Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Shampoo Facts

A little “How To” - First, thoroughly saturate scalp and hair using warm or cool water (hot water tends to dry out hair and scalp). Apply a small amount of shampoo (about the size of a quarter) to palm and rub hands together to evenly distribute. Now apply shampoo to scalp with the balls of your fingers. The primary objective of shampooing is to clean your scalp, not wrestle your hair, so concentrate on massaging gently and allow suds to be distributed throughout hair while rinsing. It’s not necessary to do the “rinse and repeat” routine unless you have an oily scalp.

The right way to condition - After rinsing shampoo, apply some conditioner in one hand and rub palms together to evenly distribute. Apply conditioner from the middle of the hair shaft down to ends; do not massage conditioner onto scalp unless scalp is dry. Comb through hair to distribute product evenly. Leave conditioner on hair long to help smooth the cuticle—it only takes a few seconds. Rinse thoroughly - It’s important to rinse shampoo and conditioner from your scalp. Stand under the shower and gently lift hair to permit the water to reach the scalp. Hair will be thoroughly rinsed when it feels consistently clean as you run your fingers from scalp to ends. Some people believe a cold water rinse is best.

To wash or not to wash? - Shampooing frequency for normal hair depends on whether hair is curly or straight. Shampoo and condition straight hair every day for a sleek, radiant look. Curly hair, however, becomes too fluffy if it’s washed too often, so it’s okay to shampoo and condition every other day.

Should you occasionally switch shampoos? - Most Salon Brands do not build up on hair; they continue to work effectively as long as you use them, so there’s no need to switch products (another myth debunked). However, shampooing occasionally without using any conditioner or styling products to give hair a rest. Choosing the right products for your hair - Fine or thin hair can sometimes be more delicate and could benefit from a protein enriched shampoo and conditioner formula with a light level of conditioner. Curly hair may look dry, and therefore can benefit from a regimen which includes moisturizing ingredients.
A way to make your hair grow thicker and healthier? Here are some descriptions on shampoos specially designed for hair growth that will fit your needs--and your budget.

When you're looking for a shampoo that will help you hair to grow quickly and healthily, there are a few components to look for. Make sure that you purchase a conditioner with natural extracts, like aloe vera and jojoba oil. This will help to moisturize the scalp and promote hair growth. Anti-itch agents, like tea tree oil or sulfur will help you hair to grow healthier as well, and can prevent dry scalp in the process.


Shampoos with products that will thicken and moisturize the hair will promote hair growth,Sunsilk Black shampoo is the best in this category. Coconut oil and wheat protein will help with this; it may also be a good idea to purchase the conditioner that accompanies the shampoo for best results. A conditioner will help to detangle the hair and make it easier to comb and brush. For conditioning the hair, it may be best to leave the conditioner in for a few minutes after shampooing to make sure that the hair is thoroughly moisturized.


You should also look for shampoos that are specifically made for your hair type. These days, there are shampoos that are designed for thick, thin, curly and straight hair types. Choosing a shampoo for the type of hair you have (and not the hair you want) will help you to accomplish your goal of having thicker, longer hair in less time than you may imagine.


Product lines like Pantene Pro V, Garnier Fructis, and Sunsilk have shampoos that are formulated to help hair grow thicker and fuller naturally using special conditioners and plant extracts. Sunsilk or Dove shampoo is ideal for thin or limp hair, and provides a protective coating from antioxidants. This shampoo also helps to prevent split ends, and is lightweight, so it provides volume for the hair without weighing it down. Sunsilk  B12 and Gelatin Anti-Breakage shampoo has also been known to help hair grow by lubricating the scalp and keep hair from breaking due to lack of moisture.


Garnier Fructis is known for being especially gentle on the hair, especially hair that is color-treated or extremely dry. Garnier's Long and Strong shampoo nourishes the hair from the root, so that it will grow stronger and faster. The shampoo contains vitamins B6 and B3, along with fructose and glucose to stimulate hair growth from the scalp and protect it from split ends and severe breakage due to excessive heat from the sun, dryers, or curling irons.


Pantene also has a number of shampoos that will promote hair growth. The company's newest product line includes Amino Pro-V complex, which helps to restore the strength of each single strand of your hair. Amino acids can be lost from exposure to free radicals and blow drying, and this shampoo helps to restore amino acids in the hair, and this product can help to make hair more flexible and thicker with just the first few uses.


For shampoos that are a little less popular but definitely less effective, shampoos containing emu oil will help hair to grow strong and longer, and is also ideal for Indian; Folli-cleanse shampoo helps to rid the hair of excessive product buildup, which frees the scalp; and Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo, complete with anti-fungal agents to cleanse the hair thoroughly. These less well-known products may be sold in drugstores, but can mostly be found online,






Hair Loss
A single strand of your hair grows half an inch a month and survives for an average of 4½ years.. Once the hair falls off a new hair replaces it within six months. Although it is quite normal to lose 100 strands of hair each day, some people may experience excessive hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect men, women and children and can be a warning sign of certain disorders in the body. For some individuals, hair loss can be quite stressful, especially for those who are extremely concerned about their appearance.

Why do you lose hair?


There are several reasons for hair loss. Here are some of the most common and major causes of hair loss.
• Genetic : Hair loss can run in families and you may inherit the trend of losing your hair early. This kind of hair loss is unavoidable and you may not have any control over it. However seeking professional advice can slow down the process a little.
• Hormonal changes : Hormonal changes that occur due to pregnancy, child birth, birth control pills, menopause or abnormal activity of thyroid gland can all lead to hair loss. Treating hormonal imbalances may be effective in controlling hair loss.
• Illness : Certain health conditions like diabetes, lupus and cancer can affect the normal functioning of the body, which may lead to hair loss.
• Medication : Certain drugs used to treat arthritis, depression, high blood pressure, gout and heart diseases can cause hair loss.


Poor diet : Deficiency of protein and iron can also lead to hair loss. Consult your doctor about iron deficiency test and for appropriate treatment.
Stress: Hair loss can occur due to stress. Learning to deal with stress and practicing relaxation techniques can be helpful.
Lack of sleep : Inadequate sleep leads to health problems which may indirectly result in hair thinning and hair loss. Having healthy sleeping habits can reduce hair fall gradually.
Alopecia areata : This is an autoimmune disease characterized by hair loss and re-growth of hair continuously.



Cicatricial alopecia : This condition is characterized by inflammation and scarring of follicles leading to permanent hair loss.
Traction alopecia : This condition is caused due to excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull hair too tightly. This can be prevented by avoiding certain hairstyles.
Hair treatments : Various chemicals used in bleaching, dying, straightening and perming can be harmful to hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Hair fall can also be caused due to over styling and excessive brushing.
Scalp infection : Fungal infection like ringworm can invade the hair follicles leading to hair loss. In this condition, hair grows normally once the infection is treated.
Trichotillomania : In this condition, the patients have a mental illness of having an irresistible urge to pull out their hair leaving patch of bald spots.


Some of the above conditions can be prevented and/or treatable. If you experience any of the above hair problems, consult your doctor.


Tips to prevent hair loss
• Proper washing, brushing and frequent trimming of hair is important
• Have a balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins and minerals
• Relieve yourself of stress
• Quit smoking, avoid caffeine and carbonated sodas.
• Do not brush or comb hair frequently.
• Do not use very hot water to wash your hair.
• Message scalp gently and regularly
• Have adequate rest and sleep.
• Protect hair from sun, chlorine and salt water
• Do not sleep with your hair in a ponytail or done in a braid
• Try using wide toothed combs.
• When you try to loosen the tangles of hair, start from the tips of the hair towards the roots
• Use of silk pillowcases will prevent your hair from being caught and broken


So, how can you prevent hair loss?
As there are various reasons for hair loss, the preventive methods also differ. Here are a few measures that will help in preventing or minimizing hair loss.
• Handle your hair gently and avoid blow drying hair. Whenever possible air dry your hair.
• A healthy balanced diet is very essential for hair health.
• Avoid hair styles that pull hair, like braids and high ponytails.
• Avoid twisting, rubbing and pulling hair.
• Talk to an expert about hair products and hair styles that may minimize hair loss.
• Consult your doctor immediately in case of severe hair loss.




Key points
• It is quite normal to lose 100 strands of hair each day.
• Certain health conditions like diabetes, lupus and cancer can affect the normal functioning of the body, which may lead to hair loss.
• Deficiency of protein and iron can also lead to hair loss.
• Inadequate sleep leads to health problems which may indirectly result in hair thinning and hair loss.
• Handle your hair gently and avoid blow drying hair.
• A healthy balanced diet is very essential for healthy hair.
• Consult your doctor immediately in case of severe hair loss.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Dreamz...........................

Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.