How to take better care of your hair

HOW TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR HAIR

We have about 100,000 hairs on our heads. Each hair shaft has three layers, with the cuticle, or outside layer, protecting the two inner layers. Shiny hair is a sign of health because the layers of the cuticle lie flat and reflect light. When the scales of the cuticle lie flat they overlap tightly, so the inner layers are well protected from heat, sun, chlorine, and all the other hazards that can come from living in our environment. When hair is damaged, though, the scales may separate and hair can become dry. Because the scales on dry hair don't protect the inner two layers as well, hair can break and look dull.

The type of hair a person has whether it's straight or curly can also affect how shiny it is. Sebum, which is the natural oil on the hair, covers straight hair better than curly hair, which is why straight hair can appear shinier. Depending, how long a person's hair is or how fast it grows, the end of each hair shaft can be a couple of years old. So the hair at the end of the shaft could have survived a few summers of scorching sun and saltwater and winters of cold, dry air. How well you care for your hair from the time it emerges from the root plays a role in how healthy it looks. There are different things that affect our hair which makes them not to grow well, but am going to discuss more on few of them.

THE REALITY OF WATER’S EFFECT ON HAIR

when you think of getting your hair wet, showering and swimming come to mind. But our hair also absorbs water when we exercise through sweat, when we visit the sauna, hammam or spa (thanks to the steam) and, of course, when we get caught in a rainstorm and forget our umbrella. So this affects the wellbeing of our hair. For one thing the hair shaft is permeable, which means it absorbs moisture and when it does it “swells”. In this moisture-laden state, our hair becomes more sensitive.
Add to this the fact that seawater and sweat contain their fair share of salt, which has a tendency to dry out the hair shaft. Chlorine, meanwhile, contains a mixture of chemicals and can be even harsher on your hair, not to mention the changes in colour it can provoke on blonde hair. Excessive sweating takes the potential damage one step further, as in the long term it can lead to hair loss, but this is less frequent.

WAYS TO AVOID IT IS AS FOLLOWS:

·         Shampoo your hair with a frequent-use product after exercising and/or a spa visit.

·         For pool swimmers, wet your hair with regular, soft water before swimming and apply a moisturizing conditioner after your post-pool shampoo.

·         If you can’t wash your hair after each swimming or exercising session, then be sure to at least rinse it.

·         Apply a hair mask at least twice a week.

·         If you don’t have soft water in your home, think about getting a water softener or purifier. Hard water contains a higher level of minerals, which can cause your hair to be dull and be harder to wash.

·         Rinse your hair with a cup of warm water and a teaspoon of white vinegar after your shampoo and conditioner.

HOW POLLUTION AFFECTS THE HAIR

Unless you live in a tiny village by the sea or in a tree house in the forest, If not, there are chances of you been exposed to pollution. Most of us are concerned and rightly so by the harm air pollution can inflict on our respiratory system, but it also takes its toll on our skin and hair. Scientists have gone so far as to claim that pollution has an active role in hair loss. Dust, dirt and smoke settle onto the hair, causing it to get dirty faster. The scalp is also a victim as pollutants act as an aggressor to that sensitive area, making it even more fragile.

In addition, dust and smoke coat the hair, which can cut down drastically on the shine factor. Smoke from cigars and cigarettes have a similar effect even if you’re not the one smoking. Presently, bars and restaurants have banned smoking, so that will help reduce the effect on those who are not smoking with them.

FEW WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR HAIR FROM THESE NOXIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

·         Shampoo your hair more often with gentle, frequent use products.

·         Massage your scalp on a daily basis, as increasing blood flow will encourage a healthier scalp.

·         Wear a hat or scarf a fashion statement in all seasons.

·          The stress of city life can have a detrimental effect on your hair, so set aside a few moments of down time every day.

Some hair care brands offer “anti-pollution” products, which are said to create a protective film around the hair shaft. There is no scientific proof that these products actually cut down on the negative effects of pollution, but you try them to see if it works for you.

EFFECT OF DIET ON YOUR HAIR

Eating a balanced diet will make a big difference on your hair. Your hair needs vitamins and minerals just like the rest of your body. For example, zinc and protein are needed, and without them, you are more likely to experience hair loss. You should also drink plenty of water each day to keep your body and your hair hydrated. Not enough water can cause your hair to feel dry to the touch. Also, make sure you get enough sleep each night. The amount of hours you need depends on you. This could be anywhere from five hours to ten hours per night. This is your body's time to rest and repair itself. If any damage has been done to your scalp or your hair, your body will work on fixing it naturally while you sleep.

BRUSHING OF HAIR WELL

Brushing your hair can actually help improve the shine. Brushing evenly distributes the oils from the scalp throughout the hair shaft. If you have long hair that tends to tangle on the ends, you should start brushing on the ends to remove any tangles, and work your way up to the scalp. You should never brush wet hair. When hair is wet is it much weaker than when it is dry. Wet hair will break very easily if it is not combed very gently. If you have long hair, you should squeeze the excess water from your hair with a towel. Never rub your hair between the towel to dry it, this can cause severe breakage. Before combing, a leave-in conditioner should be sprayed on the hair to help restore shine and help remove tangles. Using a wide tooth comb, comb hair from the ends and work your way up.

DON’T USE TOO MANY HAIR PRODUCTS

Don’t weigh down your hair with too many products; remember, less is more! If you have oily locks go ahead and shampoo daily, but for normal or dry hair restrict yourself to every few days at the most. Choose a gentle, frequent-use shampoo (Beauty-id’s Vitamin + Kiwi shampoo, for example) and remember to condition the tips. Keep your styling products to a minimum as well.

FREQUENT HOME COLOURING

It’s counterproductive to skip a visit to the salon in order to colour your own hair. Home-colouring kits are often harsher on your hair than what you’ll get in the salon and how to be sure you’ll hit on the right colour? You’re better off visiting your stylist your hair will thank you for it.

HAIR IN THE SUN

No matter how good it feels to have a sunbath, this is the last thing your hair needs. Excessive sun exposure, especially in warmer months, will leave your hair drier and more brittle. If wearing a hat is not for you, apply UV-protection products and condition more frequently.

HOW TO DEAL WITH DANDRUFF FOR A BETTER HAIR

Dandruff means that the dead skin cells on your scalp flake off and your scalp can become excessively itchy. It generally comes from an overly oily scalp, which can be the result of poor hygiene, an unhealthy diet, and hormonal imbalances or, last but not least, stress. Overuse of styling products can encourage dandruff as the build-up of products can cause an oily scalp.

THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO TREAT DANDRUFF NAMELY:  

·         Washing your hair regularly- yes, it can come from having dirty hair and using an anti-dandruff shampoo when needed. Don’t use dandruff shampoo every time you wash your hair; it’s best to alternate with your everyday shampoo. Be sure to massage it into your scalp with your fingertips without digging your nails into your scalp.

·         Try an herbal dandruff shampoo first as many of these contain ingredients like tea tree oil and ginger that do wonders to clear up the condition, naturally. If you have a serious case, see your dermatologist, but if not, stay away from medicinal shampoos.

·         It’s a good idea to brush with a natural bristle, brush every day as this exfoliates your scalp and gets your blood circulating.

·         Your diet is also important: avoid fatty and processed foods and favour greens, fish, lean meat and foods rich in vitamin B and zinc. And get a bit of sun studies have shown that a little sunlight is a good way to treat dandruff.

SOME WAYS THAT CLEAR UP DANDRUFF

Vinegar Rinse: Blend one part cider vinegar to two parts water and rinse your hair with the mixture after you shampoo. This will not only calm your dandruff problem, but will also make your hair shinier.

HOW TO GET RID OF LICE

If you’ve never had lice, count yourself among the lucky ones. If you have, chances are you’ll do nearly anything to avoid repeating the experience. Although children are the most susceptible to catching it, you can get lice at any age. Despite the old wives tales, how clean or dirty your hair may be has nothing to do with catching lice; indeed, some “experts” say that lice are even more attracted to clean hair. If your scalp is unusually itchy, look closer they like to hunker down at the base of the hairline in the neck or over the ears, and close to the scalp. You can tell them apart from dandruff easily. Dandruff falls away, whereas lice or nits (lice in the egg stage) cling on for dear life.To actually kill lice and nits you need to apply a chemical product. But do your research, as some brands are less toxic than others look for one that can be left on just an hour or so, instead of overnight. These lotions can take their toll on your hair, and especially on children’s more fragile locks, so only apply them in confirmed cases, not preventatively.

If you are wholly opposed to the chemical solution, you can try the natural route mayonnaise or olive oil. But be forewarned: these products will not kill lice; they will only make it easier to comb them out. Like the chemical lotions, apply all over your hair and scalp and then comb out with a fine-tooth metal comb. You can also apply a chemical lotion first and follow it up with an olive oil pack to give a bit of moisture back to your hair and as a second, back-up, combing session. After treatment, wash your hair with a gentle, frequent use shampoo, such as Beauty-id’s Daily Shampoo, fortified with vitamins and kiwi extract. As you’re treating your hair, wash everything that comes into contact with your head at a high temperature hats, scarves, combs, brushes, headbands and even barrettes. Then move on to the bed linens, stuffed animals and pillows.

GREY HAIR

 GREY HAIR COLOUR

No matter how technologically advanced our hair care products are today, our hair still ages, which means it thins, goes gray and sometimes falls out. But what exactly happens to our hair as we age? Like our bones and organs, including our skin, there are just fewer cells reproducing as we get older, and our hair in no exception, and a lack of protein within the hair shaft means thinner and oftentimes coarser strands. When it comes to gray hair, for years it’s been common knowledge that the melanin inside the hair naturally slows down production as we age. But a recent discovery by Germany and UK-based scientific teams has called into question the traditional thinking on why we go gray. Their recent studies have shown that the appearance of gray hair is actually caused by a build-up of hydrogen peroxide within the roots of our hair.

While hydrogen peroxide is naturally present in our bodies and our hair, a gradual build-up, say the experts, targets the enzymes that control the creation of melanin, which dictates our hair color.
What does this mean in the long term? For one it’s a great starting point. If scientists have hit on why our hair actually goes gray, is it so far-fetched to imagine a “cure” for those unwanted signs of passing time? Hair-coloring brands may not like the sound of this, but for the moment they are safe. We are still going gray, whether we like it or not!

ANTI-AGING HAIR CARE

 ANTI-AGING HAIR COLOUR

Anti-aging hair care products, marketers are aiming to meet the needs of an increasingly older population. But we can’t believe brands’ promises that their products will make our hair younger, or at least make it look younger. Well there’s certainly no denying that our hair changes as we age and giving its more loving care can only be a good thing. So-called anti-aging hair care products boast higher doses of vitamins, silicone and most importantly, protein. As hair ages the strands becomes weaker, and therefore more lacking in protein. The addition of protein to the hair shaft, either through styling aids or shampoos and conditioners, means it is being strengthened.

Brands are also incorporating sun-protection ingredients into their products. There are a number of styling and cleansing items which now boast a SPF. This too is also logical, as hair that is regularly exposed to the sun and its UV rays tends to show signs of damage early on.
Using these products will do your hair good, they provide much-needed moisture and they do indeed protect your hair from the sun, with that you get nothing to lose. But don’t be fooled into thinking that just because you buy anti-aging products for your hair you won’t experience thinning hair, a change in texture or, sometimes, full-blown hair loss; after all, you can’t turn back the clock. But no matter what your age, you can be kind to your hair, and that is the best you can do for young-looking locks. Give it much-needed moisture through conditioning masks at least twice a week, use shampoo and conditioner adapted to your hair type, go easy on the styling products, brush it every day and eat a healthy diet free of processed foods. Your hair will grow well and look good, no matter how old it is.