Hair Types
How you care for your hair will depend on its texture; whether it is dry,
normal or greasy; and whether it has been chemically treated - bleached, dyed or
permed. There are three main elements in hair care: cleaning or shampooing;
conditioning; and brushing or combing. In addition, you may need to protect your
hair from the sun or from chlorine and other chemicals.
Today there is a bewildering number of hair products to choose from, and very
little advice on which ones would best suit your hair. By looking at what many
of these products actually contain - and which ingredients are active - you will
be able to make a more realistic choice.
A thick head of glowing, healthy hair is what we all seek, but it is not
always clear how to achieve it. Some people advise washing your hair less often,
to preserve the natural oils; others washing your hair every day. Washing out
natural oils and replacing them with artificial ones in the form of conditioners
sounds stupid, but this is what most of us have to do to keep our hair clean and
in good shape. Die, too, can be important in nourishing the hair and giving it
bounce and shine. Your general health and the health of your skin can likewise
have and effect on the appearance of your hair.
Before you begin, it is important to establish your hair type and exactly
what kind of hair routine will best suit you. You can then work out what kind of
shampoo and conditioner to use, how best to brush, comb and dry it, and how to
use the many different kinds of applications and hair-care aids.
Dry Hair
Dry hair looks dull, and may tangle easily, in which case it will be
difficult to comb or brush. It is also more likely to split at the ends. Dryness
may be the natural state of your hair, due to your hair follicles tending to
produce too little sebum or natural oils. Excessive shampooing misuse of colors
or perm damage from the sun or harsh weather conditioners can also dry your
hair.
Normal Hair
Normal hair is neither greasy nor dry and looks good most of the time. It is
easy to care for and doesn't require much effort to keep it looking healthy and
shinning.
Greasy Hair
Greasy hair, by contrast, looks lank and oily. This is caused by an
over-production of sebum, which may be linked to hormonal disturbances, stress,
or a diet too rich in saturated fat, but is more commonly genetically inherited.
Greasy hair also becomes dirty more quickly than other hair types, as it
attracts more dust and dirt.
Combination hair
This hair type is greasy at the roots, but often dry and sometimes split at
the ends, when shampooed too often or with the wrong shampoo. It frequently
occurs in hair that has been harshly treated with chemicals and over-strong
shampoos, or that has been over-exposed to sunlight and heating and setting
equipment. The scalp products too much sebum, while the ends are damaged and
lose moisture.
Colored or permed hair
Hair that has been colored or permed is frequently more fragile and porous
than untreated hair. The color may fade and the hair may become brittle.
Afro Hair
A wide variety of products is made especially for use on African Caribbean
hair. This hair can be more difficult to shampoo than other hair, because the
tight curl makes it so dense. More shampoo may be needed and great care must be
taken to rinse the hair thoroughly. Due to the dressings on the hair, it is
sometimes useful to apply the shampoo to dry hair, adding the water slowly to
product a lather.
Shampoos that are acidic are best for use on Afro hair, as these tangle less
easily. This should be followed by a conditioning product, perhaps with a
hydrolized keratin conditioner, which will lower the hair's porosity, make it
easier to handle and attract moisture into the cortex. Many shampoos are also
conditioning, using oils such as almond, coconut or olive to help overcome the
tendency to dryness.
Conditioners for African Caribbean hair may also contain silicones, which
leave behind a film of protective polymer after rinsing. Many products also
contain lanolin, the natural sebum produced by sheep. and special moisturizers
are available.
Wide-toothed combs are best for gently untangling the hair; work through it
gradually in sections. Do not comb the hair when it is wet, as it is liable to damage.
Allowing the hair to dry naturally rather than using a hairdryer will help
conserve moisture.
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