Article submitted by Daisy Raybould- Maintaining healthy hair is unfortunately not as simple as just using shampoo and conditioner. There are a number of things we need to consider and all are equally as important in order to achieve the perfect hair we all desire. These are not complicated or expensive tips however practiced on a regular basis they have proven to be very effective.

Balanced Diet
The food we eat is an essential influencing factor in the overall condition of our hair. A balanced diet is key to healthy hair.

•Water is vital for nourishing the hair and locking in the natural shine making it silky smooth and more manageable
•Eggs contain the hair growth vitamin known as biotin, which also helps to maintain a healthy scalp
•Salmon and nuts contain high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, these acids are responsible for maintaining a healthy scalp and revitalizing dull hair
•Poultry is a great source of protein that can help strengthen weak hair and restore color
•Low-fat yogurt and milk are great sources of calcium, a mineral that is very important for the growth of hair
•Dark green vegetables contain vitamins A and C, which assist in the production of sebum. This oil acts as a natural conditioner for the hair
•Whole grains found in bread and cereals will provide the hair with a healthy dose of vitamin B, iron, and zinc
•Beans, legumes, and lentils are a great source of vitamins and minerals to help strengthen brittle hair

Healthy Scalp
No matter how hard you try, healthy hair cannot be achieved without a healthy scalp. You should opt for a mild form of shampoo with an acid base; this will ensure the hair is protected while maintaining the texture of the hair. It is not recommended that you shampoo every day, as this will further dry out your scalp. Simply wash your hair when it feels dirty.

The scalp must be kept moisturized; this will keep the skin supple and help to stimulate the growth of hair. Try natural essential oils such as jojoba, rosemary or tea tree oil. Use Shea butter for hair to maintain moisture in the scalp. Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin and massage regularly to improve blood circulation.

Shower Water
Do you suffer from dull, lifeless, and hard to manage hair? Then your shower water could be responsible. Water companies add chlorine to their water. Chlorine ultimately strips hair of its natural oils.

Try installing a shower filter; this will remove any harmful chemicals and help protect your hair from further damage. Long showers with hot water can also strip away the natural body and shine of your hair.

Styling
Avoid using brushes with plastic bristles. For dry hair use a flat or round brush with natural bristles. Wet hair is prone to stretching and breakage so you must be gentle; a wide tooth plastic comb is recommended.

Brush your hair before shampooing; this will help remove dead skin and excess build up of dirt and impurities while at the same time improving blood circulation by stimulating the scalp.

Always use your hair dryer with the nozzle attached to prevent frizzy hair, this will also ensure the excess heat does not further damage the hair resulting in breakage.

Hair Care Products
Use a deep conditioning treatment on a bi-weekly basis. Intensive treatments are absorbed deep into the hair shaft to strengthen and condition hair. Applying heat will help intensify the treatment by opening the cuticles allowing the ingredients to penetrate further.

Always make use of color-protective products on colored hair. These products contain nourishing ingredients and are specially designed to minimize dryness and prevent damage while maintaining color.

Daisy Raybould has a passion for solving health problems the way nature intended. She, along with a number of fellow natural health enthusiasts, share their tips, secrets and recipes designed to help you obtain perfect health using the power of nature’s wonders at RevitaliseYourHealth.com.