6 tips for healthier looking and feeling hair from a
board-certified dermatologist
ROSEMONT, Ill., Aug. 13,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hair is as unique as its
wearer, making care an important aspect in one's overall health and
wellness routine. From understanding your hair type to learning the
best shampooing technique (yes, there is one!), proper care can
prevent certain types of hair loss and leave your hair looking
healthier than ever.
"An optimal hair care routine isn’t just
about keeping your hair looking its best,” said Deeptej Singh, MD,
FAAD.
"An optimal hair care routine isn't just about keeping your hair
looking its best," said Deeptej Singh, MD, FAAD, a board-certified
dermatologist in Albuquerque, N.M.
"It also prevents damage and promotes growth, ensuring your hair
stays strong and resilient."
To keep your hair healthy and looking good, Dr. Singh and the
AAD recommend following these tips:
- Learn your hair type. Whether you have curly,
straight, coarse, fine, or another type of hair, there are products
and routines that will work for you. Choose hair care products that
say they're made for your hair type. You may see hair types
described by numbers and letters, going from fine, straight hair to
thick, tightly coiled hair.
- Wash your hair based on how often it gets dirty or
oily. If you have straight hair and an oily scalp, you may
want to shampoo every day. If your hair is dry, textured, curly, or
thick, shampoo when needed — at least once every 2 to 3 weeks as
needed. If you see flakes in your hair, common reasons could
be not shampooing frequently enough, or not using the right
conditioner, oil, or scalp moisturizer for your hair type.
- Apply shampoo to your scalp, instead of the entire length of
your hair. This way, you cleanse and wash away built-up
products, dead skin, and excess oil, but avoid drying your hair too
much.
- Use conditioner after washing. Conditioner
moisturizes and detangles your hair and makes it easier to manage.
If you have fine or straight hair, apply conditioner to the ends of
your hair. However, if your hair is dry or curly, apply conditioner
to the entire length of your hair.
- Be gentle with your hair. Hair is delicate when
it's wet, so use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to detangle
wet hair. Slowly comb the ends of your hair first then keep combing
higher to detangle your hair with minimal damage.
- If you have thick or curly hair, the best time to comb is in
the shower before rinsing out your conditioner.
- Wrap your hair with a towel or t-shirt to gently absorb the
moisture, as roughly rubbing your hair dry can cause
damage.
- Protect your hair from heat — no matter your hair
type, excessive heat can cause damage. Limit blow drying and use of
tools like flat or curling irons. Use low or medium heat settings
and a product to protect your hair from the heat.
"If you notice any issues with your hair health, a
board-certified dermatologist can recommend personalized hair care
routines based on a person's hair type, scalp condition, and any
underlying medical issues or conditions," said Dr. Singh. "We can
advise patients on the effectiveness and safety of various types of
products and ingredients, helping them to choose the best options
for their needs."
These tips are demonstrated in "Tips for healthy hair," a video
posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is
part of the AAD's "Your Dermatologist Knows" series, which offers
tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair, and
nails.
For more hair care tips and to treat hair and scalp conditions,
partner with a board-certified dermatologist. To find a
board-certified dermatologist in your area,
visit aad.org/findaderm.
More Information
10 Hair Care Habits That Can Damage
Your Hair
Hair Styling without Damage
AAD B-Roll Library
About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of
Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and
most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a
membership of more than 21,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is
committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and
cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high
standards in clinical practice, education and research in
dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care because
skin, hair, and nail conditions can have a serious impact on your
health and well-being. For more information, contact the AAD at
(888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow @AADskin
on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube and
@AADskin1 on Instagram.
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SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology