• Normal Hair

• Dry Hair

• Dry/Damaged Hair

• Color Treated Hair (which isn't really a type but rather a category)

• Frizzy Hair (can be dry and brittle as well as with thick and thin variations)

• Oily Hair (can be thick or thin)

• Fine, Thin Hair

Normal Hair: No Problem!
If you have normal, healthy hair don't take it for granted. It is very unfortunate that one day you can wake up and start noticing problems because your hair did a complete 180° in what seems like over night. So continue what you are doing until your body or environment changes and then you will be doing better than most of us. Great hair is a big, personal plus in this world, enjoy it until you may need the next few sections 

Dry Hair: Sahara Scalp
Do you go to wash your hair and the water doesn't even seem to even fully soak into the shaft, how about when you get out of the shower and you go to blowdry your hair only to find that it is already practically dry? Is it straw-like and feels rough and course? Well, this is by far one of the easiest to correct, so don't fret. Moisturize!

There are Shampoos, Conditioners and Masques to help you replenish your lost moisture. There are also acidifiers and treatments (even supplements) to help with replacing the natural humectants which are lost due to stripping heat and chemicals. Changing your diet can help as can changing your hair habits The hair can become dry due to the following reasons which are accompanied by their solutions:

• Heat - This means high heat and even medium heat blowdrying, high temperature water for washing and rinsing, curling irons, flattening irons, etc. Blowdrying until the hair is bone-dry can surely cause extensive damage and dryness. Even repeat sun exposure, be it natural or tanning beds, can cause your hair to dry out.  

• Overstyling -  Overstyling is overkill without proper maintenance - this means products with high alcohol content or alkalinity, chemical strippers, etc.

• Incorrectly Balanced Shampoos & Conditioners - Remember that your hair is like your skin, there is a need for balance and having a shampoo/conditioner with too high (or too low) of a pH level can be damaging. The key is to find a balance. Please see our Shampoo & Conditioner section for more information on finding the proper product for your needs.

• Acidifying Shampoos - High pH shampoos can lift the cuticle of your hair, thereby releasing your natural humectants, acidifiers help close the cuticle to help retain your moisture. Look for products such as Acidifying Shampoos which have a pH level of 2.5 to 3.5. Please see our Shampoo & Conditioner section for more information on finding the proper product for your needs.

• Chemicals - This means, coloring, bleaching, perms, straighteners (relaxers), etc. All of these chemical can remove the humectants from the hair and scalp. There are more gentle products available on the market, although they are more expensive, if your hair can't handle the cheaper, harsher products - it may be your only hope. Look for products with lower levels of ammonia or peroxide (developers). Please see our Hair Coloring section or Perming/Relaxing section for more information on finding the proper product for your needs.

• Poor Diet - Eating a lot of fat-free products can hinder your skin/scalp from producing its natural oils, called sebum. Sebum is your body's natural humectant and many of you who think that you are doing your body a favor by eating fat-free foods, are actually doing your body a disservice. Your body needs essential fatty acids (EFA's) to function correctly from skin and scalp moisturization to proper bowel movements, your body needs natural fats such as from olive oil, meat, nuts, dairy products, etc. However, moderation is key. Please see our Weight Loss & Nutrition section for more information on determining your body's needs. Your hair growth is only as healthy as your body is.

• Hormones - This is a culprit that many postpartum and menopausal/post-menopausal women have and don't even realize. Hormones play a key part in optimum body function including digestion, appearance and emotions. When all else usually fails many women discover that it was their own hormone levels which were off balance and not their shampoos! See our Hormones & Medications section for more information.

Dry, Damaged Hair: The Worst of Both Worlds
Many times those of us with dry hair, further damage by continually doing the above. Continuing to expose your hair to high heat, the elements, improper pH levels and chemicals is going to ruin any chance of repairing. Which may very well require that you cut off the damaged areas and, well, start over. Some of you may only need a balance of protein and moisture. Which I know none of us want to do. Here are some tips for dealing with damaged hair:

• Try the above tips for dry hair to determine if only needing moisture is your problem. If not, read on ...

• Try strengtheners and reconstruct which contain protein. Too much protein can cause brittle hair, too little protein with an abundance of moisture will cause stretching, clay-like hair when wet.

Color Treated Hair: Painting By Numbers
Many women eventually will color their hair at one point. While coloring isn't a damaging as lightning, using harsh chemicals on the hair repeatedly will damage your hair. There are natural hues, pigments, dyes, bleaches and more. Since each problem is unique and requires its own treatment, it is best to seek the help of a stylist. If it is a color mishap, unfortunately color correcting stylists can be extremely expensive but worth it if you are beyond home help.

Bleached out hair usually requires moisture and protein. See the other sections this page if you are suffering from dry , brittle or stretchy hair. Color can also add weight and depth to porous, bleached-out hair, so you may want to consider darkening your hair if it has been lightened many times.

Also try a Cellophane, with or without color washes.  These are sort of like sealing silicone over your hair shaft to seal in color, help with dry hair and to give it shine.  My favorite is Colourshine by Cellophane (Sebastian) in Clear. I use it once a month and it is glorious.  If you want a quick and easy daily treatment use Enjoy Shine & Smooth Shine Serum.

Frizzy Hair: When Your Hair Is On The Fritz
Humidity, chemical damage and genetics can all cause or be the source of frizzy hair. You can either deal with it at the source if damage is your problem or blow out your hair with a paddle brush and blow-dryer. Alternately, you may use a flattening iron although this in itself can damage the hair. There are also pomades such as Frizz-Ease and TIGI Girl Toyz which are comparable but at far different prices. The only difference seems to be the scent, the amount and bottle design. Biosilk Silk Therapy is also a very good product to combat frizz.

Oily Hair: Too Much Of A Good Thing
Are you over-washing your hair? Are you taking hormone supplements or birth control? Are you naturally oily and have always been so?  Try washing your scalp with a mild shampoo when you need it and see if that cuts the sebum production.  Unfortunately you may be stuck with washing your hair often, just be sure you're not stripping your hair shaft or causing your scalp to product more oil by using a harsh shampoo.

If your lower hair shaft (the mid and lower lengths) are being affected negatively by the constant washing but your scalp is still over-producing sebum, be sure just to wash the scalp and let the suds wash down the length of the hair, rinse right after you wash the scalp.  When applying conditioner, only apply from ears down.  This cuts the weight down on the shaft and can be helpful for oily scalps.

Fine, Thin Hair: Fragile But Versatile
Thin hair structure can usually be straightened and curled and made into an abundance of hairstyles with a curling iron or blow-dryer. Unfortunately fine hair gets tangled and damaged easier than thicker shafted hair types. So, without an abundance of hair it is difficult to wear certain styles. It is easier and more difficult to control and manage at the same time. It general holds curls better than thicker hair, however it can also spring up when straight when it is humid. The grass is always greener. Ideally, I wish I just had more of my fine hair. I love what it can do but I hate the fact I have very little of it.

    

 

---

(Updated on 02/17/10)
© 2009 - 2011 Ceatus Media Group LLC
Images and text on this site belong to Ceatus Media Group. Copying or reproducing any text or graphics from this website is strictly prohibited by copyright law. Please read our copyright infringement policy.