The Science to Good Hair
We all have good hair days and bad hair days - perhaps it’s caused by the weather, being overdue for a wash, or simply waking up on the wrong side of the bed! However, did you know that when it comes to the overall health of your hair, there’s a science behind it? This means that you can actually stack the odds in your favour so the good hair days are the norm. Here are 5 research-backed lifestyle factors for long, strong, lush locks...
Don’t Lose Hair Over It!
Hair loss is often reported clinically during periods of excessive stress and elevated stress hormones. This is why implementing stress management techniques can support your overall hair health - not to mention your total state of wellbeing! Ensure you are taking time for yourself whether that be doing a yoga flow, having a relaxing bath, going for a walk or getting an early night! Deep belly breathing and meditation are also fantastic ways to quickly relieve stress if you find yourself in a moment of anxiety or overwhelm.
Eat for Hair Health
The secret to good hair partly lies on your plate! When it comes to your diet, focus on eating adequate quality protein and iron for optimal hair strength and growth, as a nutritional deficiency may impact both adversely. Plus, protein malnutrition can result in hair changes that include hair thinning and hair loss… no thank you!
Whether you are a meat-eater, pescatarian, vegetarian or vegan, there are plenty of delicious and nourishing foods you can get all your amino acids from! Ensure you're including protein from sources such as lean meats (organic and grass-fed when possible), fish (salmon, mackerel or sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids), eggs, legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas), tempeh/tofu, nuts, seeds and dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, Brussels and kale).
Not-So-Hot
Frequently drying your hair with a hair dryer? This can cause damage to the hair, including roughness and dryness. Natural drying of the hair, such as gently removing dripping water with a towel and then letting it air dry is considered safer than using a hair dryer. If you do use a hair dryer, finish by blasting the hair with the cool setting, to help seal up the hair cuticles which become open and exposed at higher temperatures, contributing to dryness and making hair more prone to breakage.
What the Friction?
Other hair styling related causes of damage to the hair shaft include friction from hair accessories, washing and vigorous towel drying. Friction especially is a main damage factor in wet hair! Be gentle and opt for hair accessories made from soft fabrics, such as silk scrunchies, to minimise damage.
Sunshine
Exposure to UV impairs hair fibers and sunlight can play a role in hair aging and result in dryness, rough surface texture and increased stiffness and brittleness. In light-induced ageing, the hair becomes pale and the changes that impair the softness and shine occur on the surface. It’s important that hair fibres are protected from light, so make sure to sit in the shade and wear a hat when you’re out in the sunshine!
Try JSHealth Hair + Energy for Extra Support
Support healthy, thick, strong locks and lasting energy with our Hair + Energy formula which contains our signature type of JSHealth Kelp™, exclusive to JSHealth, which is scientifically proven to support hair growth and prevent hair loss.
These vitamins contain a therapeutic dose of Iodine from JSHealth Kelp™, which helps to restore hair strength and volume and naturally supports hair growth, as well as Zinc, which helps maintain normal healthy hair, skin and nails! The ingredients are provided at a therapeutic dose to ensure a medicinal and powerful effect.
References:
Peters EMJ, Müller Y, Snaga W, et al. Hair and stress: A pilot study of hair and cytokine balance alteration in healthy young women under major exam stress. PLoS One. 2017;12(4):e0175904. Published 2017 Apr 19.
Mubki T, Rudnicka L, Olszewska M, Shapiro J. Evaluation and diagnosis of the hair loss patient: part I. History and clinical examination. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Sep;71(3):415.e1-415.e15.
McLaren DS. Skin in protein energy malnutrition. Arch Dermatol. 1987 Dec;123(12):1674-1676a. PMID: 3120652.
Lee Y, Kim YD, Hyun HJ, Pi LQ, Jin X, Lee WS. Hair shaft damage from heat and drying time of hair dryer. Ann Dermatol. 2011;23(4):455-462.
Signori V. Review of the current understanding of the effect of ultraviolet and visible radiation on hair structure and options for photoprotection. J Cosmet Sci. 2004 Jan-Feb;55(1):95-113. PMID: 15037923.