Tips for Healthy Hair

Did you know that how you wash your hair and the products you use could go a long way in maintaining smooth, shiny hair? Follow these simple tips from dermatologists to maintain healthy hair: How often you wash your hair should be based on how much oil your scalp produces. If your scalp is oily, you may need to wash it as often as once a day. If you have chemically-treated hair, your hair may be drier, so you may want to wash it less frequently. As you get older, your scalp makes less oil, so you may not need to shampoo as often. But if you see flakes in your hair, you may not be shampooing enough. This can lead to dandruff and other scalp diseases. When washing your hair, concentrate on cleaning primarily the scalp, rather than washing the entire length of the hair. Washing only your hair can create flyaway hair that is dull and coarse. Regardless of cost, many shampoo and conditioner brands provide the same benefits. It’s important to choose a shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for your type of hair. If you color your hair, use a shampoo designed for color-treated hair, as it is gentler than regular shampoo and can help extend your hair color. If dandruff is a problem, then try a shampoo formulated to fight dandruff. The key is finding the product that works best for you. If your hair is damaged or chemically treated, consider a “2-in-1” shampoo, which cleans and conditions your hair. If you do not use a “2-in-1” shampoo, dermatologists recommend using a conditioner after every shampoo. While a conditioner cannot repair hair, it can increase shine, decrease static electricity, improve strength, and offer some protection from harmful UV rays. This, in turn, can significantly improve the look of damaged or weathered hair. Since conditioners can make fine hair look limp, they should only be used on the tips of the hair and not the scalp or length of the hair. If you are a swimmer, protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine by wetting and conditioning your hair before swimming. Wear a tight-fitting swim cap and use a specially formulated “swimmers” shampoo and deep conditioner to replace lost moisture. If you have questions about caring for your hair, you should make an appointment to see a dermatologist. To find a dermatologist in your area, visit aad.org.