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Hair Care Basics
Dry Hair
Dry hair is usually caused by regular heat styling, exposure to sun and chemicals, and too much coloring and perming. But, some people have naturally dry hair. When hair is dry the cuticle on the hair shaft is raised, making it easier for moisture to escape. The cuticles of healthy hair lie flat, which helps keep mositure inside. Understanding what causes dry hair is the best way to determine how to prevent it or repair it. For hair that is dry due to heat styling, allow hair to air dry when possible, and when the dryer is used, use a cool setting. When blow drying, point the hair dryer down from the top of the head, and move it around (don't concentrate on one section for a long time). Using a treatment specifically made for heat (thermal) styling is recommended. For hair that is dry because of too much exposure to the sun and other elements, use a suncreen or the protection of a scarf or hat.
Oily Hair
Hair that is naturally oily can be washed more often without danger of drying it out. Use a shampoo that is designed to clarify hair and remove excess oil and dirt. It is possible to have oily scalp and dry hair at the same time. In this case, using shampoo for oily hair can dry hair out even further (especially the ends). Using a conditioner on just the lower part of the hair strands will help with dry ends and leave hair close to the scalp to absorb natural oils. Brushing hair too often speeds up the migration of oil from the scalp to hair ends. Touching the hair too much will add the oil and dirt from your hands to hair that already tends to be oily.
Fine Hair
Creating some volumn and getting hair to hold a style are the biggest problems for people with fine. And, while perming fine hair does make the task of styling easier, it is also much more damaging to fine hair than more textured hair. Likewise, coloring and heat styling will damage fine hair far easier than other types of hair. There are styling products that are designed to add volumn and make fine hair easier to style without damaging the hair. Because fine hair is prone to damage and breakage, it is important to use a light conditioner after shampooing to protect the hair without weighing it down.
Color Treated Hair
The two main concerns in caring for color treated hair are, first, repairing any damage done during the coloring process, and, keeping the color vibrant. There are a few things you can do will both protect the color and repair damaged hair. Use cool water when washing your hair. Cool water works to close hair cuticles allowing less moisture to escape, and, cool water is more color friendly than hot water. Change the part of your hair periodically to avoid exposing the same section of hair to the elements. Apply sunscreen to hair or wear a cap while swimming to protect hair from harsh pool chemicals or salt water, they can damage the hair and strip the color. Be sure to shampoo after swimming.
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