Your skin is your body's largest organ — and your hair (and nails) count as modified types of skin. That means that what you eat affects your entire body including your hair. Eating a well-balanced, colorful diet loaded with a daily dose of vitamins and nutrients not only boosts your health on the inside, but also on the outside. In addition to covering your nutrition bases, you want to pay special attention to certain nutrients that are particularly beneficial for hair health, such as biotin, collagen, protein and iron. Avocado is one hair superfood stylists recommend, thanks to its hefty dose of vitamin E. "Vitamin E improves the blood circulation and helps the follicles work more efficiently to promote hair growth," says Angela Kalinowski, owner and stylist of Le Salon in Los Angeles, California.
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They drink a ton of water
Just like your skin, your hair needs to stay hydrated for a healthy voluminous texture. "Hair care starts with a nourished, balanced scalp," says Heidorn. "But if you're constantly dehydrated, the hair follicles aren't being fed the H2O that they need to stay healthy, continue to grow and stay strong." Stick to the 8 glasses a day rule — of 8-ounces of water each glass. "Jennifer Aniston's famous golden layered long bob is a great example of well-hydrated scalp and hair — drinking fresh water is a beauty habit for her," adds Heidorn.
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They brush their hair often
You may have heard the old wives tale about how brushing your hair too much can make it fall out. While there's some truth to the fact that brushing too aggressively can lead to hair loss, brushing, in general, is actually quite beneficial for your hair. "Brushing your hair stimulates the scalp to pull the natural oil down the hair shaft and coat the hair with its natural oils," says Daniel Koye, New Jersey-based hair stylist. "Just like Jan in 'The Brady Bunch,' brushing your hair 100 times a day will make your hair smooth and soft, bringing your natural hair oils down the shaft." Just be careful when brushing wet hair, since it's more susceptible to damage. Consider using a brush designed to be gentle on wet hair, like the Wet Brush.
We know — it doesn't sound very relaxing to shower in cold water, but experts say that at least rinsing with cold water at the end of your shower is one way to keep it shiny and soft. "For those who color their hair, the cold water maintains the dye so it lasts longer and will keep cuticles closed and easier to manage," says Koye. For hardcore hair enthusiasts, he recommends an ice cold hair rinse (yep, with ice). For extra conditioning, you can add some of your hair treatment to the mix. "Let your hair sit in the cold water for as long as you can stand and you'll notice your locks shining like never before."
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They protect their hair from the environment
If you wear SPF daily, you're on the right track, but if you're not protecting your hair the same way you do your skin, you could be subjecting your strands to some serious damage. "UV rays can weaken hair and dull your hair color, even uncolored hair," says Danai Schulte, hairstylist and owner of Maven Beverly Hills in California. She suggests using hair products that contain UV protectants. "Additionally, you'll want to use a water filter if your tap water is filled with hard minerals (a very common problem in L.A.)." Think of how your shower fixtures look dull with mineral buildup — it's the same for your hair. "It prevents conditioner from penetrating, causing hair to dry out, and it makes hair color look brassy," she says. Schulte also prescribes her clients a clarifying shampoo or hair rinse once or twice a week to remove buildup for shinier, more pliable hair.
