Long, slick, beautiful, and nourished! Who doesn’t want to hear such compliments for their hair! Flawless long and healthy hair is a beautiful weapon to both men and women. We all like flaunting our hair and styling them as per the occasions right! But what if you get called out for having weak, thin, and dull hair? It makes your confidence go down. I’m sure you obviously don’t want to create a bad impression on that job interview, or a first date or say any good occasion all because of your hair!
Not everyone is blessed with naturally thick and long hair. Nevertheless, we can try to achieve our dream hair by following some tips and tricks. Also, some of us have had that gorgeous-looking hair. But with time we lost that shine. The poor thing right! But don’t you worry. We are hereby your side to guide you to achieve that drop-dead gorgeous hair that you always kept dreaming about.
So without any further adieu let’s hop right in and start from the basics. As you know, if we are able to identify the root cause of the problem, we can get the perfect and instant solution in a blink of an eye.
So buckle up and let the ride begin!
Table of Contents
What causes hair to become weak?
As our skin is delicate and requires proper care and handling, the same goes for our hair too. Our hair is made up of a protein known as Keratin and each follicle is anchored to our skin. You might be surprised but even a tiny and thin thread is stronger in comparison to our hair. So imagine the level of care it will require to handle it properly! There are many reasons as to why our hair becomes weak and dull. You might be aware of some and totally unaware of others. So let’s jot down some common causes that lead to hair weakness.
1. Hormonal Imbalance:
We are nothing but matter! I’m sure you must have gone through basic science which proves to us that humans are made up of atoms. We don’t teach biology here, but just so you know, our body goes through a lot of internal as well as external changes as we grow from the size of a melon seed to a full-fledged watermelon. Some changes such as external changes are noticeable, while we cannot peep into our body to observe internal balance. With age, things tend to change internally as well as externally.
Hormonal imbalances such as overactive thyroid or underactive thyroid and PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) may trigger hair thinning.
2. Excessive Styling:
Probably one of the biggest reasons behind weak and thin hair is excessive styling or the use of heat on hair. We all love to look glamorous and fabulous and in this process, not just our attire but our hair plays a vital role. People with curls like straightening and people with silky straight hair want to go out of their way to try curls. In this process, we use heated tools on our hair and hence this is where it all begins.
Not only using tools but putting your hair through chemicals such as dyeing and perming can damage and weaken your hair.
Besides chemicals and tools, another important thing to look out for is the way you treat your hair. Tight hairstyles, frequent braids, and using extensions often, can cause more damage than it seems.
3. Lack of Proteins:
Our hair is primarily built up of proteins. Each hair follicle requires a certain amount of protein. If the hair follicle is deprived of the essential amount of proteins that it requires, then it leads to hair becoming weak and brittle, hence damaging your hair. Lack of proteins is also associated with hair loss problems.
4. Improper Diet:
Having a healthy diet is very important for good and healthy hair. Skipping meals, late meals and improper intake of nutrients, proteins, vitamins, zinc, biotin, and minerals can mess up with the body’s internal system which then can affect your entire body and in this case your hair too. If you are skipping meals that contain these essential nutrients, then you are missing a chance on that long and lustrous hair. Proper hydration i.e. drinking enough water in a day is also vital.
5. Genetics:
Whether your hair is straight or curly, soft or harsh, long or short, weak or healthy, all of this also depends on the genetics that has been passed on to you through your parents. Genetics play a good amount of role in every corner of our life. In this case of your hair, genetics too has a good share.
How to Diagnose Weak Hair / Symptoms of weak hair?
When we say weak hair, the question that commonly arises in our mind is, how do we know if our hair is weak?
So here are two simple methods to check if you have weak hair.
1. Wrap some hair around your finger like a coil. Now look out for lifted hair ends, or commonly known as split ends. If there are too many of them, then this is a sign of weak and damaged hair.
2. The second method is to pull a thin strand of your hair. Gently pull out a thin strand of your hair, Now hold the strand towards both ends. Pull it out at both ends, If the strand breaks easily, it is a sign of weak hair.
Solution for strengthening weak hair
Homemade hair mask recipes that you can try at your home to strengthen your weak hair.
1. Coconut Oil massage:
Coconut oil is known to be the best thing that can save you from any hair problem. Rich in all the things required for good hair, this can be your life saver or say, hair saver!
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of warm coconut oil
Cotton pads or simple cotton
Procedure:
Take 2 tablespoons of warm coconut oil.
Dip a cotton pad or a simple cotton ball can work too, and start applying the oil beginning from roots and gently ending at the ends of hair.
Put on a shower cap and wait for 30 mins before a hair wash.
Using this as a pre-wash twice a week can get you wonderful results.
2. Eggs and Curd hair mask:
Eggs are the best source of proteins, while the curd is known to help in making hair cool and soft.
Ingredients:
1 whole egg
3 tablespoons of curd
1 tablespoon of olive or coconut oil.
Procedure:
Whisk curd in a bowl to make it thin and soft.
Add a whole egg and 1 tablespoon of oil to it.
Mix the mixture well and apply it starting from roots till the end of your hair.
Let it sit for an hour and then wash it off. You don’t need to use a conditioner as the curd will do the job of conditioning your hair.
Use this twice a week for better results.
3. Onion Juice:
Onion juice is best known for its ability to treat hair loss and regrowth of hair.
Ingredients:
1 onion
1 tablespoon of any oil of your choice
Procedure:
Squeeze out the juice of 1 onion. (depending on your hair length you can use 2 onions if your hair length is long)
Add the oil and mix well.
Massage the juice into your scalp working your way down to the ends.
Let it rest for 30-45 mins and then rinse off.
Use this twice a week as a pre-wash.
4. Aloe Vera:
A medical plant with amazing properties. Aloe Vera is our age-old friend who has been with us through thick and thin. This magical plant will help you ease all your hair problems.
Ingredients:
Aloe Vera gel ( approx. 5 tablespoons)
Procedure:
Squeeze out the gel from a branch of the aloe Vera plant.
Apply it into your roots and ends, massage gently
Rest for 30 mins and then rinse with lukewarm water.
5. Fenugreek(Meethi) Seeds Hair Mask:
Rich in iron and proteins, fenugreek or methi seeds can help turn your weak hair into a healthy and shiny hair.
Ingredients:
Fenugreek seeds finely powdered.
Curry leaves
Curd 4 tablespoons
Procedure:
Soak the finely powdered fenugreek seeds in curd overnight.
The next day before applying, make a thin paste of curry leaves and add them to the mixture.
Apply it all over your hair and leave it for about 30 mins.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Use it on all your hair wash days.
Hair Care Solutions in daily life
Here are few solutions that you can try at your home.
1.Boost Vitamin & Minerals Intake:
As we discussed, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc, and biotin are necessary not only for our body but also for our hair. Listed below are some sources through which you can increase your intake of all essential things.
- Vitamin A = Spinach, Carrots, Eggs, Pumpkin, Milk, Yogurt, Sweet Potatoes.
- Vitamin B ( Biotin) = Salmon, Avocados, Liver, Nuts and Seeds, Dairy products, Egg Yolk.
- Vitamin C= Citrus fruits, Berry Fruits, and Bell Peppers.
- Vitamin D = Fatty Fish, Mil, Egg Yolk
- Vitamin E = Almonds. Avocados, Sunflower seeds.
- Iron = Red meat, Lentils, Spinach, Oysters.Zinc= Pumpkin, Oysters, Beef
2. Deep Conditioning Treatments:
Your hair needs conditioning often to stay strong and healthy. Hence, Deep conditioning treatments are necessary. You can either do it yourself at home using simple oils and massage or else book an appointment with your hair care advisor. You need not go for costly and rich hair treatments, a simple one will do the same job. Hence, it is necessary to condition your hair at least once a month.
3. Keratin Treatment:
Keratin is a protein that is essential for the growth of hair. Lack of keratin can witness damaged and unhealthy hair. Keratin treatment smoothens our hair and makes it frizz-free and leaves it looking shiny.
4. Scalp Massage:
Proper flow of blood is required for the cells to work efficiently. Massaging the scalp results in proper blood circulation thus enhancing the cells and follicles’ abilities. Massage your scalp before having a hair wash for 4-5 mins and see the difference yourself.
5. Choose the right Products for your Hair:
Using the right products for hair is a must. We often keep trying different products. Or say we use shampoo just because our friend said so or just because your favorite celebrity is endorsing it. Here’s the mistake that we make. Everyone’s hair is different and hence it requires the products that will help it grow properly. Hence, choosing the right shampoo, oil, conditioner, etc. for your hair is important.
Washing methods to play a vital role. Do not wash your hair very frequently is not needed. Some hair requires twice a week washing, while some thrice. Depending on your hair type, you need to work it that way.
6. Cool Hair wash:
We often hear our mothers screaming at us to not wash our hair with hot water. As much as you like to soak yourself in that hot water tub, but it is not good for your hair. Studies have proven that hot water damages our hair and makes them weak. It opens the cuticles which then cause frizz and dryness.
Hence, it is always advised to use lukewarm water instead and then spray a bit of cold at the end of the shower.
7. The Towel Hack:
We all can agree on this and we all are guilty of rubbing our hair hard against a rugged towel after a wash. But this leads to friction and breaks our hair increasing the damage. Opt for a microfiber towel or simply use a cotton T-shirt. Do not rub your hair. First, gently squeeze the water out from your hair. Let it dry the natural way.
Foods that Strengthen Hair
Worrying about what to eat for healthy hair. Here’s a list of food items that you can include in your diet.
Tips to Prevent Hair Damage / How to Strengthen Hair
Conclusion
Let’s get it straight. Each and every one of us is at some point going to face weak hair problems. Our hair cannot be shiny and smooth all the time! Some days it gets frizzy, while on other days it is smooth as butter. Hence, to help you out on the bad days, we came up with this article to help you understand and act on your hair. After all, who doesn’t wanna shine! We came up with super-easy hair hacks and hair care with the right diet, that anyone and everyone can follow; be it a man or a woman.
From intake of vitamins and minerals to cutting down the heat and eating almonds, these easy tricks and tips can help you along your journey to gorgeous hair. So buckle up and start your journey.