By Ciarra Williams

Hair, for a lot of Black women, is part of our identity. Each woman has experienced difficulties and transitions of their hair journey. Each has needed to work to like their hair in its various textures and curl types. Embracing our hair is a process.

As we navigate that process, our hair can sometimes undergo changes that we don’t see coming or have control over, including alterations in thickness and length. With studies finding that over half of Black women have experienced hair loss, we wondered in regards to the ways during which our lifestyle decisions are connected to that. So we checked in with experts in hair and health to grasp the ways during which every little thing from our weight loss program to how much or how little sleep we get impacts our strands. 

Eating regimen

Whether you’re attempting to grow out your hair, maintain moisture or avoid breakage, your weight loss program may have an effect on all of that. We’re what we eat, so incorporating a more nutrient-dense weight loss program into your lifestyle is an ideal place to start out to see positive changes.

“Our hair needs proper nutrients to grow; thus, maintaining a weight loss program wealthy in essential vitamins that the body needs to operate appropriately is important,” says Hope Mitchell, MD FAAD of Mitchell Dermatology.

She recommends vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B options, in addition to minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iodine, which all help to advertise healthy hair.

Along with these offerings, studies have shown that deficiencies in iron, Omega-3s, and zinc may result in hair loss.

“Subsequently, a Western weight loss program or a mineral poor weight loss program will be related to hair loss. We must not underestimate the ability of lifestyle,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD FAAD, creator of Specific Beauty skincare.

Stress

Once you feel out of alignment, stress can wreak havoc in your mind and body.

“Stress affects the body’s immune system and the hormonal balance internally compromises hair growth,” Mitchell says. “As well as, cortisol levels could also be elevated with stress, promoting thinning and hair loss. Stress is inevitable, but selecting to be completely happy and maintaining a positive outlook on life may help control the stress level.” 

Sleep 

Getting a great night’s sleep can sometimes be difficult when you have got an extended list of responsibilities, but poor sleep habits can eventually result in several health-related issues, including those connected to hair growth.  

“Sleep is an important element to maintain our bodies of their optimum function state,” Mitchell says. “During our sleeping hours, nutrients are absorbed and cells are regenerated. Lack of sleep weakens our immune system and absorption of nutrients which are essential in our body and hair needs, leading to weaker hair strands and growth stagnation.” 

Subsequently she recommends sleeping for eight to 10 hours a day. It will probably help to advertise hair growth. As well as, putting in a routine to ensure that you get to bed in a timely manner can greatly profit your mane in addition to the remaining of your body.

“Establishing a nighttime routine corresponding to reading a book or drinking a cup of water or tea before bed helps adjust your brain preparing you for sleep,” Woolery-Lloyd says. “As well as, practicing healthy sleep hygiene will be related to healthy hair growth.”

Each day Practices

Smoking tobacco can potentially damage your hair follicles, increasing hair loss risk. 

“Cigarettes contain toxic chemicals which will speed up the aging process. With age comes many changes, but the possibly damaging effect of smoke on the DNA of the hair follicles is of great concern,” Mitchell says. 

Smoking and excessive drinking has been related to hair loss. And Mitchell says exposure to an excessive amount of of the sun could even have opposed effects on hair health. 

“Our scalp also can experience sunburns and an excessive amount of exposure may result in skin cancer within the scalp, so protecting your scalp the identical way you protect your face and body is a must,” she says. She also suggests when taking showers to avoid excessively hot water, saying we must always treat our scalp and skin the identical way. “Hot water and long baths may cause skin and scalp dryness.”

Practicing Self-Care

Suppose you are attempting to include self-care into your on a regular basis hair and lifestyle routines. Each doctors recommend meditation. Studies have shown that just five minutes of meditation a day can profit your overall health, and going for walks is connected to healthy hair growth. Yoga and other exercise practices are also said to advertise hormonal balance. 

Dr. Mitchell notes that incorporating scalp massages and exfoliation encourages blood circulation and removes dirt buildup and dead skin cells.

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With all of that in mind, while everyone’s hair is different, taking good care of the mind and body is crucial to the health of all of our manes.

“There could also be aspects that contribute to the health of our hair, corresponding to genetics and the aging process; nevertheless, day-to-day decisions may affect our hair condition and health,” Mitchell says. “Growth rate, appearance, strength, and follicle activity could also be affected by lifestyle decisions.”

Maintaining a well-rounded weight loss program full of fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and moderate fish consumption (and drinking loads of water) is related to hair growth and good hair health. Irrespective of your hair type, it needs nutrients and care, identical to our skin. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits can aid in growing those healthy tresses we desire and deserve.