Lifestyle Factors for Healthy Natural Hair and Body – Part 3

Committing to healthy behaviors sets up any natural hair journey to be a more successful one.

After all, your hair mirrors the lifestyle factors for healthy natural hair you choose to adopt.

The opposite is also correct.

The results of your poor choices will show in your hair, as well.

In the previous installments of this series, we covered numerous wellness topics to keep your natural hair and the rest of the body in tip-top condition.

With this final series article, we will fall into a discussion on how poor hygiene, drug abuse, and continued exposure to chemicals can impact body and hair health. 

If you need to catch up, visit Lifestyle Factors for Healthy Natural Hair and Body Part 1 and Part 2 for additional strategies to get you moving in the right direction for better wellness. 

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The content presented in this blog post is strictly informational and educational in nature.  Nothing within constitutes, or is meant to constitute, advice of any kind.  If you require advice in relation to any legal, financial, or medical matter, you should consult an appropriate professional.

Address Hygiene Issues to Help Get Hair Healthy Again

What role does hygiene play in overall body and hair health?

Given current circumstances, we all know the importance of washing our hands thoroughly and frequently to prevent the spread of diseases like the seasonal flu, common cold, and COVID-19.

However, you can also curtail other diseases through good hygiene practices. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists hygiene-related diseases, which include the following (partial list):

• Athlete’s foot

• Body lice

• Chronic diarrhea

• Tooth decay

• Trachoma (blindness caused by Chlamydia trachomatis)

• Scabies

Furthermore, practicing proper washing of the body can help keep skin pores clear, provide necessary hydration, and prevent undesirable odors.

So, what about your hair in particular?

Well, your scalp is skin, too.

Without proper cleansing, your scalp could develop the following:

• Multiplying germs, causing infection

• Oil and hair product buildup, clogging up follicles

• Dandruff

• Unpleasant smells

A robust hygiene routine should serve as an essential part of lifestyle factors for healthy natural hair. 

I like to think of my natural hair hygiene routine in 2 phases:

• Cleansing

• Detoxing/Clarifying

Naturals should shampoo or co-wash (conditioner wash) their hair at least once every two weeks. 

You will want to consider washing 1-2 times per week if you:

• Experience lots of dead scalp cell buildup

• Have a heavy application of hair products

• Exercise frequently (we all should be doing this)

• Have a scalp issue you are trying to resolve

Curly, kinky, and coily textures also benefit from a pre-poo session before washing if you use a shampoo.

Pre-pooing helps to lessen the harsh effects of shampoo on natural hair.

The removal of residues, grime, germs, and buildup left after cleansing happens during detoxification and clarification.

So, these techniques provide a deeper cleaning of the hair and scalp.

A few factors influence how often you may need hair detox/clarifying sessions:

• The amount and frequency of hair product use

• How prone you are to scalp conditions like dandruff, clogged follicles, acne, etc.

• Your tendency for dry hair

Detoxification and clarification do not ultimately happen in one session.

They take time.

If you are new to detoxifying/clarifying, start with a session every two weeks.

Over time you can adjust the frequency based on the condition of your hair and scalp.

After shampooing and detoxing/clarifying, you should always follow-up with a deep conditioning treatment.

Moreover, don’t forget to cleanse wigs and hair extensions before use and regularly while wearing them.

What DIY products can help support your best hygiene routine for natural hair?

For washing, look for sulfate-free shampoos, as sulfate-containing ones can overly strip the hair, leaving it too dry.

I love DIY shampoo made from African black soap.

It cleanses without drying the hair and can help with dandruff and itchy, dry scalp.

Additionally, African black soap supplies nutrients to the scalp to promote healthy hair growth.

Wonderfully Natural Organic African Black Soap receives my vote for use in DIY shampoos.

On the detoxifying/clarifying front, apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinses and bentonite clay masks work exceptionally well.

ACV serves as a clarifier that also helps to maintain pH balance for the hair and scalp.

I frequently use Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar in my ACV rinses.

Bentonite clay can assist in reducing inflammation and promoting scalp healing while acting as a detoxifier and clarifier.

For my bentonite clay needs, I turn to Aztec Secret Indian Healing Bentonite Clay in my DIY hair masks.

Consequently, you do not need to start your DIY creations from scratch.

You can grab some great natural remedy recipes for African black soap shampoo, an ACV rinse, and a bentonite clay mask from one of my previous posts.

Make Responsible Drug Use a Lifestyle Choice for Natural Hair Health

What dangers can drug abuse manifest for the body?

Drugs are chemical substances that can cause widespread disruption in the body when abused.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the effects of drug abuse on the body depend on the drug, amount taken, and the length of time of drug use.

The Institute also cites several short-term and long-term effects as possible consequences of drug abuse.

In the short-term, these may include heart attack, stroke, overdose, and more. 

The long-term impacts may consist of cancer, hepatitis, heart and lung disease, among others.

But what about the effects on hair?

One study found in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine showed that the abuse of certain illicit drugs could alter hair’s structure.  

Furthermore, too many toxins in the body can keep vital oxygen and nutrients from reaching the scalp, stunting hair growth.

Drug abuse may also increase the number of free radicals in the body, which can damage cells, including hair and skin.

Lifestyle factors for healthy natural hair must include the decision to use drugs wisely.

Illicit drug abuse brings with it dangers that could eventually lead to loss of life.

Hence, it is best to avoid the use of illicit drugs.

If you have an addiction, be honest with your healthcare provider and seek help. 

Additionally, you may choose to visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Find Treatment page or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Many individuals don’t consider alcohol a drug, but it is one.

Thus, you should consume alcohol in moderation.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020, Eight Edition suggests no more than two drinks per day for men.

Ladies should limit consumption to one drink per day or less, according to the Guidelines.   

Subsequently, persons should not forget about prescription drugs, which can and are abused by many. 

Only take prescription drugs that have by prescribed to you by a licensed healthcare provider.

Be sure to follow the instructions given by your provider and the pharmacist. 

Furthermore, if you start experiencing any adverse effects from any drugs you take, contact your physician.  

Limiting Chemical Exposures Serves as a Lifestyle Factor for Healthy Natural Hair and Body

What kind of havoc can chemicals cause within the body?

Humans come in contact with toxic chemicals every day.

The food, water, and air we intake all contain trace amounts of harmful substances.

Also, More concentrated amounts can be present in common household chemicals.    

Additionally, some compounds may create acute adverse effects in one individual while causing no observable symptoms in others.

Health Effects of Chemical Exposure provided by the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry gives the following as some of the impacts chemicals can have on the body:

• Loss of function within the body’s major organ systems

• Increased cancer risk

• Organ damage and failure

• Increased congenital disabilities and higher potential for infertility

• Autoimmunity (the body attacks itself)

• Endocrine disruption (interference with hormones naturally secreted by endocrine glands)

So, what about toxic chemicals regarding healthy hair?

Harmful substances can dry out the hair and damage the hair shaft.

Additionally, some chemicals may irritate the scalp.

Hair loss can also accompany overexposure to certain toxic substances.

Some compounds found in hair products can create other adverse effects within the body like neurotoxicity, asthma, reproductive conditions, and some of the others listed above.

Thus, individuals should commit to reducing their exposure to harmful substances as one of the lifestyle factors for healthy natural hair.

With regards to hair products, try to use organic and non-genetically modified organism (non-GMO) ingredients.

Likewise, stay away from common hair-harming substances like formaldehyde, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, propylene glycol, and short-chain alcohols.   

Also, DIY natural hair products can help you regulate your exposure to toxic chemicals because you control what goes into them.

For instance, I usually turn to Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gel, Home Health Original Castor Oil, and the Natural Hair Nysa Styling Butter for my moisture sealing and styling.

Want the recipe for the Natural Hair Nysa Styling Butter?  Subscribe to the newsletter and get access to the instructions to make it on the Free Resource page.

Furthermore, try to choose non-toxic, natural alternatives for deodorants, lotions, creams, and other skin and beauty products.

More natural choices will lower the number of toxins entering the body through the skin.

I am a fan of Native Natural Deodorant (Cucumber & Mint) and Mineral Salt Crystal Body Deodorant for my deodorant needs.

On the water and food front, make sure to use a quality water filter and opt for organic, non-GMO foodstuffs, where possible.

Organic foods usually have fewer chemicals utilized during the production process, meaning the potential for toxins in the final products is less.

Non-GMO ingredients exist as nature designed without additional genetic alteration. 

Moreover, you should read the labels and carefully follow the instructions on cleaners, pesticides, and other chemicals you use in the home.

Less toxic alternatives often exist for the commercial products we use around the house.

So, research and replace where you can.

I love Everyone Hand Soap (Spearmint and Lemongrass) and Aunt Fannies Cleaning Vinegar (Eucalyptus) for my home. 

I also frequently use white vinegar and baking soda in my house cleaning routine, as well.  

Additional Lifestyle Factors for Health Natural Hair Posts You May Enjoy

Lifestyle Factors for Healthy Natural Hair and Body – Part 1

Lifestyle Factors for Healthy Natural Hair and Body – Part 2

Elevate Your Scalp Health Now with These 5 Splendid Natural Remedies for Dandruff

Final Thoughts

Poor hygiene, drug abuse, and overexposure to chemicals can all lead to poor outcomes with your body’s health, including the vitality of natural hair.

Real, long-lasting change does not come easy.

It takes commitment, effort, and consistency.

However, endeavoring to positively change your lifestyle factors for health natural hair and body can reap rewards you may not even yet imagine.

We love your input, so join the discussion by liking, sharing, and commenting below.

Natural Hair Nysa educates and works with individuals to promote positive perceptions and healthy care of natural hair. 

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Lifestyle Factors for Healthy Natural Hair and Body – Part 3