Healthy hair is every woman’s desire though very few women actually have it. There are many ways to keep hair at it’s healthiest. Many factors such as diet, medication, heat and chemical treatments affect the condition of our hair. While there is no way to actually repair already damaged hair, there are many products on the market that will help the appearance of damaged or unhealthy hair. Shine serums and deep conditioners work wonders for the appearance of dry damaged hair by smoothing the cuticle (outer layer) of the hair.
Some prescription medications, especially diet pills, will affect the texture and condition of hair. Many people also notice a difference in their hair when they have had surgery as an effect of the anesthesia . Those who undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment will often lose their hair and report completely different texture and even different colors when their hair grows back in.
Hair density and texture are hereditary, as well as the amount or lack of curl or wave in the hair. Some believe you inherit your hair from the maternal side, especially the grandfather. I’m not sure there is any scientific proof to support that theory, but in many cases it seems to be true. While we can’t control the thickness of our hair there are many products available to help with the appearance of thin or fine hair.
There are a few things you can do to keep hair at it’s healthiest. Obviously if medication and anesthesia can affect our hair, then what we eat can too. Eat a vitamin rich healthy balanced diet and be sure to consume at least 64 ounces of water daily. Trim your hair often. Every 4 to six weeks is recommended. Even if you are trying to grow your hair long, frequent trimming will help it grow faster. Trimming often also removes the most damaged hair reducing the amount of split ends. Limit your chemical treatments to the bare minimum. Any chemical treatment you put on the hair damages it in some way. Some treatments are more harsh than others, like bleaches, chemical straighteners and permanent waves.
Hair color has come a long way in recent years and is not nearly as damaging as in the past. Many hair colors will actually work to fill in the damaged cuticle, making the hair appear and feel smoother and softer than before. They contain fruit oils and conditioning agents that help reduce the damaging effects of the chemicals. Semi or demi permanent colors are the least damaging of all colors, but they will not lighten the hair. They will darken or cover grey, but they are temporary and they wash out gradually with each washing. Some last a few days, others last up six weeks. This is a good choice for those who do not need to lighten and are looking to protect the hair.
Hair styling products will help with the appearance of damaged hair, but to avoid further damage it is best to avoid hair products with alcohol in them. Look for hairsprays with sunscreen in them to avoid the damage from the sun, and always protect hair from the heat of the blow-dryer, flat iron or curling iron with thermal care, or thermal protection styling products.
Damaged hair is a fact of life, it can’t be avoided in many cases. However, it can be treated and camouflaged with the proper styling and conditioning products.