7 Steps To Happy, Healthy Hair

About a week ago one of my facebook friends posted a picture on her profile of model Naomi Campbell with a bald hairline.  The picture is in heavy rotation on the web and every one seems to have a nasty comment or joke to follow.  Unfortunately there is nothing funny about what has happened to her hair.  For the most part she is to blame for the condition of her hair but on the other hand one has to take into account the type of industry she works in and the stress it can cause on her hair.  The fashion industry is constantly changing and hair loss may just be a job hazard.  You have to be ready to change your appearance at the drop of a dime. 
Whether you wear a weave, braids, relaxer, afro or locs no one is immune from sever damage or hair loss.  The health of your hair depends on a number of factors including your stylist, diet, genes, environment, products and your health and habits.

1.  Pick The Right Hairdresser/Stylist!
Don't pick a stylist because she is your cousins, sisters- best friend.  Instead, find someone that specializes in your hair type and has several years experience with the certificates to match.  Make sure they understand the nature of your hair whether it is all natural with a tendency to be extra dry or has a perm and has growth problems.  If they understand your hair they can help to keep it healthy.

2. Diet - Eat Properly
Your diet has to do with everything!  From keeping your eyes seeing to your nails growing.  Eat nutrient rich foods and not just sweets and treats. 

3. Genes - Moms Curls and Dads Eyes
Unfortunately we don't get to pick what we take from each parent.  Along with the great things we take from our parents are also the hereditary issues like high blood pressure and the predisposition to hair loss.  There is not much you can do if you are predisposed to having your grandmothers thinning hairline.  However, you still have to do your best by trying to take the best care or your mane.

4. Your Environment - Heat & Chemicals
Like Naomi, many of us work and live in harsh environments for our hair.  From the very hot to the very dry to the very wet.  Constant temperature extremes will damage your hair.  If you have to be in extreme heat or cold often wear a protective cover over your hair and moisturize often as well as drink plenty of water. 

5.  Products - Go Natural & Read, Read, Read!
Many hair products on the market today have more synthetic chemicals than necessary.   Not only are they bad for your hair but also your overall health.  When Shopping for hair products i tend to go all natural as much as possible.  Read your labels and compare products.  Always go for the one with the least amount of synthetic chemical ingredients and preservatives and if all else fails go for the one with the least amount of ingredients.  When coloring your hair moisturize and condition often and stay away from heating implements like blow dryers and curling irons as much as possible.

6.   Your Health & Habits - Take Care Of Your Body
We all want to be healthy all the time but unfortunately we do get ill.  Illnesses like cancer and hormonal disorders can reek havoc on our hair.  In instances like these focus on getting better then everything else will gradually fall into place.  Maintain a good diet and exercise if possible and stay away from smoking, too much alcohol and stress.

The health of our hair and body depends on your lifestyle.  If you treat your body well, eat right and maintain your hair properly you too can have happy, healthy, hair.