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Healthy and strong hair not only adds to your beauty but also signifies good health. It is disheartening to see hair strands falling out every time you brush your hands through your hair or notice thinning. There are many triggers like environmental stressors and lifestyle changes that can affect your hair health. Stress is also a major contributor to hair fall and stressing over hair fall itself started a vicious cycle that I could no longer afford.
So, I set out on a journey to learn how to get stronger hair and learn all the tips and tricks that have worked for others. While I am sharing all of it here (because we don’t gatekeep), something that has worked for others may not work for everyone because of different hair types and their specific needs. Before we jump into how to make hair strong, here are tips you can try for stronger hair, here’s what you need to know about strengthening your hair according to its type.
But before we learn how to make hair strong from roots we need to delve into the causes of weak hair roots and thus the eventual downfall of our hair care journey. These causes are curable to some extent, especially when caught early. So, stay tuned for signs of weak hair roots and early onset hair fall so you can invest in preliminary methods of strengthening your hair roots.
Causes Of Weak Hair Roots
- Nutrient Deficiency: Weak roots can be caused by a diet lacking vital minerals for hair, such as iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin D, and basic hair proteins. For hair health to be maintained, proper hydration is also essential.
- Lack Of Proper Blood Supply: When cholesterol, hormones, and sugar levels in your body fluctuate, they can cause obstacles when essential nutrition makes its way to the hair roots. If you consume a balanced diet, the carries and the path need to be moderated for the nutrition to reach hair.
- Inflammation & Irritation: The overuse of chemicals, bleach, hair colour, dirt, dust, pollution, thermal damage, and other irritants and environmental stressors can cause irritation and inflammation to your hair roots causing them to weaken and fall.
- Internal Stressors: When you go through stress and other mental stressors, your hair roots also suffer. Along with that, autoimmune diseases and skin and hair conditions that are either caused by genetics or lifestyle also affect hair growth and hair fall.
- Age: As we age, our organs, skin cells, and blood flow all take a hit, just like any machine that experiences wear and tear after a few years. Even our hair roots become weak and become prone to falling.
What Are Some Signs of Weak Hair Roots
Here are a few signs of weak hair roots before you ask yourself how you can get strong hair.
- Your hair length breaks apart with the slightest tug
- Your hair appears dull, dry, and frizzy, and they lacklustre
- They get tangled easily and cause friction
- Your hair falls at an alarming rate
- Your hair splits more than usual into more than just two splits
Know What Your Hair Type Needs
1. Fine:
The fine hair type is fragile and delicate and lacks volume. Due to the irregular oil production, those with fine hair often complain that their hair gets greasy fast and tend to wash it more often. To ensure you’re not stripping away the essential oils that nourish the scalp barrier while washing, try the L'Oreal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Anti-Oiliness Shampoo and Deep Purifier Clay. It unclogs the scalp from sweat and oil without taking away the natural barrier. Fine hair is also brittle and prone to breakage and needs hydration. Add a conditioning treatment to your weekly routine to replenish moisture and promote growth.
2. Medium:
Medium hair is the most common type and is exposed to heating tools more often due to its density. While medium hair has more density as compared to fine hair, it is still prone to damage if not maintained. While using conditioner for moisture, those with medium hair should also ensure they are providing the hair with protein to maintain the health and structure of their locks. Opt for the bestseller Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Deep Conditioner Pack that strengthens the hair and restores moisture. You should also consider applying the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment, especially after heat styling or on colour-treated hair.
3. Coarse:
Coarse hair is larger and dense, making scalp care crucial. The density of coarse hair makes penetration of products more difficult, making the hair feel dry and dull. To ensure your hair is clean, opt for a clarifying shampoo like the Aveda Rosemary Mint Clarifying Shampoo that removes impurities and product build-up from the scalp to promote hair growth. After washing, incorporate products that would not cause buildup like The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Hair Serum which is water-based and lightweight.
Hair Products To Try
1. Heat Protection
Damage from heated hair tools can lead to breakage and frizzy hair. It is essential to limit the use of heat-styling tools like dryers, curlers, and straighteners as much as possible. If you absolutely need to style your hair with heat, consider using protective products like the Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Flatliner Heat Protection Spray that protects the hair from up to 230°C temperatures. It also provides humidity protection and calms frizz.
2. Avoid Over-shampoo
Shampooing too often or using more than the required amount can strip the scalp and hair of its essential oils causing breakage. If you (like me) cannot understand how to get the recommended ‘pea-sized’ amount, a great hack is to opt for pumping bottles or buy shampoos that already have a pump system. It not only stops you from taking more than what’s required but also prevents spillage. We recommend the L'Oreal Paris Hyaluron Moisture Shampoo which is suitable for all hair types and provides long-lasting hydration with hyaluronic acid.
3. Increase Vitamin Intake
Beauty comes from within and ensuring proper nutrition will always be beneficial to improve the appearance of your hair as well as the skin and nails. However, we understand that ensuring your meals have a balanced mix of vitamins is not always possible. Consider taking multivitamins that will boost your hair health like the Nyumi Biotin Hair Gummies which have the goodness of Biotin, Amla, and Zinc, among 16 other ingredients. The brand is social-media-approved and trusted by celebs like Karisma Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Janhvi Kapoor, and Neetu Kapoor.
4. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Create an arsenal of hydrating hair products to ensure your locks receive the nourishment they need to thrive, thus promoting the growth of healthy hair. The Olaplex Bond Maintenance System has three products that nourish and hydrate the hair. They are also known to restore and strengthen hair with a patented technology that is loved by celebs and recommended by professionals.
5. Gently Detangle
Aggressive detangling practices can pull and tug at the roots, damaging hair follicles and causing breakage. Top for the top-rated Fable & Mane MahaMane Detangling Leave-In Conditioner that is lightweight and enriched with Aloe Vera for hydration. You must also invest in a detangling brush for a pain-free hair-brushing experience. This brush can be used on wet and dry hair and is suited for all hair types.
Tips For Stronger Hair
- Oil Treatment: Spend some time on a good champi before hair wash and your scalp will thank you. Massaging the scalp with a hair growth oil will help you achieve healthy strands by increasing blood circulation and offering relaxation.
- Cool Rinse: Using hot water while washing the hair can damage the hair cuticle and roots. Instead, opt for a cool rinse that will help retain moisture.
- Adopt Protective Hairstyles: To reduce exposure to pollutants and other environmental stressors, opt for protective hairstyles like braids and buns. However, make sure that there’s no tension and your hair is not tight at the roots.
- Use Silk Or Satin Pillowcases: Cotton and other fabrics can cause friction, damaging the hair and leading to frizz. Opt for a silk or satin pillowcase to minimise this friction, tangling, and breakage.
- Reduce Stress: While it’s easier said than done with our busy modern lifestyles, stress contributes to hair loss and should be addressed for your hair and overall health. Along with exercising and meditation, try supplements that ease stress, relaxing teas, or treat yourself to some much-needed spa indulgence at home. It is best to make these lifestyle changes in consultation with your doctor.
- Hair Mask: Indulge in DIY hair masks with hair-healthy-friendly ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, banana, yoghurt, and fenugreek to give your hair its lost nourishment.
- Avoid Over Shampooing: Overshampooing can leave your hair dry and brittle as it strips away the natural oils and emollients maintaining the strength of your hair’s natural barrier.
- T-Shirts Over Towel: Towels are meant to soak any damp surface as quickly as possible, hence they are made of slightly rough materials that soak up all the moisture, this texture can irritate the hair and make it rough, instead use a t-shirt that is soft and gentle on the hair.
- Boost Your Nutrient Intake: If you are unable to balance a diet that includes everything your body needs, start incorporating supplementing tablets that can aid better health.
- Massage Your Scalp: To improve blood circulation, stimulation, and gentle exfoliation, massage your scalp with either a scalp scrub or oil with your fingertips.
- Hot Oil Treatment: Occasionally indulge in a hot oil therapy that will stimulate your hair follicles and activate your roots with some tender loving care.
- Avoid Chemical Treatments: Hair cosmetic treatments such as dyeing, colouring, bleaching, and smoothening hair with chemicals can hurt your hair in the long run.
- Stay Hydrated: Hydration is key to not just keeping a good gut and clear skin, but it also helps hair remain healthy and strong.
- Avoid Chlorinated Water: Swimming pools often contain high levels of chlorine that cause harm to your hair. Wear a swimming cap that keeps your hair fresh and stops the water from stripping your hair’s natural oils.
- Detangle Gently: If you have too many knots or tangles in your hair, make sure you use a wide-toothed comb and some form of lubricants such as oils or serums to make sure your hair unravels smoothly.
- Clean Your Hair Accessories: Make sure to clean your combs, hair clips, rollers, or any other hair accessories that can transfer dirt and pollutants to your hair.
- Avoid Unhealthy & Saturated Fats: Deep-fried and oily foods often contain heavy amounts of fats that are unhealthy for your hair since they saturate in your gut.
- Choose Hair Products Right: Make sure to understand your hair type and texture when you buy or invest in hair care products. You don’t want products that cater to protect your hair ends up destroying it further.
- Reduce Alcohol & Caffeine: Alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine all mess up with your nervous system, digestive system, and thus your hair health.
- Increase Protein Intake: Protein is the fundamental building block of your body and protein deficiency can cause hair fall and damage.
Parting Thoughts
This guide is the ultimate handbook you need to know how to make hair strong. First understand the causes of your hair loss and damage and target those causes first. Keep an eye out for signs of hair thinning and loss so you can work on it as soon as possible. Follow the 20 tips mentioned above and your healthy hair journey will be a smooth sailing one.
FAQs
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How to effectively reduce hair fall?
Avoid using excessive amounts of chemicals, thermal styling tools, shampoos and conditioners with hair care nasties such as sulphate, parabens, etc.
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How to make hair strong from roots?
This is how to make hair strong from roots:
- Massage your scalp regularly
- Indulge in a hair and scalp scrub made with hair-friendly ingredients
- Avoid washing your hair with very hot water
- Trim your hair regularly to avoid split ends
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How often should I wash my hair?
If you are not experiencing too much sweat, dirt, and pollution then wash it twice a week to maintain basic hygiene. If you have oily hair, wash it thrice a week. If you have dry hair, wash it once a week.
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What are some remedies to reduce dandruff and itchiness?
Use anti-dandruff shampoo, you can identify them with the two key ingredients – ketaconazole or zinc pyrithoine. Use lemon juice and coconut oil as natural scalp masks. Use tea tree oil as an anti-fungal solution to a flaky scalp.
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How to make hair strong and thick with vitamins?
These vitamins will help you get strong and thick hair:
- Biotin
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Zinc
