Secrets of beautiful and healthy hair

Secrets of beautiful and healthy hair: the path to shining hair

I. Understanding the basics: anatomy and physiology of hair

For effective hair care, it is necessary to understand their structure and life cycle. Hair is a ceratinized thread consisting of three main layers: cuticles, cortex and honey.

• Cuticle: This is an outer protective layer consisting of overlapping scales resembling tiles. A healthy cuticle is smooth, reflects light and protects the inner layers of the hair from damage. The damaged cuticle becomes rough, dull and prone to brittle. Factors, such as chemical processing, thermal effects and aggressive combing, can destroy the cuticle.

• Cortex: This layer is the main mass of the hair and contains keratin protein fibers, which give it strength, elasticity and color. Melanin, a pigment that determines the color of the hair is also in cortex. Cortex damage can lead to a loss of elasticity, brittleness and change in hair color.

• Medulla: This inner layer is not present in all hair and consists of loose cells and airspace. Its function has not been fully studied, but it is assumed that it affects the thermal insulation and strength of the hair.

Hair life cycle (follicle cycle):

Hair grows cyclically, passing through three phases:

• Anagen (growth phase): This phase lasts from 2 to 7 years and determines the length of the hair. During this phase, the cells of the hair follicle are actively divided, forming a new hair.

• Katagen (recression phase): This phase lasts about 2-3 weeks. During this phase, hair growth slows down, and the hair follicle is disconnected from the dermal papilla, which provides its power.

• Telogen (Phase Salm): This phase lasts about 3 months. During this phase, the hair remains in a hair follicle, but no longer grows. At the end of this phase, the old hair falls out, and an anagen cycle begins.

Understanding these phases is important, since problems with hair, such as loss, can be associated with disorders in the life cycle of hair.

II. Determine the type of hair and scalp

Proper hair care begins with determining your type of hair and scalp. This will allow you to choose the most suitable means and methods of care.

• Type of scalp:

  • Normal: The scalp is clean, not oily and not dry.
  • Fat: The scalp quickly becomes oily, the hair quickly loses volume.
  • Dry: The scalp can be tight, peel, itching appears.
  • Sensitive: The scalp is easily irritated, blushes, itching and dandruff may appear.
  • Combined: The scalp is oily at the roots and dry at the tips.

• Type of hair:

  • Direct: The hair is smooth, without curls.
  • Wavy: Hair has light or pronounced waves.
  • Curly: Hair has tight curls or curls.
  • Tough: The hair is thick, durable, poorly liable.
  • Thin: The hair is weak, easily damaged, quickly lose volume.
  • Painted/discolored: The hair has undergone chemical processing, require special care.
  • Damaged: The hair is dry, brittle, split on the tips.

III. Cleaning and washing hair: technology and means

Proper washing of hair is the basis of healthy hair. It is necessary to take into account the type of hair and scalp, as well as washing frequency.

• Washing frequency: Depends on the type of scalp and the activity of the sebaceous glands. Bold hair can be washed daily or every other day, dry hair-2-3 times a week. Normal hair can be washed as needed.

• Choosing shampoo: Shampoo should correspond to the type of scalp.

  • For oily scalp, choose shampoos marked “for oily hair” containing components that regulate the production of sebum (for example, salicylic acid, tea tree).
  • For dry scalp, choose moisturizing shampoos with oils, glycerin, panthenol.
  • For sensitive scalp, choose hypoallergenic shampoos without sulfates, parabens and dyes.
  • For dyed hair, choose shampoos designed for dyed hair, with UV filters.

• Washing technique:

  1. Hardly soak your hair with warm water.
  2. Apply a small amount of shampoo in the palm of your hand and foam.
  3. Apply shampoo to the hair roots and massage the scalp with your fingertips for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Rinse the shampoo thoroughly with warm water.
  5. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
  6. Apply air conditioning or balm to wet hair, retreating from the roots by 5-7 cm.
  7. Leave for 2-3 minutes (or according to the instructions).
  8. Wash the air conditioner thoroughly with warm water.
  9. Glue your hair with a towel, do not try it.

• Avoid hot water: Hot water dries the hair and scalp. Use warm water.

• Scalp massage: Scalp massage stimulates blood circulation and improves the nutrition of hair follicles.

• Clearing shampoos. Use 1-2 times a month to remove the remains of styling products and minerals from hard water.

IV. Air conditioning and moisture: restoration and protection

Air conditioning is an important stage of hair care that helps restore their structure, moisturize and protect against damage.

• Air conditioning/balm: It is applied after washing with shampoo to smooth the cuticle, facilitate combing and give shine. Choose an air conditioner corresponding to your hair type.

• Hair masks: A more intense tool for moisturizing and restoration of hair. Use 1-2 times a week.

  • Moisturizing masks: Contain oils, glycerin, hyaluronic acid.
  • Restoring masks: Contain keratin, proteins, amino acids.
  • Nourishing masks: Contain vitamins, oils, plant extracts.

• Infutable air conditioners: They are applied to wet or dry hair after washing for additional moisture, protection against thermal exposure and combination of combing.

• Natural oils: Oils such as coconut, olive, argan, shi, jojoba oil, moisturize and nourish the hair perfectly. Apply oil to dry or wet hair, especially to the tips.

• Deep air conditioning: Use a thermo -step or a warm towel to enhance the action of a mask or air conditioner.

V. Combing and styling: minimization of damage

Incorrect combing and styling can damage hair, lead to brittleness and split ends.

• CHOSE CHIED:

  • To untangled hair, use combs with wide teeth.
  • For styling, use brushes with natural bristles.
  • For dry hair, use combs with antistatic coating.

• Combing technique:

  • Start combing with the ends of the hair, gradually moving to the roots.
  • Comb the hair carefully, do not pull.
  • Do not comb wet hair, as it is more vulnerable. If you need to comb wet hair, use a comb with wide teeth and apply an indelible air conditioner.

• Thermal styling:

  • Use heat protection products before using a hair dryer, ironing or curling iron.
  • Install low or average temperature on styling instruments.
  • Do not hold the device in one place for too long.
  • Limit the use of thermal styling.

• Hairstyles:

  • Avoid tight hairstyles that pull their hair and can lead to its loss.
  • Use soft hair gums without metal parts.
  • Do not wear the same hairstyle every day.

VI. Food and vitamins: internal health – hair beauty

Healthy nutrition plays an important role in hair health. Make sure your diet contains enough vitamins, minerals and protein.

• Protein: Hair consists of keratin, which is a protein. Use products rich in protein: meat, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts.

• Iron: Iron deficiency can lead to hair loss. Use products rich in iron: red meat, liver, spinach, lentils.

• Zinc: Zinc is necessary for tissue growth and restoration, including hair. Use products rich in zinc: oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds.

• Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and amino acids necessary for hair growth. Use products rich in biotin: eggs, nuts, seeds, avocados.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the hair from damage to free radicals. Use products rich in vitamin C: citrus fruits, berries, pepper.

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a role in hair growth. Get vitamin D from sunlight or take additives (after consulting a doctor).

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are useful for the scalp and hair. Use products rich in omega-3 fatty acids: fatty fish, linen seed, walnuts.

• Drinking mode: Drink enough water to maintain hydration of the body, including the scalp and hair.

VII. Protection against external factors: sun, wind, cold

External factors can negatively affect hair health. It is necessary to take measures to protect hair from the sun, wind and cold.

• Sun: Ultraviolet rays can damage the hair cuticle, make it dry and brittle. Use sunlight sprays for hair or wear a hat in sunny weather.

• Wind: The wind can dry your hair and confuse it. Use indelible conditioners or oils to protect hair from wind.

• Cold: Cold can dry the scalp and hair. Wear a hat in cold weather.

• Chlorine: Chlorine in the pool can damage hair. Apply the air conditioner to the hair before swimming and put on a hat for swimming.

• Sea water: Salt water can dry hair. Rinse your hair with fresh water after bathing into the sea.

VIII. Special care: for painted, lightened and chemically curled hair

Coloring, lightening and chemical curls damage the hair structure. It is necessary to use special hair care products after these procedures.

• Dyed hair:

  • Use shampoos and air conditioners designed for dyed hair.
  • Avoid frequent hair wash.
  • Use masks for dyed hair.
  • Protect the hair from the sun.
  • Avoid thermal styling.

• Lightened hair:

  • Lightening is the most aggressive hair procedure. Intensive care is required.
  • Use means to restore damaged hair.
  • Use masks with keratin and proteins.
  • Avoid frequent hair wash.
  • Use thermal protection products.
  • Consider the use of funds with purple pigment to neutralize yellowness.

• Chemically curled hair:

  • Use shampoos and air conditioners designed for curly hair.
  • Use indelible air conditioners to moisturize the curls.
  • Use a diffuser for drying a hairdryer.
  • Avoid combing dry curls.

IX. Home recipes and natural means: nature strength

Natural products can be effective for hair care. Here are a few recipes of homemade hair masks:

• Hair humidification mask: Mix 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 egg. Apply to the hair for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

• Hair strengthening mask: Mix 1 tablespoon of mustard powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 egg yolk. Apply hair to the roots for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. (Be careful, mustard can burn the scalp).

• Shine mask: Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup of water. Apply to the hair after washing with shampoo and leave for 5 minutes, then rinse with water.

• Oil for the ends of the hair: Apply a small amount of coconut or argan oil to the ends of the hair for moisturizing and preventing the split ends.

• Rinsing with herbal decoctions: Rinse your hair with decoctions of chamomile, nettles, burdock to strengthen and give shine.

X. Professional procedures: salon care

Salon procedures can help restore damaged hair and improve their condition.

• Hair lamination: Hair coating with a special composition that gives them smoothness, shine and protects against damage.

• Keratin straightening: Hair straightening with keratin.

• Botox for hair: Restoring damaged hair using a special composition that contains vitamins, amino acids and keratin.

• Mesotherapy of the scalp: Injections of vitamins and trace elements into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

• Plasmolifting of the scalp: Injections of the patient’s blood plasma in the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

XI. Hair problems: falling out, dandruff, split ends

Distributed hair problems require special attention and individual approach.

• Hair loss (alopecia):

  • Contact a trichologist to determine the cause of hair loss.
  • Possible causes: genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalance, stress, deficiency of vitamins and minerals, autoimmune diseases.
  • Treatment: depends on the cause of hair loss. Medicines, vitamins, procedures (mesotherapy, plasmolifting) can be prescribed.

• Dandruff:

  • Reasons: fungal infection (malassezia globosa), dry scalp, seborrheic dermatitis.
  • Treatment: Use special dandruff shampoos containing antifungal components (ketoconazole, zinc pyrithion, salicylic acid).

• Serving tips:

  • Causes: damage to the cuticle, thermal effects, chemical processing, improper combing.
  • Treatment: regularly cut the split ends, use oils and indelible air conditioners for hair ends.

• Bold hair:

  • Reasons: increased activity of the sebaceous glands, hormonal imbalance, improper care.
  • Treatment: Use oily hair shampoos, avoid frequent hair wash, use dry shampoo.

• Dry hair:

  • Causes: moisture lack, cuticle damage, thermal effects, chemical treatment.
  • Treatment: Use moisturizing shampoos and air conditioners, use hair masks, Avoid thermal styling.

XII. Healthy lifestyle tips: Hair effect

A healthy lifestyle has a positive effect on hair health.

• Stress: Avoid stress, do yoga, meditation or other relaxing techniques.

• Dream: Sleep enough time (7-8 hours a day).

• Physical activity: Play sports regularly.

• Refusal of bad habits: Refuse smoking and alcohol abuse.

XIII. Healthy hair checklist: regular care

1. Determine your type of hair and scalp.
2. Choose shampoo and air conditioning corresponding to your hair type.
3. Wash your hair correctly without using hot water.
4. Condition hair after each shampoo washing.
5. Use hair masks 1-2 times a week.
6. Comb the hair carefully, starting from the tips.
7. Use heat protection products before thermal styling.
8. Protect the hair from the sun, wind and cold.
9. Eat in a balanced and drink enough water.
10. Cut the ends of the hair regularly.
11. Visit a trichologist if necessary.

XIV. Innovation in hair care: new technologies and ingredients

The hair care industry is constantly developing, offering new technologies and ingredients to improve health and appearance.

• Probiotics for the scalp: Probiotics help restore balance of the scalp microflora, which can improve hair health and reduce dandruff.

• Peptides: Peptides are short amino acid chains that can stimulate hair growth and strengthen their structure.

• Plant stem cells: Plant stem cells have antioxidant and regenerating properties that can improve the health of the scalp and hair.

• Nanotechnology: Nanoparticles can deliver active ingredients to the deep layers of the hair, which increases the effectiveness of care.

• Individualized hair care: Companies offer individual hair care programs based on DNA analysis or other data on the condition of the hair and scalp.

XV. Hair care myths: what works and what is not

There are many myths about hair care that can be misleading.

• Myth: Frequent hair washing is harmful. Fact: The frequency of washing the hair depends on the type of scalp. Bold hair can be washed more often, dry – less often.

• Myth: hair cutting accelerates their growth. Fact: Hair cutting does not affect the speed of hair growth, but helps to get rid of the stroking ends, which makes the hair healthier in appearance.

• Myth: Hair combing 100 times a day makes them more brilliant. Fact: Excessive combing can damage hair.

• Myth: Natural products are always better than chemical. Fact: Natural products can be useful, but some chemical ingredients are also effective and safe.

• Myth: olive oil treats split ends. Fact: olive oil can moisturize the ends of the hair, but will not restore the already damaged ends. Serving tips must be trimmed.

Following these tips and listening to the needs of your hair, you can achieve a healthy, beautiful and radiant hair. Remember that hair care is a constant process that requires patience and an individual approach.