Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Hair: 15 Tried-and-True Habits to Keep Your Hair Looking Great

We’ve all asked a friend or acquaintance with hair that looks lush and effortless what their secret is, only to hear, “Oh nothing, it is what it is.” Lucky them with their good genetics, right? Too bad we don’t get to pick ours.

But one thing we can do—and something I truly believe in as a big hair girl—is improve and change our lifestyle. Our habits.

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, reminds us that small actions, repeated daily, may look insignificant in the moment but compound into massive results over time. So take a pause and imagine what 10 minutes of brisk walking or a simple two-minute scalp massage with nourishing oil could do for your hair years from now!

That’s why in this article, I’m breaking down tips and habits you can build into your daily or weekly routine not just to achieve great hair, but to keep it that way.

And who knows, maybe that friend with “naturally perfect hair” is already doing these things, either without realizing it or (let’s be real) keeping it as their little secret.

Brush Your Hair Daily

Brushing your hair helps distribute your scalp’s natural oils from root to tip. So when everyone thinks it’s just about aesthetics and looking neat, the truth is more health-related, as brushing keeps strands moisturized and less prone to breakage.

That said, here are a few things to keep in mind when brushing:

• Use the right type of comb or brush. A wide-tooth comb works best on wet hair, while a soft-bristle brush is better for dry hair.

• Brush once or twice a day. Over-brushing can do more harm than good, as found in one early study.

• Clean your brush weekly and keep it personal. Never share combs or brushes, since this can spread scalp fungi or lice.

Wash Your Hair Regularly

Washing your hair keeps your scalp clean, removes excess oil, and prevents buildup that can weigh hair down or irritate your skin. This is probably something you already know.

But the part most people actually get stuck on isn’t whether they should wash, but how often.

And without taking sides on the extremes of this debate, what I’ve found (and what makes sense) is to wash according to two things: your hair type and your lifestyle.

That means while 2–3 washes per week works for the average person, you may benefit from washing daily if you have naturally oily hair or if you’re active and sweat a lot. Skipping washes in those cases can lead to dirt, odor, and clogged follicles.

Beyond washing frequency, here are other things to remember:

• Use the right shampoo. Look for sulfate-free or gentle formulas. If you struggle with flakes or itch, use an anti-dandruff shampoo, and rotate in medicated shampoos when needed.

• Follow proper technique. Apply shampoo mainly to the scalp (not the ends), massage with your fingertips (not nails), rinse thoroughly, and always follow with conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends.

• Mind the water temperature. Hot water strips away natural oils and dries out both scalp and strands. Stick with lukewarm water, and finish with a cool rinse if you want the extra shine.

Use Heat Styling Less

It's no wonder so many people who rely on straighteners, curlers, or daily blow-drying complain of split ends and frizz that just won’t quit.

Frequent high-heat styling weakens the outer cuticle layer of your hair, which is responsible for locking in moisture and strength. When damaged, your strands lose shine and break easily.

If you're facing this hair ordeal, here’s how to manage it wisely:

• Lower the heat setting. Keep your blow dryer on low or medium (never max), and hold it at least 6 inches away.

• Limit hot tools. Straighteners, curling irons, and hot rollers should be occasional, not daily. Reserve them for special days.

• Apply heat protectant. Always use a spray or cream protectant before styling to create a barrier between your hair and the heat.

Limit Chemical Treatments

Chemical dyes, perms, bleach, and alcohol-heavy sprays can strip away your hair’s protective proteins and oils. Over time, this leaves strands weaker, rougher, and more prone to breakage.

That said, I understand not everyone can skip these treatments completely. I’ve got pals in hairstyling who demo new looks daily, and friends in the performing arts who rely on dramatic color changes for their roles.

So, if your work or lifestyle keeps you in that lane, the key is to cut back where you can and show your hair extra love in between sessions:

• Reduce chemical frequency. Space out dyeing, perming, or bleaching to just a few times a year, and ask your stylist for gentler formulas when possible.

• Switch from alcohol-heavy products. Many hairsprays and gels rely on alcohol, which dries hair. Opt for water-based or nourishing alternatives.

• Air-dry when you can. Daily hot blow-drying can be just as damaging as chemical processing. Let hair dry naturally or use the cool setting.

Switch to Looser Hair Styles

Wearing tight ponytails, braids, or buns day in and day out may look sleek (and honestly they do!), but they put constant tension on your roots. When that stress builds up over months or years, it can damage follicles and lead to traction alopecia—hair loss caused by repeated pulling.

I’m not saying you have to give up looking like the amazing boss you are. Trust me, I’m a big hair girl myself, and I’ll always advocate for styling your hair in ways that make you feel your absolute best and most confident.

My advice is simple: loosen up your ponytails and buns. There are plenty of inspo looks on Pinterest for these hairstyles that are just as chic but much gentler on your hair.

And if your heart is really tied to your braids routine, try alternating. Mix in days where you let your hair flow freely or pull it back into a softer, messy bun. That’s a trade-off worth making if you truly love your hair.

Wear Sun Protection

The same UV rays that burn your skin can also damage your hair and scalp. Too much sun exposure weakens proteins in your strands, fades color, and dries out your scalp. Not good.

Start with SPF products for your hair and scalp. Lightweight sprays and leave-in conditioners with UV filters are great, especially if you’re at the beach, hiking, or just spending hours under the sun.

For extra protection, rock a hat. A wide-brimmed style gives you the most coverage, though even a simple baseball cap helps.

This is especially important for men, since research shows they’re more likely to experience balding and end up with more scalp exposed to harmful rays.

In fact, I’ve written a whole guide on the best hats for balding men. So if you’re a woman reading this, pass the advice along to your partner, brother, or dad!

Switch Your Pillowcases

If you’ve ever wondered why you wake up with tangled hair or notice split ends, the problem might not be your hair care routine at all—but what you’re literally sleeping on.

Rough cotton pillowcases in particular tug at strands, create friction, and lead to frizz or even breakage over time. Stick with satin or silk pillowcases instead. They let your hair glide smoothly, plus, they feel a lot nicer on your skin.

But no matter what type of fabric you choose, make sure to swap out pillowcases regularly. Dirt, sweat, and oil can build up quickly, and you don’t want those sitting against your scalp and hair night after night.

Eat a Healthy Balanced Meal

Your hair is made from the same building blocks as your muscles and skin. In fact, it's mostly keratin, a protein that relies on amino acids from your diet.

If you’re deficient in protein—or in other essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin C, or biotin—your hair takes the hit. Why? Because when the body faces nutrient shortages, it prioritizes vital organs first.

And with hair being “non-essential” for survival, it gets pushed to the back of the line. That’s when thinning, shedding, or weak strands can show up.

So what should your daily plate include? Here's a quick guide:

• Protein sources: Eggs, chicken, fish, beans, and lentils.

• Iron-rich foods: Spinach, red meat (in moderation), and fortified cereals.

• Zinc and selenium: Nuts, seeds, and shellfish.

• Omega-3 fats: Salmon, mackerel, chia seeds, and walnuts

• Vitamin D: Fatty fish, fortified dairy

• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers.

• Biotin (B7): Eggs, almonds, and whole grains.

If you’d like a deeper look at how lacking each of these nutrients affects your hair, check out our article on the best foods for hair growth.

Exercise and Stay Active

Movement doesn’t just tone your body. It also keeps blood flowing to your scalp, which is how your follicles get the oxygen and nutrients they need.

Beyond that, it helps regulate hormones, lower stress, and even balance sebum production. All of these factors show up in stronger, healthier hair.

If you’re already lifting, running, or playing a sport, you’re one step ahead!

But if you’re not, no worries. Staying active doesn’t mean living in the gym. A brisk 30-minute walk, cycling to work, or even dancing in your living room all count.

What matters is intent and consistency. Aim for most days of the week and choose activities you enjoy so it feels less like a chore.

And while we’re at it, just a friendly reminder. Sweat left sitting on the scalp can cause irritation if you don’t wash it out. So make sure to cleanse properly after workouts to keep both your scalp and strands healthy.

Keep Stress Levels Low

When cortisol, the stress hormone, stays elevated for long periods, it can push hair follicles into a resting phase (telogen phase). That’s when shedding and thinning start to become noticeable.

Exercise is a fantastic way to bring cortisol down, and we’ve already covered that. But there are plenty of other no-sweat ways to keep stress in check:

• Try meditation or deep breathing. Even 5–10 minutes a day helps calm your nervous system.

• Do something you enjoy. Reading, cooking, journaling. Anything that takes your mind off the grind counts.

• Take short breaks. An afternoon nap, quick walk, or even lying down with your eyes closed can reset stress levels.

Get Quality Sleep

To build on our discussion about lowering stress, one of the most powerful ways is through quality sleep. During deep rest, your body repairs tissues, including those around your hair follicles, while also regulating hormones that keep excess shedding under control.

So, how do you get better sleep? Here’s what the experts suggest:

• Stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up time.

• Cut back on caffeine late in the day.

• Keep phones and tablets out of bed, and wind down with something relaxing like reading or journaling instead.

• Keep your room cool, dark, and comfortable.

• Invest in a high-quality mattress. If you’ve been putting it off, maybe it's high time to make that upgrade..

Writing this bit gave me a sudden realization. Ever heard the quote, sleep is the most effective beauty secret? I agree, but for a slightly different reason...

Even though we all rave about how good it is, most of us don’t actually get enough of it. And so, we miss out on the real benefits. Funny enough, maybe that’s what keeps it a secret.

Get a Haircut Regularly

You don’t need to be in the salon every other week, but trimming your hair on a regular schedule—every 8 to 12 weeks for most people—keeps the ends healthy. Split ends can travel up the strand if left unchecked, which makes hair look dull and frayed.

Visit Your Doctor

Just like you’d get an annual physical, it’s worth seeing a hair doctor if you’re worried about your hair health.

Make that call especially if you notice sudden clumps of hair in the shower drain, bald patches, scalp pain, or itching that doesn’t go away.

These can point to medical issues like alopecia areata, fungal infections, or thyroid-related hair loss—serious stuff that home remedies and lifestyle changes alone can’t fix.

Massage Your Scalp

A few minutes of scalp massage each day stimulates blood circulation, which means more oxygen and nutrients reach your follicles. That steady supply is what keeps hair stronger and encourages growth.

And here’s a bonus you’ll love: scalp massage also doubles as a stress reliever. The act itself lowers cortisol, which explains that instant sense of relaxation, almost like a spa moment, but a mini version in your own room.

Here’s a simple way to do it:

• Use your fingertips, not nails. Place them on your scalp and apply gentle pressure.

• Make small circles. Work across your scalp, starting at the front hairline and moving toward the crown and sides.

• Keep it short. Two to five minutes is enough. You can do it before bed, while watching TV, or even in the shower.

And if you’d like to take it a step further, I’ve written a full guide on mastering scalp massage with extra techniques and product tips. So do check that out!

Apply Hair Nourishing Oil

If you want to take scalp massage to the next level, add a nourishing oil. The best part about that is not how it makes the massage feels more soothing, but how it hydrates your scalp and coats your strands.

As a result, you keep your hair soft and less likely to break. More than that, proper hydration also helps prevent common problems like flakiness and itchy scalp.

One of my favorite daily options is batana oil infused with rosemary. It’s lightweight enough for everyday use, while still rich in essential nutrients. Of course, classics like coconut or castor oil work too, especially if that’s what you already have at home.

And since this also wraps up our list of lifestyle habits, I’ll leave you with this: healthy hair isn’t about doing one big thing. It’s the small, consistent choices that add up over time.

Want more ideas and product tips? I share a lot of free stuff on the Keyoma Blog. Go check it out!