Happy New Year from Toppik! If you’re like us, you like New Year’s resolutions that are effective – and easy to stick to! If you’re wondering how to get healthy hair this year, commit to these resolutions for your best hair year yet!
Resolution #1: Deep Condition
On top of your usual shampoo and conditioner routine, you should be deep conditioning your hair biweekly (or weekly if your hair is extra dry and damaged). Whether you visit the salon or invest in a hair mask, a bi-weekly hair mask will give you your softest hair yet! Plus, the extra moisture will help prevent breakage.
Resolution #2: Eat a Hair-Healthy Diet
According to Dr. Robert Dorin, New York City-board certified diplomat of the American Board of Hair Restoration, what you eat plays a huge role in the gloss, growth, and volume of your hair. “A diet rich in iron, zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, and protein will help stimulate your hair follicles for growth,” Dorin says.
Your body considers hair to be non-essential, so if you aren’t eating enough protein, it will send protein to essential organs and not to your hair, which can result in thinning and hair loss. Eat plenty of healthy proteins like fish, eggs, beans, and poultry to optimize your diet for your best hair health.
Resolution #3: Take Your Vitamins
Taking vitamins, especially vitamins specifically formulated for hair growth, will fill in any gaps in your diet. According to Dr. Frank Lipman, founder of Eleven Eleven Wellness Center, it’s easy to tell whether or not you need hair vitamins. “The answer is in how healthy (or not-so-healthy) your skin and nails look. For example, if your fingernails are ridging and/or if you have dry, flaky skin, chances are your hair is crying out for help, too.
Resolution #4: Learn to Love Your Hair
No matter your hair texture or thickness, there is a flattering cut that will work for you. There are many great hairstyles for fine and thinning hair. Visit your hairstylist and ask for a cut that will work with your hair type.
Resolution #5: Protect Your Hair from the Elements
Every season and climate has its unique hair-damaging issues. There are many ways to keep your hair healthy in the winter. During cold and snowy winters, moisturizing must be your main priority.
In sunnier weather, your hair and scalp can be damaged by the UVA and UVB rays of the sun, especially if your hair is fine or thinning. If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, be sure to apply a spray sunscreen to any scalp show-through or wear a hat.
Resolution #6: Invest in a Great Shampoo & Conditioner
Salon and salon-inspired products are gentler on your hair, help to maintain your hair color, and moisturize better. A little extra investment in your shower routine will result in better hair dividends. Ask your stylist which hair products will work best with your hair, or try Viviscal Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner.
Resolution #7: Get Your Hair Trimmed
Many people falsely believe that the best way to grow your hair out is to skip getting hair cuts. “The ends are drying and splitting, so you’re not getting the length,” explains Stephen Pullan, trichologist at the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic. You need to get your hair trimmed by your stylist every 4-8 week – your stylist will know the best timing for you so you can stay on top of split ends.
Resolution #8: Be Smart About Hot Tools
Obviously, the best thing to do is to take the “no heat challenge” and give your hair an indefinite break from damaging hot tools. But if you must use heat to style your hair, be smart about it! Use tools on the lowest possible setting that will work on your hair and ALWAYS use a thermal protective spray before blow drying or styling.
Resolution #9: Skip the Hot Water
Even though super hot showers feel great, they can wreak havoc on your hair. Hot water weakens hair strands and can cause dryness and breakage. Lukewarm is better for your hair (and your skin!). If you can’t give up your hot showers entirely, even a quick rinse of cooler water at the end of your shower will help by sealing the cuticle of the hair shaft.
Resolution #10: Sleep with Silk
Daytime isn’t the only time you’re unwittingly causing damage to your hair. Tossing and turning during the night on a cotton pillow can rough up your hair cuticle and cause frizz. Invest in a silk pillowcase, or try wearing a silk hair scarf to bed for smooth hair in the morning.
Resolution #11: Avoid Too-Tight Hairstyles
Too-tight hairstyles like ponytails, buns, and braids can put stress on hair and lead to breakage. In extreme situations, these styles can even cause traction alopecia. Loosen up your style or try taking a break every week or so to reduce stress on your hair.
Resolution #12: Brush Right
Brushing your hair too much can be too much of a good thing. In fact, excess brushing “stretches the hair and will break weak ends,” says Holly Ivey, master stylist at Alibi Soho Salon. To play it safe, try brushing your hair only once a day with a brush specifically formulated to your hair type.
Resolution #13: Give Your Hair a Break
If you frequently style your hair during the week, give your hair a rest on the weekends. Skip the blow dryer and allow your hair to air dry, learn ways of styling that don’t require any heat tools, and avoid tight ponytails or any other hairstyles that pull on your hair.
Resolution #14: Be Gentle with Wet Hair
According to Kim Steckbeck, a master hairstylist, hair is most weak and vulnerable when it’s wet. Avoid brushing and combing hair when it’s wet, and be gentle with your hair while towel drying it by blotting instead of rubbing. Rubbing roughs up the cuticles of your hair shaft and can lead to dullness and breakage.
If you’re overwhelmed by all these resolutions, don’t stress. The important thing is to find a balance! Even if you follow just a few of these tips, these resolutions will result in better hair in the New Year.