## 1. Take care of your health
Deterioration of hair condition often signals underlying health issues. To determine an initial diagnosis and the direction for further investigation, you can consult a dermatologist or a general practitioner, who will recommend tests to identify the root cause of the problem.
Lifestyle also plays an important role. Lack of sleep, stress, and fatigue can lead to split ends, breakage, dryness, dullness, and hair loss. In addition to medical treatment, ensure you get enough quality sleep, spend time outdoors, and manage stress effectively.
## 2. Watch your diet
Hair is composed of 78 % keratin, which is a protein. Therefore, your diet should include adequate protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs, cheese, and seafood. Special attention should be given to B vitamins found in foods like cereals and dairy products. Polyunsaturated fats in fish and nuts also play a key role in maintaining hair health.
B vitamins can be found in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and leafy green vegetables.
## 3. Drink enough fluids
Water is essential for maintaining hair beauty. This is especially important when indoor heating dries the air on hot days. Keep water close at hand and drink whenever you feel thirsty.
## 4. Wash properly
Start by choosing the right shampoo. The surfactants (surface-active agents) in the product should be mild. Ensure the primary surfactants are non-ionic, as these do not disrupt the skin's lipid balance. Avoid using hot water, as it stimulates sebum production and dries out hair. After washing, never rub your hair with a towel—rubbing disrupts the hair's cuticle, compromising its integrity. Instead, gently blot your hair and wrap it in a towel for 5-10 minutes. Additionally, avoid brushing wet hair.
## 5. Give your hair a break
Take a break from using heat-styling tools such as flat irons and curling irons whenever possible. Always use heat-protectant styling products. If you frequently wear tight hairstyles with rubber bands or pins, give your hair a rest by wearing it loose periodically.
*Tip: Choose your combs carefully. A good comb won't tangle, electrify, or damage your hair.*
## 6. Take care of your scalp
The health of your hair is closely linked to the condition of your scalp. Beauty consultants often recommend deep-cleaning treatments with scrubs, which are unsuitable for everyone. Such treatments are primarily intended for those with oily scalps prone to flaking and dandruff.
Periodically massage your scalp with your fingers or use special massaging devices. It's both pleasant and beneficial as it improves blood circulation in the scalp, which is good for hair growth. However, scalp massage is not recommended in cases of acute hair loss or inflammatory scalp conditions.
## 7. Do not self-treat your hair
To help their hair, many people buy various products, make homemade masks, or undergo expensive salon treatments. However, these should be selected based on your problems and their causes. Acting on trial and error can be costly and harmful to your hair. It's always better to consult a dermatologist.
> Any professional treatments should be prescribed by a doctor. Many different treatments are available, but they all affect hair in various ways, and it's easy to choose the wrong one. Mesotherapy, laser therapy, high-frequency skin therapy, ozone therapy, phototherapy, and PRP therapy are effective only when applied correctly.
