You know you've got healthy hair when it's shiny, smooth and full. Now, keeping it that way requires specific care that's a mix of nutrition, protection and maintenance. Here are some of the basics:
Nutrition
To grow your best hair, you must be as healthy as possible. And all the standards of good health apply: a balanced diet, drinking water, getting enough rest and regular exercise are great places to start. That's not to say that running three miles a day will give you gorgeous hair, but the better your overall health and nutrition, the better your hair condition can be.
Environmental protection
UV rays breakdown the keratin found in hair, and that can lead to dryness and breakage. Color -treated hair needs special protection, especially since the sun can cause color to fade. I encourage everyone, regardless of hair type, to wear a hat. It really is the best way to keep your hair and skin safe.
You'll also want to protect your hair against the build-up of dirt and other impurities in the air—they settle on your hair's surface, making it appear dull and even oily. But regular shampooing will take care of them.
Maintenance
Getting your hair trimmed regularly is one of the best ways to keep it healthy. Damage that starts at the ends—where hair is the oldest—can begin to creep up the hair's shaft. So instead of just having damaged ends, you can end up with damage running the length of your hair. Trimming is the best way to prevent this from happening.