Your Ultimate Hair Care Guide!

We had this custom guide made from our Hair Expert for our Mindflow family. 

Quality of hair improves over the years when you realize the importance of hair health and develop a defined routine for it after some trial and error. It takes some time and effort, some experimenting, some decent products, some lifestyle adjustments, and consistency, but if you follow the steps outlined here, you will have healthy, bouncy, and lustrous hair. Here's the comprehensive hair care handbook, complete with recommendations, tips, and tricks.

1. Recognize your hair type
It's critical to understand your hair type so you can apply the appropriate products and care for your tresses. Have you noticed if your scalp is excessively oily, excessively dry, or just normal? Is your hair frizzy, wavy, straight, or damaged? Do you have split ends? Only by getting to know your hair will you be able to effectively manage it. 

2. Avoid using any chemicals or styling products.
This is self-evident! Chemical-free hair equals healthy hair. If there's one rule to follow, it's to avoid all of the chemicals found in styling sprays and other treatments that make your hair curly, stiff, voluminous, and so on. You should hold back from using any of these things and only use them when absolutely essential. These products will style your hair in the short term, but they will only destroy it in the long run. Natural texture is something we must learn to enjoy and prefer. It's not necessary to utilize any of these on a regular basis.

3. Maintain a healthy scalp
The health of your scalp is one of those things that is taken for granted. This is just as vital as any other organs in your body. In reality, your lifestyle and dietary habits have a direct impact on the health of your scalp. While washing your hair on a frequent basis is a desirable practice, doing so every day can be detrimental to it's quality and texture, as well as leaving your scalp excessively dry and causing hair loss. However, bathing it too little can result in an oily scalp. The frequency with which you wash your hair should be determined by your degree of exercise, the humidity in your area, and your lifestyle. Once every two to three days is sufficient.

4. Conditioner & Shampoo
What kind of shampoo should I use? This is perhaps the most often asked question. We must recognize that everyone has a distinct hair kind and quality, so what works for others may not work for you, and vice versa. It's something you'll have to discover for yourself. Test out a brand to see if it suits you well; if it leaves your hair lustrous and voluminous, it's good; if it makes it frizzy, harsh, or causes it to fall out, it's not for you; nevertheless, give it at least one week before making a decision. Invest in a nice shampoo. Don't settle for the frothy supermarket options; instead, seek out salon-only shampoos that do not contain any harsh chemicals/parabens.

Constantly switching and testing different shampoos to find which one works best for hair. Using shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask twice a week on a regular basis will make your hair happy. Make sure to only use conditioner on the ends of your hair because using it on the scalp makes the hair flat and the scalp oily. Apply the hair mask to damp loose ends and leave it on for 7 to 10 minutes before rinsing it out. When using a hair mask, you don't need to use a conditioner. Try sticking to using hair mask more because it really aids in the restoration of damaged ends. Even though there are some fantastic products on the market, hair serums, leave-in creams, or leave-in conditioners are not preferred because dermatologists around the world say they're a no-no.

5. Airdry or Blowdry?
Leave your hair to air dry after washing it; don't even comb it because it's got it's own texture, and once combed, the natural flow of hair opens up and becomes frizzy. So just let it air dry and use a hair pin to secure side fringes while they're still wet. Care to adore your natural hair texture and look to keep it that way.

Hair dryers, as helpful as they are for styling or even drying your hair, should be used sparingly. Hair quality is likely to be harmed by constant exposure to direct heat. Try to avoid blow dryers as much as possible, and only do them once every 40 to 50 days unless there is a wedding or a photo shoot. Simply try to accept your natural hair; you don't always need to rely on blow dryers to look attractive. In the long run, you'll simply harm your hair texture. Avoid using straighteners, hair dryers, and curling wands if at all possible, and if you must, make sure to use a heat protection first.

6. You are what you consume, and your hair is no exception!
When they linked a good diet to long, smooth, and lustrous strands, they weren't joking. Healthy diet has had a significant positive impact on the quality and strength of hair. Eating fish about five times a week and supplementing diet with a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and healthy fats such as ghee, avocado, eggs, and coconut, as well as rice is the best you can do for your hair. To have a lustrous and strong mane, it is critical to maintain proper gut health. If you eat processed foods and junk food, your hair and skin will reflect that.Your skin and scalp will also be affected by poor digestion. Stick to fresh home cooked meals and a good mix of fats, proteins, and carbs in your daily diet to observe a difference in your hair condition.

7. Shower Filters
Because of the hard water that the country produces, hair texture is prone to get a touch rough and brittle after living in Dubai. This is something everyone can relate to. Fortunately, it can be managed and controlled. Using shower filters  make a difference. Before it reaches the scalp, it filters out the tap water, reduces sodium and pollutants, and purifies it completely. If you live in the Middle East, this is something you must get. 

9. Make your own hair oil mixtures with your grandmother's recipes.
As you become older, you realize that everything your mother and grandmother told you as a child was true, including the good old oil massage you used to get every Sunday. Head massage once every ten days is adviced with a mixture of hot coconut oil and olive oil topped with castor oil (do not heat this); mixing coconut oil with curry leaves also work, heat it until the curry leaves turn black, and then massage it into your scalp. Massaging your scalp once a week greatly improves blood circulation. You can also use plain coconut oil or good old ghee, if that's what you prefer. Allow it to sit on your scalp for an hour or two before washing it off. To see the change, do this once a week for three months.

10. Hair Color 
Coloring your hair might be fun, but be aware of the significant harm it can inflict. If you want to keep your hair healthy, avoid using hair color as often as possible. It takes some time to re-establish the hair's health. So, if you're thinking of getting your hair colored, please take good care of it, try hair treatments, and oil massages to ensure that the damage is repaired.

11. Hair spas and treatments.
There's never been a better moment for hair spa treatments if your hair has been damaged by coloring or other factors. Of course, these treatments must be repeated over time (one session will not suffice), but they have demonstrated to be effective. In today's salons, there are a plethora of options to choose from, and you must try them all to see what works best for you. Alternatively, you can do hair treatments at home, after having the first one done at a salon to see how it works before trying it at home. You may also get their shampoo and conditioner (which is said to be fantastic). The trick is to experiment and find what works best for your hair type. Once you've found the right option, be sure to test out a couple of sessions and stick to it.

Home Remedies (be consistent and try them for at least a month to determine whether they work):
– Head massages with coconut oil and pure tea tree oil
– Fresh lemon juice should be massaged into your scalp and left on for 5 minutes. Test a drop of lemon juice on a tiny area of your scalp first, then diluting the juice with water if it irritates.
– Apply yogurt as hair mask and let it stay on for a few minutes before showering
– Combine half a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar with half a cup of water. Massage it into your scalp thoroughly, then leave it on for 10 - 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water to finish. Repeat this technique every few days until you notice a difference.
– Mash two bananas with one avocado and apply to itchy areas of your scalp. Allow at least 30 minutes for it to work. Rinse it with cold water and do so on a frequent basis until the itching decreases or disappears.

13. Premature Greying:

This is one of the most pressing issues today. Premature graying affects a large number of people, particularly in the Middle East. It could be inherited, an autoimmune illness, stress, a stressful lifestyle, or none of the above in certain circumstances. Whatever it is, there is nothing that can be done about grey hair. For those who aren't, consider installing a water filter, checking your vitamin levels, particularly B12, zinc, and copper, doing daily headstands/handstands to promote blood flow, and trying home cures such as:

– Heating curry leaves and coconut oil together until they turn black. After that, let the mixture aside to cool for a time. Massage the oil into your hair from the roots to the tips once it has cooled down. At the very least, try to do this once a week.
– Combine 2-3 teaspoons of onion juice, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon olive oil in a mixing bowl. Massage into the scalp for half an hour and then wash off.
– Taking a spoonful of Blackstrap molasses in warm water every morning is said to be one of the most effective ways to prevent premature graying and hair loss.
– Every two days, massage Gooseberry oil into your hair.
– Pure ghee should be used to massage your hair.
– Eat a spoonful of black sesame seeds two to three times a week to slow down and possibly reverse the graying process. Brewing a strong pot of coffee, letting it cool, and then pouring the coffee onto your hair and massaging it in with your fingers is one of the most natural ways to color your hair. Allow it to sit in your hair for 20 minutes, after which it will darken your hair temporarily.
– Rinse the coffee with cold water afterward. Heat organic Gooseberry powder in a pan with coconut oil until it begins to brown. Allow this mixture to cool. Massage it into your scalp gently and evenly across the length of your hair.

14. Getting a good haircut is crucial!
First and foremost, choose a stylist that understands what you want, what suits you, and who can make your hair seem fantastic. It may get tough to find the perfect one, but keep seeking because it has the potential to alter your life, and once you do, stick with them.
Getting the correct hair cut may completely transform your appearance. Because there are no layers, there is nothing to add volume to your hair, it may appear flat or lifeless. Find someone who can recommend a nice haircut and breathe new life into your mane.

15. Is it necessary to clip your hair on a regular basis?
Trimming your hair on a regular basis is necessary to keep it healthy. However, how frequently should you do it? This is entirely dependent on the texture and development of your hair. If you're hoping to grow your hair longer, wait 4 to 5 months before getting a cut. However, you must keep an eye on the condition of your hair. A small cut, makes a big impact; you get rid of the split ends, and your hair appears healthier and nicer.

16. Hair masks created at home
The finest medicines are those that can be found at home. Experiment with different DIY hair masks, depending on what you have in hand. Keep experimenting with different hair masks and things from the refrigerator.

17. Hairfall:

One of the most sensitive and important concerns. Hairfall is by far the most common problem that today's humans encounter. But don't worry if you find a few strands here and there; it's very natural to lose a little hair every day. When there are more than that, a problem occurs. Hairfall is caused by a variety of factors, all of which must be addressed in order to see results.

– Stress is one of the leading causes of hair loss. So, first and foremost, start relaxing, living, and stressing less. Practice yoga regularly, meditate, and keep your mind relaxed at all times. Also, take periodic trips outside of the city to unplug.
– Make an appointment for a blood test. It's probable that you're deficient in magnesium and iron, which is why your hair is falling out. Hair loss can also be caused by hormonal disorders such as thyroid and PCOD. So keep an eye out for these and start treating them right away.
– Please alter your eating habits. Include a wide variety of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, as well as ghee, coconut, avocado, seafood, and eggs. Hair development is aided by a healthy diet. - Never, ever, ever wash your hair with hot water. It opens your pores and causes your hair to come out. Every time you wash it, or at the very least the final time you rinse it, use cold water. One of the finest vitamins for hair development is biotin 5000 mg. You'll see a difference if you take it for three months in a row, but check a doctor first.
– Include extra hair-growth pills and vitamins in your diet. Black Strap Molasses can help with all of these problems.
– Get regular head massages to improve blood circulation in your scalp.
– If you live in the Middle East, you should use a water filter.
– When sleeping, tie your hair back with Silk scrunchies and use Silk Pillow case.
–  Every day, drink a glass of celery juice or a green juice containing Gooseberry. It is beneficial to your skin and hair.

When all of these treatments are combined, they will undoubtedly work, but don't expect immediate results. The objective is to maintain a high level of consistency. You'll be shocked if you do this for three months.

18. Every day, drink a glass of vegetable juice
This is something magical in every aspect. Good hair and skin is more about internal well-being than exterior beauty. A glass of vegetable juice is like a magic elixir; it has all of the vital vitamins, nutrients, and fiber that your body would otherwise be missing out on. So try different combinations and drink this at least 4 to 5 times a week. It's a fantastic mid-meal snack if you have it between breakfast and lunch around 12 p.m. 
You can add a little fiber by not sifting it entirely if you wish. If you incorporate this in your daily diet, your skin and hair will glow.

19. Do not use hot water to wash your hair.
DO NOT WASH YOUR HAIR WITH HOT WATER! This is one of the most important things to remember. It's the most common hair blunder. What we don't realize is that hot water opens pores, weakens your strands, produces immediate hair fall, frizzes and flattens your hair, and dries out your scalp. Cold water, on the other hand, shuts your pores and adds luster and gloss to your hair.

20. Be Joyful and Thankful
It is necessary to be grateful for all the things in our life. If you're concerned about your hair problems, remember that you are fortunate to have hair on your head; many individuals do not and would love to be in your shoes. Be grateful for your good health and quit stressing about minor concerns that can be easily resolved. If you live your life with a cheerful heart, it will show on the outside. Above all, accept yourself as you are, with your hair and body, but remember to take care of it. Take some time each day to appreciate what you have and to correct any problems that arise; after all, anything can be fixed, right?

You must take good care of yourself both internally and externally. To maintain excellent hair health, the key is to try new things, experiment, and get to know your body, what it lacks, and what has to be addressed. Isn't your hair, after all, your crown?