Different Hair Types? Everyone’s Got One
Now that we have covered much of what is going on beneath the surface in our previous features, let us focus on the hair itself, and on the various states in which it can find itself. The use of the term “normal”, in regards to the term ‘normal hair’, is completely equivocal. This is not to say that there are abnormal and subnormal hair types. This is not a question of “good hair” or “bad hair.”
Dry hair, for instance, is not a hair type. Many times, it is a condition resulting from a dry scalp and is treatable. The use of the term “normal” here simply means to convey that there is adequate production and distribution of sebum, and that the scalp/hairs are healthy as they are, without any need for outside intervention or external balance. The hairs are balanced as they are, and simply need to be maintained accordingly.
Normal hair is not overly dry nor too greasy. It is somewhere in between. The scalp does change with the seasons and the weather; it is affected by the outside world and the environment, but is generally balanced and tends to remain that way.
Normal Hair Types Can Last For Days
Normal hair will not take a severe turn for the worse, even if left unwashed for a day or two. Concurrently, most shampoo and hair-styling products will not drastically irritate or damage the scalp or the hair when applied to it. It could take some time for the scalp to itch and flake up when left to its own device.
This type of hair is generally easy to manage and maintain. It has a balanced shine, meaning it naturally isn’t overly glossy.
Even though normal hair is less prone to complications, it is still important to maintain it and take good care of it. Just because the hair is healthy doesn’t mean it will remain indefinitely so. Failing to do proper maintenance will cause hair health to rapidly decline, and that could potentially bring along with it things like dandruff, greasiness, itchiness, and other unpleasant conditions.
Maintaining a normal hair type is essentially easy, but there are factors which can corrupt healthy hair. Examples: long-term exposure to heat or cold. certain types of medication, food, or drink. Anything we introduce to our system, inside or out, could potentially affect the hairs. Another way to possibly damage healthy hair is by tying it up for an ongoing period of time.
Types Of Protective Hair Care Products
There are many hair care products targeted specifically at consumers with normal hair. These products should ideally seek to simply maintain the hair, and not infuse the scalp with too many chemicals or damaging substances. Hair care products for normal hair should strive to be as natural as possible, and incorporate ingredients such as essential oils for hair, instead of harsher chemicals.
In order to bring out the best qualities in healthy hair, shampooing and conditioning is something which should be practiced, but always within healthy limits. You can have too much of a good thing. Over-shampooing and over-conditioning are a danger to normal hair types since they can end up doing more damage than good.
Other examples of practices which can be damaging to normal, healthy hair are:
• Ponytails. When done continuously, this causes pressure buildup. It pulls at the hair roots. For the same reason, perms, weaves, extensions, etc. can be potentially damaging in the long run.
• Combing or brushing wet hair. Wet hair is a lot more vulnerable than dry hair, and when using a comb or brush on it, it can be detrimental.
• Using harmful chemicals. Colors, bleach, certain sprays.
There is a lot of damage that can be done, but fortunately, there are ways to avoid it, and – if and when it is necessary – to counter the damage that was done. Hair is very dynamic. It keeps growing and changing over time, so nothing is really ever permanent – not even a perm!
9 Anti Frizz Products for All Types of Hair:Serums, Creams, and Sprays https://t.co/3WEI8NoI3A
— Mimish (@dreamcurls17) September 27, 2017
Say No To Sulfates And Parabens
First, and this is true to whatever type of scalp or hair types you have – avoid using hair care products which contain parabens and sulfates.
The scientific jury is still out on parabens and sulfates. There are those who condemn them, while others state we should keep calm and carry on. Parabens are essentially a preservative, around since the 1950’s, and are used in many industries including food, medicine, and cosmetics. Sulfates are lather-inducing detergents, which exist in order for the products to produce thick lather and thus look better when they are being used.
Studies are still being conducted on the effects of sulfates and parabens, in the long and short-term. However, regardless of the ongoing studies, it is clear that these substances are considered “iffy” by many. Let us not forget that these are types of chemicals and compounds which seep into your body through the scalp and shoot right into your bloodstream. It is best to avoid unnecessary chemicals in your system, and many would consider sulfates and parabens avoidable.
Your Hair Means Your Shampoo And Conditioner
Second, find a shampoo and conditioner that are right for YOU, and use them regularly. Much like you wouldn’t use a friend’s own prescribed medication, you should not be using any ol’ shampoo. Not on a regular basis, at any rate. The hair care products should ideally be personable and unique to your needs. Look for a store-bought product that is right for you, or alternatively purchase some ingredients and make your own at home!
Let your hair dry naturally, whenever possible. Try to avoid blow dryers, and if you do use one set it to a relatively low setting. Hair is strong, but also quite fragile. When using a comb or brush, don’t overdo it. The key to everything hair-related, and to some extent your body in general, is moderation, moderation, moderation. Know what to do, and – more importantly – when to do it.
Remember, no one else has your hair but you.