Is your hair dry? brittle? oily? too moist as if it were wet-clay? have split ends? all of the above? It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that after all the months of taking prenatal, your hair grew out glorious and brilliant. Now that that’s over with, your hair may seem to be growing out dull and lifeless or maybe your hair never got that healthy sheen during pregnancy or even before it. Whatever the case or complaint we’re going to try to help you achieve beautiful hair one way or the other! Let’s go over some hair types and problems…
Normal Hair: No Problem!
If you have normal, healthy hair don’t take it for granted. It is very unfortunate that one day you can wake up and start noticing problems because your hair did a complete 180° in what seems like overnight. So continue what you are doing until your body or environment changes and then you will be doing better than most of us. Great hair is a big, personal plus in this world, enjoy it until you may need the next few sections
Dry Hair: Sahara Scalp
Do you go to wash your hair and the water doesn’t even seem to even fully soak into the shaft, how about when you get out of the shower and you go to blowdry your hair only to find that it is already practically dry? Is it straw-like and feels rough and coarse? Well, this is by far one of the easiest to correct, so don’t fret. Moisturize!
There are Shampoos, Conditioners, and Masques to help you replenish your lost moisture. There are also acidifiers and treatments (even supplements) to help with replacing the natural humectants which are lost due to stripping heat and chemicals. Changing your diet can help as can changing your hair habits The hair can become dry due to the following reasons which are accompanied by their solutions:
Heat
This means high heat and even medium heat blowdrying, high-temperature water for washing and rinsing, curling irons, flattening irons, etc. Blowdrying until the hair is bone-dry can surely cause extensive damage and dryness. Even repeat sun exposure, be it natural or tanning beds, can cause your hair to dry out.
Over styling
Over styling is overkill without proper maintenance – this means products with high alcohol content or alkalinity, chemical strippers, etc.
Incorrectly Balanced Shampoos & Conditioners – Remember that your hair is like your skin, there is a need for balance, and having a shampoo/conditioner with too high (or too low) of a pH level can be damaging. The key is to find a balance. Please see our Shampoo & Conditioner section for more information on finding the proper product for your needs.
Acidifying Shampoos
High pH shampoos or Dry Shampoo can lift the cuticle of your hair, thereby releasing your natural humectants, acidifiers help close the cuticle to help retain your moisture. Look for products such as Acidifying Shampoos which have a pH level of 2.5 to 3.5. Please see our Shampoo & Conditioner section for more information on finding the proper product for your needs.
Chemicals
This means, coloring, bleaching, perms, straighteners (relaxers), etc. All of these chemicals can remove the humectants from the hair and scalp. There are more gentle products available on the market, although they are more expensive, if your hair can’t handle the cheaper, harsher products – it may be your only hope. Look for products with lower levels of ammonia or peroxide (developers). Please see our Hair Coloring section or Perming/Relaxing section for more information on finding the proper product for your needs.
Poor Diet
Eating a lot of fat-free products can hinder your skin/scalp from producing its natural oils, called sebum. Sebum is your body’s natural humectant and many of you who think that you are doing your body a favor by eating fat-free foods, are actually doing your body a disservice. Your body needs essential fatty acids (EFA’s) to function correctly from skin and scalp moisturization to proper bowel movements, your body needs natural fats such as olive oil, meat, nuts, dairy products, etc. However, moderation is key. Please see our Weight Loss & Nutrition section for more information on determining your body’s needs. Your hair growth is only as healthy as your body is.
