Some Basic Hair Care Tips

Nutrition is the basis for good overall health, including healthy hair. While topical treatment may minimize damage, increase shine, highlight colors, and build strength, only foods stimulate the growth of healthy new hair.

Nutrients of all sorts contribute to healthy hair, and the mainstay is protein. (Hair is made up of 97 percent protein and 3 percent mineral. and ash). Good sources of protein include eggs, beans, yeast, nuts, fish, and dairy products. Brewer's yeast is a good source of B vitamins, which assist in protein synthesis. Sugar, on the other hand, destroys B vitamins.

In the event of a hair problem, nutritional deficiencies should be considered. Dry, thin hair, for example, may indicate a need for unsaturated fatty acids, while dandruff may be a call for vitamin A. In general, a well-balanced diet - with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and sufficient protein - will produce healthy, beautiful hair.

Adequate fresh air, exercise, rest, and other commonsense health habits are also good for hair. Stress, especially over a long period of time, is not.

Brushing. Although the old "one hundred strokes a day" regimen has been debated, it remains sound advice. Brushing distributes natural oils along the hair shaft, stimulates growth, removes dirt and pollutants, and improves elasticity.

Brush hair regularly and thoroughly with a natural-bristle brush. (Plastic brushes and combs split ends, and sharp bristles break hair). Starting at the ends of the hair, carefully work your way up, a section at a time, until all tangles are removed. Then bend over and brush from the scalp to the ends, following the brush with your free hand to smooth down the hair. To tone and condition while brushing, first rub the bristles with an essential oil such as lavender, basil, or rosemary, making sure to keep the oil out of the reach of little ones. Teach your children well - hair brushing is one way to learn the pleasures of taking good care of oneself.

Children who are too young to brush well will enjoy washing the brushes and combs. First, demonstrate how to pull out the loose hair. Then swish the combs and brushes in a sinkful of water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda added. Using a spare brush or comb, clean all brush bristles from bottom to top, rinse the brushes in cool water, and set them on a towel to dry, bristle-side down. For the combs, simply rinse in cool water and towel-dry