Hair is one of the most visible features of the human body. If you have a good head of hair, it can help you get a good impression on most people.

Nonetheless, hair is one of those body parts that seem to be vulnerable to so many factors. What should we do to keep our hair healthy? Let's discuss some tips for keeping your hair soft and silky smooth.

Heat in Moderation

Excessive heat is bad for your hair because it can weaken the protein bonds that make hair soft yet strong. While the temperature that our hair can withstand without taking permanent damage is impressive (450 Fahrenheit or 232 Celsius), the length of time you heat your hair can be the true culprit.

Never leave the heat on your hair for an extended period of time without pausing. Sustained heat degrades the protein in your hair, causing it to become frizzy and brittle. If your hair is particularly frail, use the lowest heat setting possible on your hair blower.

Also, instead of using a hair blower, opt for an absorbent towel and sit in front of a strong fan. Gently but quickly pat your head dry with the towel and use the fan's wind to blow off excess moisture.

Less Shampoo and Conditioner

You might think that applying more shampoo and conditioner to your scalp will lengthen and strengthen your hair. That's not the case. Using too much amount of these hair products can deplete the vital oils produced by the scalp, leaving both the hair and scalp excessively dry.

Though we're used to shampooing daily, it's recommended that we shampoo our hair once or twice a week, with a significant "rest time" in between. Remember that shampoo should be used to complement, not to substitute, the hair's natural oils.

Get More Protein

Like most body parts, hair needs protein to be stronger and more resilient to damage. Protein doesn't just improve muscle growth, but also hair growth. Therefore, if you want to improve the health of your hair, it may be time to add more protein to your diet. 

Drink Vitamins

Hair requires a unique combination of vitamins to remain strong and versatile. In fact, nutritional deficiency is a leading cause of hair loss in adults. 

Vitamins A through E are essential for maintaining healthy hair color, and minerals such as iron and zinc help reinforce your strands. If you do not get enough of these vitamins and minerals in your daily diet, multivitamin supplements may be a good option.

Scalp Massage 

Massaging your scalp can significantly improve the circulation of blood, which improves the health of hair follicles. Try massaging your scalp for four minutes a day and you might be surprised at how this can increase the thickness and volume of your hair.

Remove Split Ends

Always cut off split ends before they start to creep up on the rest of the strand. Split ends are dead cells that can spread, so it's best to cut it off before it does further damage.

Aloe Vera Treatment

Try using hair care products with aloe vera. Proteolytic enzymes found in aloe vera help in the repair of dead skin cells on the scalp. In addition, it acts as an excellent conditioner, leaving the hair silky and shiny. 

Ultimately, proper hair care is essential for maintaining healthy hair and avoiding extensive damage that can result in hair loss. Often, beautiful, thick, shiny hair often leaves a favorable impression, which is why it's important to follow a proper hair care routine.