by S. Linda Jensen

Created on: May 10, 2010

Beautiful, shiny, healthy hair is a wonderful accessory to anyone. Men and women with healthy looking hair seem to glow. Often people with beautiful hair also have radiant skin as well. How do they get the shine, volume and bounce?  It requires more than just an expensive shampoo and magical conditioners.

Healthy hair and scalp begin, not at the surface, but within the body. Staying well groomed does enhance the hair. A good style also increases the overall appearance of beautiful hair but so many other things go into the making of healthy hair. 

Low cost hair care products often work well on beautiful hair; why, well for one thing the beauty comes from the natural elements that define one’s DNA.  Some people have hair that is so beautiful, thick, and shiny; it is a gift they were born with. (People just stare and admire them for that beautiful head of hair.) Others are able to enhance their natural hair issues with the myriad of products available today. Volume is increased, shine comes in a spray, frizz control, and many other hair care products are available to change the appearance of hair.

Hair can reflect a person’s health. Dull, thinning hair is associated with Thyroid problems for one; and many other health conditions affect the condition of a person’s hair. Hormones affect hair and skin. When a problem with the balance of hormones exists there is also a problem with the skin and hair of that person. Medications, exposure to heat and cold as well as too much sun, wind, and water can also have a serious impact on one’s hair and scalp. Hairstyles can cause hair to break or dry out. The styling tools with heat, or gels, or conditioners and shampoos also alter the hair shaft and increase scalp problems. 

Allergies affect the scalp. Rashes and flakes, oil and dryness are some of the conditions that occur on the scalp that tend to also affect the look of ones hair. Over processed hair is often dry, brittle and extremely dull looking. Over processed hair also tends to make the scalp very sensitive drying it out and causing over production of natural oils. Color treatments and perms or straightness products are very hard on hair.

The best way to make your hair look healthy is to remember that your hair is part of your body. What you put into your body is reflected on the outside. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water and take vitamins and minerals every day. Go online or get health care books to find out what the best products are for hair of a specific type. Hair care is not one type fits all.

Remember to get a mild shampoo for daily use, always make sure it is PH balanced. Use only a small amount of a PH balanced conditioner if you shampoo daily. Try to find ways to keep your hair clean or styled in such a manner as to not shampoo every day. Every three days is better than every day for the health of your air and condition of the scalp.

Your hair is a reflection of your health so pay attention to the look, feel and texture of your hair. Is too thin, breaking off, dull and lifeless? Does it grow slowly or to fast? Is your hair falling out and not growing back in? If you can’t get to a doctor at least get to a health food store and save your hair.

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