Q:
What is hair made of?
A:
Hair contains keratin, a fibrous
protein. Each hair grows out of an indentation in the scalp called a follicle.
At the bottom of each follicle is the papilla, which contains a rich blood
supply. The papilla produces hair cells that progress up the follicle and
harden into hair.
Q:
It is widely believed that hair
grows faster when cut. Is this true?
A:
No. Some people imagine that hair is
fed by the body in the same way the limbs of a tree are nourished by the trunk.
But once hair grows out of the scalp, it is a dead substance. Trimming the
hair, therefore, does not affect its growth.
Q:
Why does hair turn gray?
A:
The inner layer of the hair contains
a pigment that gives hair its color. As the pigment cells die, the hair turns
gray; it’s part of the aging process. Premature graying might be caused by
genetics or illness. It is a myth, however, that hair will turn gray overnight.
Pigment is deposited below the scalp. So time is required for the gray hair to
grow (about one half inch [1.25 cm] a month) and appear on the surface
of the head.
Q:
What are the reasons for hair loss?
A:
Hair loss is part of the natural
cycle of hair. On average, everyone sheds an estimated 50 to 80 hairs daily.
But male pattern baldness has a hereditary basis and seems to be caused by a
hormonal imbalance, resulting in permanent hair loss. Abnormal loss of hair is
called alopecia. *
Q:
Some say that hair is a mirror of a person’s health. Have you observed
this?
A:
Yes. Below the scalp, blood feeds
the hair. So healthy hair may reflect a well-nourished blood supply. However, a
person who eats poorly or overindulges in alcoholic beverages may find that his
hair becomes limp and weak, since his blood supply cannot properly nourish his
hair. Hair loss or weak hair can even be an early sign of illness or pregnancy.
Keeping
Your Scalp and Hair Healthy
Q: How can you properly shampoo the hair and
scalp?
A:
Experience has shown that the
majority of people with dry scalp problems shampoo their scalp too often. Of
course, the oil in your hair attracts dirt and skin debris and can plug the oil
ducts leading to the follicles. So regular shampooing is necessary. But these
natural oils also protect your skin against harmful bacteria and seal in needed
moisture. By shampooing too often, you are robbing your scalp of this
protective layer and creating problems like dry scalp. Most experts recommend
shampooing whenever one’s scalp or hair is soiled. People with oily hair should
shampoo more often than those with normal or dry hair.
When
shampooing, massage your scalp. This rids the scalp of dead cells and promotes
proper circulation of the blood, which feeds your hair. Remember to rinse
thoroughly! If you didn’t rinse your hands after washing them with soap, your
skin would dry and crack. Similarly, if shampoo is not properly rinsed off, the
scalp can become dry and flaky.
Q:
How can a dry scalp be treated?
A:
Drink lots of water, and eat
nutritious meals. This hydrates your skin and nourishes the blood supply. Use a
mild shampoo, and massage your scalp regularly. Some people also use leave-in
conditioners and lotions to moisturize the scalp.
Styling
Your Hair
Q:
What should a person keep in mind
when visiting a hairstylist?
A:
If you want to change your
hairstyle, bring a picture of the style you want and perhaps of the style
you don’t want. Frankly express your wishes and the amount of time
you are willing to put into hair care each day, since some hairstyles require
more attention than others. Keep in mind that it usually takes two or three
visits for a hairstylist to get to know your hair and to establish good
communication with you. So don’t give up on your stylist too quickly!
What
Your Hair Reveals
Hair
care and styling are forms of self-expression. Hair has been cut, extended,
straightened, curled, colored, and variously styled to meet fashion trends,
religious beliefs, and even social and political agendas. Take a closer look at
your hair. What does it reveal about you? Healthy hair that is tastefully
styled adorns its wearer and is admired by others.
