Hair Care For Different Hair Types

Your hair, much like your skin, can say a lot about your health. Most of us have complaints about our hair. Despite the problems, we choose to ignore it or give minimum

importance to the same. As we ignore the hair problems, it increases and turns into a nightmare. We choose to live with the hair problems as most of us do not know about

the therapies and treatments needed to cure it.

Factors affecting hair

a. Diet and health

b. Hereditary/genes also determine the hair colour and density

c. Chemical and drug reactions

d. Hormonal changes

e. Emotional stress and trauma

The first step to do away with hair problems is to identify your hair type. Often, a simple modification in our hair care regime can go a long way in getting rid of any

complaint we have. Today, there are a wide range of products available in the market catering specifically to one's hair type. A commonly asked question is 'How do I know

what my hair type is?' This article will attempt to answer some basic hair questions.

TYPES OF HAIR

These are some of the regUlar hair types. We should try to identify which one is ours.

Normal Hair

Normal hair is shiny, non-greasy and easy to manage.

Oily Hair

Oily hair feels greasy even a short while after shampoo. It feels as if a conditioner has been applied to such hair and it sometimes looks flat. Very oily hair might slide

out of the follicle early. Oily hair goes with oily skin. The scalp has a tendency to secrete excess oil, which makes it lank and greasy. It is therefore important to keep

the scalp clean.

A hair care regime for oily hair would aim at removing excess oil and exfoliating the skin cells, which clog up and suffocate the hair follicles in the scalp. The emphasis

is on cleansing and toning. Cleansing involves washing and rinsing the hair. It is also essential to rinse the shampoo off thoroughly with cold water after washing with

warm water.

Dry hair

Dry hair is difficult to control after shampooing, it looks thin and rough, it is susceptible to tangles and has ends that are dry and split. It has a non-slippery feel and

does not slide through your fingers. This doesn't necessarily go along with a dry scalp. However, if your scalp is dry, you may develop dandruff and your hair may become

thin if the dandruff is not treated.

The main cause of dry hair is lack of sebum in the scalp, which makes the hair coarse and brittle and susceptible to damage. Poor nutrition, exposure to the sun and over

use of heated appliances can also rob the hair of valuable moisture. Brushing and combing will help to stimulate the scalp and distribute existing oils to the brittle ends.

The aim of a hair care regime for dry hair is to replenish oil and moisture in the hair. So, the emphasis is on conditioning. Frequent shampooing should be avoided.

A generous oil application the night before washing your hair is recommended, as this will condition the hair and scalp and stimulate the oil glands and circulation flow as

well. If your hair is very dry and damaged, apply a hydrating mask once a week. Avoid vigorous drying with a towel after washing your hair, as this will remove essential

moisture. Instead gently squeeze excess water from the hair and blot dry with a towel.

Characteristics of healthy hair

You know that you have healthy hair if you find that it is:

1. Thick and dense

2. Fine and silky, which means not too oily or rough

3. Lustre-filled, having shine and gloss

4. Pliable, capable of setting and styling

5. Full-bodied and not limp or lank