Things You Can Do for Healthier, Stronger Hair

Hair restoration can be life-changing, but after spending years being concerned about losing your hair or watching it thin, you may have some anxiety about keeping your newly restored hair healthy and strong. We’re here to help!

When Dr. Dana Brownell performs hair restoration, she places healthy follicles on your scalp using the NeoGraft® hair transplant technique — a revolutionary system that provides amazingly natural results. We may also suggest the use of PRP treatments or using various medical treatments. 

Regardless of which restoration method you use, you want to know the best way to keep hair strong and healthy. From your diet to how you care for your scalp and hair, here are our best tips to improve the health of your hair.

Shampoo, but not too often

Healthy hair is clean hair, but that comes with a caveat: Don’t overwash. Washing your hair too often can weaken it. For most people, that means washing every two or three days rather than every day. 

Another shampoo tip is to use a bit less. A quarter-sized amount, applied mostly to your scalp, is generally enough. 

Using cool water can also protect your hair. Water that’s too hot can cause damage. Use lukewarm water, and finish up with a cool rinse, which may help to seal the cuticle of your hair. 

Keep your scalp healthy

Give your scalp a massage now and then. It can help increase the blood flow to your hair follicles. You can use your fingers or buy a specially designed scalp massager. One small study found that a four-minute scalp massage each day could increase the strength of hair over time.

Aloe vera may also promote scalp health, although researchers aren’t sure if the vitamins and nutrients in aloe vera gel penetrate your scalp. Applying pure aloe vera gel certainly won’t harm your hair, and it may do some good. Another method is to seek out products that contain aloe vera.

Be careful with wet hair

When your hair is wet, it’s stretchier and more prone to damage than when it’s dry. You may want to consider using a gentler material than a terry-cloth towel to dry your hair. A T-shirt or microfiber towel may be a less damaging approach. 

Additionally, using heated tools, including a hair dryer, to style your hair daily can cause damage. Let your hair air dry when possible, and limit the use of tools like curling or straightening irons. When you do, use heat protectant and work quickly so your hair is only exposed to the heat for a short amount of time. 

Make sure you’re getting your vitamins

You should aim to consume a healthy, varied diet that supplies the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs. However, there are some vitamin and mineral supplements you may consider taking to promote healthy hair, such as:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B, especially biotin
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Iron 
• Zinc

Depending on your diet, you may struggle to get enough of some of these nutrients. For example, vitamin D is found in fatty fish, egg yolks, and certain foods that are fortified with it. If you’re vegan, you may find it difficult to eat enough foods with vitamin D. 

If you have specific questions about how you can care for your hair in a way that keeps it healthy and strong, schedule an appointment at NeoGraft Hair Restoration in Westport, Connecticut. We’re always happy to answer your questions and discuss any treatments or products that may help.