HAIR MYTHS

Trimming Makes Hair Grow Faster

One of the most common hair care myths is the persistent belief that trimming causes hair to grow faster and thicker. In short, there is no truth in this practice. Trimming, cutting, or shaving your hair may appear to make hair grow faster, but the effect is merely an illusion. Trimming bangs, spit ends, or shaggy locks often cause hair to appear healthier; which is likely the reason people mistakenly believe their hair is growing faster.

The rate at which your hair grows is determined largely by genetics, but there are things you can do to help your hair grow at its best. Your best bet is to eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and to make sure you eat plenty of protein. Good sources of protein include eggs, fish, and other lean meats.

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News Release

HEALTHY HAIR CARE TIPS

June 7, 2007

Healthy Hair Care Tips to Feed and Love Your Hair

Nothing sets off a woman’s beauty better than luxurious, healthy hair. However, thousands of women are very concerned that their hair looks thin, dry, dull and damaged. It can be very upsetting and stressful, to say the least.

Fortunately, there are several amazing, natural, healthy ways to achieve fuller, more beautiful hair. Some include using the right shampoo and conditioner – that aren’t loaded with chemicals and other unsavory ingredients – while others focus on the right foods and supplements. Simply follow these tips and you’ll have healthier, more luxurious hair in no time.

Healthy Hair Tip #1: Feed Your Follicles

To get the gorgeous hair you’ve always wanted, you need to feed your hair follicles adequate amounts of essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs help keep your hair and scalp in healthy condition. To ensure that you are getting enough EFAs, eat food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as ground flaxseed (4-6 tablespoons a day), and cold-water, wild-caught fish, such as salmon, tuna, or halibut (3 times a week). If you aren’t a fan of fish, you can opt instead to take at least 1,200 mg of supplemental EFAs per day. *

Healthy Hair Tip #2: Mineral for Your Mane

Like all nutrients, minerals contribute to overall health and well-being. But, when it comes to your hair, three minerals in particular stand out: copper, silica and zinc.

Copper and silica play an important role in the formation of collagen in your hair. The best food sources of copper are seafood (especially raw oysters), nuts, legumes, chocolate, bran cereals, fruit, vegetables and blackstrap molasses. Good sources of silica include sprouts, bell peppers, cucumbers and potato skins. If you prefer to take a supplement, it is recommended to take 2-3 mg of copper and 25-50 mg of silica per day.*

As for zinc, studies have shown that not getting enough of this critical nutrient in your diet may cause hair to thin or fall out. Include a variety of zinc-rich foods in your diet, such as wheat germ, oysters, pumpkin seeds, chicken, eggs and fish. It is also recommended to supplement with 15 mg per day.*

Healthy Hair Tip #3: Maintain Your Crown and Glory
It is normal to lose up to 100 strands of hair per day as part of your natural hair growth cycle. However, if you want fuller, thicker, healthier-looking hair, simply lather up with products containing vitamins A and E, as well as rosemary, lavender, peppermint, chamomile and clove to help stimulate your hair follicles and soothe your scalp. Not only will your hair be clean, nourished and protected, but you’ll enjoy the fresh, herbal scent and rich, soothing feel of these specialty hair care products.

Healthy Hair Tip #4: De-Stress Your Tresses

You likely know that excess stress can negatively affect your health. But did you know that stress can also affect the health of your hair? The fact is chronic stress can mean less blood to your scalp. In turn, this can upset the delicate cycle of hair growth in the follicles.

To reduce your stress and give your hair a healthy boost, try the following deep breathing exercise to help you unwind:

• Lie flat on your back with your knees pulled up. Keep your arms at your sides and your feet slightly apart. Breathe in and out through your nose.
• Inhale deeply as you breathe in, allowing your stomach to relax so that air flows into your abdomen and your stomach balloons out. Visualize your lungs filling up with air.
• Imagine that the air you breathe is filling your body with energy.
• Exhale deeply. As you breathe out, let your stomach and chest collapse.
• Do this 10 times.

Healthy Hair Tip #5: Love Your Locks
After years and years of torturing our hair, it’s no wonder we are paying for it now. To ensure that you treat your hair as gently as possible, practice these simple, no-nonsense, locks-loving rules:

• To avoid breakage, use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush.
• Opt for highlights instead of full bleach or dye
• Avoid heavy gels or mousses, which just end up weighing your hair down.
• Try not to blow dry, curl or straighten your hair on a regular basis. Let your hair air-dry once in a while.
• Get your hair trimmed regularly to add body and avoid split ends.

Thin and lifeless hair can be a very emotional issue for women. But, as you can see, there are many safe and natural ways you can use to promote the health and vibrancy of your hair. Give some a try today.

Here’s to great hair and great health!
*consult your physician about any supplements you are taking.
Hair care advice from the newsletter of Susan Lark M.D.

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