Sure, we want our hair to look like that of our favorite celebrities, from Sarah Jessica Parker to Beyoncé to Jennifer Aniston to Rihanna. But without a Hollywood budget, it can be hard to know how best to care for our tresses. From musicals about it to controversies about its length, our hair makes a statement, and it can be an important part of who we are—whether we decide to wear it long or shave it all off. (Britney, anyone?) But what is hair, really, and how can we make the most of it?
A brief introduction: a head of hair generally has 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair, with each strand going through its own life cycle. We lose about 50 to 100 hairs per day. And while that may sound like a large amount, it's actually quite fortunate for us. Imagine if every strand had the same life cycle—they'd fall out together and grow back together! Hair is made primarily of a protein called keratin, which is also found in our nails and even in the horns and hooves of animals. Hair also contains water; fats known as lipids that come from our sebaceous glands and give our hair luster and elasticity; and melanin (the pigment that gives our hair its color—in fact, as we age, our hair tends to turn white or appear grey due to the loss of this pigmentation).
Hair is only nurtured for a short time in the follicle, which is deep down in our skin (in the dermis), and by the time we see our precious locks, they're actually no longer alive! Of course, we can still treat our hair with a healthy dose of TLC to keep it strong and beautiful. Here are a few handy tips for healthy hair.
- Look for products that suit your hair type. Natural, organic products often do not contain man-made chemicals and products that, over time, do more damage than good. A word to the wise: If you see petrolatum (or its various forms), mineral oil, or even paraffin in the ingredients list, be aware that those are forms of petroleum! There are dozens of natural products on the market nowadays, so look for ingredients such as biotin; vitamins A and E; papaya; and oils derived from carrot, jojoba, or coconut, among many others. Rosemary and tea tree oils can be found in many natural products that fight dandruff, excessive dryness, and scalp irritations.
Be gentle with your hair. Although dry hair is incredibly strong—some studies have found that a single strand can withstand up to 100 grams' worth of weight—it has its limits. When hair is wet, it's at its weakest; and therefore, more damage can be done after a shampoo, shower, or swim. Avoid stressing your hair when it's wet, such as exposing it to harsh brushing. If you're an avid swimmer, take a swimming cap along for extra protection. This will not only protect against water damage but sun and chemical damage as well.
Cool down. Don't kick your hair while it's down—try to let your hair dry without added heat. Hair dryers give off excessive heat, and as we previously mentioned, wet hair is weak. Heat, in general, can be quite damaging, so it's recommended that you avoid the use of curling or flat irons. Heat and rays from the sun can be detrimental and can actually cause hair to lose its color with prolonged exposure. Also, when shampooing and rinsing, try to use cooler rather than hotter water. You might also save on your gas or electricity bill, too!
Treat your body right, and your hair will follow. That means exercise (try Slim in 6®, 10-Minute Trainer®, Turbo Jam®, or Yoga Booty Ballet®), eat healthily, hydrate, take your vitamins (try ActiVit® Multivitamins), and get enough rest. All roads to good health really do lead back to these essentials. The roots of our hair get a blood supply too; therefore, what you put in your body has a direct correlation to your hair's health from the outset. We can't stress enough that a healthy and fit you means a healthy and fit entire you, including your hair, as well as your skin, nails, and outlook. 
Find a knowledgeable stylist. While all of the tips you're reading now will provide a good basis, a stylist can give you more specific help with your particular hair type, and can help keep you informed, from when you need a trim to what hairstyles will work best for you. And, even at home, you can give your hair "spa days." This doesn't mean you need to wash your hair in Evian as it's been reported that Demi Moore has done. It can be as simple as deep conditioning your hair and taking time to give your scalp a gentle massage. Gentle brushing (dry hair, of course) can stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, which promotes healthier, more fortified hair follicles.
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