12 Hair Health Tips for Women & Men

If eyes are the windows to the soul, then hair is the curtains. And if you want to keep your hair looking nice, then you may want to take a comprehensive approach to hair care.

Hair care is more than just finding a shampoo you like; healthy hair is supported by smart nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, hair care techniques, and even hair health supplements. While that may seem like a lot to keep track of, this article will help by providing twelve actionable tips you can apply in your daily life to support healthy hair. Let's get started on supporting your luscious locks.

Tip 1: Prioritize key nutrients for hair health

Like with many parts of our body, supporting hair health starts at the dining table. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is a good starting point for any wellness routine, and including hair health nutrients like biotin can support your favorite follicles. Biotin is found in foods like beef, salmon, egg yolks, as well as some plant foods like sunflower seeds and sweet potatoes. For a tasty breakfast that includes biotin, try an egg and sweet potato hash, smoked salmon on a whole wheat bagel, or sprinkle some unsalted sunflower seeds in your whole grain cereal or oatmeal.

Tip 2: Consider Nature Made^® supplements

Getting essential nutrients through food is ideal, but sometimes our diets may be influenced by factors beyond our control. Nature Made offers Biotin products to help provide a convenient way to get this key nutrient supporting healthy hair and healthy skin as you age.^†

What is Biotin good for? Biotin is also known as Vitamin B7, a skin health nutrient that helps support carbohydrate metabolism. Nature Made Hair-Skin-Nails^‡ Softgels provide 2,500 mcg Biotin to help support healthy hair along with other essential nutrients Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc and Copper. Nature Made also offers B-complex supplements including Biotin and Collagen supplements made with high-quality ingredients.^†

Nature made also offers Hair Growth Lustriva^® Softgels to support thicker, fuller existing hair in 12 weeks,^◆ and including Biotin to support healthy hair as you age.^†

Tip 3: Understand your hair type

Every one of us is unique, and that means we may require different hair care. One way to help ensure you're treating your hair right is by researching your hair type. Different hair types respond differently to different hair products, so knowing what to look for increases the likelihood of finding nourishing hair-care products that can protect your hair's integrity without stripping away essential oils.

Tip 4: Limit heat styling and chemical treatments

While they may be a fun way to give your hair a different look, heat styling and chemical treatments can also harm your hair, particularly if used often. It's recommended to reduce the amount of heat styling or chemical treatments applied to your hair. If it’s not possible to avoid heat styling completely, consider using a heat protectant spray to protect your hair from some of the damage.

Tip 5: Establish a regular hair care routine

If Nature Made is consistent about suggesting one thing, it's the importance of consistency when caring for your body. Establishing a regular, consistent hair care routine will do a lot more to support your hair than sporadic, inconsistent changes. Use your hair type to tailor your washing technique, shampoo and conditioner to fit your specific needs and keep your hair-care routine consistent. Sometimes, periodic deep hair treatments from a salon can help support the health of your hair.

Tip 6: Practice scalp care

Treating your scalp right can be just as essential to self-care as taking care of your hair. Scalp massages, gentle cleansing, and targeted scalp treatments to help keep your skin moisturized and healthy might be a relaxing way to take care of yourself and give your head a treat.

Tip 7: Stay hydrated

Hydration is key to overall health. Adequate water intake looks different for everyone, depending on age, body weight, physical activity, and climate. Discussing hydration with a trusted medical professional can help you figure out a hydration plan.[1]

Tip 8: Manage stress effectively

Our overall well-being day-to-day is often linked to stress.[2] When stressed out, we tend to feel worse and that makes it hard to be your best. Stress management techniques can help you manage everyday stressors to support your well-being. Regular exercise is good for your body and mind, helping relieve stress and getting your heart pumping. Mindfulness techniques and meditation can also help you calm some daily worries and approach problems in a more measured manner. Adequate sleep helps with stress management, among other things, so turn off your phone and get your snore on.

Tip 9: Protect your hair from environmental damage

We're all aware of the danger UV rays pose to our skin, but did you know that our hair is also vulnerable to environmental factors?[3] Pollution, harsh weather, and UV rays can damage hair, so protecting yourself with hats, UV-protective sprays, and other barriers can help shield your hair from environmental damage.

Tip 10: Avoid over-washing and over-brushing (or under-washing)

How much washing is over-washing? How much is under-washing? What about brushing? Finding the right amount of washing and brushing for your unique hair depends on your hair type. Research your hair type to help you find ideal hair-care techniques; there's no one-size-fits-all.

Tip 11: Regular trims for healthier hair

Hair care isn't just washing and brushing. Regular haircuts are another important component of hair care. Getting a trim helps remove split ends and helps avoid further damage, ensuring your hair looks and feels healthier.

Tip 12: Personalize your hair care routine

Your hair is important; that's why knowing how to best care for it is essential for self-care. Learn your hair type and specific needs and build a personalized hair care routine with hair-care products and hair health tips tailored to you. For answers to questions like "How much Biotin should I take?" in your hair care routine, it's always best to consult a professional. They are equipped with expert knowledge to help you make a plan that works best for your individual hair goals.

Embrace a holistic approach to hair health

Hair health isn't just one thing; it's at least a dozen! Taking a holistic approach to following these hair health tips, including healthy lifestyle choices, smart nutrition, proper hair care techniques, and high-quality hair health supplements, are all ways to support your head of hair as you age. Try to fill your daily diet with food dense with essential nutrients, which are the best foods for skin and hair health.^†

This isn't a multiple-choice test! Try to approach your hair health from all angles, blending these techniques to find a routine that works for you. If you're looking for beauty supplements made with high-quality ingredients, check out Nature Made, the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Vitamin and Supplement Brand.^*†

‡Supports healthy hair, skin & nails^†

◆ Clinically studied in women.

*Based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded vitamins and supplements.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. Wein H. Hydrating for Health. NIH News in Health. Published April 25, 2023. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2023/05/hydrating-health
2. Schneiderman N, Ironson G, Siegel SD. Stress and health: psychological, behavioral, and biological determinants. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2005;1:607-628. doi:10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.1.102803.144141
3. Yang SJ, Yu HJ, Lee J, Hwang SJ, Kang NG, Jeong ET. Effects of ultraviolet rays and particulate matter on hair porosity in damaged hair. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23(11):3735-3739. doi:10.1111/jocd.16442