How to Get Natural Beauty

How to Get Natural Beauty

We try to look beautiful, but sometimes end up looking a tad artificial. This article not only highlights the ideals of a natural beauty but also reflects on enhancing yourself, body, and mind.

1. Believe That You Are Beautiful. There is nothing more beautiful than that. The most efficient way is by eating a balanced diet and also getting plenty of exercise. Start by walking with friends, taking up dancing, or start to jog around the block every day.

2. Clear Up Your Skin.  Embrace your face. Learn to accept and love your skin even if it is not clear or even toned. You can use natural products such as shea butter for more even skin tone, rosemary oil for acne, tea tree oil for inflamed acne, and witch hazel for a calming affect on redness. Just add a few drops to your nighttime moisturizer. Supplement by adding more veggies and fruit to your diet and getting plenty of vitamins D and C. Remember to exfoliate your skin no more than 3 times a week. Don't over exfoliate because it will make your face go flaky and red. Rinse your face in the morning with cool water and use a cleanser that doesn't contain alcohol. Place the cleanser in a small spray bottle for a light misting that you can use throughout the day and follow with a moisturizing face cream with a sunblock.

3.  Have Healthy Hair. If you want to dye your hair (which always makes your hair stand out and is a great way to change up your look) opt for ammonia-free kits or ask your colorist or stylist at your salon to use ammonia free or "gentle" concoctions. Ask for a semi or demi-permanent dye and always embrace your hair colour and texture. No hair type is unattractive. Avoid curling/flat irons.

4.  Brush Those Pearly Whites.  Brush your teeth at least twice a day, follow with a restorative mouth wash. Floss at night before you go to bed, and chew sugar-free gum after meals to promote saliva flow which ultimately lessens the probability of cavities because it prevents plaque acid. Be sure to see your dentist twice a year for checkups and a cleaning. To keep teeth white, drink strong acidic drinks (such as coffee and soda) through straws to prevent corrosion of the enamel.

5. Go makeup free. Lots of makeup is tested on animals and is bad for your skin in the long term.

 

6. Get some exercise. Be body conscious, but never obsess. You don't need the fancy diet programs advertised on TV nor do you need to belong to those health clubs that are popping up everywhere. Just do you. Exercise what you enjoy. That's why it's called exercise, which originally meant "the act of employing or putting into play". So if you like to walk your dog, run, hike, bike, dance, or even watch Richard Simmons. Do what makes you move and what you enjoy. Exercise also makes you feel more confident and happy because it releases hormones called endorphins.

7.  Get enough sleep. Sleep! Sleep! Sleep! It is wonderful and we don't do it nearly enough. Aim for the bare minimum 6 and a half hours of sleep and shoot for 9-10 hours. Set a regular bedtime such as 21:00 and don't eat two hours before bed, stay away from caffeine. If you have a cup of coffee an hour before bed... you're in for a restless night. If you have a hard time falling asleep, systematic relaxation techniques are wonderful. Start at your feet and tense the muscles in your feet for a count of 5 seconds and relax. Proceed up the body tensing and releasing the leg, buttocks, stomach, arms, hands, neck, and face muscles through counts of 5 seconds. If you have racing thoughts imagine that your thoughts are fish and you are catching them in a slow moving stream. Acknowledge that they are there and then send them on their way, Relaxing meditation music on YouTube is very useful to. Finally, melatonin is a natural supplement that aids in relaxation and sleep. This should be reserved for individuals who have a very difficult time with sleep and are considering going on medication. Try melatonin first. It is naturally occurring, and non-habit forming.

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How to Do a Facial at Home

A good facial leaves your facial skin smooth, bright and flushed. It's fun to get a facial at a spa, but you can get the same great results in the comfort of your home without spending any money. Start by thoroughly cleansing and exfoliating your skin, then use a steam treatment and mask to draw impurities from your pores. Finish with toner and moisturizer to help your skin look beautifully soft and refreshed.

Cleansing and Ex-foliating Your Face

    1. Pull your hair back from your face. Use a headband, hair band, or bobby pins to pull back your hair and bangs so your face is fully exposed. You don't want it to get in the way during your facial.
  

    2. Wash your face with gentle cleanser. Use your favourite facial cleanser to remove make-up and wash your face. Use warm water, instead of cold or hot, since warm water is the best temperature for delicate facial skin.

        Be sure to remove all of your make-up before you continue with the facial.
        If you're in the mood to try something new, use the oil cleansing method to wash your face. Apply almond, jojoba or olive oil to your face, then wipe it away with warm water. This is an excellent way to remove make-up without damaging skin.

 

  3.  Use a facial scrub or another ex-foliant. Dead skin cells build up on the face and leave it looking a little dull. Ex-foliating your skin to brighten it up is an essential part of any facial routine. Use your favourite facial scrub to gently rub away the dead skin. If you don't have a scrub, you can make your own. Try these simple combinations,
        1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon milk
        1 teaspoon ground oatmeal, 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon olive oil
        1 teaspoon ground almonds, 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon water

4.  Rinse your face and pat it dry. Give your face a final rinse to remove all traces of your facial scrub. You may need to use a washcloth dipped in warm water to remove scrub from around your eyes and nose. Finish by patting your face dry with a soft towel.






5. Give yourself a facial massage. Massage increases circulation, leading to brighter, healthier skin. Now that your face is clean, give yourself a massage before moving to the next phase of your facial. Use your forefinger and middle finger to massage your face in a gentle circular motion.

    Massage your forehead, starting in the middle and moving down to the temples.
    Massage your nose and cheeks.
    Massage your lips, chin and jaw.

Purifying Your Pores 

1.  Do a steam treatment. Boil a small pot of water on the stove. Turn off the heat and stand over the pot with a towel draped over your head, so that the steam coming from the water will be trapped around your face. Steam your face for five minutes or so, making sure to come up for air when you need to. Steaming helps to open your pores in preparation for a facial mask, which draws out impurities.

    For a more luxurious experience, add some essential oils to the water. You'll get a steam and aromatherapy treatment in one. Try a few drops of lavender, lemongrass, rose, or grapefruit essential oil to lift your spirits.

 
    If you don't have essential oils, throw a few herbal teabags into the water. Chamomile, chai and peppermint tea all have aromatic herbs.

 

  
2. Make a facial mask. Next up is a facial mask, which will draw out impurities (like dirt and dead skin) from your pores. You can buy a facial mask product from the store, but it's easy and fun to make your own at home. Try one of the following masks.

    For dry skin: mix 1 mashed banana and 1 tablespoon honey
    For medium skin: mix 1 tablespoon aloe and 1 tablespoon honey
    For oily skin: mix 1 teaspoon cosmetic clay and 1 teaspoon honey

 
    For any type of skin: use plain honey, which has antibacterial and moisturizing properties perfect for any skin type

3. Apply the mask for 15 minutes. Smooth it over your skin, then wait for it to do its magic. In the meantime, why not give yourself an eye treatment? Lie back and place two cool cucumber slices over your closed eyes. If you don't have cucumbers, two chilled teabags work just as well. 

 4.   Rinse your face and pat it dry. Use warm water to remove all traces of the facial mask. Be sure to remove the honey from around your eyes and nose, since if you leave it in place it will feel quite sticky.

EditToning and Moisturizing Your Skin

  
    1.     Apply a homemade toner. Toner helps to brighten the skin and restore its balance. You can use a store-bought toner, but many products you probably have on hand at home work just as well. Try one of the following homemade toners,
        1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 tablespoon water
        1 tablespoon witch hazel mixed with 1 tablespoon water
        1 tablespoon rosewater mixed with 1 tablespoon water

 

2. Finish with a creamy moisturizer. The final step is to apply moisturizer that suits your skin type. Moisturizer will keep your skin from drying out, preserving the results of your facial. Look for a facial moisturizer that doesn't contain alcohol, since this can cause your skin to dry out more quickly.

    If you want to use a homemade, all-natural moisturizer, try argan oil, almond oil or jojoba oil.
    Aloe is another great natural moisturizer that has healing properties as well. It's especially useful if you're recovering from a sunburn.

 3. Wait a few hours before applying makeup. Wait a little while before you start your regular makeup routine to give your facial skin the chance to rest and reap the full benefits of your facial. Makeup normally contains alcohol and a wide range of chemicals, and applying it right after exfoliating your face and cleaning your pores could cause irritation.

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How to Make Healthy Baby Food

Make Healthy Baby Food

Save some money on baby food--make your own! Healthy, tasty baby food can be had for far less than you would have paid in the grocery store. It's not that difficult! Plus, you can enjoy knowing exactly what food goes into your baby.



Pumpkin Puree Baby Food

    1 sugar pumpkin
    Water
    A pinch of cinnamon and/or nutmeg.

Banana-Cado Baby Food

    Ripe avocado
    1 Banana

Steps :

1.  Find small containers to store the food. Sterilize your containers in the dishwasher or sterilizer. 

2. Buy fresh fruit or vegetables that are at the peak of ripeness. You can also use frozen food if you'd like, which can be fresher if the fruit/vegetable is out of season. Look at the ingredients of frozen portions carefully to avoid any additives like sugar or salt.

3. Clean the fruit/veggie carefully and remove any rotting spots. Peel the fruit. Steam the veggies or cook them in the microwave in a bit of water. Follow the directions and make sure the food is soft. It is not necessary to cook the fruit. 

 

 

 

4. Chop the food in a food processor until it is very smooth. Add warm water if necessary until you get a smooth consistency.

5. Pour a single serving size into each container and freeze immediately.

Pumpkin Puree Baby Food

 1. Cut the pumpkin in half. Remove all the seeds, taking care not to miss any. 

 

2. Place each half face down in a baking pan. Cover with 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of water.

3. Bake at 400˚F for 40 minutes to 1 hour. Take the pumpkin out of the oven when the skin is wrinkled and the pumpkin is soft when pressed.

 

4. Scrape out the insides. Mash or puree until smooth and free of chunks. Remove any seeds you may have missed. 

Banana Cado Baby Food

1. Peel the avocado. Take the pit out. Then, use a fork to mash into a paste.

2. Peel the banana. Use a fork to mash into a paste.

3. Combine the pastes in a food processor. Puree until mixture is smooth and free of chunks.

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4 Ways to Keep Your Child Healthy

How to Keep Your Child Healthy

It goes without saying that your child is very important to you. Part of caring for your child involves keeping them happy and healthy. To create the best health for your child, keep an eye out for possible injury dangers and avoid exposing them to illness. Make sure that your child stays physically active and spends time outdoors. Monitor their mental health as well by communicating openly and regularly with your child.

Establishing Healthy Habits

Establishing Healthy Habits

1. Establish A Sleeping Schedule:

 It is important for your child to get around 10 hours of sleep every night, depending on age. Going to sleep at the same time each evening will help this happen. Stick carefully to this routine and only push back the bed time if it is absolutely necessary. When possible, allow you child to sleep in if they went to bed late.

    Sleep is important to health in many ways. It allows your body to recover quickly from illness or fight off potential infections. It also boosts your metabolism. Good sleep can calm your emotions and result in a healthier mindset as well.

    It is recommended that preschoolers get between 10 to 13 hours, elementary and middle-schoolers between 10 to 13 hours, and teenagers between 8 to 10 hours. This is dependent on personal preference as well. Some children simply prefer to sleep more or slightly less than average.

2. Encourage A Healthy Diet. Purchase a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole-grain products, and lean meats for your household. Go for fresh, organic produce whenever you can. Carefully read labels to determine portion sizes and make meals that conform to those guidelines. Offer healthy snacks, such as hummus and carrot sticks, throughout the day.

    Invite your child to help you with meal prep. Let them choose a healthy recipe for dinner. Take them with you to the grocery store and turn reading labels into a game. Make food more interesting for finicky eaters by crafting healthy personal pizzas (with their own selected toppings) or by positioning fruit into a smiley face on their plate.
    If your child refuses to eat their veggies, keep offering them. Try out other vegetable options and preparations as well. A child who dislikes straight steamed broccoli may love it when it is topped with a bit of shredded cheddar cheese.

3. Offer Lots of Drinking Water.

A child should drink the number of 8 oz. water glasses that correspond to their age (up to a limit of 64 oz. total at 8 years of age). So, a 4 year old child should drink 4 glasses containing 8 oz. of water per day. This total does not include milk, juice, or other liquids, just water.

    Your child should only start drinking water after they reach 6 months of age. Prior to this, they should drink formula and/or breast milk.

    To add some variety, a child can also drink milk after their first birthday. A 2 year old should drink up to two 8 oz. glasses of milk per day. You can also offer juice, in moderation.

    A child’s brain is composed of 80% water, so staying hydrated is particularly important for optimal cognitive development. Teach your child to look at their urine to make sure it is more clear than yellow. If they spot yellow, then they should grab a glass of water. 

 

4. Keep junk foods to a minimum. Avoid purchasing sugary, fatty, or heavily processed foods. If you don’t buy them, then your child will turn to a healthy alternative that is available in your fridge or pantry. Watch out for ‘sneaky’ foods that appear healthy but are actually the opposite. This can include items labeled “low-fat” or even low-juice fruit drinks.

    Other ‘sneaky’ junk foods can include various crackers labeled as kid friendly that actually contain high amounts of sugars or syrups. Watch out for fruit gummies as well. They often contain high amounts of sugar as well. It is better to simply offer your child a piece of fruit.

 

Preventing Illness and Injury

 

1.  Avoid exposing your child to smoke. Smoke can linger after you put out a cigarette, so it is important to keep your children away from areas where you are smoking or where you have been smoking. If you are a smoker, enroll in a program to quit and ask smoker relatives to do so as well. Secondhand smoke is harmful to children as they develop.

    Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to contract a variety of breathing problems and illnesses including (but not limited to) bronchitis and pneumonia. Smoke can also make existing medical problems worse, such as asthma. Babies are also at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

2.  Avoid exposing your child to sick persons. When it is possible, keep your child away from people who are currently sick. Your child encounters plenty of germs during the day but direct exposure to an infection is just not worth it.

• Stay in touch with your relatives, your child’s friends, and your child’s school to watch out for exposure to various infections. For example, if your child is invited to a sleepover but one of the other children present is sick with strep, it is probably best to decline the invitation. Keep in mind that viral infections are impossible to avoid completely, so don't go overboard if your relatives or friends have a mild cold. 

3. Promote germ avoidance. Teach your child to frequently wash their hands. They should do so after using the restroom and before they eat or touch their mouth or face. Give them a small bottle of hand sanitizer to carry around and use if a sink is not available. Instruct them to not share water bottles or drinks with others and to keep their hands out of their mouths (much easier said than done with toddlers).

    Show your child how to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice when washing their hands with warm, soapy water. This is the amount of time it takes to remove most germs.
    Show your child how to sneeze into their elbow and how to cover their cough with a hand as well. This way they can help prevent the spread of their germs as well.

4. Develop a plan for sick days. If your child is at home with you, then keep them there until they feel better. If your child goes to school or daycare, find out that location's policy on sickness. Some schools require that a child is fever-free for 24 hours before they return. Make no mistake, your child will get sick at some point. Knowing how you will provide for their care will result in less stress for you and your child.

    Part of planning ahead is also knowing the proper doses of medication for your child. Stock up on common anti-fever medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen. It is best to avoid a run to the pharmacy for basic medications whenever possible.

5. Schedule well child visits. You child should have a well child check-up every two to three months up until 2 years of age. After 2 years of age, your child will begin to visit their doctor each year for a basic check-up. Find a pediatrician who you trust and make sure to stick to this schedule. Your child’s doctor will take a variety of preventative measures each visit, including tracking your child’s growth and development.

    Use well child visits as an opportunity to ask any questions that you have regarding your child’s physical, mental, or emotional development. It may help to write down questions before you arrive. For example, you might ask, “Should my toddler be using a spoon and fork yet?”

    Your child will also generally receive vaccinations at well check visits. These vaccinations offer protect against an assortment of more serious illnesses such as polio. A yearly flu shot can also help prevent a lot of misery from the flu.
    Don’t forget the importance of taking your child to the dentist as well. At least once every year, your child’s teeth need to be cleaned and checked out.

6. Minimize in-home hazards. Place all toxic chemicals and cleaners in an inaccessible area. Hide all cords and wires. Secure furniture that could topple over. Remove any sharp or dangerous objects. Even after your child is beyond the baby stage, keep an eye out for potentially dangerous items in your home.

• You may want to ask that your relatives or family friends safety proof their homes as well, especially when your child visits. Medications, for example, need to be stored in a location that is inaccessible for a child.

Encouraging Physical Activity

 

 

1. Sign them up for sports. Start experimenting with sports at an early age by enrolling your child through your local rec center or school. Or, you could sign your child up for lessons at a local sports facility. Swimming, dancing, and soccer are just a few examples of worthwhile sporting options. Being involved in sports will help your child to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, the minimum suggested amount. 

    Be prepared to go through a number of sports before you find the ones that your child will enjoy. This is a normal part of the process. Avoid pressuring your child to pursue a sport that they strongly dislike. Instead, look for alternative options.

    Sports are also great for mental health. The pressure to focus employed by sports like martial arts is great for children struggling with control issues, like ADD.

 

2.  Get your kids outside. Head outside with your child and a jump rope or a bike for a few hours. Go on a nice long walk or hike with your kid. Play an extended game of tag followed by a park picnic. Soaking in the sunshine gets your child their daily dose of Vitamin D. This vitamin can then boost immunity and help prevent a variety of infections. Remember to apply sunscreen to your child before heading outdoors! 

    Fresh air is also just healthy. It is good to take a break from the air inside your home as it could actually possess a variety of unhealthy pollutants.
    Always make sure to apply sunscreen before heading outside.

3. Limit Technology Time. Try to limit TV time to a maximum of two hours per day. You should also try to regulate the use of the computer, video games, and even their cell phone (if they have one) as well. Placing time and use limits on these devices will encourage your child to get out of doors and explore the world around them. Do not put a TV in your child’s bedroom. The use of technology can have a negative impact on sleep patterns. Instead, read a book to your child before bedtime or follow another relaxing routine.

4. Teach them that food is fuel. Spend time with your child researching healthy food options online. Look to see how particular foods translate into calories in and out of your body. Give your child the challenge of identifying the best possible food to eat before their sporting event. All children want to be strong and having them understand the impact of food is one way to get there.

    For example, before your child’s soccer game, ask them if them if a fast-food burger or a homemade sandwich would help them perform the best. Discuss the pros and cons of both options.

5. Make plans for the weekend. Go on a hiking or camping trip. Try out kayaking lessons at the local lake. Contact your kid’s friends' parents and make a playdate for the local park. If you create definite plans, you are far more likely to get out of the house and explore the world.

• Don’t forget to ask your child in advance what they would like to do over the weekend or breaks. They might have some great ideas or know about events that you are unaware of.

Ensuring Good Mental Health

 1.  Keep communication lines open. Make an effort to be present so that your child will have the chance to approach you, if needed. Ask your child questions about their life and do so on a regular basis. Resist the urge to try to fix all of their problems and instead just be a good listener and a resource for help, if needed.

    If you discover that your child is upset, you might say, “When you are ready to talk, I’m here and will help you figure everything out if I can.”

2. Talk to them about peer pressure. Recognize and acknowledge the mental pressures that your child will face. They will likely be offered drugs, alcohol, or be pressured to engage in sexual activity at some point. It is important to open a dialogue with your child about these issues. Encourage them to ask questions without receiving negative consequences. A single question could prevent them from making a harmful choice. 

• It is best to initiate these conversations prior to your child reaching their teen years. Most parents open up this subject before their child is ten years old, if not earlier.
• You could role play various scenarios with your child to get them used to saying “no” and sticking with it. You might say, “What is a good way to respond if someone offers you a beer at a party?”

• Don’t rely on school sex ed to fully inform your child. Take responsibility for their well-being and ask them what they know, what they’d like to know, and what concerns they have. Tell them your concerns as well.

  
  
  
  
  
  3. Tell them, “I love you.” Let your child know that they are important to you. This also reassures them that they are safe and protected. This will also provide the groundwork for them to have healthy and happy adult relationships later on. They will be able to more fully express their feelings to future partners.

  • Never use words of affection as a way to control or manipulate your child. Only say them when you truly mean them in the way that they are intended. For example, you can unintentionally manipulate your child if you say, "I'll love you even more if you clean your room."
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

4. Stay in contact with their teachers. Your child’s teachers spend a great deal of time with them and can give you a heads up regarding their mental state. At parent meetings, make sure to inquire not only about grades but about how your child is doing interacting with others and coping with any life changes that are occurring.

5. Pay attention to possible warning signs. If your child seems consistently tired, agitated, angry, irritable, or negative, you may want to seek professional help, perhaps with counseling. Other signs of possible depression or other mental concerns include slipping grades, lack of communication, poor hygiene or eating habits, and overall antisocial behavior.

    Talk to your child's doctor if you have concerns about their physical or emotional health.

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Take Care of Your Hair

How to Take Care of Your Hair

Maintaining your hair is relatively easy with the right kind of steps. Hair is made of protein, so keeping a healthy diet and good hygiene is an essential part of maintaining luscious locks. At the same time, here are some other tips about hair care, and what you can do at home to get unbelievably beautiful hair.

Step 1

Washing Hair Properly

1 Wash hair sparingly and use a good-quality shampoo. Washing hair too often can leave hair dried out, leached of its natural oils, and may damage your hair. Aim to shampoo your hair at most every other day or only twice a week.

use a good-quality shampoo

 2    Try shampoos that do not contain sulfates or parables. Sulfates are the chemicals that make shampoos lather up. Parables are preservatives that cause irritation and eye problems after prolonged use. Both of these chemicals aren't healthy for you or the environment so try to use shampoos with natural cleansers.
Choose a shampoo that suits your hair type. Don't just go for any old shampoo; go for the shampoo that works for your hair type. 

    Typical types include (but are not limited to):

                         * Curly or coarse hair probably wants frizz-minimizing and softening shampoo.  

                        * Straight or oily hair probably wants a gentle shampoo designed for daily washing.

                        * Colored or treated hair probably needs a shampoo that's fortified with extracts or amino acids, because treating your hair is essentially damaging it.


                       *  Dry hair probably needs shampoos with glycerin and collagen to help restore some moisture into the hair.

  3      Use conditioner that matches your hair type, 

length, and treatment damage. A good rule of thumb is to condition every time you shampoo your hair, although very processed or dyed hair probably needs a little more love than natural hair.
Deep condition once a week. Use a store-bought hair care product, or venture out on your own and try a homemade solution. Deep conditioning is very good for your hair. It keeps hair soft, healthy and moisturized.

4
Condition your hair properly based on hair type:

For fine hair: If you have very limp hair, try a botanical oil treatment before you shampoo. Use lavender or tea tree oil, for example, and work it under your cuticles before shampooing. Wash shampoo away and apply conditioner from the mid-shaft down to the end. Leave in for a minute before washing.

For medium to thick hair, use a moisturizer with natural hydra tors. Keep your conditioner light. Apply conditioner all over your head and let stay for 2-3 minutes.

5

Be careful about using hair care products with too much protein. Too much protein can leave your hair feeling desiccated and brittle. While protein is the building block of healthy hair, use conditioners that come with balanced ingredients.

• Frizz-control serum can be used in small quantities to tame frizzes. Make sure you do not use too much, and wash once a week with a deep-cleanse shampoo to avoid build-up, which will leave hair looking dull and flaky.

6

Rinse your hair with vinegar before shampooing, twice a year. 

Doing this helps to make your hair look shinier and cleaner; plus, it treats dandruff. Use 1 part vinegar (preferably organic apple cider vinegar) to 3 parts warm water, then rinse and wash your hair as normal.

7

Moisturize your hair. 

Use five oils: almond, castor, olive, coconut and lavender oils. Mix together equal proportions of each. Alternately, use egg oil. Apply to the hair and leave in for four hours prior to showering out. Repeat twice a week.

1

Let hair dry naturally. 

After you get out of the shower, wrap your hair in a cotton T-Shirt. Towels are made of fabric that is very rough and damaging to your hair, causing frizziness and split ends. Avoid brushing hair while wet, as it makes the hair brittle and weak. Only use a wide tooth comb to brush out tangles while hair is wet.

• Try not to use a blow-dryer. Healthy hair does not respond well to heat. Hair can sustain heat damage easily, especially from blow-dryers. If you have to use a blow-dryer, dry your hair using the lowest temperature setting and limit usage to once a week.
• If you shower before you sleep overnight, put your hair up in a bun and let it air-dry overnight. Your hair should be dry in the morning.

1

Don't brush your hair too much. 

Brushing your hair stimulates the follicles which promotes growth, but brushing too much too often, will cause damage to your hair strands that results in frizz and split ends

2

After you shower, try using a wide toothed comb. Or, use your fingers, rather than a brush.

1

Trim your hair regularly. 

The best way to get rid of split ends is to do it yourself. Take some hair shears and attack the split ends about ¹⁄₄ inch (0.6 cm) above the splitting. Many women with perfect hair never have split ends because they make it a priority to get their hair trimmed, or trim it themselves, every 6-8 weeks.

2

Style your hair naturally, minimizing styling damage. 

Styling by itself won't overly damage your hair, but repeated stylings multiple times per week put some serious strain on hair.

• Avoid perming, crimping, straightening, curling, and bleaching or repeatedly coloring hair if at all possible. So you want to go out on Saturday night and need your hair straightened. That's fine. Just make it an occasional treat, not a permanent thing.
• Don't use rubber bands to pull back or otherwise style hair. Rubber bands will encourage your hair to get snagged, ripping it out of the follicle.
• Try not to use hairstyles that tightly pin or pull the hair back. Styles such as cornrows or tight ponytails can cause damage at the roots, or put stress on the follicles.
• Instead, experiment with up-dos: a simple ponytail or chignon looks clean and requires very few hair products. You could also just keep your hair down and wear a headband.

3

Treat or dye your hair sparingly, if at all. 

Dyeing and treating your hair can take a lot out of it. People who opt for au naturel often don't experience the same problem with dry, damaged, or over-processed hair.

• If you do dye your hair, try it every once in a while. Take a break from dyeing and give your hair a little breather. It should respond favorably.

Maintaining Your General Health

1

Eat healthily. 

Give your hair the right amount of vitamins. Since hair is made of proteins, eat a balanced diet rich in lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet will ensure hair that looks and feels better.

• Make sure you get plenty of vitamin C. This vitamin strengthens hair.^{[citation needed]}In addition, iron helps transport oxygen to blood vessels, zinc grows and repairs tissue, and omega-3 fatty acids grow healthy hair.^{[citation needed]}
• Give your hair some time to show new brilliance. What you eat will not have an immediate difference on the hair you already have, but it will help with hair that is newly growing.

Remove stress from your life

2   Remove stress from your life. 

Physical and mental stressors will keep your hair from realizing its full potential. Stress can cause hair loss, so try not to let stress overcome you. This means finding healthy emotional outlets for your stress: yoga, biking, meditation, or other forms of exercise all work well.

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