. Extensions can also have a similar effect.
8. Protect the hair when swimming. Overexposure to chlorine and other harsh chemicals can make the hair brittle and more prone to breakage.
9. Reduce stress. Excessive stress can contribute to hair loss and thinning. Stress can leading to increase shedding and in some causes to Alopecia. Take time out to stay in balance. It is healthy for your mind, body, spirit and yes, your hair.
10. Dedicate time to Physical activity. Regular daily exercise increases blood flow to the brain and the body. Exercising at least 20-60 minutes a day can help reduce stress which in turn improves hair health. We recommend aerobic exercise, light weight training or yoga.

If you have been following these guidelines and observe no improvement in your hair loss, you should come to see Dr. Griffin. He will examine your scalp and tailor a treatment plan that can include both non-surgical and surgical methods to restore hair for both men and women. Contact the Griffin Hair Restoration Center of Philadelphia to schedule your consultation.