About Hair

Hair is a protein filamentous structure that grows from follicles in the human skin’s dermis. It primarily comprises a protein called keratin, which provides strength and durability. Hair follicles, sweat, and apocrine glands (axilla, pubic, anal hair) are epidermal structures that invaginate into the dermis. Hair follicles are found throughout the skin, except for the palms, soles, and portions of the genitalia. The highest density of hair follicles is on the scalp, which is between 500 to 1000/cm³

Types of Hair:

• Lanugo: Newborns are covered with fine lanugo hairs, usually non-pigmented, and do not have a central medulla. Very thin, soft, usually unpigmented hair that covers the unborn.
• Vellus Hair: Subsequently, lanugo hair is replaced by vellus hair, which is similar but more likely to contain some pigment.
• Terminal Hair: By contrast, scalp hair becomes terminal hair, thicker with a central medulla, and is usually pigmented.

Hair Growth Cycle:

1. Anagen: In which the hair grows.
2. Catagen: A transitional phase.
3. Telogen: Is setting the stage.

Scalp Hair Characteristics by Color:

• Blonde: Number of follicles: 146,000.
• Black: Number of follicles: 110,000.
• Brown: Number of follicles: 100,000.
• Red: Number of follicles: 86,000.

Top 10 Tips for Healthy Hair:

1. Reduce Stress: High-stress levels can cause hair loss or slow hair growth. Practice relaxation always. For relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation, you can control stress by deep breathing.
2. Maintain a Balanced Diet: We have to know that hair health starts from the inside. First, make sure to eat a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Include foods like eggs, nuts, leafy greens, fish, and avocados, which are rich in biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D, and E.
3. Hair Washing: Avoid washing your hair regularly and use a mild shampoo that suits your hair type, as it can strip natural oils. Every 2-3 days is sufficient for most hair types.
4. Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water keeps your hair hydrated and prevents brittleness or breakage.
5. Sleep: Sleep plays a major role in maintaining brain function and the production of adult stem cells. Adults need seven hours of sleep regularly. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body’s stress levels can skyrocket. Stress is a cause of hair loss. Elevated stress levels lead to the release of hormones like cortisol, which can shatter the normal hair growth cycle. Lack of sleep also dominates the immune system and causes illness and infections. Your scalp health is always related to your overall immune health, and an unhealthy scalp can lead to poor hair quality. Additionally, improper sleep can affect your blood circulation.
6. Limit Heat Styling: Excessive use of heat tools like straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers can weaken hair. If you need to use them, apply a heat protectant first and keep the temperature as low as possible. While air drying may take a bit longer, it can reduce the risk of severe hair damage in the long term.
7. Hair Trimming: Trimming your natural hair is fundamental for maintaining healthy hair. After four to six months, you should be trimming your hair.
   Five Benefits of Trimming Hair:
   • Prevents split ends.
   • Prevents single-strand knots.
   • Aids in the detangling process.
   • Prevents thinning ends.
   • Inhibits heat damage.
8. Use Gentle Hair Care Products: Choose sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoos and conditioners. Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils. Leave-in products hydrate and retain moisture in the hair all day long, which is important for helping to heal particularly dry and damaged hair.
9. Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat from tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause damage. Use them sparingly and always apply a heat protectant spray.
   Six Steps to Protect Your Hair from Heat:
   • Avoid exposing your hair to heat as much as possible.
   • Use proper heat-styling tools.
   • Use heat protectants.
   • Use gentle hair care products.
   • Apply a hair mask.
   • Don’t apply too much heat to the same section more than once.
10. Protect Hair from the Sun: Excessive sun exposure can damage your hair, leading to dryness and color fade. Wear a hat or apply hair products with ultraviolet protection when spending long periods outdoors.

• Apply leave-in conditioners or hair sprays that contain ultraviolet filters to shield your hair from sun damage.
• Natural oils like coconut oil, argan oil, or olive oil can be applied to provide a natural barrier against ultraviolet rays, which will nourish, hydrate, and prevent dryness.
• Braids, buns, or ponytails can minimize the surface area of your hair exposed to the sun, reducing the chances of damage.
• Avoid being outside during peak UV sunlight hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm, to minimize sun exposure.
• Saltwater and chlorine can exacerbate sun damage, so rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming to remove these harmful elements.
• Some hair accessories, such as UV-protective headbands and caps, offer an added layer of defense against the sun.

How Often Should I Wash My Hair?

Most experts suggest washing your hair every two to three days, but it depends on your hair condition and scalp. If you’re wondering whether you should wash your hair every day, the short answer is probably not. When hair is wet, it swells up, making it more vulnerable, so never comb your hair when it’s wet. Wash your hair based on your hair type, scalp condition, and lifestyle.

Wash your hair based on your hair type:

• Oily Hair: If you have an oily scalp, you may need to wash your hair more frequently, about every 1-2 days. Oil can build up quickly, making hair greasy.
• Dry Hair: If your hair or scalp tends to be dry, you might want to wash it less often, around every 3-5 days. Washing too frequently can strip the hair of its natural oils.
• Fine Hair: Fine hair can look limp when oily, so washing every other day can help maintain volume and freshness.
• Active Lifestyle: If you sweat a lot due to exercise or live in a hot, humid climate, you may need to wash your hair more frequently, especially to remove sweat buildup. Every 2-3 days works well for active people.
• Color-Treated Hair: If your hair is dyed or chemically treated, washing less often—about 2-3 times a week—can help preserve the color and prevent damage.