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Health & Wellness
Best Hair Care Routine Essentials With 7-Day Plan And Supplements!
Mahi Baraskar
May 20, 2024
5 min read
2481 views
Maintaining healthy and vibrant hair requires a consistent and well-rounded hair care routine incorporating essential products and supplements. The World Health Organization (WHO) has found that moderate to extensive levels of hair loss increases with age in men, from 16% for men of 18–29 years of age to 53% for men between 40–49. The stats for women's hair health are somewhat similar. Given these statistics, each step in a hair care routine, from cleansing and conditioning to nourishing and styling, is crucial for promoting hair health and reducing thinning, breakage, and loss.
By following a structured 7-day plan and incorporating supplements tailored to individual needs, individuals can achieve stronger, shinier, and more resilient hair. This approach involves using quality hair care products and integrating dietary supplements containing key nutrients essential for hair growth and maintenance. This blog explores the best hair care routine essentials with the best hair care routines for wavy and curly hair, plus hair growth concerns. Let's get started!
Table Of Contents
1. Best Hair Care Routine Essentials
2. 7-Day Hair Care Routine For Hair Growth
3. Recommended Wavy And Curly Hair Routine
4. Best Hair Health Supplements
5. Dietitian’s Recommendation
6. The Final Say
7. FAQs
8. References
Best Hair Care Routine Essentials
Let’s explore the best tips for a good hair care routine for men & women:
1. Apply Good Oil And Massage Properly
Using good-quality hair oil and regularly massaging your scalp can improve blood circulation, nourish hair follicles, and promote healthy hair growth. Use oils like coconut, almond, or argan oil and gently massage them into your scalp in circular motions. These massages also help to relax the scalp muscles, reducing stress and promoting hair growth. Adding this to your hair care routine enhances your hair's health and provides a soothing experience.
2. Get Your Haircut Every Six Months
Regular haircuts give you healthy hair while preventing split ends. Aim to get your hair trimmed every six months to promote new growth. Trimming your hair every six to eight months removes split ends and prevents them from travelling up the hair shaft, minimising damage and breakage. Also, professional haircuts help shape and style your hair, giving it a fresh and polished look. This routine ensures that your hair stays neat, manageable, and free from breakage, giving it a healthier appearance overall.
3. Do Not Comb Wet Hair Instantly
Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage, so avoid combing or brushing it immediately after washing. Instead of combing or brushing your hair immediately after washing, gently towel-dry it to remove excess moisture. Allow hair to air dry partially or on a low heat setting; use a blow dryer before detangling. When combing wet hair, opt for a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to minimise damage and prevent hair breakage, keeping your locks strong and healthy.
4. Do Not Often Use Hot Tools
Excessively using hot styling tools like straighteners, blow dryers, and curling irons damages your hair and leads to dryness, frizz, and breakage. Extended heat exposure also leads to dryness, brittleness, and breakage, compromising the integrity of your hair. To minimise damage, limit the use of hot tools and opt for heat-free styling methods whenever possible. While you use specific heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray first or serum to prevent damage. And often try natural hairstyles to give your hair a break from heat styling.
5. Avoid Elastic Rubber Bands
Traditional elastic rubber bands can cause breakage and damage to hair, especially when worn tightly. Instead, choose hair-friendly alternatives like scrunchies, fabric hair ties, or spiral hair coils. These options are gentler on hair and help prevent split ends and breakage, keeping hair healthy and damage-free.
6. Avoid Chemical-Based Hair Care Products
Many commercially promoted hair care products contain harsh chemicals that strip hair of its natural oils, causing damage. Opt for organic hair care products free from sulfates, parabens, and other harmful ingredients. Look for nourishing ingredients, like botanical extracts, essential oils, and vitamins, to promote healthy hair growth and maintain scalp health.
7. Regular Washing After Using Hair Masks
While hair masks can provide deep conditioning and nourishment to your hair, it's essential to wash them out thoroughly after use. Residual mask residue can weigh down your hair and attract dirt and impurities, leading to scalp issues and dullness. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water until the mask is completely removed, followed by your regular shampoo and conditioner routine for clean, refreshed hair.
7-Days Hair Care Routine For Hair Growth
Note the best hair care routine for hair growth in 7 days naturally for reference and take the patch test before using any ingredient:
Day | Hair Care Routine | Tips To Consider |
Day 1: Cleanse | Shampoo and Condition: Start your week by cleansing with a gentle shampoo to remove all dirt, oil, and product buildup. Apply a nourishing and hydrating conditioner to strengthen your strands. | Use lukewarm water to wash hair and avoid hot water, which can strip natural oils. Massage shampoo into the scalp to stimulate circulation and promote hair growth. Focus conditioner on mid-lengths to prevent weighing down the roots. |
Day 2: Moisturise | Deep Conditioning: Treat your hair with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and repair damage. Apply a generous amount of conditioner or hair mask, focusing on the lengths and ends. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. | Opt for a deep conditioner containing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter for nourishment. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the conditioner evenly and detangle hair gently. Cover your hair with a shower cap and apply heat with a hair dryer or hot towel for an extra boost. |
Day 3: Nourish | Scalp Massage: Spend a few minutes massaging your scalp to stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth. Use your fingertips to massage in circular motions, applying gentle pressure. | Add scalp-friendly oils like coconut, jojoba, or castor oil for nourishment and hydration. Focus on problem areas or areas experiencing hair thinning or loss. Regular scalp massages can also help reduce stress and tension, contributing to overall hair health. |
Day 4: Protect | Avoid Heat Styling: Give your hair a break from heat-styling tools to prevent damage and breakage. Instead, embrace natural hairstyles or use heat-free styling methods such as braids, buns, or air-drying. | Use heat protectant products when heat styling is necessary to shield hair from high temperatures and minimise damage. To prevent overexposure to heat, limit the use of hot tools to no more than once or twice a week. Opt for lower heat settings and avoid direct heat on wet hair to prevent frying strands. |
Day 5: Hydrate | Hydrating Mask: To replenish moisture and restore vitality, treat your hair with a hydrating hair mask. Look for masks containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or avocado oil to hydrate and nourish thirsty strands deeply. | Apply the mask evenly to damp, towel-dried hair and leave it on for the recommended time (usually 10-30 minutes). Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture. Use hydrating masks 1-2 times a week, depending on your hair's needs and texture. |
Day 6: Strengthen | Protein Treatment: Strengthen your hair with a protein treatment to repair damage and fortify the hair shaft. Choose a protein-rich treatment or DIY mask containing ingredients like egg, yoghurt, or hydrolysed keratin to rebuild and strengthen weakened strands. | Protein treatments are especially beneficial for chemically treated or damaged hair prone to breakage. Apply the treatment to clean damp hair and leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing thoroughly. Avoid overusing protein treatments, as excessive protein can lead to stiffness or brittleness. |
Day 7: Rest & Restore | Give Your Hair a Break: Allow your hair to rest and recover by minimising styling and manipulation. Opt for low-maintenance hairstyles or simply leave your hair down to air dry naturally. Prioritise gentle care and avoid tight hairstyles or excessive pulling. | Embrace protective hairstyles like braids, buns, or ponytails to minimise stress on the hair shaft and reduce breakage. Use satin or silk hair accessories and pillowcases to prevent friction and minimise hair damage while sleeping. Take this day to relax and focus on self-care, including proper hydration, nutrition, and stress management. |
Recommended Wavy And Curly Hair Routine
If you have curly and wavy hair, try following these tips for a wavy & curly hair care routine:
1. Begin Your Hair Care Routine With Proper Cleansing
Wavy and curly hair tends to be drier and more prone to frizz, so using a sulfate-free shampoo specifically formulated for your hair type is crucial. Look for moisturising and gentle products, as harsh cleansers can strip away natural oils and leave your waves or curls feeling dry and brittle.
2. Detangle Your Waves and Curls Using a Wide-Toothed Comb
After washing your wavy or curly hair, use a wide-toothed comb or a specialised detangling brush to remove knots and tangles gently. Start from the bottom and work your way up to avoid causing breakage or damaging your hair strands. Be patient and take your time to detangle thoroughly without pulling or tugging.
3. Add A Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner Into Your Routine
Hydration is essential for wavy and curly hair to maintain its shape and definition. After washing and detangling, apply a hydrating leave-in conditioner or curl-enhancing cream to damp hair. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, where curly hair tends to be driest, to lock in moisture and enhance curl pattern without weighing hair down.
4. Avoid Rough Materials That Can Cause Friction
Wavy and curly hair is more prone to breakage and damage, so handling it with care is essential. Avoid using rough materials like regular towels or abrasive hairbrushes, as they can cause friction and lead to frizz and breakage. Instead, opt for a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt to gently blot excess moisture and a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to detangle.
5. Safely Style Your Waves Using Suitable Heat Tools
While heat styling can help enhance the shape and definition of wavy and curly hair, using heat tools wisely is essential to avoid damage. When using heat styling tools like a diffuser or curling iron, always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from heat damage. Use the lowest heat setting necessary and limit heat styling to minimise the risk of over-drying and frizz.
7 Best Hair Health Supplements
Note the most preferred best hair health supplements for including in your hair care routine for reference:
Hair Health Supplements | How does it help you? | Food Sources |
Multivitamins | Multivitamins help fill in nutritional deficiencies. They contain B vitamins, zinc, and at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D. Vitamin B supports hair follicle health and red blood cell production. Vitamin D aids in forming new hair follicles. | Seafood, whole grains, dark leafy vegetables, fatty fish, mushrooms, fortified juices, milk, cereals |
Vitamin A | Vitamin A supports cell growth, including hair growth, and aids skin glands in producing sebum, which moisturises the scalp and maintains healthy hair. However, excessive vitamin A intake can lead to hair loss. The recommended daily intake is 700 mcg for women and 900 mcg for men. | Milk, eggs, yoghurt, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, pumpkin, cabbage |
Vitamin C | Vitamin C fights free radicals that age hair and inhibit growth, essential for collagen production and keratin synthesis. | Strawberries, peppers, citrus fruits |
Iron | Iron supports red blood cell function, which is vital for hair growth. Iron deficiency can cause anaemia and hair loss. If your red meat intake is low, consider supplements. | Dark leafy vegetables, lentils, tofu, beans |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Omega-3s promote healthy scalp and hair by supporting cellular health. | Fish, flaxseed, fish oil supplements |
Biotin | Biotin aids hair growth and is water-soluble, reducing excess excretion. Recommended daily intake: 3-5 mg. | Egg yolks, whole grains, fish, seeds, nuts, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, meat |
Zinc | Zinc supports the hair follicle cycle and health. Deficiency can lead to hair loss. Supplements may promote hair growth. | Poultry, shellfish, legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy products |
Dietitian’s Recommendation
Hair is an important part of the human body & also it adds beauty to our personality. Self-care can be as affordable as you can imagine. Therefore, incorporating healthy habits into your daily life can be the shortest path to quality, fast-growing, and breakage-free hair.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
This is how you can effectively remove impurities while locking in moisture by incorporating specific steps like gentle cleansing with sulfate-free shampoos, followed by conditioning with nourishing products tailored to your hair type. Also, integrating targeted treatments like hair masks or serums enriched with vitamins and antioxidants can address specific concerns like dryness, damage, or hair loss.
So, sticking to a regular schedule and adjusting based on your hair's response is crucial for optimal results. Remember to also consider a healthy hair diet, hydration, and stress management, which all play significant roles in overall hair health.