Have you ever had your hair colored? Is your blow dryer working hard enough? Do you use a hairbrush? You have “damaged” hair if you answered “yes” to any of those questions — yes, even the last one. Don’t give up, though. Because hair is dead tissue and cannot renew like skin, it is dependent on you to maintain its health. Here are the top five tips for doing so.

#1. Hair Coloring Can Do a Great Deal of Damage

No matter the coloring technique used — natural balayage or bright rainbow — strands will inevitably sustain some damage. The chemicals in hair dye must harm the hair for it to keep its color. The cuticle, the outer layer that protects a hair strand, is penetrated during the dyeing process, typically using ammonia. After bleaching the hair to remove its natural color, dye is applied to give the hair a new hue.

#2. Using Dry Shampoos Is Also Bad

Although it works well in a pinch, sudsing up cannot entirely be replaced. You shouldn’t use dry shampoo for more than a few days at a time. And if you do decide to use dry shampoo, pick one that offers additional scalp advantages. Be warned, though, that no amount of dry shampoo will effectively cleanse or eliminate oil or grime. That is the purpose of a shower. Sorry!

#3. Daily Washing

Your hair type is a major factor. While fine or oily hair may require daily washing, curly or thick hair may just require a weekly wash. If you don’t wash your hair often enough, residue can accumulate and potentially prevent new hair from growing. But, frequent washing, particularly with a shampoo that removes natural oils, can dry up hair and result in brittle strands.

#4. Brushing Way Too Often!

Some people still hold onto this old wives’ tale, including one of Kingsley’s patients who was using a very scratchy brush and vigorously brushing 100 times each day, resulting in significant breaking. She advises lightly combing or brushing hair twice — once in the morning and once more right before night. The key is to apply the right technique. Brushing your hair can put undue strain on it, causing your hair to break and snap off. Always begin at the bottom and gradually work your way up. Move slowly and deliberately. Never act violently when doing this. Treat your hair with the same care you would a pricey cloth.

#5. Dandruff?

Almost always, dandruff is greasy rather than dry. Dandruff flakes can also be slightly sticky and yellow in appearance, as opposed to the dry, white flakes that come from a dry scalp. While it might come and go, dandruff is a reoccurring, chronic scalp ailment that typically persists for a considerable amount of time. It frequently gets worse when you’re worried, when your hormone levels change, and after eating particular meals like cheese and other full-fat dairy items. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner while you still have it if you do have it.

If you love true Asian flavors and are looking for a delicious family meal, this recipe is for you! The recipe leans on the bold and bright flavors of lemongrass, garlic, and cilantro which play a key part in the tasty marinade. Served alongside sticky rice, this dish is filling, scrumptious, and a true embodiment of comfort food!

The Necessary Ingredients

This recipe yields around 4 servings and calls for the following ingredients:

• 1 whole 4-pound chicken
• 2 heads of garlic
• 3 lemongrass stalks
• 1 cup of cilantro leaves and stems
• A quarter cup each of oyster sauce and chili garlic sauce
• 3 tablespoons each of fish sauce and soy sauce
• The juice of 2 limes
• A tablespoon of black pepper
• A teaspoon of MSG
• A quarter-cup of granulated sugar
• A pint of cherry tomatoes
• A large onion cut into quarters
• Half a cup of low sodium chicken broth
• Sticky rice to serve

Marinate the Lemongrass Chicken

Place the chicken in a large bowl. Roughly chop the white parts of the lemongrass stalks and reserve the tops. Add the chopped bits to a food processor along with half of the garlic (peeled), cilantro, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, MSG, and black pepper. Once well combined in the food processor, pour the marinade over the chicken. Let the chicken marinate for an hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

Bake With Patience and Care

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. In a roasting pan, place the chicken broth, tomatoes, onion, and remaining garlic cloves (peeled). Place the chicken in the pan breast-side up. Roast for 10 minutes before reducing the heat to 400. Roast the lemongrass chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Baste the chicken twice during the baking process and cover it with aluminum foil at the 40-minute mark. Remove the foil at the end and use the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get the skin crispy. Carve and serve with sticky rice and roasted vegetables!