Award Banner
Award Banner

Healthy hair hacks: How to get beautiful, luscious locks on a budget

Healthy hair hacks: How to get beautiful, luscious locks on a budget
PHOTO: Unsplash

In many cultures having healthy hair is one of the most important aspects of beauty. How is it that some people always seem to have shiny, thick hair year-round? Naturally, our genes, diet, and environment affects the texture and strength of our hair.

If you’re wondering how to get healthy hair on a budget, read ahead for five healthy hair hacks.

1. Avoid harmful chemicals to prevent hair loss

One of the easiest ways to get better hair is to avoid using shampoo which contains harsh ingredients such as ammonium lauryl sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLES), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), sodium chloride, and silicones.

These ingredients are harmful for your hair and the environment.

What are the harmful chemicals in shampoo?

Harmful chemicals in shampoo
  • Parabens
  • Polyethylene glycols (PEG)
  • Diethanolamine (DEA)
  • Triethanolamine (TEA)
  • Formaldehyde
  • Alcohol
  • Synthetic fragrances
  • Synthetic colors
  • Dimethicone
  • Cocamidopropyl betaine
  • Triclosan
  • Retinyl palmitate

2. Eat healthier food for hair growth

What’s more, remember that the price of hair care products does not correlate with their quality. Several name brand shampoo and conditioners are priced higher even though they contain harmful ingredients.

As you shop for hair products, be sure to read the fine print where the ingredients are listed. Alternatively, choose organic products which contain fewer chemicals.

Like most parts of our body, our hair needs the right nutrients for healthy growth.

This is why having a balanced diet with omega-three fatty acids, protein, selenium, vitamin D3, and vitamin B are essential.

These nutrients promote strong and healthy hair as well as reduce the likelihood of hair thinning.

Some of the best food you can eat to promote hair growth include salmon, avocado, nuts, vegetables, eggs, spinach, sweet potatoes, oyster, shrimp, nuts, berries, and soybeans.

The bottom line is that your diet directly affects the health of your hair so consider eating healthier meals for better hair in the long-run.

In addition, shopping for healthier food using the right grocery credit card can let you access exclusive deals to save on your monthly grocery bill.

3. Minimise the use of heating tools that cause damage

Hair dryers, straighteners, hot curlers. These are just a few of the hair styling tools that many cannot live without. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to heat not only dries out your hair but also causes frizz, damage, and breakage which are often difficult to repair.

If you absolutely must use heating tools, here are some methods you can adopt to prevent damaging your hair.

  • Before using a heat styling tool, make sure to prep your hair with a heat protectant. Many of these protectants can keep flyaways to a minimum and fortify hair strands against overheating from heat styling.
  • Hold your hair dryer about six inches away from the surface of your hair. Constantly move the dryer to blow-dry different parts of your hair instead of concentrating on one spot.
  • Limit your heat styling sessions to two or three times a week to give your hair enough time to recover in between each session.
  • Set your heat styling tools to a lower setting to reduce the chance of overheating your hair.

4. Reduce overwashing which leads to frizz

Singapore’s hot and humid weather is the primary reason why many people can’t get past a day without washing their hair; some may even run the risk of overwashing.

While keeping your hair clean is essential for managing healthy hair, washing it too often may cause your scalp to become dry. Also, overwashing can cause your skin to secrete more oil to soothe the scalp.

Another scenario that may occur by overwashing your hair is that you could dry up the texture, causing your hair to lose its natural shine and become frizzy.

ALSO READ: Can these TikTok trends really reverse hairfall? A scalp specialist shares his thoughts and reveals what you can do to prevent more hair loss

5. Pay attention to your scalp

Maintaining a healthy scalp is important for having healthier hair. The scalp has a rich microbiome of bacteria and fungus necessary to keep the skin and hair healthy.

When it is not cleansed properly or in contact with harsh chemicals too often, the scalp can get damaged and this eventually leads to hair loss and other common hair problems.

To maintain a healthy scalp, hair experts suggest regular home remedies such as scalp massage to activate blood circulation.

However, if you’re already witnessing more severe scalp problems and hair loss issues, seeking help from a professional hair consultant could be a wise choice. The following are five hair centres in Singapore that provide comprehensive scalp treatments

Where to find scalp treatments in Singapore

Outlet Service Price
6 Elements Hair Spa by Jean Yip Hydrotherapy scalp spa treatment Not available
Yun Nam Hair Care One-time trial for scalp analysis and treatment $28
TK TrichoKare One-time trial for hair and scalp treatment $45
Apegujeong Hair Studio Scalp treatment and scalp spa detox $120 to $188
Bee Choo Origin Herbal treatment $34 to $64

Simple ways to achieve healthier hair

Paying a bit more attention to how you manage your hair, scalp, and diet can go a long way towards achieving thicker and stronger hair. Many of the methods recommended here can be accomplished on a budget.

Even if you need to shop around for natural hair care products or book a scalp treatment, remember to use the right cashback credit card or rewards credit card to save on your purchases.

What’s more, you can even consider applying for a shopping credit card, designed specifically for online purchases. Regardless of the credit card that you use, remember to create a budget and spend within your means. After all, having healthy hair doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

ALSO READ: 'Gangster lawyer' Josephus Tan shares why he keeps his hair long and how he maintains his luscious locks

This article was first published in ValueChampion.

homepage

trending

trending
    Montfort Sec bullying: Victim's mum files police report, says son is traumatised
    Despite realising his star power doesn't mean much in China, Tay Ping Hui 'cares deeply' about representing Singapore
    Fewer uni grads in 2024 found full-time work, though more had higher pay: Survey
    'I was scared half to death': Singapore-bound Scoot flight returns to Xi'an after 'rocket-like sparks' reported
    Coming to Singapore: Yoo Yeon-seok's fanmeet, Song Joong-ki to speak at business forum, Lisa's debut album listening party
    Chef Bob creates his health 'recipe' with a Healthier SG GP – here's how it went
    Local stars give support to new eateries by Wang Yuqing and Tang Miaoling's daughter
    Kranji warehouse fire: 7 fire safety-related notices issued in past 7 years
    Chinese singer Curley Gao visits alma mater Dunman High School while in Singapore, buys Milo nuggets and McDonald's fries
    Girl taken to hospital after foot got trapped in Buangkok mall escalator
    14-vehicle collision along PIE: Passenger, 82, and motorcyclist, 25, among 8 injured
    Pope Francis remains critical and has 'slight' kidney issue, Vatican says

Singapore

Singapore
    • Australian man gets jail, fine for verbally abusing ICA officers and using another person's passport to attempt leaving Singapore
    • Jail for woman who livestreamed sex act at HDB void deck and husband
    • Nearly 10 years' jail for payroll staff who stole $5.7m to fund lavish lifestyle, including $3.7m penthouse
    • Singaporean killed in Spain: Prosecution pursues murder charge against Mitchell Ong
    • Daily roundup: Fewer uni grads in 2024 found full-time work, though more had higher pay — and other top stories today
    • Budget 2025 about strengthening Singapore's social support system and economy, says PM Wong
    • 'As long as I'm able and still relevant, I'll be around': PSP chairman Tan Cheng Bock says he'll contest GE2025
    • 'A tough decision': People's Power Party quits People's Alliance for Reform led by Lim Tean
    • 'We cannot serve money': Singapore family with 4 children live on single income without tuition or travel
    • 'Cheated death': Pipe punctures lorry windscreen at Yishun junction

Entertainment

Entertainment
    • Zhang Yaodong, accused of fathering children with multiple women, reportedly no longer with Mediacorp
    • 'Sometimes he will show me pity': Tay Ping Hui's assistant reveals his quirks, goes on hiking trip with him
    • Dylan Wang, Angela Chang, Li Qin and more to attend Yuewen Global IP Awards at Resorts World Sentosa on Feb 28
    • 'I would be grateful if I'm still known at 40': Jackson Wang ponders life, fame, happiness
    • G-Dragon, Elton John, J-hope: Singapore concert calendar for 2025
    • Shogun and Only Murders in the Building win top TV honors at SAG Awards
    • Conclave wins top honour at Screen Actors Guild Awards
    • Ali Abbasi says sorry over 'groping' allegation
    • Keanu Reeves confirms story ready for Constantine sequel
    • Rihanna describes ageing as 's***, but also a blessing'

Lifestyle

Lifestyle
    • 'Thank you for being part of our journey': Prata Wala announces closure, sole remaining franchised outlet to rebrand
    • Popular Uncle Lee Confectionery launches vending machine in Woodleigh
    • I tried chef Mathew Leong's pop-up blending Asian and Nordic fare, and I wish it lasted more than 5 days
    • Manhattan Fish Market closes last Singapore outlet in Northpoint City
    • All aboard: Best train journeys to explore Europe during the off-peak season
    • Mercedes-Benz Singapore's new charging service combines access to over 3,000 EV charging stations in one app
    • Visit Jordan: Discover a land where time stands still
    • 10 practical tips to renovate a family-friendly 4-room HDB flat for 3 kids
    • BMW iX2 review: Just an electrified version of the X2?
    • Dancing in Damascus: Syrians cling to culture under Islamists' rule

Digicult

Digicult
    • A $500 wake-up call: How the Samsung Galaxy Ring made me realise my stress
    • Monster Hunter Wilds producer explains how game has remained unique and fresh over 20 years
    • Australia fines Telegram for delay in answering child abuse, terror questions
    • Embracing the future: A personal guide to how to get started with artificial intelligence
    • Australian children able to bypass age limit set by social media platforms, report shows
    • South Korea spy agency says DeepSeek 'excessively' collects personal data
    • Paris AI summit draws world leaders and CEOs eager for technology wave
    • Prism+ Sentinel Door Lock and Sentry Pro Gate Lock review: Say hello to hands-free convenience
    • Russian TV falls for fake report on DeepSeek's 'Soviet code'
    • Italy says 7 people targeted by spyware on WhatsApp

Money

Money
    • Singapore's economy grew 4.4% in 2024, beating forecasts
    • DBS to give staff $1,000 special bonus, introduce capital return dividend
    • How much money do insurance agents in Singapore make from your policies?
    • 'Wow, an additional ang bao': Singaporeans weigh in on Budget 2025 announcements
    • Singapore company sued by Novo Nordisk over $1.7b hypertension drug deal
    • Trump says unfair to US if Musk builds factory in India
    • Budget 2025: Singapore children aged 12 and below to get $500 LifeSG credits
    • Budget 2025: Eligible Singaporeans to receive up to $800 in vouchers for SG60
    • More CDC vouchers, $500 Edusave top-up: What you should know about Budget 2025
    • Budget 2025: Additional $100 worth of Climate Vouchers, programme to be extended to Singaporeans living in private properties

Latest

Latest
  • UN chief: We must spare no effort to end war in Ukraine
  • Thousands in limbo on Thai-Myanmar border after scam centre crackdown
  • After 3 years of war, Trump hands Russian economy a lifeline
  • Russia says it wants a long-term Ukraine peace deal, not a quick US-backed ceasefire
  • Bangladeshi students who ousted former PM Hasina set to launch political party
  • Russian official visits Indonesia and Malaysia to talk defence, Russian agencies report
  • Germany's Merz questions the longevity of Nato's 'current form'
  • New Zealand foreign minister to question Chinese naval activity in Beijing visit
  • EU and Israel to discuss Gaza's future, regional politics

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It
  • 10-year-old girl hurt by pebbles thrown from condo's 11th storey by toddler
  • Truck driver flees in hit-and-run involving 2 motorcyclists on SLE
  • Malaysia to build $786 million integrated property comprising mall, apartments and hotel next to JB-Singapore RTS Link station
  • Man slashed by cleaver in drunken fight near JB checkpoint
  • Third train disruption in less than a week: Circle Line resumes service after signalling fault
  • Car plunges from 3rd floor of Malaysian building after driver accidentally floors accelerator
  • New ICA services centre to open in April, public can self-collect identity cards and passports there from July
  • Selangor mall shooting: Manhunt underway for suspect who fired at janitor, hijacked car
  • WP new faces hit the ground in areas like Tampines and Punggol; party may contest over 30 seats in GE2025: Observers
This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.