Hair Care

Who doesn't want to have luxuriant locks on their head? To have hair that's simply stunning is every girl's dream. Here's what you can do to keep your hair up to form.

1. Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner. Shampoo washes away dirt, dust and other particles that do not belong on your hair. As you grow older, your hair, like skin, tends to become less oily. If your hair is dry, choose a shampoo formulated for dry or normal-to-dry hair. If you have oily scalp, choose a shampoo formulated for oily or normal-to-oily hair. What happens if you have oily scalp and dry ends? You choose both and alternate them every week! Shampoo gently by concentrating the lather on your scalp, carrying it down to the drier ends and rinse thoroughly.

There are myth saying that shampooing frequently will cause problems like hair fall and so on. Actually, frequent shampooing will not cause any problem, but be sure to use a conditioner. A conditioning rinse can coat the hair with a layer of lubricant that replaces the cuticle stripped off by shampoo. Conditioner also helps to enhance shine and hair would be more manageable. Be sure to rinse off the conditioner with cool water to lock the open cuticles.

2. Handle wet hair with care. Rubbing or pulling your hair after washing it will cause breakage to your hair. After shampooing and conditioning, use a towel to blot your hair dry and untangle it with a wide-tooth comb. Avoid hot blow-dryers as high heat on wet hair will break the hair. Set your dryer on the low or medium setting and keep it moving so that the heat does not concentrate on one spot.

3. Combing and brushing your hair with good hair tools. The old 100-strokes-a-night rule you may have heard about is left over unless you are shampooing your hair with soap and had to brush out the resulting film. So, brush your hair only enough to style and groom it. Look for combs and brushes with smooth, rounded teeth. Scratchy bristles can tear your hair.

4, Don't process your hair too often. Perm, colouring or straightening agents can dissolve hair strands. If you are going for straightening / perming and colouring, be sure to schedule them at least 2 weeks apart so that your hair won't be damaged by the chemicals used. If your hair is coloured and you would like touch up so that you can cover up the black hair that is growing out, be sure to schedule it 3-4 weeks from the last time you've done it. Get subsequent treatments to keep your hair healthy and shiny.

5. Beware of the sun. Sunlight can break down hair's protein, making it vulnerable to breakage. Lighter hair is more vulnerable as it has less protective pigments. Avoid being under the sun for too long and wear a hat if you are going for outdoor activities such as tennis and golf.

6. Hair products. Styling products should be washed off everyday as it contains agents that might damage our hair. Do not use too many types of styling products at a time to minimise the possible damage to the hair. Use hair cream / oil suitable for your hair type everyday, concentrating on the hair ends to protect your hair from pollutants.

Hope these tips help keeping your hair healthy and shiny. Have beautiful locks during Valentine's Day to amaze your partner / partner-to-be.

-Cee-