Hair health is one of the best things to prioritize before it becomes a problem. (Read: Ideally, worry about mane before fighting hair loss, thin, thin, damaged, etc.) Think of this awakening call to strengthen your hair care routine with game-changing products, foods and supplements, beyond standard shampoos and conditioners.
Tap on Hair Stylist and Nutritionist to see which items are all-stars in hair health that may not be in your current lineup, but may probably be.
1. Make your shampoo clear
Are you dealing with dull, unvibrant strands? If so, a clear shampoo can come to your rescue. “It’s a great way to get your hair back into your hair, especially if you tend to use a lot of styling products or wash them only once a week,” says Michelle Cleveland, owner of Hair Addiction Salon and Extension Bar in Toms River, New Jersey.
For the ultimate shine and bounce, she suggests using a clear shampoo for the first wash and a regular shampoo for the second. (The frequency of use depends on a variety of factors, including hair type, water quality, and the product you use. Once or twice a month is a good option to start and measure results.)
2. Bond Repair Treatment
According to Cleveland, bond repair and bond comprehensive products are another short, but over-performing product for healthy hair. “These types of treatments not only strengthen the hair, they also increase the shine and elasticity and promote hair growth,” she says.
Do you need an inspo? Olaplex is a leader in bond repair products and is a staple on many “best” lists for hair health. I’m also a huge fan of Lanabat regeneration shampoo and conditioner. It features the unique Vedabend complex of the clean beauty brand that supports hair resilience and promotes softer, silky strands. (The jasmine scent is also a god.)
3. Hair oil
Hair oil is one of my own personal hair health staples. Better yet, it’s a great multitasker, so you can cut off the product Arsenal without skipping the results. “Hair Oil Serum can offer a number of benefits, including frizz control, UV protection, thermal protection, and sparkle,” says Cleveland.
4. Minoxidil
“This is by far the least hair growth product today,” Cleveland says. Above all, it can be purchased without an RX and is easy to apply. According to Cleveland, consistent use for two to three months is everything you need to witness a major change in hair density.
5. egg
Pivot into an amazing diet game changer for hair health. Healthy and nutritional sports nutritionist and fitness coach in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, UMO Callins, MS, RDN, CSSD, and CPT call eggs for a robust nutrition profile. “They are rich in protein and biotin and other nutrients like vitamins A, D and E, which are all beneficial for hair and scalp health,” she says.
6. Salmon
Perhaps you know the fact that salmon is best for your skin. But did you also know that fatty fish are great for hair health? “Salmon is rich in both omega-3 fatty acids and proteins, both of which are beneficial for hair and scalp health,” Callins says. “Omega-3 helps reduce inflammation and can be useful in cases of severe scalp inflammation.”
If PS salmon doesn’t make on plates regularly, check out Omega-3 supplements like Hum’s OMG! Omega great.
7. Biotin supplement
In terms of supplements, biotin stands out as a proven all-star for hair health. “Biotin is frequently featured in hair supplements to support the production of keratin, the main protein that makes up hair,” explains Kalins. She says that biotin deficiency is rare and many people who eat food with biotin, including eggs, salmon, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes and almonds, should already be able to get enough of it in their diet.
However, if you really want to take your lock to the next level, it can be helpful to add supplements that contain biotin to your routine. The extra points come to those that include other power players for hair health, such as strong capsules of ham hair. In addition to biotin, it also provides hair strength.
FO-TI (supports healthy hair growth + to maintain healthy color) Zinc and vitamin B12 (promotes follicle health) Folic acid (supports hair growth) PABA (may help maintain hair color)
Don’t forget: as with most supplements, consistency is important for the best results. (If you forget to take them, try stacking up habits. You can also opt for a strong hair trash.
