What is hair?
Human hair is made up of 97 % protein called Keratin. The visible part of our hair is called the shaft and is in fact dead tissue; the only living part of our hair is the root, which lies just under our scalp in what’s known as the follicle. Every single hair consists of three layers, the outer layer is the hairs protective shield and it has tiny overlapping scales. When these scales lie flat our hair will look and feel glossy, if these scales are damaged then hair can be dull, brittle and tangles easily. The next layer is the cortex and this is responsible for giving the hair its strength and elasticity, this is also the layer responsible for melanin, which gives our hair its colour. At the centre of these layers is the medulla and this is believed to supply the other two layers with nutrients.
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/20 | Permalink to this article
Hair problems and solutions - Fine hair
Fine hair looks limp and flat and tends not to hold its style. This can often be hereditary but is often made worse by using the wrong conditioner, something that is too heavy for your hair type, excessive styling products can also add to the problem. Try washing the hair with mild shampoo and light conditioner, some volumizing shampoos can help with giving the hair extra body giving the hair the appearance of being thicker and fuller.
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/20 | Permalink to this article
Hair problems and solutions - Flaky & itchy scalp
The scalp can be red and itchy producing flaky skin and making the hair look dull, again this can be hereditary although stress, product residue or allergy, air condition, pollution and central heating can all cause this. Make sure that you use a moisturising shampoo followed by a herbal conditioner to help soothe the scalp
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/20 | Permalink to this article
Hair problems and solutions - Frizzy hair
This normally results in air moisture being absorbed into the hair; hair can look dull, lack lustre and can be difficult to manage. If this condition is not inherited it is likely to be caused by rough treatment like harsh brushing and scraping hair into hair bands. When you wash the hair make sure that you massage the shampoo in to the roots and lather right through to the ends. Try a leave in conditioner and dry the hair naturally where possible, for best results use gel as a styling product when the hair is wet and allow drying away from extreme heat or cold.
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/20 | Permalink to this article
Hair problems and solutions - Split ends
These occur when the shaft gets damaged, hair is dry, brittle and prone to tangling and can be split at the ends. Over perming and colouring can cause this along with insufficient conditioning. Brushing or backcombing, not having regular trims, excessive heat styling can all contribute. Split ends cannot be mended and the only long term solution is to have them cut off, what you loose in length will be gained in quality so don’t despair. Shampoo your hair less frequently and make sure that hairdryers are not on too high a temperature and are not too near the hair, try a conditioner or serum to help minimise and give resistance to further splitting.
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/20 | Permalink to this article
Hair problems and solutions - Dandruff
Dandruff is made up of scaly particles that have a slight oily sheen and stick close to the root/scalp and can be caused by poor diet, hormonal imbalance, slow metabolism or an infection. Brushing the hair before you shampoo the hair with a mild anti-dandruff shampoo will help to loosen the scales, followed by a treatment lotion. Try to avoid excessive use of heat styling tools is this can aggravate it.
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/20 | Permalink to this article
Shampoo and massage
Brush your hair before shampooing to loosen any dirt and free any tangles and make sure that you drench your hair thoroughly for at least one minute, you will find you use less shampoo and the hair is easier to wash. Always ensure you use the correct shampoo for your hair type, remember shampoo is designed to remove dirt and grime without stripping the hair. Massaging the scalp helps keep it healthy and improves the circulation and in turn aids the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. You can massage your hair whilst shampooing or as a treat why not try massaging your scalp with a little warm olive oil of the skin is dry or tight. If you have problems with an oily scalp mix equal parts of witch hazel and sparkling water, for normal scalp types try equal part rose water and sparkling water. Start the massage by rotating your fingertips on your scalp taking care not to use your nails, beginning at the forehead and working your way back and to the sides then around to the nape of the neck. Next push your fingertips on to your scalp without pressing too hard push the fingertips together and the spread apart and repeat in a gentle kneading motion, continue for approximately one minute in each section of head moving as required.
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/20 | Permalink to this article
Diet and hair
Healthy hair relies upon a good diet to supply your hair with all the necessary nutrients; if you eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh produce then you should not require any supplementary vitamins to support healthy growth. A good supply of protein in your diet is essential, lean meat, poultry, fish, cheese, eggs, seeds, nuts and pulses are all good sources of protein. Fish, seaweed, nuts, yoghurt and cottage cheese will help to obtain natural strength and shine. Wholegrain foods help the body form Keratin, which is the main ingredient of hair make up. Try to eat at least 3 to 5 pieces of fruit per day; it contains minerals, fibre & vitamins. Avoiding saturated fats and choosing skimmed or semi skimmed milk will also help
Written by Peace Lily on 2006/12/20 | Permalink to this article
