Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more!

Just as water hydrates and replenishes the skin, it does the same for your scalp, and in turn, your lovely locks. Drinking plenty of water helps to energize and support hair growth from root to tip. Studies show that it will prevent split ends, brittle hair texture, and fosters a healthier scalp. This means that you will have fewer chances of developing problems like dryness, itchiness, or dandruff.

Massage your scalp

A small study has shown that massaging your scalp regularly can lead to thicker hair. The benefits of a scalp massage for hair growth centers on the hair follicles. Each hair on your head starts its life within a follicle, located just beneath the skin on your scalp.

Eat healthy & increase protein intake

While you cannot control factors such as age and genetics that control hair growth, adding the right food to your diet can help you control your hair loss. Our bodies need the right amount of specific vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids for adequate hair growth. Protein - deficient in many vegetarians and vegans in India - plays a key role in providing your body with the energy needed for hair growth. In fact, our hair follicles are made of protein. A general rule of thumb is that you should consume 1g of protein for every 1kg that you weigh.

Use a cool rinse (avoid hot water on your hair)

While it is relaxing to run a hot shower after a long day, running hot water through your hair can prove to be damaging over time. If you use very hot water during a shower, it can weaken the roots, and your hair will break off more easily when combed right after. It can also make your hair curlier and look more frizzy. Hot water baths take away essential oils and moisture from your hair. Meanwhile, cold water can help prevent the loss of natural oils from hair and may help conditioning agents and hair masks to work better. It also allows keratin treatments and hair dyes to last longer. Further, Coldwater helps to seal the elevated cuticle layers in your hair and keeps the protein bonds of your hair intact. This heals the frizziness of your hair shaft and gives it a well-defined, soft, and smooth texture. Also, the sealed cuticles add a glossy look to your hair by locking in the moisture.

That said, a major advantage of using hot water is that it is easier to clean your hair of any build-up, dirt or sweat. This is because hot water tends to open up the cuticles in your hair, making the shampoo and conditioner you apply a lot more effective.

Practically, it is advisable to use lukewarm water to wash your hair. you can use water at 100°F or 38°C (slightly above the normal body temperature) to wash your hair. During summer, you can use water at a lower temperature.

Take your vitamins!

Research shows that vitamin deficiencies - particularly in Biotin - can be a cause of hair loss in people across all age groups. In case of a deficiency, nutritionists recommend taking supplements to reduce hair fall. There are a range of vitamins and minerals that are essential to your hair health. In fact, low levels of vitamin D is linked to alopecia, a technical term for hair loss. Vitamin A is another essential that helps skin glands make an oily substance called sebum. Sebum moisturizes the scalp and helps keep your hair healthy.