“The hair is the richest ornament of women.”
-Martin Luther
In the beauty scheme of things, it’s difficult to underestimate the importance of hair. Healthy hair indicates well-being and youth. For women, hair is an important sign of beauty and age.
People who have it, treasure it. People who don’t, grieve the loss of it. Hair is sexy. We want it to look fabulous, at all times. If it doesn’t we don’t feel good. At least, I don’t….
I was blessed with thick, jet-black hair- a physical attribute my beautiful late mother passed down to me and my sisters, and my brother. She constantly reminded me never to dye my hair, because all of the chemicals will destroy the growth, strength and natural shine and texture of it. I believed her, but I what I didn't learn until later in my life (now) is that there are several factors that affect hair growth.
Among the factors that affect hair’s growth are hormonal changes caused by aging, emotional stress, change of diet, iron deficiencies, and hereditary tendency toward hair loss. Add to these hot irons, color treatments, and overstyling, and hair is overwhelmed from all sides. At this time in my life, I am highly concerned about the effects of growing old, not having enough vitamins, and dwelling a very anti-stress-free lifestyle has on my hair. I am lucky enough not to worry about hereditary hair loss.
I have had a lot of great compliments about my hair. It’s the single characteristic that I am delighted to be vain about, therefore when the day finally comes when my hair starts falling, thinning, and going gray, I will be in misery.
Still blooming in my mid-twenties, I make it a point to maintain my locks of youth.
The secret to long, lush, youthful hair? Allow me.
DIET
Hair is made up of proteins and nutrients, and can be malnourished just like our bodies if improperly fed. My normal diet includes fish, eggs, yogurt, apples, grapes, spinach, strawberries, broccoli, and cabbage. If you are a meat eater, include lean meat and poultry.
SLEEP
Sufficient rest is important for our bodies, our health, and our hair. Lack of sleep can affect our bodies’ chemical balance disturbing our hair growth. I make sure I sleep a total of 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. When my workload gets in the way of my slumber, I make sure my body catches up on lost sleep and rest when I can.
STRESS
Stress, worry and depression have an adverse effect on hair growth and can lead to premature hair loss. Reducing stress can help fight against hair loss, allowing your growing hair to flourish. When I am stressed out, I meditate or do yoga. I also pick up a book, write, make jewelry or sew.
EXERCISE
Daily exercise improves circulation throughout your body, including your scalp, which can result in faster hair growth. Thick hair springs from a healthy, clean scalp. Proper exercise plays an important role in supplying oxygen needed to promote hair growth rate and length.
HAIR CARE
Ah, yes, the puzzling question on how often to wash hair. Wash, wash, and wash your hair- preferably once a day. While shampooing, massaging, conditioning, oiling, gently combing and brushing your hair can help to promote your maximum hair growth rate and length as well. My no-longer-little-secret::: I leave my conditioner on at least 5 minutes.
WARNING! Following Miss Honey’s advice will result to undeniably smoother, shinier, voluminous hair.
Don’t say I didn’t warn ya! ;)
Love,
Honey
