Best ways to nourish your hair

Great hair is a confidence booster, and with a shift towards natural haircare routines, many women are seeking ways to achieve healthy, nourished locks without harsh chemicals or expensive salon treatments. But, with so much conflicting advice out there, it can be hard to know where to start.

We’ll be exploring some of the best ways to nourish your hair from the root up, giving you the tools you need to achieve luscious locks you can be proud of.

Eat a balanced diet

Hair is primarily made of protein, so ensuring you include plenty of lean protein sources like fish, chicken, beans, and lentils in your diet is crucial. Healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals are also essential for overall scalp health and hair growth.

Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals ensures you're getting a good mix of important nutrients. If you're unsure whether your diet is meeting your needs, consider consulting a registered dietitian for personalised advice.

Deep conditioning

Regular deep conditioning treatments are more intensive than your everyday conditioner and penetrate the hair shaft to encourage moisture. This is especially important for dry, damaged, or colour-treated hair. Deep conditioners typically involve applying a richer product and leaving it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.

Aim to deep condition once a week, or more often if your hair is very dry. Look for products formulated with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or avocado oil – all known for their moisturising properties.

Scalp massages

A gentle scalp massage can be a surprisingly effective way to nourish your hair. It helps increase blood circulation, which can promote hair growth and improve the health of your scalp. You can massage your scalp while you shampoo or condition or during your daily styling routine.

For an extra stimulating massage, use your fingertips to apply gentle pressure in a circular motion. You can even use a massager tool if you prefer.

Reduce heat styling

We all love a good blow dry or curling session, but it's important to be mindful of the potential damage heat styling tools and harsh chemical treatments can cause to your hair. Excessive heat exposure can leave your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Similarly, straightening or perming can strip your hair of its natural oils and weaken the hair shaft.

Try to limit your use of styling tools, and if you do use them, be sure to apply a heat-protectant spray first. Look for products that contain ingredients like silicone or panthenol, which help shield your hair from heat damage.

Targeted supplements

If you're experiencing hair loss, you might be wondering whether supplements can help. While a balanced diet is always the best first step, vitamins for hair loss can be incredibly beneficial.

Biotin and zinc are two nutrients that have been shown to support hair health. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy, which is essential for hair growth. Zinc is a key mineral for healthy hair, nails and skin.

However, you should speak to your doctor before taking any supplements. They can advise you on the appropriate dosage and if supplements are necessary based on your individual health needs.