Thursday, June 21, 2012

Get Healthy Hair The Homeopathic Way

Healthy hair starts with healthy skin and body. Long-term healthy hair can be achieved by taking a whole-body approach. Homeopathy is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "a system of medical practices that treats a disease especially by the administration of minute doses of a remedy that would in healthy persons produce symptoms similar to that of the disease." When it comes to hair care, homeopathy can be used to treat dullness, itchy scalp, hair loss, dryness, greasiness and other issues that often arise due to improper hair and body care. Use homeopathy to get to the root of hair care problems and find the most natural whole-body path to healthy hair.


Instructions


1. Determine the cause of unhealthy hair. For example, hair loss could be associated with stress. However, extremely greasy hair may be a result of improper diet. Dry and brittle hair may be a combination of improper diet and lack of exercise. Dull and limp hair generally stem from a combination of age, buildup caused by chemical-laden care products and heat damage.


2. Try an herbal alternative to address hair damaged from past behavior. Hair which is dull, brittle, tangles easily or is frizzy will benefit from a conditioner made from kitchen staples and common herbs. Vinegar works as a hair rinse. It will strip hair of buildup which cause dullness and improve the texture of coarse hair. Vinegar will also restore pH balances and soothe an itchy scalp. Mix one to two tablespoons vinegar with three cups water and use as a final rinse. Apple cider vinegar is the most popular type used for a hair rinse, although white vinegar can be used as well. Other applications include conditioners made from all-natural ingredients found as close as the grocer's shelf. Many people have heard of or tried mayonnaise as a hair treatment, but not as many have tried avocado and egg. Avocados are rich in omega fatty acids which are especially beneficial for hair. This recipe will boost moisture and soothe damaged hair. Mash one small avocado and mix an egg yolk. Apply the mixture, massaging the ends, and let rest for 15 minutes before washing hair as usual.








3. Nourish the body. Diets rich in essential fatty acids, protein, B vitamins and trace minerals are all a part of healthy luscious hair. Generally speaking, hair that is dry and brittle lacks essential fatty acids which can be found in fish, seeds, nuts, olives and avocados. All hair types benefit from silica, a chemical compound that strengthens hair shafts. Foods rich in silica include strawberries, rice, celery, green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, whole grain oats, rhubarb and lettuce. Those with greasy hair are generally the result of either a vitamin B deficiency or a diet excessive in oily foods. Foods rich in vitamin B include nuts, eggs and dairy products. Thinning hair can be addressed with protein-rich foods such as eggs, nuts and lean meats, while soy products will stimulate new growth. To care for all hair types, eat a diet rich in nuts, eggs, green vegetables, fish, soy and dairy products, and whole grains. These foods will help add luster, eliminate oil and address both hair loss and thin or brittle hair.


4. Exercise. This is true when it comes to hair care as well. Circulation is important for healthy hair. Stagnant lifestyle choices prevent healthy circulation to the crown. The heart pumps blood to the brain regardless, but when the heart rate is accelerated there is more oxygen in the blood. Hair follicles, which are the small pores from which hair shafts grow, benefits from this oxygenated blood and are better able to support healthy hair. Stress and age will show themselves in the hair by making hair look dull and frazzled. Exercise rejuvenates the mind and body, which in turn rejuvenate hair. Some simple exercises to increase circulation and reduce stress include stretching exercises. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart; while taking deep breaths, bend from the waist to touch the toes and hold for three counts before standing back at the starting position. Another exercise is a simple neck rotation which loosens the neck, releases stress and produces a boost of circulation where it counts.


5. Provide long-term care for healthy hair. This includes treating hair and skin with respect. The first step toward a healthy hair care regiment is regular trims. Hair shafts become split due to everything from weather to lifestyle choices. A regular trim means getting a trim every three, six to eight weeks. For those trying to grow hair long, trims can be put off to every 10 weeks. However, trimming hair will lead to healthier growth. After regular trims it is essential to wash with a gentle and mild shampoo. When swimming in chlorine pool, wet hair prior to getting in the water. The shower water will coat hair shafts and prevent the hair from absorbing as much chlorine. Also, protect hair and skin from the elements including sun, wind and changing humidity levels.

Tags: healthy hair, hair care, fatty acids, hair loss, hair shafts