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Healthy and strong hair not only adds to your beauty but also signifies good health. It is disheartening to see hair strands falling out every time you brush your hands through your hair or notice thinning. There are many triggers like environmental stressors and lifestyle changes that can affect your hair health. Stress is also a major contributor to hair fall and stressing over hair fall itself started a vicious cycle that I could no longer afford.
So, I set out on a journey to learn how to get stronger hair and learn all the tips and tricks that have worked for others. While I am sharing all of it here (because we don’t gatekeep), something that has worked for others may not work for everyone because of different hair types and their specific needs. Before we jump into the tips you can try for stronger hair, here’s what you need to know about strengthening your hair according to its type.
Know What Your Hair Type Needs
1. Fine:
The fine hair type is fragile and delicate and lacks volume. Due to the irregular oil production, those with fine hair often complain that their hair gets greasy fast and tend to wash it more often. To ensure you’re not stripping away the essential oils that nourish the scalp barrier while washing, try the L'Oreal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Anti-Oiliness Shampoo and Deep Purifier Clay. It unclogs the scalp from sweat and oil without taking away the natural barrier. Fine hair is also brittle and prone to breakage and needs hydration. Add a conditioning treatment to your weekly routine to replenish moisture and promote growth.
2. Medium:
Medium hair is the most common type and is exposed to heating tools more often due to its density. While medium hair has more density as compared to fine hair, it is still prone to damage if not maintained. While using conditioner for moisture, those with medium hair should also ensure they are providing the hair with protein to maintain the health and structure of their locks. Opt for the bestseller Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Deep Conditioner Pack that strengthens the hair and restores moisture. You should also consider applying the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment, especially after heat styling or on colour-treated hair.
3. Coarse:
Coarse hair is larger and dense, making scalp care crucial. The density of coarse hair makes penetration of products more difficult, making the hair feel dry and dull. To ensure your hair is clean, opt for a clarifying shampoo like the Aveda Rosemary Mint Clarifying Shampoo that removes impurities and product build-up from the scalp to promote hair growth. After washing, incorporate products that would not cause buildup like The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Hair Serum which is water-based and lightweight.
Hair Products To Try
1. Heat Protection
Damage from heated hair tools can lead to breakage and frizzy hair. It is essential to limit the use of heat-styling tools like dryers, curlers, and straighteners as much as possible. If you absolutely need to style your hair with heat, consider using protective products like the Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Flatliner Heat Protection Spray that protects the hair from up to 230°C temperatures. It also provides humidity protection and calms frizz.
2. Avoid Over-shampoo
Shampooing too often or using more than the required amount can strip the scalp and hair of its essential oils causing breakage. If you (like me) cannot understand how to get the recommended ‘pea-sized’ amount, a great hack is to opt for pumping bottles or buy shampoos that already have a pump system. It not only stops you from taking more than what’s required but also prevents spillage. We recommend the L'Oreal Paris Hyaluron Moisture Shampoo which is suitable for all hair types and provides long-lasting hydration with hyaluronic acid.
3. Increase Vitamin Intake
Beauty comes from within and ensuring proper nutrition will always be beneficial to improve the appearance of your hair as well as the skin and nails. However, we understand that ensuring your meals have a balanced mix of vitamins is not always possible. Consider taking multivitamins that will boost your hair health like the Nyumi Biotin Hair Gummies which have the goodness of Biotin, Amla, and Zinc, among 16 other ingredients. The brand is social-media-approved and trusted by celebs like Karisma Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Janhvi Kapoor, and Neetu Kapoor.
4. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Create an arsenal of hydrating hair products to ensure your locks receive the nourishment they need to thrive, thus promoting the growth of healthy hair. The Olaplex Bond Maintenance System has three products that nourish and hydrate the hair. They are also known to restore and strengthen hair with a patented technology that is loved by celebs and recommended by professionals.
5. Gently Detangle
Aggressive detangling practices can pull and tug at the roots, damaging hair follicles and causing breakage. Top for the top-rated Fable & Mane MahaMane Detangling Leave-In Conditioner that is lightweight and enriched with Aloe Vera for hydration. You must also invest in a detangling brush for a pain-free hair-brushing experience. This brush can be used on wet and dry hair and is suited for all hair types.
Tips For Stronger Hair
- Oil Treatment: Spend some time on a good champi before hair wash and your scalp will thank you. Massaging the scalp with a hair growth oil will help you achieve healthy strands by increasing blood circulation and offering relaxation.
- Cool Rinse: Using hot water while washing the hair can damage the hair cuticle and roots. Instead, opt for a cool rinse that will help retain moisture.
- Adopt Protective Hairstyles: To reduce exposure to pollutants and other environmental stressors, opt for protective hairstyles like braids and buns. However, make sure that there’s no tension and your hair is not tight at the roots.
- Use Silk Or Satin Pillowcases: Cotton and other fabrics can cause friction, damaging the hair and leading to frizz. Opt for a silk or satin pillowcase to minimise this friction, tangling, and breakage.
- Reduce Stress: While it’s easier said than done with our busy modern lifestyles, stress contributes to hair loss and should be addressed for your hair and overall health. Along with exercising and meditation, try supplements that ease stress, relaxing teas, or treat yourself to some much-needed spa indulgence at home. It is best to make these lifestyle changes in consultation with your doctor.
