How to Have Your Healthiest Hair Yet

For your most Instagram-worthy locks this season, soak up these top-notch tips from our recent hair care event

with Alexey Kats, Sequoya Yeagle, and Dr. Vicki Bralow.

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  1. Don’t skimp on your shampoo and conditioner.

If you want to keep your tresses healthy—and that hard-earned color intact—upgrading your shower essentials is a must. (Read: The cheapest shampoo you can find at Target isn’t going to cut it anymore.) Sequoya Yeagle, a senior colorist and stylist educator at Architeqt Salon, suggests that everyone, no matter their hair type, invest in a pH-balanced shampoo. When it comes to how much to spend on said shampoo, Architeqt owner Alexey Kats says you’ll be looking at between $15 and $35. Look for paraben and sulfate-free products—as Alexey notes, “Sulfates are like using sandpaper on your hair over and over again.” No,thanks. The problem with many drugstore brands is that they are alkaline, and using them is akin to washing your hair with pool water all the time, Alexey says. So be sure to look for a shampoo with a pH of 7 or below.

 

  1. Be a smart shopper.

If you’re looking to save by shopping hair products on Amazon, make sure to look out for warning signs. Parabens are used as preservatives, so paraben-free products usually expire after a year or so, growing mold and bacteria when past their prime. Make sure to buy from reputable vendors and keep an eye out for old packaging, which could mean the product is expired. Knowing what types of products your hair type needs is also key, Sequoya notes: curly hair needs moisture-promoting products while straight hair is thirsty for protein-packed products.

 

  1. Beware the weather.

The dry heat found just about everywhere in winter can leave both your skin and hair parched. This affects how often you should wash your hair, which ranges form once every other day to once a week depending on your hair type. That said, one smart way to regulate your hair’s oil production, so it doesn’t dry out during the colder months, is to invest in a humidifier. You can also switch your products seasonally, based on what your hair is telling you it needs more of.

 

  1. Pay attention to what’s on your plate.

Okay, so we’ve talked about what you’re putting on your hair, but what you put in your body also plays a big part in your hair’s health. As Dr. Vicki Bralow noted during the hair health shindig, omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, promote healthy hair. You also want to make sure you’re getting hefty servings of antioxidants. As Dr. Bralow explains, antioxidants act in your body as a sort of siv to catch the garbage that’s not benefiting your body. When you don’t get enough antioxidants, that gunk builds up in your body and shows in your outward appearance. Hello, dull hair. You can find antioxidants in all sorts of fruits and veggies, like berries and leafy greens.

 

  1. Know when to head to your doc.

Some hair-health issues are simply a reflection of the products you’re using (or not using), how often you’re coloring your hair, or the weather. But some hair-health issues can be symptomatic of larger issues. As Dr. Bralow points out, iron deficiency is a big precursor to hair loss, along with thyroid issues, stress and more. So if you have a hunch that a change in your hair’s health is symptomatic of a medical issue, schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you are experiencing hair loss, be sure to ask the stylists at Architeqt about the products offered, like Evolis, to promote hair growth.

 

By. Adjua Fisher

 

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