12 Healthy Hair Habits You Should Adopt ASAP

Bad hair days can really bring you down. According to a poll by Redbook, 74% of women feel less confident when their hair isn’t cooperating. When your hair looks great, you feel great, and those dreaded bad hair days happen less often.

Your hair faces a lot of potential damage daily: dullness, thinning, dryness, breakage, frizz, and more. With all these threats, it’s clear that keeping your hair healthy takes some effort. Although there’s no magic trick to perfect hair, adopting some healthy hair habits can make a huge difference. Here are some top tips to help you build a hair care routine that ensures fantastic hair days.

1. Brush Your Hair Before You Shower

Regardless of your hair type, taking a minute to detangle your hair before you shower can keep it strong. Wet hair is more susceptible to breakage, so it's best to brush out knots while it’s still dry. Brushing dry hair also helps spread natural oils from your scalp to the ends. Plus, your hair will be smoother and easier to style after you shower.

I personally always use a bamboo brush instead of a regular one because it helps stimulate blood flow, which promotes hair growth.

2. Condition Correctly — and with Care

A small amount of conditioner, about the size of a nickel, is sufficient for most hair lengths and textures, even long hair. Apply conditioner from the mid-shaft to the ends first, then work your way up to the scalp. It’s essential to ensure your scalp gets hydrated, especially if you frequently use dry shampoo. Leave the conditioner on for at least a minute before rinsing it out.

3. Take Time for Hair Masks

To keep your hair hydrated and smooth, use a moisturizing hair mask or deep conditioner at least once a week. If you regularly use hot tools, you might need to do this more often. One recommended product is the Matrix Biolage HydraSource Deep Treatment Pack, which leaves your hair feeling soft and shiny without weighing it down.

4. Be Mindful of Key Ingredients

When you're shopping for hair care products, focus on those that contain strengthening ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, aloe, or spirulina. These ingredients nourish your hair and keep it healthy.

5. Eat a Balanced Diet

Your hair is mostly made of protein, so consuming a balanced diet rich in protein is crucial for hair health. Include foods like fish, meat, eggs, and beans in your diet. Also, foods high in vitamins C and E, such as berries, spinach, and avocados, can help boost collagen production, strengthening your hair. 

Add these items to your grocery list:

• Fish
• Meat
• Eggs
• Beans

6. Take a Deep Breath

Stress can impact your hair health, so it’s important to manage it. Practice deep breathing exercises: inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Keeping calm can help maintain healthy hair.

7. Turn Down the Temp of Your Shower

Hot showers can irritate your scalp and weaken your hair. Try to keep the water warm, not hot, and finish with a quick cold-water rinse to seal the cuticles, boost shine, and maintain healthy hair.

8. Shield Strands from the Sun

UV rays can damage your hair just like they do your skin. Use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection, like the Coola Organic Scalp and Hair Mist SPF 30, to protect your strands from environmental damage.

9. Keep Your Scalp Healthy

A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. If you notice dryness, itching, or any scalp issues, address them promptly. Use a good clarifying shampoo and conditioner to maintain a balanced scalp.

10. Sleep on Silk

Switching to a silk pillowcase can reduce friction between your hair and the fabric, protecting the cuticle of your hair. Another tip is to sleep with your hair in a loose topknot secured with a silk scrunchie or in a low loose braid if you have thick or textured hair.

11. Style Smarter

Invest in professional hot tools with ionic technology, which infuse moisture into your hair as you style. Opt for a curling iron or straightener that is solid ceramic to distribute heat evenly, reducing the need for repeated applications.

1. If you do nothing else, use a heat protectant spray before applying heat to your hair.
2. Let your hair air dry as much as possible before blow-drying.
3. Switch up your hot tool usage: blow-dry on day one, use a curling iron or straightener on day two, and slick back strands on day three to avoid continuous heat-styling.

12. Get a Trim

Regular haircuts ensure that your strands stay healthy and don't break off at the ends. If you don’t want to lose a lot of length, ask for a "dusting," which removes damaged ends without significantly altering the length. Aim for a trim every two months, or more frequently if you have a short or defined cut.

Recap of 12 Healthy Hair Habits

• 1. Brush Your Hair Before You Shower
• 2. Condition Correctly — and with Care
• 3. Take Time for Hair Masks
• 4. Be Mindful of Key Ingredients
• 5. Eat a Balanced Diet
• 6. Take a Deep Breath
• 7. Turn Down the Temp of Your Shower
• 8. Shield Strands from the Sun
• 9. Keep Your Scalp Healthy
• 10. Sleep on Silk
• 11. Style Smarter
• 12. Get a Trim