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Hair
is a reflection of your health & personality. If taken care off
it can add to your beauty.
Your
hair and scalp need proper care now and always. A sign of neglect
over a period of time will show up in the form of dry brittle hair,
split-ends, hair fall out, dandruff etc. From the moment you wake up
to the time you go to sleep and even as you sleep, there are many
factors that can lead to hair breakage. Follow these tips every time
you think about having beautiful shining hair.
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Diet:
A well-balanced diet, rich in silica, calcium and iron, will
help reduce or prevent hair loss. Green, leafy vegetables,
especially sea vegetables, are good mineral sources. Raw oats
provide silica. Eat plenty of iron-rich foods, like liver (Avoid
if you are pregnant) and other organ meat, whole grain cereals,
dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, dates, and raisins. The hair
is comprised mostly of protein, therefore to encourage hair
growth, adhere to a diet rich in protein. A recommended diet for
this purpose includes calves liver, brewer's yeast, wheat germ,
and two tablespoons of granulated lecithin. Along with protein,
these foods are also high in B vitamins, an important nutrient
for hair. Silica is found in the outer coverings of potatoes,
green and red peppers and cucumbers. Bean sprouts are also high
in silica. Eat whole foods including sprouts. Vitamin C improves
the absorption of iron. Include a good serving of fruits and
vegetables in your diet. Vitamin E is important for healthy hair
growth. Eat avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil on a regular
basis. If hair loss is due to thyroid dysfunction, eat more
foods rich in vitamin A and iodine. Eat vegetables such as
carrots or spinach in unrefined, cold-pressed seed oils such as
flax, walnut or pumpkin seed and sea salt. Take turnips,
cabbage, mustard, soy beans, peanuts, pine nuts and millet if
there is a deficiency of iodine.
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Washing
Routine: Your hair-type will determine your
cleansing routine, some of you may need to shampoo
daily, others every other day, others even once a week.
The water you use to wash your hair should neither be
too hot, or too cold. Use your fingertips, and never
your nails, to gently scrub your scalp. Be sure to rinse
your hair thoroughly in order to get all of the soap out
and then maximize the shine.
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Combing:
To begin with combing, first separate hair into small
sections. Untangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb,
carefully work from the ends in a downward direction
only. Use only a wooden or tortoise shell comb – never
rubber. Do not pull or yank hair. Brush hair only when
dry. Hair is weakest when it is wet and brushing can
easily damage it. Even when hair is dry always comb
before brushing.
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Drying:
Air-dry whenever possible. Try to minimize the use of
blow dryer as the strong heat tends to damage the hair,
also the moisture lost makes them look rough and
lifeless. Give your hair a break from that blow dryer,
those curling irons and so many perms. When you are kind
to your hair, it rewards you by looking and feeling
better. Choose a hairstyle that will let your hair fall
naturally.
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If
possible, wash your hair leaning over a basin or the bath,
so that blood circulation is increased around your scalp and
hair roots. Continue this by gently massaging your head with
your fingertips while shampooing, begin at the nape of the
neck and use the pads of your fingertips, keep your nails
well clear and don't use your entire hand. Gently rotate
your scalp (not your hair) with circular movements,
traveling towards the crown of your head. Do this in a slow
gentle fashion for a couple of minutes. Next exert a little
more pressure as you move towards your hairline. At the same
time use the thumbs to move over your ears towards the
temples. Take your time and relax and enjoy your shampooing
ritual, you will feel the benefit after you have finished.
After shampooing rinse your hair well, then pat your hair
dry with a towel as opposed to rubbing it with the towel. |
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Environment:
Before going out to the beach or pool, comb conditioner through
the hair. This helps to protect hair from the sun, chlorine,
salt water, and from the sun's heat, and serves as a deep
conditioning treatment. Wear a hat, cap or scarf if you can to
protect hair from over-exposure to the sun, salt or chlorinated
water, wind and air pollution.
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Trimming:
Get your hair trimmed on a regular basis (approximately every
two months). This is especially important for growing out layers
and/or bangs to reshape and make each stage of growing hair out
a style.
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Shampoo
& Conditioning: Choose simple, cheap shampoos that
promise only to wash away the dirty and the oil. The more
complicated the formula is and the more expensive the shampoo
the less it does good in your hair. Conditioners,
are an invention of the cosmetic industry and if your hair is
dried out and dull looking you have been abusing it. Use a
milder shampoo and try washing your hair less frequently. Also,
always apply conditioner from the ears down – never
condition the scalp. Do not over-condition for it might
cause the cuticle layer of hair to lift making hair brittle and
leading to breakage. Some of today's new line of shampoos have a
special ingredient advertised as a hair thickener as well as a
shampoo that will make your hair look thicker. These shampoos
actually coat each strand of hair with a layer of protein each
time you use it thus making the hair appear thicker. These
shampoos are really very good and can have quite a beneficial
effect on most women. Always Check the label on the back of the
shampoo or conditioner to see what it contains before using it.
Look out for urea, lactic acid and lecithin.
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Styling:
Your hair style is a reflection of your personality and a
wonderful way to express your individuality. All too often
conventional styling products contain alcohol or other harsh
chemicals. These ingredients are used to keep the hair in place
and to give the appearance of shiny
healthy hair. In the case of these mass-marketed products
the look achieved is only surface deep and they tend to damage
the hair. Choose styling products which will make your hair look
great, and impart essential botanicals and vitamins to each
strand.
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Sleep
Pattern: Comb your hair before going to bed, do not let the
bands or clips on. Even the way you sleep can affect your hair.
Restless sleepers may actually be breaking hair as they sleep.
If you’re a restless sleeper, try a satin pillowcase so that
the hair glides when you move in your sleep. On regular cotton
cases hair can get caught and break.
Putting hair up to sleep is also helpful. Hair should be put in
a ponytail on top of the head. Always use rubber bands that are
rapped in cloth.
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Check
for products used:
Some of you might have scalp problems such as seborrhea
dermatitis, or dandruff
therefore look in your local store and get a product that is
designed for these problems and read the directions carefully
and this should solve your scalp problems. Before buying a new
product try using a sachet and watch its effect on your hair,
has it lead to unwanted hair-fall etc and once you are sure then
only buy it for regular use. You can also consult a
dermatologist who will help you in choosing the right kind of
product for your hair. Before using a dye test it by applying it
to a small area on the arm. If a patch of inflammation has
developed, the dye must not be used on the hair. Bleaching the
hair repeatedly with hydrogen peroxide may make them brittle. If
this happens the hair may turn rough, develop split ends, or
become thinned or shortened.
Patience
and proper maintenance is the key, to hair care. It is VERY
important to trim split
ends as the need arises. Eat a well-balanced
diet, work out and supplement your diet with our vitamins, which
are specifically designed to help balance your hair. Remember that
hair is a man-made fiber and is a natural reflection of your health
and well being. So if you are unhealthy to your body, your hair will
lack the look you desire. Treat your body with care, follow a proper
hair care program and supplement your diet with balancing vitamins
and a drop of patience and your hair will look and feel great.
Article
contributed by Namita
Nayyar C.E.O. Women Fitness
The
author is the C.E.O. of womenfitness.net and an aerobic &
fitness instructor certified by International Fitness Association.
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