Care of the hair and care of the scalp skin may appear separate, but are actually intertwined because hair grows from beneath the skin. The living parts of hair (hair follicle, hair root, root sheath, and sebaceous gland) are beneath the skin, while the actual hair shaft which emerges (the cuticle which covers the cortex and medulla) has no living processes. Damage or changes made to the visible hair shaft cannot be repaired by a biological process, though much can be done to manage hair and ensure that the cuticle remains intact. (
For more information on the biological processes involved in hair production, see Hair.)Scalp skin, just as any other skin on the body, must be kept healthy to ensure a healthy body and healthy hair production. If the scalp is not cleaned regularly, by the removal of dead skin cells, toxins released through the skin or external hazards (such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals) may create a breeding ground for infection. However, not all scalp disorders are a result of bacterial infections. Some arise inexplicably, and often only the symptoms can be treated for management of the condition (e
xample: dandruff). There are also bacteria that can affect the hair itself, but in MEDC's (More Economically Developed Countries), this is much rarer. Head lice is probably the most common hair and scalp ailment world-wide. Head lice can be removed with great attention to detail, and studies show it is not necessarily associated with poor hygiene. (Indeed, even well-to-do households can experience head lice. More recent studies reveal that head lice actually thrive in clean hair.) In this way, hair washing as a term may be a bit misleading, as what is necessary in healthy hair production and maintenance is often simply cleaning the surface of the scalp skin, the way the skin all over the body requires cleaning for good hygiene Method of Shampooing
Prepare the hair for shampooing. Before wetting your hair for shampooing, comb through with a wide toothed comb to prevent tangles. Mix and adjust the water flow. Mix the water to a comfortable temperature. Wet the hair and scalp thoroughly. Apply the shampoo to the hair by first pouring it into your hand and never directly. Apply with the hands and fingers, massage firmly in rotating and circular movements. Massage the whole head. Rinse the hair and scalp thoroughly and carefully. Apply more shampoo and massage for the second time if needed, finally rinse all shampoo from the hair and scalp with clean water. Finally check the hair lines and make sure that the dirt and shampoo has been removed from hair and scalp. Dry the hair gently. Don't rub just blot the wet hair with a towel and then smooth the towel along the length of your hair. Avoid blow drying as far as possible. If you shampoo regularly there is no need to lather twice.
Conditioning
A conditioner is to hair what a moisturiser is to the skin and it used after shampooing. All types of hair have to be conditioned to keep it shiny and flexible. Conditioning is specially useful for dry hair. It adds to the natural oil supply and gives dry hair, shine as well as bounce and strength. For oily hair, use conditioner only on the ends of your hair .
Method of Conditioning
After shampooing gently squeeze the excess water.
Comb the hair with the fingers or with wide toothed comb from the roots to the ends gently. Remove tangles.
Apply little conditioner and rub the conditioner through the hair with the fingers. Never rub on the scalp.
Keep it on the hair for 5 minutes
Now gently massage the hair to loosen the conditioner.
Rinse the hair and remove all traces of conditioner. Now dry the hair.
Conditioners used for different types of Hair
Damaged hair - Protein Conditioner
Dry hair - Moisturising or Intensive Conditioner
Oily hair - Any normal (oil free) conditioner
Purpose of Conditioning
The key to beautiful hair is a beautiful scalp. If it is kept clean and normal balances are maintained it performs its functions well. Each hair is made up of a very delicate fibers.
Conditioning is a way of giving the hair a more intense kind of nourishing treatment. It helps to protect hair from counter acting dryness, making it smooth and easier to manage.
Treatments with conditioners helps to correct the effects of poor hair care. Henna is a good conditioner. Treatment with henna is good for the hair.
