April 23, 2021
Hair care – 5 tips for healthy hair
by JUNGLÜCK Redaktion
Whether curly, straight, fine, frizzy, colored or wild - we celebrate individuality! So that you can give your mane exactly the hair care it needs, you will find valuable tips for healthy hair here.
- Hair care – the structure of hair
- Hair care – Tip 1: Wash your hair properly
- Hair care – Tip 2: Use conditioner for healthy hair
- Hair care – Tip 3: Avoid heat
- Hair care – Tip 4: suitable hair care products for healthy hair
- Hair care – Tip 5: use high-quality hair care tools
Hair is like skin. What it really needs depends mainly on the hair type. However, there are certain things that hair and scalp generally don't like and things that your hair will thank you for with a healthy shine - at least if you regularly follow our hair care tips for healthy hair. Of course, there will be the famous bad hair day, but with the right hair care, the good hair days will outweigh the bad. But let's first look at the structure of hair before we look at the dos and don'ts of hair care.
1. Hair care – the structure of the hair
Hair consists of hair shaft and root. The visible part is the hair shaft, which we call our hair. Each hair consists of three layers: cuticle, cortex and medulla.
The outermost layer, called the cuticle, consists of dead cells. Healthy hair with an intact cuticle shines beautifully in the light because the horny plates lie flat, similar to a pine cone. When light falls on the hair, the cuticle reflects it and the hair shines. If the cuticle is roughened, the hair looks dull, tangles quickly and split ends are often visible at the hair tips.
The second layer, the fiber layer (cortex), makes up the largest part of a hair. It consists of fine keratin fibers. A kind of cement substance connects the fibers and makes them elastic and tear-resistant. This layer plays a crucial role in chemical treatments such as bleaching or perming. Inside is the medulla, also known as the medulla canal. This layer plays no role in hair care.
Good hair care is worth it, because once the cuticle has been damaged, anti-split end products can only fix the protruding horny plates until the next hair wash. Unfortunately, the only thing that helps with split ends is a trip to the hairdresser. With our hair care tips for healthy hair, you can easily prevent dryness and split ends.
2. Hair care – Tip 1: Wash your hair properly
Washing your hair is part of your daily routine for many people. But how often should you wash your hair? Usually it's enough to wash your hair every two to three days - especially if your scalp and hair are very dry. If your roots get greasy quickly, you can wash your hair daily with a mild shampoo if you only feel comfortable with fresh and fluffy hair.
But: The sebum from the sebaceous gland in the scalp fulfils an important function. It forms a delicate protective film on the skin and prevents pathogens and harmful substances from penetrating. It also keeps the scalp and hair supple. Washing your hair too often with shampoos containing highly degreasing surfactants or other potentially irritating ingredients such as fragrances or chemical preservatives can disrupt the delicate protective film and cause the scalp to become unbalanced.
A mild hair care product like our odorless shampoo gently cleanses hair and scalp with mild sugar surfactants. At the same time, it provides hair and scalp with a real moisture boost thanks to over 40 percent organic aloe vera juice. In addition to gentle coconut surfactants, our solid shampoo contains nourishing plant oils and aloe vera that nourish and soothe the scalp and hair. Both shampoos are so mild and well tolerated that they can be used every day without irritating the scalp.
And this is how you massage the shampoo in properly:
Spread shampoo in the palms of your hands and apply.
Gently massage the shampoo into the scalp in circular movements. The light massage cleanses the hairline and scalp. At the same time, microcirculation in the scalp is stimulated. This means the cells are better supplied with nutrients and oxygen.
Always try to massage in the direction of hair growth to avoid unnecessarily roughening the cuticle.
As a rule, it is sufficient to just shampoo the scalp. The lengths and ends are cleaned sufficiently when you rinse. Unless you have previously wallowed in mud, attended the Holi Festival or left an oil treatment on overnight, then the lengths and ends should of course also be washed.
Avoid water that is too hot, it removes grease from the skin and causes hair to swell. Even if it takes some effort, lukewarm water is kinder to hair and skin, and your utility costs and the environment also benefit from the lower energy consumption.
Our Solid Shampoo
Cleanses and nourishes scalp and hair with plant-based surfactants and natural aloe vera.
3. Hair care – Tip 2: Use conditioner for healthy hair
A conditioner provides extra shine and suppleness at the end of the hair care routine. The slightly acidic pH value of the hair care product closes the cuticle layer. Nourishing active ingredients such as organic coconut oil and organic shea butter in our solid and environmentally friendly hair conditioner nourish the hair and make it silky and soft. It also contains a vegetable wax that protects the hair right down to the tips and makes it less susceptible to split ends and dryness.
If your scalp is dry and your hair is thick or very curly, you can also apply the conditioner to the roots. If you have fine hair, only apply it to the lengths and ends and then rinse with lukewarm water.
Colored or bleached hair is particularly sensitive because the chemical treatment has loosened the cuticle. Chemically treated hair should therefore always be treated with a conditioner after washing and regularly treated with a nourishing hair mask. You can easily make one yourself at home.
Vegan DIY hair treatment:
- Put some organic almond oil in a bowl (less if you have fine hair)
- Mash an organic banana
- Add a little organic coconut milk
Mix the ingredients together and apply to towel-dried hair. If your scalp is very dry and itchy, you can also apply the DIY hair treatment to the roots of your hair and massage it in. Leave it on for around 20 minutes, ideally under a shower cap or towel turban, as the heat generated will help the hair absorb the treatment even better. Rinse thoroughly and voilà!
4. Hair care – Tip 3: Avoid heat
Whether it's a hair dryer that's too hot, a straightening iron, a curling iron or hot water - hair and scalp don't like heat. Let your hair air dry if possible. If you can't do without a hair dryer or other hair styling tools, don't set the device to the hottest setting and make sure you never expose your hair to heat for too long. Always hold the hair dryer in the direction of hair growth so that the cuticle doesn't stand up and always keep the air moving a little.
5. Hair care – Tip 4: suitable hair care products for healthy hair
Just like skin care, hair care should be tailored to individual needs. Can you care for your hair too much? Yes! In any case, you can weigh it down with hair care products that are too rich. Here is a brief overview of hair and scalp conditions and suitable hair care products.
Hair care for dry or itchy scalp
Use a mild shampoo with nourishing oils, such as our solid shampoo.
Wash hair with lukewarm water.
After washing your hair, pat it dry gently, do not rub.
Allow hair to air dry if possible.
Aloe vera gel or spray soothes irritated scalp and provides it with intensive moisture.
Rose water helps the scalp to regain its balance and provides moisture. Also suitable for fine hair.
Apply a little almond oil or argan oil to dry areas in the evening and leave it on overnight. If necessary, massage the entire scalp with a plant-based care oil in the evening and enjoy the moment.
Hair care for oily scalp
Use light hair care products like our clear shampoo.
Always apply conditioner only to the lengths and ends.
Rose water can balance the activity of the sebaceous glands – spray it onto the scalp after washing your hair.
Between washes, a dry shampoo freshens up your hairstyle.
Hair care for dry ends
Always use a conditioner.
For fine hair, apply rose water or aloe vera spray to lengths and ends.
For thick, curly or frizzy hair, rub some almond oil or our fine argan oil from controlled organic cultivation in the palms of your hands and massage into the ends.
After washing, blow-dry your hair lightly at the roots and then let it air dry.
Protect your hair from UV rays, chlorine and salt water. Spread some almond oil or argan oil on the ends before going to the beach or pool.
Hair care for curls
Curls love nourishing oils and moisture. After washing your hair, knead some argan or almond oil into the length if necessary.
Care for fine, wavy or curly hair with a light moisturizer, such as aloe vera spray.
Never brush curls, it is best to just comb them with your fingers.
Use shampoo only when necessary; if your hair is very dry, water and conditioner between washes is sufficient.
Hair care for fine hair
Fine hair quickly becomes straggly and is particularly sensitive to mechanical stimuli and environmental influences. To ensure that it looks fresh and airy, it needs hair care products that do not weigh it down and provide it with plenty of moisture.
Use a mild, clear shampoo. If your hair is very fine, apply just a touch of conditioner to the ends.
As an alternative to conditioner or if necessary, spray on some aloe vera spray.
Dry shampoo or hair powder gives the hair more grip and volume and prevents it from becoming greasy quickly.
Brush gently from the tips to the roots to avoid hair breakage.
Hair care for split ends and hair breakage
Split ends can only be repaired temporarily with anti-split end treatments; the split ends will be visible again the next time you wash your hair. That's why it's worth preventing hair breakage with intensive hair care for healthy hair.
If the cuticle is severely damaged, split ends will occur. To prevent the hair from splitting further upwards, have the ends trimmed regularly.
Never rub your hair dry, always pat it dry gently.
If you let your hair grow straight, the ends often hit your shoulders and break. You can use a soft hair tie to twist your hair into a loose bun to protect the ends of your hair during the transition phase.
Regularly treat the ends with a little oil to keep them supple.
Hair care for dandruff
There is dry and oily dandruff. While oily dandruff or a very irritated scalp should be examined by a dermatologist, dry dandruff is often caused by incorrect hair care products or certain care habits. But hormonal fluctuations or stressful phases can also cause increased dandruff. Relaxation exercises or taking time out in nature can help you find balance more quickly. You can also easily optimize your beauty routine:
Use a mild shampoo or, if necessary, special hair care products for dandruff.
Wash hair with lukewarm water.
Care for your scalp with our soothing and moisturizing Aloe Vera Gel or the extra light Aloe Vera Spray.
Make sure you eat a healthy and balanced diet with high-quality omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. linseed oil).
6. Hair care – Tip 5: use high-quality hair care tools
Mechanical stimuli such as sharp-edged hairbrushes or combs can tear the cuticle. Only use high-quality products with rounded nubs, preferably made from sustainable materials to protect the environment.
A microfiber towel absorbs moisture quickly because the material is very absorbent. However, those who follow a sustainable lifestyle may be bothered by the environmentally unfriendly materials such as polyester or nylon from which the towels are made. When washing these synthetic materials, the finest fibers come loose, which then end up in the wastewater and from there usually end up in the water as microplastics, since even the most modern filter systems cannot hold them back (find out more about this in our A skin-friendly towel made of fine organic cotton is just as suitable and is the more sustainable solution.
Conclusion – healthy hair
Very few people have beautiful, healthy hair like in advertisements. Instead, you have your own beauty and your own personal hair, which nature has put a lot of thought into. Our hair color often matches our skin tone and eye color perfectly. With our hair care tips for healthy hair, you can support your hair wonderfully and grow your own dream mane - all without any chemical ingredients that irritate your skin or harm the environment.
Regular trimming of the ends should be done as needed - most women with longer hair should have their ends trimmed every six to eight weeks. With a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, you can care for your hair from the inside, because just like your skin, the condition of your hair and scalp is closely linked to your personal lifestyle. Taking supplements such as biotin or silica can also have a positive effect. I hope you have fun and success with this hair care update for healthy hair!