15 Must-Know Tips for Healthier Hair This Year

While genetics play a key role, your diet, pollution, weather, and your overall approach to hair care are all critical to maintaining healthy hair.

Find out how to make your hair healthier with a proper diet and care that can keep it soft, shiny, and smooth. Work with your hair’s natural flow. Give the hair what it wants with these top 15 tips for healthier hair this year.

1. Pump up the protein

Did you know you can actually eat your way to healthy, vibrant hair? A well-rounded diet is an important factor in making your hair and scalp healthy. Hair is primarily made up of  protein.

The body also uses other vitamins and minerals as the building blocks of healthy hair. So be sure to eat foods that check all of the essential vitamin boxes. Most importantly, eat at least 45 grams of protein daily. Good hair foods include:

• Lean meat
• Poultry
• Fish
• Beans
• Low-fat dairy products
• Eggs
• Brussels sprouts
• Broccoli 
• Pumpkin seeds 

Diets with inadequate protein can result in weak, brittle hair and loss of hair color, as well as loss of hair itself. Even if you are a vegetarian, there are plenty of high-protein nuts and veggies to add to your diet. 

2. Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Increasing your intake of  omega-3 fatty acids  may stimulate your hair follicles and sebaceous glands. While this won’t cause your hair to grow, it may improve scalp health.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, and herring. Other good sources include:

• Flax seed
• Yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Mackerel 
• Cod liver oil
• Oysters 
• Anchovies 
• Flax seed

3. Don't forget about vitamin B

Complex B vitamins play a role in hair growth, and are essential for metabolism and nervous system function.

B vitamins help with hair growth because they play a key role in producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the scalp so that hair follicles can generate new hair. 

Your body can not store most of the essential B vitamins for long. So high vitamin B foods should be in high rotation in your diet to keep your stores replenished. These foods are rich in vitamin B.

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, clementines)
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens)
• Liver (and other organ meat)
• Beef
• Legumes (black beans, chickpeas, lentils, soy nuts, kidney beans)
• Dairy (eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt)

4. Stock up on Zinc

Zinc is one of the most abundant trace elements in your body. Having the right amount of zinc plays a role in almost every aspect of health. Zinc is a big deal for hair and skin health.

Zinc deficiency  can cause hair to shed. It also causes a lowered immune system, brain fog, low blood sugar, and many other negative symptoms.

Incorporate nuts like Brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans, cashews, and almonds into your diet to combat shedding and keep your scalp healthy.

Eat and drink an abundance of:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Leafy greens
• Lamb 
• Crab
• Lobster
• Rock oysters 
• Rolled oats
• Baked beans
• Muesli 
• Plenty of clean, filtered water

A multivitamin or zinc supplement can enhance your diet when necessary. Pay close attention to how much zinc is in your supplement.

Women need 8mg per day of zinc, men need 11mg. Some zinc supplements are 40mg - 50mg, you may need to break your vitamin in half.

Tips for healthier hair this year: eat a lot of healthy foods

5. Know your hair type

When it comes to tips for healthier hair, there are conflicting opinions about how often to shampoo your hair. For example, people with oily hair may need to shampoo every day, while people with dry hair may need to shampoo less frequently.

It all comes down to personal preference and individual needs. This depends on your hair type and texture, your hair’s porosity, and how you use hair products.

Types of hair texture

Hair type means how straight or curly your hair grows. Knowing your hair type and texture will help you choose the right products and styles to keep your hair healthy.

Straight Hair

Straight hair does not curl or wave naturally. The natural oil from the scalp tends to distribute onto your hair more easily. If you have straight hair, limit deep moisturizing treatments to keep hair clean and bouncy. 

Wavy Hair

Wavy hair tends to have texture starting around eye level with hair being virtually straight up to the root. This hair type has loose waves to defined S-shaped waves through to the ends.

Limit products that add too much oil to the hair so your waves aren’t weighed down. This hair type loves moisturizing shampoo and light conditioner.

Curly Hair

Curly hair starts curling close to the root. It varies from defined S curls to tightly wound curls. This hair type usually comes with lots of volume and some unwanted frizz. Curly hair loves moisturizing products with some added oil.  

Coily Hair

Coily hair is the most textured hair type. It is also the most delicate. It’s important to give your coily hair lots of moisture with deep conditioning masks and natural oils to keep it strong and healthy.

Wash-and-go styles are recommended as opposed to protective styles like braids. The healthiest state for coily hair is loose and free to keep up with moisturizing treatments and avoid harsh pulling.

 

Imagine hair porosity levels like the difference between wearing a raincoat (Low) or a cotton t-shirt in a thunderstorm (high).

Types of hair porosity

Low porosity

Low porosity is like strands are wearing a raincoat. It’s hard for moisture to get in. Here are a few characteristics of low porosity. Your hair takes a while to feel wet in the shower. Strands are slick and don’t hold curls well.

Products may seem to sit on top of the hair rather than sink in. Use deep conditioning treatments, glycerin-based shampoos, and cream-based hair care.

Low porosity hair stands up to heat styling more easily and can handle warmer water in the shower.

Medium

When it comes to actionable tips for healthier hair, let's talk about medium hair porosity. 

Medium (normal) porosity is like strands wearing denim, so the moisture gets through more easily. You may notice a lot of products and tools work just as expected.

Hair tends to hold a curl and doesn’t have a lot of breakage. In this case, protecting your hair’s natural moisture is the goal.

Use a lightweight conditioner and only use heavy moisturizing treatments once a month. Air dry your hair as often as possible.

High

High porosity is like the hair is wearing cotton, it soaks up moisture immediately. Your hair may feel brittle and break easily.

It can seem like each strand soaks up hair care products so you have to use more to see results. High porosity hair holds curls well but is quite prone to heat damage. Use products that reverse cuticle damage.

Oils, deep conditioners, and hair masks will help to increase moisture and make strands stronger.

6. Choose the right shampoo

Using the wrong shampoo and styling agent can cause significant hair damage. Look for products that are right for your hair type —  oily , normal, or  dry  — and target any problems you have, such as  dandruff.

Try to avoid shampoos with harsh ingredients, such as ammonium lauryl sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate. And remember, cost doesn’t necessarily indicate the quality of a product.

Everyday shampoo

An everyday shampoo is made for most hair types to be able to use every day. This  Tourmaline Shampoo  is great for coarse, curly, fine, thick, thin, or processed hair. It has 11 active amino acids like alanine, proline, serine, and isoleucine.

It also has tourmaline powder infused into the shampoo, penetrating the hair with negative ions. Fighting frizz, adding hydration, and promoting regrowth in sparse areas.

Regular Shampoo 

This works best for hair without any specific problems. Not too dry or oily, with no excess frizz or breakage. This category of shampoo is neutral and gentile without strong cleansers.

If you use hair products meant to treat a certain issue, you may end up over-drying or weighing hair down with excess oil. Follow up with a mild conditioner.

Moisturizing shampoo

Moisturizing shampoo is meant for hair that is frizzy, dry, color-treated, or curly. This type of shampoo contains nourishing oils that penetrate the hair and add moisture back in.

Curly or dry hair benefits from the added moisturizing properties and will become smoother instead of being weighed down. After washing, use a high-moisture conditioner.

Clarifying shampoo

This type of shampoo is not for every wash. This is one tool to have in your kit, but not an everyday driver. Clarifying shampoo helps to remove excess oil and product build-up.

Use it as a deep clean once or twice a month and always follow up with a high moisture conditioner.

Dandruff shampoo

Dandruff shampoo is made specifically to treat a scalp condition. Dandruff is a fungal infection, so this type of shampoo has antifungal ingredients to heal the infection and bring good bacteria back to your scalp.

Only use this kind of shampoo if you have dandruff, don’t use it as prevention.

7. Don’t forget to condition

Next on our list of tips for healthier hair this year is to conditioner your hair regularly. 

Conditioning  after shampooing is an important step in keeping your hair moisturized, shiny, soft, and manageable. You can choose a separate conditioner or a shampoo with a built-in conditioner.

However, we recommend using a separate conditioner after you shampoo. Most 2-in-1 formulas are not the best for your hair. The combined formula doesn’t allow hair to get the real benefits of conditioner.

Your shampoo washes away the oil and build up, but also strips some of your natural oils. Using a separate conditioner adds beneficial oils back into the hair to keep it strong and healthy.

Comb conditioner through for even distribution. Leave it in your hair for two to three minutes before rinsing out. The best results come from leaving the conditioner in longer.

Let your conditioner soak in for your entire shower routine, then rinse with cold water. Cold water closes the hair cuticle after absorbing the moisturizing conditioner.  

Just like shampooing, not everyone needs to condition every time they wash their hair. For some styles, you can skip the conditioner to help curls hold longer. Experiment to find what works best for your hair. 

If you are looking for a great conditioner, we recommend the NuMe Acai Conditioner - powered by the nourishing ingredients of Acai, this one-of-a-kind conditioner will leave your hair feeling smooth and hydrated.

8. Go the extra mile and take time to mask

Eight on our list of tips for healthier hair is to use hair masks.

Using a hair mask  nourishes and hydrates your hair. It makes hair stronger by penetrating deep and making strands healthier from the inside out.

Hair masks are different from everyday conditioners. They contain rich butters and oils that are more hydrating and concentrated. A mask is left on the hair longer to allow your hair to soak up all of the goodies.

You can expect:

• Less breakage and damage
• Less frizz
• Shinier, softer hair
• Hair is easier to style
• Reduced split ends
• Easier to manage curls

Using a hair mask isn’t an everyday thing. It’s best to mask once a week, but check in with your hair. If your hair already has plenty of moisture, it may be best to use it once or twice a month.

9. Wash up and brush up

Of course, we can't do a list of tips for healthier hair without mentioning this one. Experts suggest that many people over-shampoo or shampoo incorrectly. The standard rules of thumb are:

• Don’t wash your hair more than once a day.
• Use only enough of the product to cover your hair.
• Don’t scrub too vigorously 
• Don’t use drugstore shampoo
• Shampoo with dripping wet hair

Treat hair gently when it’s wet — it’s three times more vulnerable to breakage. Time for a little science! When hair is wet, the proteins your hair is made of become weaker.

That means all of the things that hold each strand together become more delicate. Wet hair doesn’t snap right back into place like dry hair does. It’s more affected by pulling, stretching, and bending.

Avoid rough handling your wet hair to prevent permanent damage.

Don’t rub wet hair excessively with a towel. Instead, use a microfiber towel or soft t-shirt. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, but don’t comb too much or brush wet hair. Allow your hair to dry halfway before detangling.

10. Cut it out

Harsh shampoo, hair treatments, styling products, and excessive brushing contribute the most to poor hair health. However, other culprits include:

• How often you cut your hair. You should be getting a trim or haircut every 10 to 12 weeks. Going too long between trims can cause split ends to get out of control and damage strands higher up.
• Low-calorie and crash diets. Drastically reducing calories can cause nutrient deficiency. Your hair needs proper nutrition to stay healthy and continue to grow.
• Decreased thyroid hormone. Thyroid dysfunction causes hair loss, it affects the entire scalp. However, with treatment, hair loss isn’t permanent.
• Excessive stress. High stress causes many hair follicles to go into a resting phase. Hair falls out easily with simple combing or washing. Keep your stress low with meditation and time outdoors.
• Blood thinners. This type of medication can cause hair loss all over the head. Keep an eye on your hair while taking blood thinners to make sure they aren't damaging blood flow to your scalp.
• Some prescription drugs for heart problems, depression, high blood pressure, and arthritis affect hair health. There are several different reasons a medication could be damaging your scalp or hair. Usually, these issues will start about 12 weeks after starting a medication. If you notice hair damage or loss, talk to your doctor about alternatives. 

11. Take care of your scalp 

If you want to enjoy more beautiful and healthier hair this year, don't forget to take care of your scalp - it is the foundation for strong, vibrant hair because it supplies the essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles.

Massage your scalp often to promote natural hair growth and increase blood circulation. Use nourishing oils like argon or almond oil for a moisture boost and relaxation.

We also recommend the NuMe Hairology Scalp Serum for the ultimate scalp care - made with the power of the four core plants Rosemary, Alfalfa, Hops and Malilito, it effectively alters the composition of the hair follicles to reduce hair shedding, increase volume, and make your hair stronger starting from the scalp.

12. Avoid hot showers 

If you are looking for must-know tips for healthier hair, another one you should pay close attention to is avoiding hot showers - hot water opens up the hair cuticles, stripping away the natural oils of the scalp, which can leave it itchy and flaky. 

Instead, wash your hair with lukewarm water, and finish with a cold rinse to close the cuticles and seal in moisture.

13. Reduce alcohol consumption

Want to enjoy a healthier mane? You might have to reduce alcohol consumption! Alcohol is diuretic, which means that your body loses fluids and electrolytes more quickly - dehydrated hair is not only more prone to breakage but also looks dull and brittle.

In addition, alcohol can impair the ability of the body to absorb proteins and vital nutrients, such as zinc, iron, and vitamin C - which can lead to weakened hair or even hair loss. 

14. Use a heat protectant before thermal hair styling

If you love thermal hair styling, we get you - we love it too! However, applying high temperatures to your hair frequently, especially if you are not using a tourmaline-plated styling tool, can be damaging for your hair. 

That's why it's extremely important to use a thermal heat protectant before styling your hair - it adds coating to the cuticle, providing a protective barrier against moisture loss and heat damage. 

By forming a barrier around each hair strand, heat protectants help distribute the heat more evenly along the hair shaft. This prevents excessive heat concentration on any one part of the hair, which can lead to damage.

15. Maintenance tips for healthier hair

Keep these ways how to get healthier hair in mind:

• Start on the lowest heat setting while blow drying and gradually increase the heat as needed. Always use a thermal heat protectant for hair when heat styling.
• Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible. Your hair will have time to relax and return to its natural shape. Sometimes the hair enjoys a break from the blow dryer.
• Change up where you place pins and clips so that breakage isn’t localized. When you pull up or pin your hair, it puts tension on the strands. Your hair may break where the pins are, or start to pull out around the scalp from a ponytail. Switching up the location helps to put less friction on those areas.
• If you dye your hair, choose a shade that’s within three shades of your natural color. It’s a big shock to the hair to color it drastically in one direction or the other. Your hair will stay healthier if your color doesn’t have to be processed too harshly.
• Get your hair cut regularly, every 10 to 12 weeks. This will keep hair healthy and prevent split ends.

Stay tuned for more of the savviest tips and tricks in the hair game. Drop a comment below and tell us how you make your hair healthy and happy!

FAQ

How can I make my hair more healthy?

To make your hair healthier, maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, stay hydrated, and minimize heat styling and chemical treatments.

Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, avoid excessive brushing or combing when wet, and use a wide-toothed comb.

Trim regularly to prevent split ends and protect hair from UV damage with hats or products containing UV filters. Additionally, apply deep-conditioning treatments, like masks or oils, once a week to nourish and moisturize your hair.

Can hair become healthy again?

Yes, hair can become healthy again with proper care and maintenance. Regular trims, a balanced diet, and adequate hydration help prevent damage and promote healthy growth.

Using gentle hair products, minimizing heat and chemical treatments, and incorporating deep conditioning treatments can restore hair's health, shine, and strength over time.

Consistency and patience are key in the journey to healthier hair.

What is unhealthy hair?

Unhealthy hair is characterized by various issues like dryness, split ends, breakage, excessive frizz, and a lack of shine. It can result from factors such as excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, poor diet, inadequate hydration, and overuse of harsh hair products.

Unhealthy hair may also be prone to tangles, dullness, and a lack of elasticity, making it more susceptible to further damage.

Does your hair change every 7 years?

The idea that hair changes every 7 years is a simplification. While hair can undergo changes due to aging, hormonal shifts, health, and lifestyle factors, these changes aren't strictly on a 7-year cycle.

Hair texture and growth patterns can evolve gradually over time due to various influences.

Can hair get thicker as you age? 

Hair typically doesn't get thicker with age. In fact, the opposite is often true. As people age, hair can thin due to hormonal changes and reduced hair follicle size.

However, hair appearance can be influenced by diet, health, and hair care practices, affecting its perceived thickness.