When was the last time your hair got the full treatment that it deserved? Have you ever had a hair analysis? When was the last time you set goals for your hair? Well, it’s time to treat your hair right. When I say “treat your hair right”, I mean give it the proper care it deserves.

You might be asking yourself, what is proper care and how do I give my hair the love that it needs? The first thing you should do is find a professional hairstylist to do an analysis on your hair and scalp. The analysis should tell you about the strength and condition of your hair, how dry or oily your hair or scalp may be and what needs to be done about it.

Hair Analysis To-Do List

Once you have had your scalp analysis completed, you should receive a prescription for treating your hair right. This would be a to-do list of steps and products to use on your hair. For instance, your stylist might come to the conclusion that you have a very dry scalp and brittle hair and recommend that you add moisture to your hair diet. Here are a few things that may be suggested:

• Drink lots of water to hydrate your hair.
• Washing the hair with a shampoo that contains humectants, followed up with a moisturizing conditioner that may contain humectants, Panthenol, and biotin.
• He or she may recommend you shampoo every 3 days or maybe once a week.
• I am sure brushing your hair 100 strokes a day will be on the recommendation list, as it will stimulate the blood and the flow of your natural hair oils.

Now, after you have received your hair analysis and found out the condition of your hair and the steps to get it into shape, you are ready to set some realistic hair goals. On average, hair grows about ½ inch to 1 inch per month. Based on this average, you can decide how long you would like for your hair to be within a reasonable time frame. In addition, with your new hair regimen in place, you have a better chance of achieving long, healthy looking hair.

Your Diet and Your Hair

To enhance the fitness of your hair, make sure you are eating a proper diet daily. It is important to include foods containing vitamin B12 — including eggs, meat, and poultry, to your diet. Biotin is a major component of healthy hair. It plays a role in the overall health of your hair and is a must-have on your list to keep your hair fit. Another important dietary need is Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as the essential hair secret. It is found in foods like walnuts, canola oil, fish, and soy. Omega-3 can help restart hair growth, help hair grow quicker and stronger and even prevent or reverse hair loss. One of my favorite foods to eat that gives me lots of Omega-3 fatty acids is salmon burgers. Not only are they really good tasting, but salmon is also key to stronger healthy hair. Below you will find the top 10 foods for healthy hair:

1.    Salmon
2.    Walnuts
3.    Oysters
4.    Sweet Potatoes
5.    Eggs
6.    Spinach
7.    Lentils
8.    Greek yogurt
9.    Blueberries
10.  Poultry

The Benefits of Water on the Hair

While the right foods are essential to healthy hair, a balance of hot and cold water also play a major role in keeping your hair in its best shape. Water makes up almost ¼ of the weight of a hair strand. Drinking two liters of water each day will keep your hair gleaming. Water also supports vitamin consumption and assists in hair growth.

Now, let’s talk first about cold water and all the benefits it has to offer. A cold water rinse will leave the hair with a high gloss shine. The cold temperature constricts the hair cuticles to make the strands smoother and more reflective. It also makes the hair stronger and prevents dirt from accumulating on the scalp. Make sure to use a soft water shower as it leaves the hair more manageable and prevents your hair color from fading.

Hot water, on the other hand, is the most natural setting lotion for hair. Water does not contain any of the harsh chemicals found in hair styling products, which can make your hair dry and damaged. Our hair thrives on moisture and water is one of the best ways to quench its thirst and hydrate your hair. Just like the skin, our hair also needs to be lubricated from the inside out. A lack of moisture will result in dry, brittle hair. Also, your hair growth process will slow down if you’re not drinking enough water to meet your daily hair needs.

Water energizes the nerve endings to vitalize our hair roots and provides hydration to the rest of the hair strand. Drinking the proper amount of water also helps to eliminate some hair problems like dandruff and Dermatitis Seborrhea.

Additionally, smoking, hormonal imbalances, and not enough sleep can also affect how your hair looks and feels.

Take the necessary steps of getting proper rest, food, and finding the right hairstylist who will help you create a plan that will help to work towards your hair goals. You will be on track to treating your hair right!