How To Keep Your Hair Healthy – 20 Tips + Home Remedies

Lush, thick hair is almost every girl’s dream. But pollution and the constant use of styling tools and colorants damage the hair and make it weak, thin, and dry (1). This can also cause the hair to break. Going for a hair spa treatment might seem like the only way to rejuvenate your hair, but there are some simple tips that can help you maintain your hair on the regular. Here’s how you can make your hair thick and healthy.

20 Effective Tips For Healthy Hair

Tip 1: Protect Your Hair

Always protect your hair from the sun, wind, and rain. Exposure to excessive sun, heat, dirt, and pollution adds to our already existent hair woes. These can lead to dirt build-up, drying out of hair and scalp, and increased susceptibility to infections on the scalp. Cover your hair with an umbrella or a hat.

Tip 2: Deal Carefully With Wet Hair

Wet hair is very fragile and breaks easily. When wet, the shaft and roots of your hair are more prone to sustaining damage. Don’t be too harsh when shampooing as it may lead to breakage. Also, avoid brushing immediately after a shower. If you have to, use a shower cap instead.

Tip 3: Regular Conditioning

Use a moisturizing conditioner after every wash. Missing this step could be the reason your hair is frizzy.

Tip 4: Condition The Right Way

Conditioners are formulated to seal in the moisture content in the hair shaft. They are not meant for the scalp. Start conditioning about 2 inches away from your scalp. Too much conditioner on the scalp will only make it excessively oily.

[ Read: Home Remedies For Oily & Greasy Hair ]

Tip 5: Use Shampoo And ConditionerFrom The Same Line

Choose a shampoo and conditioner from the same line as they have a similar formulation. These are made for a specific hair type and a specific purpose. It shows better results when you use a single line instead of two individual products.

Tip 6:  Don’t Over Apply Heat On Hair

Avoid using heat on your hair. Heat strips the moisture content from your hair, making it dry and frizzy (2). When overused, it can also burn your hair. Use iron/curl, straighteners only if necessary, and remember to use a hair protectant (3).

Tip 7: Avoid Tight Hair Ties

Avoid using super tight hair ties. Instead, opt for scrunchies with cloth around them. Tight hair ties tend to pull your hair back real tight, which increases friction and can cause breakage.

Tip 8: Don’t Braid Tightly During Bedtime

When you go to bed at night, braid your hair loosely to avoid a frizzy mess. Leaving your hair open tends to create knots, which means you need to subject it to pulling and brushing in the morning. Over brushing can lead to frizziness.

Tip 9: Choose Satin Pillow Covers

Sleeping on satin pillow covers is known to reduce hair breakage due to friction. Cotton and other materials are quite rough in texture due to which they also cause more friction against your hair.

Tip 10: Dry Hair Cautiously

Pat your hair dry. Do not rub vigorously with a towel. You might dry your hair faster, but the amount of hair that breaks and falls away also doubles up.

[ Read: Dry Hair Home Remedies ]

Tip 11: Oil The Scalp Frequently

Oil your hair as frequently as you can, and use a gentle shampoo to get rid of the oil. Oiling the scalp is good for your hair. But do not overdo it as you will end up using more shampoo, which strips more of the scalp’s natural oils, no matter how mild it is.

Oil massage is the oldest remedy for extra shiny and soft tresses. This is also the best home remedy for healthy hair. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil (1). Warm the oil slightly and massage your scalp thoroughly. Leave it on for an hour before washing your hair. You can also leave it on overnight for better conditioning.

Tip 12: Suitable Hair Masks

Use hair masks that are suitable for your hair. The hair needs vary as per your hair type and troubles. It is necessary that you use the right masks, or it can aggravate your problem.

[ Read: Mamaearth Argan Hair Mask For Smooth And Shiny Hair ]

Tip 13:  Avoid Teasing Your Hair

Avoid teasing your hair. Even if it creates a lot of volume, it ruins the hair texture.

Tip 14:  Cold Water Is Good For Hair

When washing your hair, prefer warm or cold water over hot water. Cold doesn’t exactly mean freezing cold – you can use water at room temperature. Hot and warm water opens up the hair cuticles and the pores on the epidermis. If the water is too hot, it can damage your hair. Use warm water for shampooing. After you have conditioned your hair, rinse it off with cold water.

Tip 15:  Use Clarifying Shampoo Once A Month

Using a clarifying shampoo once every month is a good idea. This eliminates the trouble of product build-up due to which the shampoo and conditioners tend to lose effectiveness.

Tip 16: Brush Effectively

Brushing is a sure shot way to increase the luster of your hair. It spreads the natural oils through the length of your hair. But don’t overdo this. Do not use plastic brushes as they cause increased breakage.

Tip 17:  Healthy Eating

Diet affects hair health. The healthier you are, the better your hair looks. Certain nutrients, like vitamins, iron, and proteins, are essential for hair growth and health. If you are unable to obtain enough from your diet, you need to consider supplements after consulting a doctor. A good diet for hair will also boost your confidence to stay healthy and smart. Your diet also affects the health of the hair. It is, therefore, important to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and high-protein foods to condition your hair naturally.

[ Read: Foods For Healthy Hair And Scalp ]

Tip 18: Don’t Use Too Many Products

Avoid using too many products on your hair. While there are certain products you may need to use, like shampoo, conditioner, and serum, try and avoid bottled hair products as much as possible.

Tip 19:Avoid Overuse Of Chemicals

Overuse of chemical shampoos and conditioners can leave the hair dull and dry. The chemicals, apart from doing no good to your hair, do no good to the environment. Hence, it is better to use products that are naturally obtained or herbal.

Tip 20: Combs And Brushes

It is important to know what kind of combs and brushes are used to manage hair. High-quality combs and brushes are suggestible over low-quality products as they help massage and relax your scalp. If you have curly hair, a nylon bristle brush will help tame it. Ensure that the combs and brushes you use are clean and neat. Avoid sharing them as it increases the chances of transfer of dandruff and other skin infections.

The basics are where it begins, but additional care is something we cannot skip.If those products on the shelf are no longer cutting it for you, it is time to move to more natural solutions. Solutions that you can cook up in your kitchens with little effort.

Home Remedies For Healthy Hair

Flaunting beautiful, healthy hair does not necessarily mean using high-end hair care products or expensive hair care treatments at signature salons. There are some home remedies that can give you those healthy tresses.

1. Bananas

Bananas are simply great for healthy hair. As they are rich in potassium, they help in improving the elasticity and natural health of your hair (4). Mash a banana in a bowl and apply this to your hair, from the roots to the tips. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash it off with a good shampoo. This treatment helps in treating damaged and dry hair.

2. Eggs

Eggs are one of the best home remedies to get soft and silky hair. Egg yolk can help improve hair growth (5). You can either massage your head with the yolk directly. You can also make a mixture of 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 3 egg yolks, and 2-3 drops of vitamin E oil. Leave it on for 10-12 minutes, and then wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo. Repeat once every week to condition your hair naturally.

[Read: Water Help In Hair Growth]

3. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise can help deep condition your hair. Wet your hair and apply mayonnaise. Leave it on for not more than an hour. Rinse well and shampoo.

4. Honey

Honey has emollient and humectant properties and conditions your hair (6). It is an excellent home remedy to repair damaged hair and prevent hair fall. Add 2-3 drops of honey to your shampoo or conditioner and use it to wash your hair.

5. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek has antifungal properties and skin-soothing effects (7), (8). Hence, it may help in soothing the scalp and reducing dandruff. Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. The next morning, grind the seeds to make a smooth paste. Apply it all over your scalp and let it stand for half an hour. Wash your scalp thoroughly.

6. Beer Treatment

Beer is often used to impart shine to hair. Wash your hair with little beer. You can also store beer in a spray bottle. Spray this lightly on shampooed, towel-dried hair to get instant shine.

7. Amla

Amla can help you achieve stronger and healthier hair (9). Make a fine mixture of lemon juice and amla powder. Massage this gently from your hair roots to the tips and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse well and shampoo.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

This is another popular home remedy for shiny hair. Apply a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water to your tresses to give them incredible bounce.

[Read: Coconut Milk For Hair Growth]

9. Strawberries

These juicy berries are natural hair conditioners. Mix 8 mashed strawberries with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise. Massage this mixture into your hair and let it stay for a while. Wash off with a good shampoo and conditioner.

Hair Care For Different Hair Types

a. Oily Hair

1. Cornstarch

Cornstarch makes a great dry shampoo for oily hair. Sprinkle it onto your scalp, let it sit for 10 minutes, and brush it out.

2. Multani Mitti

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Fuller’s earth can cleanse the scalp, absorb excess oil, and clear product build-up.

3. Apple Vinegar Rinse

Mix half a cup of apple vinegar with half a bucket of water and use it as the final rinse for bouncy looking hair.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil can help in treating dandruff, reducing itchiness, and improving greasiness (10). You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo and rinse your hair with it.

5. Lemon Rinse

Rinse your hair with the juice of a lemon mixed in a small cup of water.

[ Read: Home Remedies For Oily Hair ]

b. Dry Hair

1. Olive + Honey

Mix two tablespoons of olive oil with half a cup of honey and apply it to your hair. Keep it on for an hour and then wash as usual. Both olive oil and honey moisturize your hair.

2. Egg Yolk + Honey + Yogurt

Mix the yolk of an egg with honey and yogurt for a protein-rich pack for your dry hair.

Home Remedies To Get Rid of Dandruff And Residue Build-up

• Lemon Juice + Olive Oil

Lemon juice and olive oil mixture helps in eliminating dandruff and reduces itchy sensations on the scalp.

• Baking Soda

Mix baking soda with water to make a paste. Massage it into the scalp and wash off with a mild shampoo to remove the build-up easily. Baking soda has antifungal properties (11). These can help in eliminating dandruff.

Additional Hair Masks

• Fenugreek + Yogurt

Apply a pack of soaked fenugreek with yogurt. Grind it the night before and use it the next morning. Wash it off with a gentle shampoo. Don’t forget to condition your hair.

• Honey + Banana

A paste of honey and ripe banana makes your hair soft.

• Plain Yogurt

A plain yogurt mask softens the hair and provides a glossy finish.

• Hibiscus

Mix hibiscus leaf paste or powder with water. It can aid hair growth (12).

• Henna

Henna is popularly used as a hair dye. It can also aid hair growth (13). 

A hair mask is not the only hair care product you can whip up at home! Shampoos, conditioners, and final rinses are quite simple to do too!

Homemade Shampoos, Conditioners, And Rinses

1. Dandruff Removal Shampoo

You will need 1/4 cup of distilled water, 1/4 cup of liquid castile soap, 1/2 teaspoon of light vegetable oil or jojoba oil, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons of apple juice, and 6 finely ground cloves. Mix all the ingredients in a blender and use it as you would use your regular shampoo. Store the excess in a dispenser. Refrigerate the leftovers and do not store over 3 days.

2. Shine Shampoo

You will need 1/4 cup of distilled water, 1/4 cup of liquid castile soap, 2 tablespoons of dried rosemary, 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil, and 1/4 cup of lemon essential oil. First, boil the rosemary and distilled water until you can smell the fragrance. Strain out the leaves. To this, add the remaining ingredients, and store.

3. Strengthening Conditioner

You will need 4 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of pure honey. Melt both by placing the cup with the ingredients in boiling water. Pour the mixture on washed hair and wrap it in a towel for 20 mins. Washout 80-90% of the conditioner.

4. Style Setting Conditioner

Mix 1 teaspoon of gelatin in water such that there are no lumps. Rinse your hair with it.

5. Rinse For Shine

Mix 4 teaspoons of water, 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, and 3 drops of lemon essential oil. Use this as a final rinse after you have shampooed and conditioned your hair.

5. Remove Styling Products Effects Rinse

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water in a bowl. Massage the paste well into your hair scalp. Wash with warm water and then cold water.

These healthy hair tips can help if you follow them on a regular basis. Which hair remedy did you try, and did it benefit you? We look forward to your feedback in the comments section below.