Hair Care – Points to Ponder
Folklore and old granny tales say so much about hair and its care. Some stories are true while many are just that, stories. Even nowadays, we find a plethora of hair care tips on websites, magazines, newspapers, advertisements and so on. We have to be prudent in accepting what is true and what is not.
Can split ends be repaired?
No, is the final answer as the hair that is split can never be mended. The best alternative is to cut the hair tips that are split. Scientifically, longitudinal splitting of hair is called Trichoptilosis. Trimming hair by at least an inch every 6 month will prevent the recurrence of split ends. This also helps maintain healthy hair.
Violent brushing down of hair also damages hair. Use fingers to remove tangles and then comb the hair. Apply oils like jajoba or coconut oil to the hair and leave it for a while to help condition it. Such regular care regimens and good food will help prevent split ends.
Does cutting hair frequently make it grow fast?
Hair grows at the rate of half an inch per month anyway so cutting is not going to increase this speed. Better give proper care to the hair than try such methods to grow hair. Keeping hair short makes it look thicker as the hair shaft is thick near the roots.
Short hair however prevents hair loss as it does not get caught and pulled. Also keeping hair clean and nourished with frequent massages becomes easier with short hair. This indirectly reduces hair loss.
What actually causes dandruff?
Dandruff called scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii is not caused by poor hygiene alone but other health reasons as well.
Many people opine that dry scalp causes dandruff. Dry scalp only causes flaking which can be treated by a good shampoo and conditioner and simple oil massages to nourish the scalp. This condition does not require dandruff shampoo.
But dandruff is a health problem which has to be medically attended with proper medication. Here the flakes are not dry but oily. Also dandruff is not contagious. Although there are several health conditions which may cause dandruff like eczema, sensitivity to yeast, psoriasis etc. it can be avoided by regular brushing of hair gently to shed the skin from the scalp keeping it clean.
Do wearing tight hats cause baldness?
Whether people wear hats to cover baldness or baldness occurs because of wearing hats is difficult to judge. But the former seems to be correct most often.
Wearing hats continuously may cause sweating which may lead to dirty and smelly hair. But its connection with hair loss is not confirmed. In some cases however, wearing tight head gear has resulted in traction alopecia or friction alopecia. Tight pulling back of hair to make ponytails by females causes hair loss on top of fore head. This has to be avoided along with combing back of hair at the forehead.
Hairfear
