What Every Woman Should Know
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR What Every Woman Should Know By Marquetta Breslin
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR
Table of Contents Introduction Secret 1 You Are What You Eat Secret 2 No More Grease! Secret 3 Heat Secret 4 Take Care Of Your Scalp Secret 5 Shampoo
1
www.braidsbybreslin.com
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR
Introduction Many of us have tried different tricks to help grow and strengthen our hair. In this book I have provided five different secrets to healthy hair. These are proven to be true and are very simple if followed and practiced frequently. I had a great time writing this and I hope you have a great time reading it!
Secret 1
You Are What You Eat
Ever hear the term “You are what you eat”? Food can not only determine how we may feel, but it can also determine our outside appearance. Have you ever woke up one morning and wondered why your face was broken out? After thinking about it you may realize that you just binged on some junk food the day before. Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to slow hair growth. Developing healthy eating habits is extremely important for not only your body, but also your hair. There are plenty of foods and vitamins that can promote healthier hair. Foods and Vitamins that are Great for Your Hair: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Collards Kale Carrots Cucumbers Tomatoes Fish Chicken Vitamin A Eggs Fortified milk Vitamin B6/B12 Chicken Fish Vitamin C Citrus fruits Berries
Eating healthy is not only great for your body - it is also essential for your hair. Try to take in fewer calories from saturated fats. You can’t go wrong if you follow the food pyramid. Exercise regularly, and avoid stressful situations if at all possible and you will be on your way to healthier hair in no time!
2
www.braidsbybreslin.com
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR
Secret 2
No More Grease!
When I was younger my mother would braid my hair frequently. In between hairstyles she would “grease” my scalp to promote growth and add moisture. This is a mistake that many of us have made. Most pomades and grease are either petroleum or beeswax based. These types of products clog the pores and create numerous problems for your hair growth. Many would shy away from using something different than what they’ve used almost all of their life, but there is a solution to the problem: oil. Oils are much thinner and do not clog the pores. Here are a few oils that stimulate hair growth: • • • •
Jojoba Rosemary Sweet almond Thyme
If you choose to apply one of these oils to your hair, pay close attention to see if your hair is retaining oil. If your hair is retaining the oil, just simply cut back.
3
www.braidsbybreslin.com
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR
Secret 3
Heat
Some of us use heat on our hair for straightening, curling or blow drying. Heat can cause excessive damage to the hair if it is not used properly or with moderation. Here are some helpful tips to remember if you use heat on your hair frequently: 1. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair before you blow dry it. It is best to wait about 15 minutes after applying the leave-in conditioner before you start to blow dry your hair. 2. Dirty hair and heat don’t mix. Wash and condition your hair thoroughly before using a curling iron or straightening comb. 3. Try not to use 2 forms of heat at once. (i.e. blow drying then curling) 4. Always keep your curling iron, blow drier or straightening comb on medium. Remember, excessive heat can cause severe damage to your hair. If you must use heat, refer to the tips above.
4
www.braidsbybreslin.com
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR
Secret 4
Take Care Of Your Scalp
Have you ever had a chemical burn? Chemical burns can be from chemicals used in your hair such as relaxers and color. These types of burns cause extensive damage to the scalp. Your scalp, just like any other part of your body, needs to be taken care of. Taking care of your scalp is essential if you want to have healthy hair. Cleaning your scalp on a regular basis will help prevent irritation and dryness. Here are a few tips to help you take care of your scalp, which will in turn promote hair growth: • Clean your scalp regularly. • Do not directly expose your scalp to the sun for long periods of time. • Never dig in your scalp. • Do not use chemicals when your scalp is already damaged or irritated. (i.e. immediately after taking out braids) • Use Aloe Vera for nourishment and as an anti biotic. • Products that contain Olive Oil will help improve the condition of the scalp while simultaneously adding shine and body.
5
www.braidsbybreslin.com
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR
Secret 5
Shampoo
It is very important to choose the right shampoo for your hair. All shampoos are not the same. Different shampoos have different effects on different types of hair. Make sure you find a shampoo with the right pH for your scalp. The normal pH for the hair is 4.5 to 5.5. You never want to use shampoo that will go over the highest pH. Ever use a conditioning shampoo? These “combination” shampoos are not good for your hair. Most of them are known to cause build up and some even lead to scalp damage! Here are some helpful tips to follow when you shampoo your hair: • Never shampoo just once. Shampoo at least twice to make sure that you get all of the build up and dirt out of your hair and scalp. • Instead of pouring the shampoo on your hair, pour the shampoo in your hands first and use your finger tips to massage the scalp. Also, make sure that you get the shampoo to the ends of the hair as well. • Have you ever used a dry shampoo? If you have, you probably noticed that the instructions tell you to use a towel or cloth to wipe the scalp to rid it of the dirt and grease. Well the same thing applies for a regular wash. If you want to make sure that the scalp is clean use a light colored towel to wipe your scalp to ensure cleanliness.
Marquetta Breslin
Marquetta Breslin
6
www.braidsbybreslin.com
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR
Table of Contents Introduction Secret 1 You Are What You Eat Secret 2 No More Grease! Secret 3 Heat Secret 4 Take Care Of Your Scalp Secret 5 Shampoo
1
www.braidsbybreslin.com
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR
Introduction Many of us have tried different tricks to help grow and strengthen our hair. In this book I have provided five different secrets to healthy hair. These are proven to be true and are very simple if followed and practiced frequently. I had a great time writing this and I hope you have a great time reading it!
Secret 1
You Are What You Eat
Ever hear the term “You are what you eat”? Food can not only determine how we may feel, but it can also determine our outside appearance. Have you ever woke up one morning and wondered why your face was broken out? After thinking about it you may realize that you just binged on some junk food the day before. Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to slow hair growth. Developing healthy eating habits is extremely important for not only your body, but also your hair. There are plenty of foods and vitamins that can promote healthier hair. Foods and Vitamins that are Great for Your Hair: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Collards Kale Carrots Cucumbers Tomatoes Fish Chicken Vitamin A Eggs Fortified milk Vitamin B6/B12 Chicken Fish Vitamin C Citrus fruits Berries
Eating healthy is not only great for your body - it is also essential for your hair. Try to take in fewer calories from saturated fats. You can’t go wrong if you follow the food pyramid. Exercise regularly, and avoid stressful situations if at all possible and you will be on your way to healthier hair in no time!
2
www.braidsbybreslin.com
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR
Secret 2
No More Grease!
When I was younger my mother would braid my hair frequently. In between hairstyles she would “grease” my scalp to promote growth and add moisture. This is a mistake that many of us have made. Most pomades and grease are either petroleum or beeswax based. These types of products clog the pores and create numerous problems for your hair growth. Many would shy away from using something different than what they’ve used almost all of their life, but there is a solution to the problem: oil. Oils are much thinner and do not clog the pores. Here are a few oils that stimulate hair growth: • • • •
Jojoba Rosemary Sweet almond Thyme
If you choose to apply one of these oils to your hair, pay close attention to see if your hair is retaining oil. If your hair is retaining the oil, just simply cut back.
3
www.braidsbybreslin.com
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR
Secret 3
Heat
Some of us use heat on our hair for straightening, curling or blow drying. Heat can cause excessive damage to the hair if it is not used properly or with moderation. Here are some helpful tips to remember if you use heat on your hair frequently: 1. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair before you blow dry it. It is best to wait about 15 minutes after applying the leave-in conditioner before you start to blow dry your hair. 2. Dirty hair and heat don’t mix. Wash and condition your hair thoroughly before using a curling iron or straightening comb. 3. Try not to use 2 forms of heat at once. (i.e. blow drying then curling) 4. Always keep your curling iron, blow drier or straightening comb on medium. Remember, excessive heat can cause severe damage to your hair. If you must use heat, refer to the tips above.
4
www.braidsbybreslin.com
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR
Secret 4
Take Care Of Your Scalp
Have you ever had a chemical burn? Chemical burns can be from chemicals used in your hair such as relaxers and color. These types of burns cause extensive damage to the scalp. Your scalp, just like any other part of your body, needs to be taken care of. Taking care of your scalp is essential if you want to have healthy hair. Cleaning your scalp on a regular basis will help prevent irritation and dryness. Here are a few tips to help you take care of your scalp, which will in turn promote hair growth: • Clean your scalp regularly. • Do not directly expose your scalp to the sun for long periods of time. • Never dig in your scalp. • Do not use chemicals when your scalp is already damaged or irritated. (i.e. immediately after taking out braids) • Use Aloe Vera for nourishment and as an anti biotic. • Products that contain Olive Oil will help improve the condition of the scalp while simultaneously adding shine and body.
5
www.braidsbybreslin.com
5 SECRETS TO HEALTHY HAIR
Secret 5
Shampoo
It is very important to choose the right shampoo for your hair. All shampoos are not the same. Different shampoos have different effects on different types of hair. Make sure you find a shampoo with the right pH for your scalp. The normal pH for the hair is 4.5 to 5.5. You never want to use shampoo that will go over the highest pH. Ever use a conditioning shampoo? These “combination” shampoos are not good for your hair. Most of them are known to cause build up and some even lead to scalp damage! Here are some helpful tips to follow when you shampoo your hair: • Never shampoo just once. Shampoo at least twice to make sure that you get all of the build up and dirt out of your hair and scalp. • Instead of pouring the shampoo on your hair, pour the shampoo in your hands first and use your finger tips to massage the scalp. Also, make sure that you get the shampoo to the ends of the hair as well. • Have you ever used a dry shampoo? If you have, you probably noticed that the instructions tell you to use a towel or cloth to wipe the scalp to rid it of the dirt and grease. Well the same thing applies for a regular wash. If you want to make sure that the scalp is clean use a light colored towel to wipe your scalp to ensure cleanliness.
Marquetta Breslin
Marquetta Breslin
6
www.braidsbybreslin.com
