Hair Care
This guide is all about hair loss; what causes it, the different types and what treatments are available. However we thought it would be extra helpful to have a section about ‘hair care’ as prevention is often better than cure.
A preventative approach usually works across all aspects of our health and our hair is no different. Whether you switch to organic hair products such as shampoos with natural ingredients, avoid tight hairstyles such as braiding or eat foods that maximise the condition of your hair then you will find that these will work wonders in terms of boosting your hair health.
If you are looking for a few tips on how to look after your hair then have a look at our ‘top 10 hair care tips’. These quick and easy hair hints are designed to help you maintain or improve the condition of your hair.
If your hair is brittle or in a poor condition because of overuse of gels or styling mousses then don’t worry: we have useful information on treating brittle hair or repairing hair which has undergone excessive styling.
If you enjoy swimming or other forms of water sports such as water polo then it is important to protect your hair. Many pools contain chlorine which is great at keeping the water safe and clean but unfortunately, plays havoc with your hair.
Our section on hair protection when swimming has useful advice on how to look after your hair whilst still enjoying your swim.
Your scalp is as equally as important although that does tend to get overlooked when worrying about your hair falling out. But your scalp requires care and attention in the same way your hair does.
To learn more visit our scalp care section.
All of us lose hair on a daily basis as part our body’s hair growth/loss cycle and this averages around 50 to 100 hairs. This is a normal function of the body and as such, is nothing to be worried about unless you experience a greater than normal hair loss. There are many causes of hair loss, one of these being poor hair care.
What do we mean by ‘hair care?’
We mean following a regular cleaning and cosmetic routine that maintains and protects the condition of your hair. Your hair is individual to you in respect of its colour and appearance but we all have one of the following three hair types, which determine the type of care it receives.
The 3 hair types are:
- Normal hair: this is the most natural looking out of the three. It tends to maintain its style and looks good as well. This type of hair doesn’t have to worry being dry or greasy and can be treated with a normal shampoo and/or conditioner.
- Dry hair: this type of hair feels dry or looks dull. It tends to become tangled easily and is difficult to comb or brush. It is prone to any of these problems if it has been coloured, bleached or permed. If you have dry hair then use a shampoo and/or conditioner which is designed for that type of hair.
- Greasy/fine hair: this type of hair has a flat, lifeless appearance. It tends to get greasy easily and is difficult to manage. Use a shampoo and/or conditioner which is designed for greasy hair.
Salon treatments such as braiding, perming, colouring and bleaching (or highlights) result in great looking hair but try to limit your use of these. There is a danger of excessive styling which can damage your hair and lead to hair loss in the long run.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t have any of these hair treatments; just that you have to go easy with them as they either pull on your hair which causes thinning (or traction alopecia) or damage the follicles which causes hair loss.
Some people will suffer for fashion but it is not worth putting your hair at risk as it is one of the most important aspects of your personality.
Your hair can be affected by pregnancy, illness, certain medicines or lifestyle factors but these are usually short term. Once the issue has been resolved then your hair returns to its normal state. But it is still important to look after your hair even if it is affected by any of these.
Looking after your hair means washing it on a regular basis to remove the build up of dirt and maintain its condition. But don’t overdo this as it can damage your scalp and lead to dandruff.
The following hair care routine will help to reduce the risk of hair loss:
- Washing: let your hair ‘hang’ naturally as you wash it in warm water. If you are visiting a hairdresser then they will usually check the temperature of the water with you. If it is too hot then say so.
- Shampooing: put a small amount in the palm of your hand and massage this into your hair and scalp.
- Rinsing: rinse off to remove the lather and repeat this until the lather is completely removed and your hair is clean.
- Conditioning: add this to your hair once the shampoo is removed. Repeat the procedure in the same way as for the shampooing.
- Drying: dry your hair by rubbing it with a towel and use a comb or brush to remove any knots or tangles. It is better to let it dry naturally but if this is not appropriate then use a hairdryer to do so. Make sure that the dryer is on a low heat setting as too much heat will damage your hair.
Combine this with regular visits to a hairdresser and your hair will look and feel great.
Hair care Guide Index:
Hair Loss
- Hair Loss Guide
- Trichology
- Hair Structure Guide
- Male hair loss Guide
- Female Hair Loss Guide
- Hair care Guide
- Hair Loss treatments Guide
- Wigs Guide
- Hair Loss Treatment Prices
- FAQS About Hair Loss
- Glossary for Hair loss
- Hair Transplant Surgery
- What is a Hair Transplant?
- Do I need a hair transplant?
- Preparing for your Hair Transplant
- The day of your Hair Transplant
- After your Hair Transplant
- Female Hair Transplant
- Finding a Hair Transplant Clinic
- Hair Transplant Surgery Methods
- Costs of Hair Transplants
- Hair Transplant FAQs
- Hair Transplant Glossary