Care for Your Hair

How Can I Repair My Split Ends?

There is really no way to repair split ends. You can get rid of them only by getting a hair cut. It is far better to find the right hair product and keep your hair healthy. Otherwise, grab the scissors.

Cut Your Hair and It Will Grow Faster

Sorry, this is also a myth. Normally our hair grows about ¼ inch a month, give or take a bit. You can give that a boost by eating a lot of protein, maybe sprout ½ inch monthly. But, cutting your hair does not cause it to grow faster.

Your Hair Will Grow Back Thicker Where You Shave

Shaving has no effect on the texture of hair. Because shaved hair lacks the fine taper found on the ends of unshaven hair, it can appear to be coarser, but it’s not. In addition, new hair has not been exposed to the sun as long so it appears darker than the older hair. This can add to the illusion of being coarse.

Pull Out One Hair and 3 Will Grow Back

Boy, if that were true, a lot of thin hair people would be yanking away. There are three parts to a strand of hair. One is the hair shaft or the fiber, the hair bulb or the root, and the third is the cycle or time of growing and resting. That’s it. Plucking out, for instance, that gray hair is not going to cause 3 more to grow back. Nor will it help grow more wanted hair.

Am I Going Bald?

Hair follows a cycle that takes about 8 years. First it will grow, rest for a few months, and then it will shed. Many things can affect the cycle such as fever, stress, iron levels, weight loss, and certain illnesses. So it is natural for about 10% of your hair to be shedding. If you notice losing a lot of hair, check with your doctor.

Dull, Dry Hair

Using a blow dryer or flat iron on hair is the number one cause of dull, dry hair. Excessive heat, especially applied to wet hair, has a very dried out effect on hair. Try air drying a while before finishing up with the blow dryer and only use the flat iron on dry hair. Hair that has been color treated is more prone to damage. Find yourself a good conditioner.

Brittle Hair

Some hairstyles have harsher effects than others. Hair extensions, or tight ponytails, and corn rolls are popular culprits. Be careful when pulling your hair back and don’t brush hard when your hair is wet. Try using a wide toothed comb and be gentle. That old adage about brushing your hair 100 strokes a day, it’s just that: an old adage. The less brushing the better.

When Your Hair Turns Gray

Once the pigment producing cells in your hair is gone, they’re gone. Your natural hair color will be some shade of gray. The good news is that you can color it.

Dandruff

The cause of dandruff remains a mystery. We do know that it can be genetic, but not always. If using your normal shampoo daily does not stop the itching and flaking, try switching to a shampoo made to fight dandruff. The downside is that anti-dandruff shampoos are usually harsh on the hair fiber. Try using the dandruff shampoo intermittently with your regular shampoo.

A Bald Spot

We’re talking about an unexpected bald spot. Alopecia Areata occurs when your immune system starts attacking the hair bulbs. The bulb won’t start to grow back until the attack is over. The cause could be stress or environmental. Most cases are not permanent and with treatment, the hair will grow back. Consult a doctor.

Thicker Hair Since I Became Pregnant

The hormones of pregnancy can be responsible for the thicker hair than before. Enjoy it while you can (assuming the hair is growing on your head and not unwanted places). When you are pregnant and for a few months following, your hair stays in a high state of growth with minimal loss. Then things go back to normal.