8 Tips For Fuller And Healthier Hair.
Every man wants to have a gorgeous head of thick and full hair. However, it can be a challenge to achieve that goal. Most people have to deal with some sort of hair issue that gets in the way of this. It is important that genes do play some part of what type of hair you have, from texture to strength and even volume. BUT that doesn’t mean you have no control over your hair whatsoever!
We, at NO GUNK, are going to give you 8 tips that you can use to get stronger, fuller and healthier hair so you can look and feel better than ever.
1. Find The Right Styling Products
Using the right styling products can be a real game changer when it comes to growing stronger, healthier, and fuller hair. It is best to use products that promote healthy hair growth that nourish the hair follicles as well as the scalp. By making a simple change and investing in nourishing styling products like the NO GUNK Styling Funk, the Matte Lava Clay, or even the Funky Flex Cream you will be making a mad investment in your hair for the better.
When looking for products you want them to contain ingredients like coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera) which reduces protein loss and keeps hair looking healthy and fuller. This was proved in a 2003 study where they examined the effects of applying different natural oils to hairs and measure the amount of proteins the hair lost after each treatment. This is because coconut oil is a medium chain fatty acid that is easily absorbed into the hair shaft which helps to keep your do nourished.
You also want products that contain shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter) as it is intensely moisturising to the hair and scalp. It has many benefits for the hair including sealing in moisture to help you get a healthy shine, taming frizz and split ends, as well as stimulating hair growth. One study showed that it was easier for ingredients with a high fatty acid content, just like shea butter, to penetrate the hair which is why it is used in some many products that help breakage.
2. Use An All-Natural Shampoo Without SLS or Sulphates
This is a small change that can effectively change your hair health forever. Investing in an all-natural, SLS free shampoo like the Fig Barbary Shampoo can dramatically decrease the likelihood of thinning as well as keep your hair nourished and glossy. Your hair will thank you for using a product with sulphates as they are harsh and are linked to frizz, itchy scalp, and excessive drying.
When looking for a shampoo you want them to contain wholesome ingredients such as barbary fig oil (Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil) which helps to nourish both the hair and scalp, organic argan oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil) which helps to strengthen and condition hair, as well as aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice) which repairs damaged hair because of its host of active ingredients that help to strengthen hair such as fatty acids, amino acids and is rich in vitamins A, B12, C, and E.
However, it is also important to go easy on the shampoo. Experts suggest washing your hair 2-3 times a week at the most! If you can get away with less then that’s great. Washing your hair frequently weakens the hair shaft due to an over absorption of water. Other than over washing the second problem is volume. People often use more than the recommended amount of shampoo which according to research is about the size of an US quarter (fifty pence piece).
3. Cut Out The Heat
These days it is a well-known fact that heat can take a toll on your hair. This is why hair experts recommend you take it easy on the blow drying as well as other heated styling tools. This is especially true if you happen to have fine or thin hair, or suffer from dryness, or are prone to breakage. Too much heat can weaken your hair, causing split ends, frizz, or a host of other problems.
A study performed in 2016 suggests that you can limit heat damage by holding your hair dryer around 6 inches away from your head. They also suggest constantly moving the hair dryer and never letting it settle on one spot.
Another way of decreasing any heat damage to your hair is to reduce the heat on your hair dryer to its lowest setting and also use some form of heat protectant. If you don’t want to splurge lots of money on a fancy heat protectant then it also works to go natural. Invest in some Organic Argan Oil or products that contain shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter) as they both have a high smoke point of 215°C (450°F).
It is also recommended that you limit your blow drying or heated styling whenever possible and try to let your hair dry naturally whenever possible. Or if you do use your heated products then give your hair a week or so to recover between sessions.
4. Take Vitamins
Your hair needs to be looked after just like the rest of your body. Obviously if you eat a healthy diet, work out frequently, have a good water intake, and take all your vitamins you will have a healthy body. This is the same for your hair. Research published in the National Library of Medicine shows that nutritional deficiencies can be linked to hair loss and your hair needs certain vitamins and minerals to be healthy and strong.
The vitamins and minerals that are important for hair growth:
If you find that you cannot get all your required nutrients from food then it is good to consider a multivitamin. Make sure you tell your GP or doctors that you are taking multivitamins that contain Vitamin B (biotin) as they have a tendency to affect tests made to detect heart attacks.
5. Massage You Scalp
Massaging your scalp is a great way to get the blood circulation going. This can help boost your hair health and the condition of your scalp. This is because the massage is increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. According to a study in 2016, a 4-minute scalp massage every day could have the ability to increase hair thickness and strength over time. Each participant that took place saw an improvement in both volume and depth of their hair.
The best way to massage your scalp is to apply an even pressure with your fingertips in circular motions for several minutes. This can be done on both dry hair and wet hair, just before you apply shampoo. It may also be beneficial to buy a scalp massager to save your hands from any stress.
6. Egg Yolk Hair Masks
Protein is important when it comes to healthy hair growth and egg yolk contains the same proteins that make up a strong hair follicle. A 2018 study explains that the peptides in an egg yolk could help to stimulate hair growth. Not only that, but egg yolks also contain a host of other nutrients that have been linked to hair growth and healthy hair, such as vitamins A and D, biotin, and folate.
How to make an egg yolk hair mask?
Thoroughly mix together 3 egg yolks and 2-4 tablespoons of warm coconut oil. Once the mixture is well blended apply it to your scalp and roots. Put a shower cap over your head or wrap around a plastic shopping bag or some clingfilm. Now let the mixture sit in your hair for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.
7. Rinse Your Hair With Cool Water
Showering with hot water could be another reason that you find your hair playing up. That is because hot water can cause damage to your hair, both at the root and on the hair cuticles. Shower steam can open up the cuticles on your hair which can result in hair that goes dry, frizzy, and more prone to breakage.
A good tip is to wash your hair in lukewarm water and then, if you’re brave, turn the water down to cool and spray yourself all over your hair and scalp. This can seal your hair cuticles and help your hair retain moisture without splitting.
8. Use Aloe Vera
We kind of mentioned this earlier with the shampoo but it really is such an important ingredient when it comes to having fuller and healthier hair. Aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins are used to promote healthy cell growth in your hair. Aloe vera also contains B12 and folic acid, both of which are helpful when it comes to promoting healthy hair growth.
It has been proved that aloe vera is good at soothing itchy and irritated scalps as the fatty acids in the plant have anti-inflammatory properties. This also reduces the inflammation that causes dandruff! Aloe vera works as a deep cleaner for oily hair as it strips away any excess sebum and residue left behind by hair products. The vitamins aloe vera also strengthens and repairs hair strands.
Zheelana Cottam
Autor
Zheelana is a writer based in Cardiff. She has a BA Honours in English and Creative Writing and is a certified TESOL teacher. When she isn’t out hiking in the lush Welsh countryside, she fills her days with reading, journaling, and going out for food.