Most people think basic hair care involves salon visits for hot oils and hair spas. To save on cost and to save that hair, we may need to practice personal hair care practices such washing, brushing, and styling. Let us start to beautify your hair from root to tip with this basic information in mind. Hair health and strength largely depends on oily scalp secretion and circulation which tends to give it gloss and luster. We must remember that it is made up of structured protein called keratin that determines its docility.
As soon as it comes out they die and become hardened to form the hair shaft and guard the most delicate layers below. Knowing that the shaft is dead it simply does not have the ability to repair itself thus making any damage permanent. To once again have shiny easy to manage hair, one must wait for new undamaged ones to grow. Generally it grows about A�” per month. The goal of this basic hair care is to minimize damage and provide temporary improvement.
We find hair in all shapes, sizes, and textures but taking care of them is practically the same all throughout the process. The ultimate skill one must learn is combing and brushing hair as an early morning routine. Detangle hair first with a large tail comb 11″ long made of bone that has A�” of space between the teeth. It is not healthy to just pull or tug delicate hair strands because it will result to hair breakage. Combing makes it easy for us to wash the hair. Then brush the hair to help redistribute the oil and loosen dirt.
This is extremely beneficial for normal hair because it moves the oil from the scalp to the entire hair strands. Brush about 1″ away from your scalp if you have oily hair. To complete the process for long hair, try bending at the waist and put your head down then move the brush from the back of your head to the front. Never apply the 100 strokes a day myth for hair care because it is already excessive brushing that may cause more damage. Combing or brushing helps maintain a well groomed appearance.
The next best thing is to wash your hair with a mild shampoo as often as necessary. Wet your hair thoroughly with warm or lukewarm water to wash the oil and dirt off. Then pour shampoo on the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and then apply the shampoo to your scalp. Shampoos have the components that may dry your hair and cause it to split so it is wise to apply the shampoo to your scalp and not at the ends of your hair directly. If your shampoo isn’t lathering it may need more water because it is not wet enough. Do not add anymore shampoos. During shampoo, massage the scalp with the tips of your fingers to avoid scalp irritation. A five minute scalp massage stimulates circulation and makes the hair grow. Make a good lather or foam and distribute it throughout the hair strands after doing scalp massage.
For excessively long or damaged hair, you may divide the scalp into quadrants or half then shampoo, just follow the process. Oily hair may need a second shampoo to get the hair and scalp thoroughly cleaned. Second shampoos also serve to treat the hair just leave it on your hair for a few seconds. Rinse hair completely using either lukewarm or warm water. Shampoos work best with warm water. Never pull or tug your hair to get the excess water out before applying conditioner. Simply squeeze the water out gently.
Soaking wet strands don’t absorb conditioner very well. Use conditioners after shampooing to coat hair strands with thin film for a smooth feel and to fill in rough, uneven surfaces. Conditioners add body and makes hair manageable. You should apply conditioners right after shampooing. Apply it along the hairline, nape, and ends of the hair. Wrap your hair with a hair cap and let it stay for about 10 minutes. Rinse off your hair with cold water to add shine to your hair and boost circulation in your scalp. Conditioner is already washed out when your hair feels slightly slippery. Best conditioners to use are protein based conditioners.
Wrap hair with a towel and pat it dry. Try not to rub hair to prevent hair breakage. Then comb wet hair with a wide toothed, smooth-edged comb with blunt tips. You may then work out tangles by combing gently from the ends and work towards the scalp. People always do this the wrong way. Never brush wet hair because it can tear your hair. Remember not to wash your hair more than once a day for you might be removing too much of the natural oil found in the hair. Try alternating shampoos using one type once or twice a week. Changing brands will keep your hair shiny and full of life. Traditional bar soaps are not recommended for hair use. Soap bonds with oil with such affinity that it tends to remove too much when used as a shampoo replacement.
Air drying or blow drying your hair is simply a matter of choice. Hair is not susceptible to damage when air dried as when it is blow dried. When blow drying set the temperature to medium and make sure the hair is not soaking wet. Hold the dryer at least 6″ away from your hair moving it constantly around your head. Then bend over and blow-dry your hair hanging upside down. Never dry your hair completely with a blow dryer. Hair is very fragile and it is best to stop while it is still slightly damp. Now we are done with basic hair care and you will see nice improvements in your hair for the next few weeks.