If you want a dictionary like definition, hair is a protein filament that grows from follicles found in the dermis. The dermis is a layer of skin between the epidermis (with which it makes up the cutis) and subcutaneous tissues, that primarily consists of dense irregular connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. Although important for many reasons, most people when thinking about hair are primarily focused on hair growth, hair types, hair color and hair care. Attitudes towards different forms of hair, such as hairstyles and hair removal, vary widely across different cultures and historical periods. Regardless of the hair style or color you prefer, it is important to maintain proper scalp & hair management. Using the proper products & using the proper hair care techniques is important for healthy hair.
Hair care is an overall term for hygiene and cosmetology involving the hair which grows from the human scalp, and to a lesser extent facial, pubic and other body hair. Hair care routines differ according to an individual's culture and the physical characteristics of one's hair. Hair may be colored, trimmed, shaved, plucked or otherwise removed with treatments such as waxing or laser removal such as electrolysis. Hair care services are offered professionally in salons, barbershops and day spas, and products are available commercially for home use as well.
Tip # 1: Sulfate free shampoos are less harming on color treated hair than normal shampoos that contain sulfates. Sulfates strip away natural oils as well as hair dye. Sulfates are also responsible for the foaming effect of shampoos.
Tip # 2: Its main purpose is to reduce friction between strands of hair to allow smoother brushing or combing, which might otherwise cause damage to the scalp.
Tip # 3: There are many ways that people can maintain their hair color, such as:
- Using color-protecting shampoos and conditioners.
- Using sulfate-free shampoo
- Using purple shampoos and conditioners to maintain or enhance the blond color in their hair
- Using leave-in treatments with UV absorbents
- Getting deep-conditioning treatments to smooth and add luster
- Avoiding chlorine
- Using heat protecting products before using styling appliances
Tip # 4: Infrequent trims and lack of hydrating treatments can intensify split ends. Stay hydrated.
Washing hair removes excess sweat and oil, as well as unwanted products from the hair and scalp. Often hair is washed as part of a shower or bathing with shampoo, a specialized surfactant. Shampoos work by applying water and shampoo to the hair. The shampoo breaks the surface tension of the water, allowing the hair to become soaked. This is known as the wetting action. The wetting action is caused by the head of the shampoo molecule attracting the water to the hair shaft. Conversely, the tail of the shampoo molecule is attracted to the grease, dirt and oil on the hair shaft. The physical action of shampooing makes the grease and dirt become an emulsion that is then rinsed away with the water. This is known as the emulsifying action.
Hair conditioner is a hair care cosmetic product used to improve the feel, texture, appearance, and manageability of hair. Its main purpose is to reduce friction between strands of hair to allow smoother brushing or combing, which might otherwise cause damage to the scalp. Various other benefits are often advertised, such as hair repair, strengthening, or a reduction in split ends. Conditioners are available in a wide range of forms including viscous liquids, gels, and creams, as well as thinner lotions and sprays. Hair conditioner is usually used after the hair has been washed with shampoo. It is applied and worked into the hair, and may either be rinsed out a short time later, or left in.
- Learn more about hair conditioning
Hair coloring, or hair dyeing, is the practice of changing the hair color. The primary reason for this are cosmetic: to cover gray or white hair, to change to a color regarded as more fashionable or desirable, or to restore the original hair color after it has been discolored by hairdressing processes or sun bleaching.
Split ends, known formally as trichoptilosis, happen when the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair fibers. This condition involves a longitudinal splitting of the hair fiber. Any chemical or physical trauma, such as heat, that weathers the hair may eventually lead to split ends. Typically, the damaged hair fiber splits into two or three strands and the split may be two to three centimeters in length. Split ends are most often observed in long hair but also occur in short hair that is not in good condition. As hair grows, the natural protective oils of the scalp can fail to reach the ends of the hair. The ends are considered old once they reach about 10 centimeters since they have had long exposure to the sun, gone through many shampoos and may have been overheated by hair dryers and hot irons. This all results in dry, brittle ends which are prone to splitting. Infrequent trims and lack of hydrating treatments can intensify this condition.
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