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Long, luscious locks are a goal for many of us, but frizz and split ends can really put a damper on our style. Keeping your hair healthy overall will make it look smoother, shinier, and help you have more good hair days than bad ones. While healthy hair might not happen overnight, there are a few things you can do right away to start your healthy hair journey today.

1

Use silicone- and sulfate-free products.

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  1. When you look for shampoo, conditioner, and any styling products, make sure they don’t include silicones or sulfates to keep your hair looking healthy and shiny. Most products will say “silicone- and sulfate-free” right on the bottle, so you won’t have to search hard.[1]
    • You can also find natural products that don’t contain silicones or sulfates.
    • Stay away from products with alcohol in them, too, since alcohol can dry out your hair.
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2

Wash your hair 2 or 3 times per week.

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  1. Stretch the time you go in between washes, and try to only wash your hair when it gets oily or greasy. Your hair and your scalp will thank you![2]
    • If you feel like your hair is getting dirty between washes, you can apply a dry shampoo on the days that you don't wash your hair. Just apply a small amount to your roots and then rub it throughout your hair to the ends.[3]
3

Use a conditioner every time you wash your hair.

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6

Limit your use of heat styling devices.

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  1. Put away your hair dryer, straightener, curling iron, and hot rollers unless you have a special occasion at hand, and use them on the lowest setting. Applying heat to your hair can damage it, so it's best to let your hair air dry instead. However it may also be damaging to air dry your hair and it also can be inconvenient. It is preferred to let your hair slightly dry up and air dry and then blow dry your hair till it is completely dry. However, do keep in mind to use the cool setting on the blow dryer as you do this. [7]
    • When you do use heat styling devices, use a heat protectant serum or spray beforehand to protect your locks.
8

Use bleach and hair dye sparingly.

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  1. Try to use color and bleach as little as possible, especially if your hair is already damaged. Wait at least 8 to 10 weeks in between touch-ups or colors to give your hair a chance to rest.[9]
    • Don’t use perms or relaxers if your hair is bleached or dyed. The combination of chemicals can really dry out your hair and damage it.
    Anthony Dickey
    Anthony Dickey, Hair Stylist

    The healthiest hair is left in its natural state, without exposing it to harsh chemical, heat, or mechanical damage. Handle hair gently, minimize heat styling, and avoid excessive processing to maintain its integrity.

10

Get your hair trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks.

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13

Eat a balanced diet.

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  1. Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of protein, vitamin B, iron, and omega-3s helps your hair stay as thick and healthy as possible.[14]
    • Vitamin B keeps hair thick and strong. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and nuts to get enough vitamin B.
    • Eat beef, chicken, pork, fish and leafy greens like kale and spinach to get iron and protein.
    • Salmon, walnuts, and avocados are excellent sources of omega-3s, which help your hair stay shiny and healthy.
    • You can supplement your diet with vitamins designed to make hair stronger. Try prenatal vitamins, which contain a mix of ingredients that lead to great hair, nails, and skin.
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How Can I Help My Hair Naturally Grow Thicker and Longer?


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What can I do for fragile hair?
    Christine George
    Christine George
    Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
    Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty.
    Christine George
    Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
    Expert Answer
    Avoid using products with coconut oil. Unlike other oils, it can lead to protein buildup on hair follicles, which causes hair to become drier and more brittle.
  • Question
    What can you eat to make your hair grow?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Protein, especially when combined with healthy carbs, encourages hair growth. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is also important.
  • Question
    How do you keep your hair healthy?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    To keep hair healthy long term, avoid chemical treatments as much as possible, use gentle sulfate-free shampoo, and save heat styling for special occasions.
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Tips

Tips from our Readers

  • Eat a balanced diet to get enough nutrients, and drink a lot of water. Being healthy in general can help make your hair healthy.
  • If you have thick hair, try leaving the conditioner in for around 15-20 minutes for even more hydration.
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Warnings

  • Beware of pills that claim to help hair grow better or help hair become healthier. Although not all of them are bad for you, some can be fake and harmful.
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About This Article

Christine George
Co-authored by:
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
This article was co-authored by Christine George and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty. This article has been viewed 975,241 times.
39 votes - 85%
Co-authors: 77
Updated: June 24, 2024
Views: 975,241
Article SummaryX

If you want to have healthy hair, make sure to wash it 3 to 4 times a week, since washing it more often can dry it out. Additionally, opt to use products that are less harsh on your hair, such as a sulfate-free shampoo and a conditioner made with aloe, coconut oil, shea butter, and other pure substances. After you wash your hair, dry it gently by patting it with a towel, rather than wringing it out, to prevent further damage. You should also use a comb, rather than a brush, on wet hair, since a brush can cause breakage. To help damaged hair, consider making a homemade treatment from egg yolk and olive oil, vinegar, or plain yogurt. For more tips from our Cosmetology co-author, including how to make lifestyle changes that promote healthy hair, keep reading!

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 975,241 times.

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