Hair care is a journey. Pretty profound, yep, I know, but in some manner it is. Many of us - especially me - have been looking for just the right combination of products and appliances to give us the best hair care. Shampoo, conditioners, styling appliances like flat irons, curling irons or curlers, and styling aids have all played a role in giving us the hair style we want.
For me the journey to find the perfect look has been elusive. There's just not much you can do with thin hair and a couple of well-placed and prominent cow-licks. Its just not going to happen. The quest, however, remained active into my twenties until work, girls, and outside activities took the main stage. I simply didn't have the time or interest to work on what seemed to be a hopeless endeavor. I did realize that I could do with what I had and that proper hair care would help me greatly.
Fortunately many of you were born with or have the fundamental tools for great hair. Proper use of styling tools and hair care products result in some really gorgeous hair...I see it every day. What I have come to realize, though, is many folks become experts in styling but don't understand some of the basic biology of the hair. To do so brings you enlightenment - or at least a bit of useful info. Here we go...let's do the technical stuff first. This will surely impress your friends!
Generally, our bodies have three different hair types: Lanugo, Vellus, and Terminal hairs (not to be confused with those that have fallen out). The first hairs to appear in the follicle are Lanugo which are fine and wispy, without the medulla, or hardened core. They have little or no color, vary in length, and are often very short. They are formed before birth - peach fuzz.
Vellus hairs resemble Lanugo hairs, rarely exceeding several centimeters and can best be characterized as the smallest, light facial hairs generally found on females on the side of the face or at the back of the neck. They're very common in adolescents.
The largest of the hairs are terminal hairs and are the most common and noticeable of hair types. Terminal hairs on the scalp have been known to exceed 39 inches in length, though body Terminal hairs rarely exceed 1 inch - thank goodness. Body hair patterns are related to the three types of hairs. Lanugo hairs are replaced by vellus hairs as we grow older except for hairs on the scalp and face where they are replaced by terminal hairs which are coarse and grow longer.
Follicles are distributed over the entire surface of the skin except for palms and soles. Hairs develop out of the follicle at an angle to the skin's surface, and regardless of the hair's size or length, all hairs are "born" in the hair bulb, a mass of cells at the base of the follicle.
The hair growth cycle is comprised of three unique stages: The Anagen growth phase lasts 3-4 years whereby hair continues to grow. The Catagen phase is transitional and can last up to three months - and the hair no longer grows. The Telogen phase is where a new hair bulb and follicle begins new life - its also where the hair falls out. Its important to note, and very fortunate, that all our hairs are moving through this growth cycle independently. So, its no big deal to see a few hairs fall out now and then.
Well, if you're still with me, let's discuss how all this relates to hair care. As noted, hair grows through cycles beginning with the bulb. Needless to say hair is made-up of cells and cells like water...or better said, hydration. For proper cellular structure to develop, your need moisture, and lots of it. What else does it need? Well, like other cells in our body, they need nutrition. Vitamins, nutrient, proteins and amino acids all get together to give you great, healthy hair.
Now, so what does this mean and what should I be thinking while I'm taking a shower and washing my hair? Hair needs moisture. Hair gets moisture several different ways. One, you can drink plenty of fluids, eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables, or two, you can supplement moisture content by using shampoos and conditioners that externally and topically infuse moisture into the follicle shaft. Moisture helps maintain hair health, while adding body and fullness. While we're on the subject, conditioners come in many types - rinse-out or leave-in. Both are effective, but if you style with a flat iron or curling iron you might consider leave-in conditioners formulated with protectants to reduce heat damage. And, while still on the subject, please don't take a flat iron to wet hair. That is called steaming, not straightening.
With that said, look for shampoos and conditioners rich in moisturizing active ingredients, drink plenty of fluids, and don't over-style. There is no need to strip your hair of moisture after all that hard work.
Next, hair needs vitamins to grow properly and maintain its health. Nutrition is paramount to healthy hair. Assuming you're eating a balanced diet, everything should be OK - your hair will grow properly, it will have adequate moisture retention, will have improved elasticity. If your traveling and on the go and spending too much time in the drive-thru, you might consider supplementing your diet with hair vitamins. These are specific formulations developed to enhance hair growth and vitality. They're good for your nails, too.
So, there you have it...a bit long, but to the point - kind of. Hair care requires proper nutrition and moisture for healthy hair. Regular use of a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, protecting your hair from heat-damage, using hair appliances carefully, avoiding perms, chemical treatments, and excessive coloring, and moderate use of styling products, should keep your hair healthy and wise.
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