As summer comes to an end, your post-holiday hair can be left feeling dry and damaged – and with the cold winter months just around the corner, repairing your tresses is key to keeping them glossy. Nutritionist Sarah Flower shares her tips on managing a healthy mane ahead of winter exclusively with HELLO! Online…
© Photo: iStockSummer can wreak havoc on your hair
Avoid harsh chemicals and colourants
Nourish your hair, allowing it to dry naturally where possible, avoiding heated styling products. Some people find that washing your hair only once or twice a week helps to replenish lots oils and helps to recondition your hair.
Nourish your hair with nutrients
Dry, sun-damaged hair can be hard to fix; your colour may have faded, the ends split through sun damage, chlorine and sea salt. Your hair and scalp will benefit from a drench of vitamins and nutrients to help enhance and repair your hair. I would recommend the Max Hair Collagen range, including a lotion, which not only helps promote hair formation but also provides essential nutrients, including collagen, to help repair and protect your hair.
Try coconut oil
Coconut oil is also a great repairer for hair and damaged skin. I would be careful using it on your face as some people find it makes them erupt in spots. Melt coconut oil and pour over your hair, leaving for a couple of hours before rinsing well. You can do this once a week until you start to see an improvement.
Be aware of stress
Stress has a detrimental effect on hair health so fill up with B-vitamins as these help balance stress hormones and help regulate the adrenal gland. Biotin can help improve scalp health as well as help stimulate strong, healthy hair growth.
© Photo: iStockIt's important to repair damage before the colder winter months
GALLERY: THE PRETTIEST HAIRSTYLES THAT ARE IDEAL FOR HOT WEATHER
Use the right vitamins
Zinc, alongside vitamin C, help hair formation and repair, they also work with Vitamin B to support adrenal function and balance stress hormones.
Eat a balanced diet
Feed your hair with a nutrient rich diet including plenty of antioxidant foods such as berries, fruit and colour vegetables. Also make sure you’re getting plenty of good quality protein, such as eggs, lean meat, oily fish, pulses, Greek yoghurt, nuts and seeds. Spirulina and Barley Grass are both excellent sources of protein as well as being packed with antioxidants.
Healthy oils such as oily fish, nut and seed oils, avocados all help to hydrate the scalp and reduce inflammation.
Iron and Vitamin C work together to improve the blood and collagen supply to hair follicles, helping them repair, renew and grow strong and healthy. Low iron levels can cause female hair loss – where new hair is shed before it is fully grown.
Vitamin A, in the form of Beta-carotene (think carrots, mangos, squash, sweet potatoes), can help prevent dull, dry, limp hair.
For more information head to thecollagenshop.com
