Have you ever wondered how many hairs you have got on your scalp? The answer will surprise you.
We have around 100,000 -150,000 strands on our heads. Each one of these hairs grows about one centimeter every month, and it can withstand around 100 g in weight. Fascinating, right?
Although our hair has such a strong structure, it can get damaged very easily. Hair loss, hair damage, baldness – all these are common hair ailments that can happen to all of us if we aren’t careful.
If you have luxurious, voluminous hair, then you must be wondering what you should do to keep it that way. There is a variety of shampoos on the market promising you incredible results, but they are usually expensive. What’s the other option, then?
To help you, I’ve made a list of the most efficient and simple home remedies for healthy hair. You don’t need to go to the store to try them – you just have to open your kitchen cabinet or the fridge.
Let’s talk about the factors behind healthy hair.
What are the factors for a healthy hair?
Do you know that the hair you see on your scalp is dead? It’s the part beneath the scalp called the bulb that produces new cells and pushes the old ones out.
The hair shaft – the visible part of the hair – is made of a dead protein called keratin. This protein is also the building material for nails, claws, and horns. That’s why healthy hair shouldn’t tear easily, and it definitely shouldn’t be brittle.
So, what are the factors behind growing healthy hair? Here are the crucial ones, if you want to avoid hair problems:
- Eat the right food. If your scalp doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to produce keratin your hair will be thin and dull. Also, if you have a varied diet, this will improve the blood circulation of your scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
- Protection from the sun and avoiding damaging elements such as cigarette smoke.
- Lack of harsh chemicals used on the scalp. The more hair styling products you use, the greater the chance for damage. Stick to chemical-free hair products, and don’t forget to use conditioners.
- Regular exercise.
- Stress reduction.
- Hormones. If you have problems with your thyroid gland, this could affect the way your hair looks.
Taking good care of yourself. If you’re ill, then your hair will follow suit.
So, what should I eat if I want beautiful hair? The best foods for healthy hair include:
- Salmon because it’s rich in omega-3-acids which the body can’t produce on its own.
- These acids are essential for hair growth and shiny and lustrous strands.
- Yogurt since it’s an excellent source of protein.
- Spinach due to the content of vitamins, iron, and beta-carotene.
- Iron-fortified cereal
- Lean chicken or turkey for extra protein.
- Sweet potatoes.
- Cinnamon because it helps with the scalp circulation.
- Eggs
- Oysters.
Signs of healthy hair
How can we tell if our hair is healthy or not? Well, if you’re asking yourself that, you probably have noticed something that worries you. To determine the state of your hair look for the following signs of healthy hair:
- Shininess.
- Smooth, silky to the touch.
- Elasticity. If your hair stretches without breaking, it’s healthy.
- Easy to detangle.
- Lack of excessive shedding.
- No frizz.
- No dandruff or other scalp problems.
- Few split ends.
Another way to check whether your hand is healthy is to pour water into a bowl. Then take a strand of hair and put it in the bowl. Healthy hair should float, while damaged one will sink and absorb the water.
How to stimulate healthy hair growth?
Besides eating the right food, is there another way to ensure that our hair will grow thick and soft? Well, there are hair products that when used sparingly and correctly can nourish and strengthen your hair. But why should you rely on expensive stuff, when you have everything you need in your home?
Here are some of the most fascinating and effective home remedies for healthy hair that will help you in your quest for beauty.
1. Mayonnaise for smooth hair
Mayonnaise is a common kitchen ingredient with amazing benefits when it comes to hair care. But why is that?
Mayonnaise contains a crucial amino acid called L-cysteine. This acid is essential for proper hair growth, and it has potent antioxidant effects that protect your scalp from damage. Mayo also has the following unbelievable benefits for the hair:
- smoothes frizzy hair
- act as a conditioner
- defines your curls
- seals the cuticle layer
- protects dyed hair
- balanced scalp’s pH levels
- unclogs the hair follicles
- removes lice and dandruff
Required Ingredients:
- mayonnaise
- shampoo
Process:
- Take one cup of mayo
- Slightly wet your hair.
- Apply the mayonnaise on your scalp and strands.
- Massage.
- Wait 20 minutes.
- Rinse with a mild shampoo.
Alternatively, you can mix mayo with avocados for better nourishment.
Required Ingredients:
- mayonnaise
- an avocado
- a bowl
- shampoo
- a hot towel
Process:
- Take one ripe avocado and cut it.
- Mash one-half of the avocado. Watch this video to see how to mash it properly.
- Add one cup of mayo to the mashed avocado.
- Stir until you have a smooth mixture in the bowl.
- Apply the concoction thoroughly.
- Time 20 minutes and wrap your head in a hot towel.
- Rinse with shampoo.
Notes: If you have oily hair, you should use mayonnaise in combination with lemon juice or strawberries.
2. Orange juice for thick and voluminous hair
Orange juice is not only a tasty beverage that most of us drink in the morning. It also has some marvelous benefits for our skin and hair. Since it contains a lot of vitamin C and citric acid, it has powerful antioxidant properties. It makes your hair grow thick, adds luster to your curls, hydrates the scalp, and acts as a conditioner.
Also, if you happen to have dandruff, orange juice will help you get rid of those specks once and for all.
Required Ingredients:
- an orange
- olive oil
- a lemon
- a bowl
- a juice squeezer
Process:
- Squeeze the juice from the orange in the bowl.
- Then do the same with the lemon.
- Add one tablespoon of honey and olive oil.
- Mix well.
- Apply the concoction to your scalp and curls.
- Wait one hour.
- Rinse as usual.
Alternatively, you can use mix orange juice and apple puree.
Required Ingredients:
- an orange
- apple puree
- a bowl
- shampoo
Process:
- Squeeze the orange juice.
- Add an equal amount of apple puree.
- Mix well to achieve the consistency of a paste.
- Apply the paste to your scalp.
- Time 30 minutes.
- Rinse with water.
- Repeat once a week.
Notes: Here’s a video for you to watch. And don’t overuse orange juice. Since it contains citric acid, it might lighten the color of your hair slightly.
3. Henna leaves to protect the hair from damage
You might have heard about henna and its amazing hair coloring abilities. However, henna is not only an excellent choice for coloring your strands, but it’s also perfect for healthy hair growth.
- Nourishes the hair.
- Protects the scalp from various infections.
- Act as a conditioner and locks the moisture on your scalp.
- Helps for creating a protective layer over your curls.
- Repairs damaged hairs.
- Restores the pH balance of the scalp
Required Ingredients:
- henna leavesa
- bowl
- water
- a shower cap
- conditioner
Process:
- Take a few henna leaves.
- Grind them to a fine powder in the bowl.
- Add water to make a paste.
- Wait two hours then apply it to your hair.
- Cover your head with the shower cap.
- Then wait at least three hours.
- Rinse well.
- Apply conditioner.
Alternatively, you can mix henna with honey and lemon juice.
Required Ingredients:
- henna
- warm water
- a cup of lemon juice
- three tablespoons of honey
- two bowls
- a spoon
- a shower cap
- conditioner
Process:
- Measure 100 grams of henna and put it into the bowl if you have short hair.
- If you have long hair use up to 200 grams.
- Pour one cup of warm water into the other bowl.
- Add one cup of lemon juice.
- Stir.
- Add the lemon-water mixture to the henna powder.
- Mix until you have a smooth paste.
- Cover the bowl with a lid.
- Leave it overnight in a warm place.
- On the next day, add the three tablespoons of honey.
- Stir.
- Apply the ready concoction on your hair.
- Put on the shower cap
- Wait four hours before rinsing your hair and applying conditioner.
Notes: Henna can dye your hands, so use gloves to apply the paste to your head. Here’s a video you can watch.
4. Flax seeds for healthy scalp
You probably know that flax seeds have many health benefits, but do you know that they could be used as a home remedy for healthy hair? Let’s see why you should try them:
- They are rich in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. It prevents premature graying, improves scalp circulation and protects the hair and the scalp from damage.
- Flax seeds are a source of omega-3-acids, which nourish the scalp and improve the elasticity of your hair.
- They make your hair smooth and easy to untangle.
- Due to their soothing properties, they are useful against dandruff and scalp eczema.
Required Ingredients:
- Flax seeds
- water
- lemon juice
- a pot
Process:
- Measure ¼ cup of flax seeds.
- Add them to the pot and pour two cups of water.
- Boil until it starts to thicken.
- Then add one tablespoon of lemon juice
- Stir.
- Cook unit the mixture has the consistency of a gel.
- Leave it to cool, then strain.
- Collect the gel.
- Apply it every morning on your scalp.
Notes: You can also try to eat two tablespoons of raw flax seeds each day. Alternatively, you can grind them and add the powder to your soup.
5. Strawberries to prevent thin hair
This sweet and juicy fruit is not only a good afternoon snack, but it could be an excellent way for you to boost your hair growth. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which is important for collagen production and boosting your immune system. They also contain ellagic acid and folic acid which are excellent for preventing thin hair or hair loss.
Required Ingredients:
- strawberries
- bananas
- olive oil
- honey
- a bowl
- shampoo
Process:
- Mash five strawberries in the bowl.
- Mash one banana and add it to the mashed strawberries.
- You should achieve a smooth paste.
- Add one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of honey.
- Mix well.
- Apply the paste to your scalp.
- Wait one hour.
- Rinse off with shampoo.
Alternatively, you can mix the strawberries with egg yolk.
Required Ingredients:
- a cup of strawberries
- an egg yolk
- two tablespoons of olive oil
- a bowl
- shampoo
Process:
- Mash the strawberries until you have a smooth paste.
- Add one egg yolk and two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Mix until you have a fine paste.
- Apply to your scalp thoroughly.
- Wait 20 minutes.
- Wash off with a mild shampoo.
Notes: Use strawberries in combination with a moisturizing agent to avoid dry hair.
Tips for healthy hair
Here are some additional steps that you can take to ensure that your strands stay healthy and luxurious:
- Wear a hat or an umbrella when you go into the sun.
- Gently shampoo your hair.
- Be careful when brushing.
- Avoid brushing wet hair.
- Use moisturizers and conditioners.
- Don’t use curling irons too much and apply heat protective products.
- Avoid tight braids and ponytails.
- Sleep on silk or satin pillowcases.
- Dry your hair gently by patting it. Don’t rub it!
- Use cool water instead of hot one to rinse your hair.
- Use nourishing hair masks.
- Don’t use too many hair products.
What’s your view on those home remedies for healthy hair? Have you ever used them to keep your hair thick and soft? Share your unique story in the comment section and don’t be shy. Also, remember to tell your friends all about these fascinating home remedies so that they can try them for themselves!
Catalina Johnson
A licensed hair practitioner, Catalina Johnson has worked in hair care for more than 25 years, spending the last decade focusing on trichology, which is the study of hair and scalp disorders.She is an accomplished author and educator as well, and she credits God for drawing her to the hair industry.
