15 Top Tips to Nurture Soft, Shiny Beautiful Hair

Hair is one of the many aesthetically pleasing features of a person’s body. Being one of the most obvious features, hair needs to look good at all times and no bad hair day is acceptable. You need to have perfect hair, nice and shiny, to make a great first impression. Good and beautiful hair adds to the overall beauty and enhances the personality. Your designer dress, branded watch and shoes won’t make a difference if your hair isn’t good. Good doesn’t mean proper combing or hairstyling, it means how healthy and well-nourished they are and the way you carry them. 

According to Oprah Winfrey’s hairstylist Andre Walker, hair can be classified into four types: straight, wavy, curly and kinky. Each hair type requires different caring techniques and products to keep them healthier, stronger and beautiful.  

Healthy hair is depictive of overall good health and youth. If you are enjoying good health, it will show in your hair. They will be strong and shiny. In case of poor health, the hair will be dull and you will experience significant hair loss.   

Taking good care of hair and making them look better has given birth to multi billion industries of hair care products. From shampoos and conditioners to serums, moisturizers and hair mayonnaise, thousands of hair care products are available in the markets for nourishment and prevention from damage.

Hair grooming is as important for men as it is for women. Men experience bad hair days just like the women do. Where good hair boosts positive self-image, unhealthy and dull hair badly affects confidence.  

For hair to look healthy, shiny and beautiful, several products are available in the market and can also be prepared at home. These tips will help you keep hair perfect on any given day.

It is better to know your hair type and buy hair care products accordingly. If your hair is dry, buy a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically made to treat dry hair.

Don’t go “leather, rinse, repeat”. Give your hair a good massage with the right amount of shampoo appropriate for your hair length and then rinse thoroughly. Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends (never rub conditioner in the roots), give a final rinse and towel dry gently. Some experts even advise using conditioner before shampooing. Leaving conditioner a little longer in frizzy and curly hair will make them look smooth after washing. 

Quickly rinse hair with cold water after every hair wash. Enjoy natural shine that results from light reflected from flat hair cuticles. 

Temperatures, if applied carefully can help achieve great results. Damaged hair can be rejuvenated by wrapping them for half an hour in a hot damp towel. 

Try to buy natural and organic products for your hair. Stay as far away from chemicals as possible. Every time you use a hair styling spray, your hair becomes coarse, brittle and frizzy. Using organic products will help retain the shine of healthy hair. 

Try to use as many natural products for your hair as possible. Being chemical-free, they will keep your hair soft and moisturized. It’s recommended to use these masks at least twice a week. 

Read on for natural hair masks!

Don’t forget to cover your hair while going out especially in summers. Ultraviolet rays of sun damage hair making them rough and dull. UV protection hair care products can also be used.

Brushing your hair improves blood circulation in the head and healthier scalp is the result. It also helps natural oil from the roots to spread to the ends. 

Regular oil massage is very beneficial. With antibacterial and antifungal properties, mustard oil is best for retaining natural shine of hair keeping them long and healthy. Olive oil can be used as an alternative to conditioner. It moisturizes the hair and protects hair keratin (main structural constituent of hair).

Regular trimmings and haircuts add life to hair. Split ends that make hair look rough and damaged can be removed and natural bounce is revived.

Hair colors do add glamour to the personality but they are good for nothing if it comes to hair health. Try to keep your hair in natural color for as long as possible.

Omega 3 fatty acids contribute towards healthier hair. Eggs, seeds and sardines are not only good for you but also for your hair. Foods rich in Vitamin A, C and E promote hair growth. 

Drinking enough water keeps your body hydrated and your hair healthier. According to the Institute of Medicine, a water intake of two to three liters a day is essential to strengthen hair. 

There is no doubt about it that hair straighteners and dryers make your hair look elegant and stylish. Long-term or frequent use of straighteners, curlers and dryers take away the natural shine of the hair and leave them looking rough and lifeless. 

Permanent straight or curly hair can be achieved through special treatments that utilize chemicals. These harmful chemicals severely damage hair and it takes ages to revive them. 

It is said: “you are what you eat” and it’s true. Cutting down on junk and adding fruits and vegetables to diet is good to keep your body in shape and your hair “perfect”. No matter how expensive hair care products you use, if you don’t eat healthily, your hair won’t gain strength. They will look shiny on the outside but will get weaker and dull with time. Adding the nutrients required for hair growth will help you get nice and shiny hair right from the roots. Healthy fats, vitamins and proteins make hair grow longer, stronger and keep them well-nourished. 

Hair can become brittle and coarse due to vitamin A and E deficiency. Eating foods rich in these vitamins including nuts, chia seeds, flax seeds and green leafy vegetables and proteins (egg, poultry, fish, beef and legumes) will give a natural shine to hair. 

Hair care is not difficult. It will take a little time and effort but visible effects can be noticed within days. Here are a few easy and simple combinations of items of daily use that you can use to prepare amazing hair masks. 

1. Take 1 egg and 1-2 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Keeping the same ratio you can increase amount for longer hair.
2. Whisk egg and yogurt in a bowl.
3. Apply the mixture on damp hair and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
4. Wash with shampoo afterward.

1. Mix equal amounts of Aloe Vera gel and honey (you can also add coconut oil to the mixture).
2. Apply to wet hair and leave for 5-10 minutes.
3. Wash with shampoo and towel dry gently.

1. Eggs and mashed avocado make great mask for all hair types.
2. Mash avocado and mix it with egg.
3. Apply to we hair and cover with a shower cap.
4. Leave the mask in hair for 15-20 minutes.

Banana helps to maintain a healthy pH balance.
 

1. Mixed with almond oil (you can add mashed avocado to the mixture as well)
2. Massage with the mixture and let it rest for half an hour.
3. Wash with a good quality shampoo afterward.

Milk and honey, if used together can do magic to hair.
 

1. Add 2 teaspoons honey to 2 cups warm milk.
2. Whisk together and apply to hair.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap and wash after 15-20 minutes.
4. If your hair is dry and damaged, you can use cream instead of milk.

Hair is a natural crown and should be worn like one. It can enhance your personality and do the exact opposite if you do not take care of them. Healthy, shiny and strong hair needs proper care and maintenance. Try using quality products but going natural is the best solution. Try to take some time out of your busy schedules just for your hair and put some effort to keep your hair healthy and happy.