I love how hair commercials so often emphasize how you can get your hair to “look and feel Healthy” by using their products but have you ever noticed that they often carefully avoid stating that their products will actually make your hair more healthy? Healthy hair involves a lot more than just some fancy conditioner! ( and let me tell you, so many of the high street or drugstore brands are mostly packed with waxes that end up clogging the cuticle or coating the hair with residue… not ACTUALLY nourishing the hair)

In recent months I have been trying a few products and routines to encourage my hair to grow out healthy and I have discovered a few key practices that have made a significant difference in the growth and overall health of my hair. Check out my Video here where I show all the new growth and here is a list of what I feel worked best and habits I have had for a long time.

1. Nourishing Hair Care Routine+ Brushing

Establishing a nourishing hair care routine is essential for healthy hair growth. I make sure to cleanse my hair gently with sulfate-free shampoos that don’t strip away natural oils and use mainly natural Hair care products actually made to nourish my hair. This helps keep my hair hydrated and healthy as it grows so that it does not snap or break from dryness. Years ago Tabitha James Kraan, maker of beautiful Organic hair care products taught me all about brushing properly and moisture layering for healthy, hydrated hair. The key is a Natural bristle brush moving the natural oils from root to tip and smoothing the cuticle. La Bonne Brosse created some beautifully designed brushes for different hair types. Mine is the No 2, which is a mix of bristles to get through my hair. I only use a wide tooth comb when wet and swear by the Boucleme Organic Cotton Hair towel - squeeze the water out, never rub it with a terry towel!

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2. Scalp Massage + Stimulating Techniques

I always give myself a scalp massage when washing my hair using the most padded part of my fingertips, but I also added scalp massage using a silicone head massager once or twice a week. I used the Vegamour one below, but have also used a Jade Gua Sha from Hayo’u for almost 2 years now. Scalp massage promotes blood circulation and stimulates hair follicles, encouraging healthy and continued hair growth. The Jade tools are firmer so require only light pressure and have been used for hundreds of years in the East. The newer scalp massagers offer more comfort and come in many designs for different hair types. I will say that I try not to do it too much, as I don’t want to stimulate the sebaceous glands or create too much oil at the roots, or friction in the hair, but the resulting massage and relaxation moment is totally worth it.

3. Protecting, nourishing + Reducing Heat Styling

I usually can’t be bothered to dry my hair, and often air dry, but now pay more attention to using a heat protector product when I do use my blow dryer (I love my GHD one with the smoothing nozzle). My Easy Beachy Wave/ Curl technique is easy: For natural waves I apply a curl cream to my damp hair. I tend to combi it through with my fingers and a wide tooth comb, then twist the strands and let them air dry. Colouring my hair and being out in the sun and sea has left the lengths of my hair very dry, so I am now giving myself a weekly hair mask. Most Recently I have used Briogeo, but love the Boucleme and John Masters ones I have used in the past.

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4. Supplements for Hair Health

I really believe in a more holistic approach and so I think taking regular good quality supplements ( my fave supplements here) can help your whole system work better, which can help support any additional targeted supplements specifically designed for hair. I really enjoyed the Biotin Supplements from Vegamour, but I think that its having a healthy diet, incorporating a variety of nutrients and healthy fats. Please always consult a medical professional or nutritionist before starting supplements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, achieving and maintaining healthy hair requires a variety of essential practices. It is crucial to adopt a holistic approach by incorporating proper nutrition, conscious ingredients, gentle handling, and minimizing heat and regular brushing, even if it is only before a wash day!