Every woman wants beautiful hair – whether her hair be long, short or in between. And, it’s not just about some glitzy shampoo that a sexy model advertises on TV!

So, what can we do for gorgeous hair?

1) Eat right – as I’ve stated before, it’s supposed to be a duh, but it really is something we Americans struggle with. However, proper nutrition is the cornerstone for health AND beauty.

2) Drink plenty of water – again, a duh – and again, not enough of us do it.

3) Exercise – I know, UGH! But, increased blood flow, better circulation and heart health and better overall health SHOW via our skin, nails and hair.

4) Scalp stimulation. This isn’t just for hair growth, it helps scalp health as well. Here’s a couple of good tips:

a) Sitting comfortably grab handfuls of your hair and *gently* pull straight out. Do this all over your head twice. Try to do this each day – before a shower or washing your hair.

b) Reflexology for the head…how can it help? Well, much in the same way as my previous tip. Scalp stimulation and the unclogging of hair follicles contributes to both growth and health of hair. Sitting comfortably, form your hands into loose fists. Taking the knuckles of your hands, gently tap all over your head – making sure you get ALL of your head at least twice. Believe it or not, you’ll actually feel a cool/tingling sensation when you’re done. Now, don’t hit too hard – that’ll just give you an unattractive and painful lump!

c) My gramma SWORE by this one and I have to admit that although, even as a Dr. of Reflexology, I have NO idea why it works, it does work. Try this for getting your hair to grow. Position the fingernails of each hand towards each other with hands cupped. BRISKLY buff nails of your hands together (back and forth) for at least five minutes a day. Now, head reflexes are at the tips of fingers, and maybe that is why this works so well. But, for whatever reason, it rocks

5) A good shampoo and conditioner – and, if you do some searches in this site,  you’ll find some great *natural* shampoos, conditioners and ‘problem fixers’ that are really inexpensive to make – many times using things already found in your fridge.

6) Ok, I fibbed – this tip will cost some money – but nearly everyone recognizes the need for some supplements in their daily routine so I figured I’d include a few that are great for hair.

a) Biotin – Contained naturally in foods such as cheese, raspberries, eggs, liver, chicken and avocados, most people get enough Biotin in their regular diets without ever having to worry about a deficiency. The function of Biotin is to help the body make use of essential folic acids, pantothenic acid, protein and vitamin B-12. Although very rare, Biotin deficiency can cause fatigue, Hair Loss, depression, skin rash and skin discoloration. I get my biotin from Hair, Skin & Nails by Rexall and I love it!

b) Omega-3 Fish Oils – Just as I’ve recommended for skin, fish oils rock for the hair too. Fish oil helps maintain a good luster of the hair. Omega three has hair growing properties as it provides nourishment to the follicles. It therefore aids in faster development of hair and preventing hair loss. A good supply of proteins is also necessary for hair growth. Since most fish varieties are rich in protein, eating fish helps in keeping healthy hair.

c) Flax Seed Oil – Promote healthy hair and nails. The abundant omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to contribute to healthy hair growth (in fact, low levels of these acids may cause dry and lackluster locks). Hair problems exacerbated by psoriasis or eczema of the scalp may respond to the skin-revitalizing and anti-inflammatory actions of flaxseed oil as well. Similarly, the oil’s EFAs work to nourish dry or brittle nails, stopping them from cracking or splitting.

d) A good multi-vitamin – this is just a great staple to include regardless.

7) My final tip? Beer. Good ol’ cheapo beer – you know, like PBR or Busch. As a matter of fact, make it warm, stale beer! (yes, I’m serious) The Proteins from the malt and Hops in the beer coat the hair and build it up and help repair damage. It leaves the hair with wonderful body. After your shampoo, rinse your hair with a little beer. This can help restore shine. Honestly, it makes your hair shinier than any fancy-schmancy conditioner or treatment I’ve ever found. This is one I’ll swear by!

Here’s a couple of recipes to get you started:

Beer Shampoo

* 3/4 cup beer (any cheap brand)
* 1 cup inexpensive shampoo

Boil the beer until it reduces to 1/4 cup. Cool the beer and add it to the 1 cup of inexpensive shampoo

Beer Hair Rinse

If you want to do something nice for your hair, rinse it once a month with flat beer. After applying the beer, you can rinse the hair with warm water or not, as you choose. The beer acts as a natural setting lotion, giving blow-dried hair increased vitality, resilience and hold. The B Vitamins and natural sugar add body and shine. Don’t worry; the stale beer smell will disappear very quickly.

Super Body Hair Treatment

* 2 tablespoons molasses
* 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatine
* 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
* 1 tablespoon stale beer

Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Comb or brush into hair. Cover hair with a plaster shower cap or wrap with a Sheet of plastic wrap. Cover with a thick terrycloth towel. Leave the treatment on for 30 minutes, then rinse in warm water. Shampoo the hair.

That’s about it for now – but I think it’s enough to start you on the road to gorgeous, shiny hair!