The only way to get healthy hair is through proper hair nutrition which comes from a healthy diet. Many advertisements today promote hair care products promising perfect hair that magically falls into place after drying. The models being used always have perfect hair and skin. Just as perfect skin doesn’t come from popping a pill, neither does perfect hair come from a shampoo and conditioner. It’s important to use healthy hair care products but like vitamin supplements, they should be used in addition to a healthy diet.

Hair quality is an indicator of what is taking place inside the body. For example, hair loss may be a sign of hormone imbalance or thyroid problems in either men or women. Woman experiencing graying hair under the age of forty may want to consider a bone density scan because graying hair has been linked to thinning of the bones. It also may be a sign of anemia or thyroid imbalance. There are many topical hair care products that claim to do wonders for your hair. Some of them may be effective in the short term, but if they eventually compromise your health, it isn’t worth it.

Formulations that contain harmful chemicals, such as phthalates and parabens should be avoided. They have been found to contribute to cancer and reproductive organ damage. Other ingredients added to create lather and clean hair can strip away protective oils necessary to keep hair healthy. Using products with these lathering agents on a continual basis will make hair and scalp dry and clog scalp pores. Clogged scalp pores can add to hair dryness, make it brittle or cause hair loss.

The most common lathering agents used are sodium laurel sulphate (SLS), sodium cetyl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate and ammonium laurel sulphate. There are plenty of natural products available with non-chemical lathering agents that will do any even better job of making hair look great. To remove scalp build up dilute three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in one cup of purified water and gently massage into scalp.

Chemicals found in hair styling products can dehydrate hair, robbing it of its natural luster. Other factors that contribute are over-shampooing, lack of proper nutrients in the diet, dry weather or overexposure to the sun and blow drying. Avoid using plastic brushes on hair because they promote static electricity which can dry hair. Instead use an all natural, bristle brush.

A healthy diet is essential for great looking, healthy hair. Dry, brittle, gray and falling hair is not only caused by chemicals but a lack of needed nutrients. The major portion of hair is made up of protein so it is important to get an adequate daily supply from high quality sources such protein rich vegetables, fermented soybean products, peas, beans, lentils and moderate amounts of fish and poultry. Hair cuticles are made up of silicon, therefore eat a diet of silicon rich foods such as celery, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, leeks and rhubarb. If you need to silicon supplement choose orthosilic acid because it is more absorbable than other forms available.

To prevent hair from becoming brittle and dry, consume foods rich in essential fatty acids such as fish, flax seed oil and borage oil and include adequate amounts of vitamin E. Oily hair is also a symptom of essential fatty acid deficiency. Drink eight glasses of water a day to ensure proper hair hydration. For those individuals who need to add a supplement, a good daily multivitamin will help provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed to maintain healthy hair.

Topical treatments for dry hair include rosemary oil or organic cold pressed olive oil. To help prevent hair loss and improve condition and texture, look for a hair massage oil that contains natural oils such as jojoba, almond, sunflower, vitamin E and olive oil, which includes pure essential oils such as peppermint, sage, ylang ylang and cedarwood. Always follow directions on label carefully because proper application is important.