Hair brushing tricks to keep your tresses looking purdy.

You might think you’ve got the whole hair brushing thing mastered, but you’d be surprised at the (many) ways you might be damaging your locks—and not even know it. Let’s take a hair brushing refresher course, shall we?

Here are 6 hair brushing rules you should never break:

1. Use the right brush

“You should really do your research and find the right brush for your hair type,” says Susonnah Barklow, editor of NaturallyCurly.com. “You might even find that no brush is best for your hair! Several ladies use their fingers in the shower to detangle and nothing else.” And when you do brush, focus on quality over quantity: Just massage your scalp, carefully get rid of tangles, and mosey on with your day.

2. Brush from tip to root

Brushing your strands from top to bottom can cause snags and breakage. “Instead, you should brush your hair in sections, starting from the ends and slowly working your way up the hair,” says Barklow. “If there’s a really nasty knot, it’s best to use your fingers to get rid of it.”

3. Brush before washing

Because your strands are weakened when wet, they’re more prone to tangle. To prevent mats and snarls, start a pre-shower hair brushing ritual before hopping in.

3. Dry your hair before brushing

“Hair is at its most vulnerable when it’s wet and breaks easily,” says beauty expert Julie Allseybrook. “Brushes are harsh on hair at the best of times, and brushing when wet can lead to split ends, permanent damage and breakage.” If you just can’t resist, use a wide tooth comb to detangle wet hair—and when blow drying, use a vented brush, which has fewer teeth.

The exception to this rule is if you’ve got curly locks, in which case you should do the opposite: Comb when wet, not dry.

4. Take your time with tangles

We’re all famous for ripping out tangles as aggressively as if it were an Olympic event. The time has come for us to put on our big girl pants and treat our hair with respect. First, ditch the paddle brush and detangle using a wide tooth comb and detangling product. If you’re detangling wet or damp hair, apply a conditioner with plenty of slip, and if dry make sure to apply a detangling cream.

5. Clean your brushes on the regs

“Just like you wash your makeup brushes, you should wash your hair brush once a week,” says Allseybrook. “The bristles get clogged up with hair and product buildup, and you’re brushing this back into your hair.” Ick. Allseybrook recommends removing any hair caught in the bristles, then running the brush under warm water. Work shampoo into the bristles, creating a foam, then rinse it off completely and towel dry. Voila!

6. Avoid static

Going overboard with hair brushing can lead to static. To avoid the frizz factor, spritz hairspray on your brush to keep flyaways on lockdown.

What are your go-to hair brushing moves?

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Hair brushing image via Shutterstock

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Healthy hair is more than just a matter of what you put on it. Healthy hair is rooted deeper in the body, down to your dietary habits.

An overall nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle will promote hair growth and strength, but the following 8 foods and supplements are special in that they will especially cater to your hair’s needs. Put down the brush and look beyond shampoos and conditioners to give your locks the tender love and care it wants.

1. Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are what help hair to grow long and luxuriously. You body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids on its own, so they must come from foods. Consuming salmon is just one way of getting your omega-3 fix. Three-percent of the hair shaft is comprised of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids nourish hair follicles and enrich cell membranes, which leads to healthy hair growth.

2. Oats

You’ll often see biotin supplements at the pharmacy labeled as some sort of hair loss remedy. Biotin is a water soluble vitamin of the B complex that encourages hair and scalp health. It produces keratin, which is what hair is made of. Biotin is  found in oats, making them an excellent food for healthy hair.

3. Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a palm plant grown along the Atlantic coast of North America. Its potency lies in its berries. The plant was originally used by the Native Americans as a food source and an herbal remedy for urinary tract infections. This herbal supplement is now commonly used to treat hair loss. Saw palmetto is effective when taken orally (meaning, don’t rub it on your head).

4. Green Leafy Vegetables

Iron is essential for hair growth. Researchers have noted a link between iron deficiency and hair loss. Up your intake of green leafy vegetables, which are rich in iron. The greener the better!

5. Sea Vegetables

Hypothyroidism, also known as an under-active thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t make a sufficient amount of the thyroid hormone. This can result in thinning hair. Iodine is essential in maintaining healthy thyroid function. Sea vegetables are rich in iodine and should be enjoyed regularly. However, excessive iodine can also damage thyroid function. Talk to your doctor about finding the right balance.

6. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain the antioxidant beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the small intestines. Vitamin A is essential in the maintenance of healthy skin and mucous membranes. In this vein, it produces oils to sustain a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp is literally at the root of healthy hair.

7. Eggs

Iron transports oxygen throughout the body, including hair follicles. An insufficient amount of oxygen in the hair follicles contributes to hair loss. Eggs are rich in vitamin A, calcium, vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin B12 as well as iron. Not only are they nutrient rich to promote overall health but they provide the iron that healthy hair requires to grow.

8. Rosemary Essential Oil

Topically, rosemary oil is often used to treat muscle pain by boosting circulation. In this way it is also effective in stimulating hair growth. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner.

Image Credit: KendraMillerPhotography

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We often focus so much on what we put onto our hair that we disregard the value that eating certain foods can have on our hair health.

The following seven common foods are essential for promoting thick, shiny and colorful hair. Incorporate them into your diet and you can steer clear of dandruff as well as premature graying and hair loss. The best part: it’s delicious!

1. Salmon

Healthy hair depends on getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D in your diet. Salmon is a great source of vitamin D, which prevents hair loss and promotes hair strength and durability. Salmon is also a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Protein is the building block of hair and omega-3 fatty acids prevent dry and brittle hair, hair loss, flaky scalp and reduced circulation to the scalp. Try this salmon over warm lentils recipe. Lentils also boost hair health.

2. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

You can’t go wrong with dark green leafy vegetables. They are a great source of vitamins A and C, both of which promote the creation of sebum. A natural hair conditioner, sebum moisturizes your scalp. The best way to get the most bang for your buck is to chug your greens. Whip up a kale and ginger green smoothie and your hair will love you for it.

3. Eggs

With biotin and vitamin B content, eggs contribute to hair health. Biotin leaves your hair shiny and lustrous. It can also prevent hair loss. To get your egg fix, and elegantly so, indulge in a breakfast egg nest with fresh mint and honey.

4. Lentils

Lentils offer the power of folic acid, which enables enough oxygen to reach your scalp and skin, which is important for hair growth and cell renewal. Folic acid can also prevent hair from going gray. Dive into this French lentil dip and look younger, longer!

5. Green Tea

Green tea contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that helps to prevent hair loss. Polyphenols also reduce dandruff. Who knew something as mild as tea could have such powerful implications!

6. Walnuts

Walnuts offer numerous hair-boosting elements. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, vitamin E and copper, all of which work together to strengthen, moisturize, and keep your hair shiny and lustrous. So, have your fig and coconut walnut cake and eat it too – strictly for your hair’s sake, of course!

7. Blueberries

Blueberries contain 25 percent of your recommend daily allowance of vitamin C in just one cup. Vitamin C is essential for the flow of oxygen in your body, including to your scalp and hair follicles. Too little vitamin C can lead to dry and splitting hair.

Photo Credit: Janine

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