As with skin, there are various types of hair, mainly determined by their moisture content, brightness or elasticity. To choose the right products for your hair and take care of them properly, you must know your hair type (be aware, it is prone to climatic changes, health and emotional disruption and can become finer, coarser, oilier, drier, smoother, frizzier at different stages in our lives).
Dry Hair:
Dry hair is the result of moisture deficiency due to chemical products abuse, aggressiveness of the environment or simply natural factor such as inheritance. Hair can be weak, fragile and opaque. If you have dry hair as a consequence of chemical products abuse, use products containing B Complex to strengthen them and give them more vitality. For styling, don’t use hairspray or products containing alcohol. If you use a blow-dryer, set it at the lowest temperature to avoid loss of natural moisture. Apply oily base creams by putting it first in your hands, rubbing it and then applying on the hair itself. Give your scalp a massage softly to stimulate blood circulation and with that increase moisture levels.
Oily Hair:
Oily hair lack in volume and have a wet look due to the excessive working of the glands, which may have a genetic origin, or be caused by nervous system disorders or wrong diet. To treat such hair, wash them frequently using a normal hair shampoo, and then apply natural infusions or a special lotion (no alcohol) to reduce oil. Let them dry and wash with abundant water. Prefer natural products like lemon or vinegar to rinse them– they help to keep the natural pH of the hair. Also, don’t comb and massage frequently. When you do massage your hair, do it from back to front, this way the oil will go to the ends. Use cold water to wash them and wipe out the excess water with a towel, letting them dry naturally.
Balanced or Normal Hair
This is the most ideal hair. It is shining, well balanced and does not dry out. To maintain this ideal condition a well balanced diet and proper care is essential.
Thick Hair:
Thick Hair has a harsh texture and is very hard to control. It is recommended that you wash them three or four times a week, and use a good quality conditioner without proteins after shampooing (go for Garnier or Sunsilk, I strongly recommend these). After washing, dry them with a towel, continue drying with a blow dryer at a distance of approximately 5cm. Use a hairbrush with natural bristle and don’t apply foamy creams or gels that leave your hair rigid and looking even thicker. Cut your hair regularly and apply an oil based treatment once a month, especially on the hair ends.
Thin Hair:
Thin hair looks limp, lifeless, without volume and is hard to style because it falls easily. Use protein-based shampoo formulated for this type of hair; do not apply conditioner. If besides thin, they are weak, you must use a revitalizing lotion with Vitamin B to fortify it. Wash with hot water to stimulate the dilation of the scalp to give your hair consistency and use light foams without alcohol. Dry only the roots with the blow dryer and shape them with fingers or a hairbrush. If you require that your hair don’t fall easily, apply a strong gel or hairspray.
Curly Hair:
Curly Hair tend to be rough and are wild. It is recommended that you wash them frequently using a soft shampoo; this will help you soften them. After washing, dry with a towel to eliminate excess water, comb them backwards with a thick comb. Let them dry naturally, but if you use blow dryer, keep it as far away as you can and move it constantly. Don’t use a hairbrush because it destroys the natural shape; do not expose your hair to the sun without protection and retouch your haircut to give it life and stimulate growth.
Now with enough knowledge gained to identify your hair type let me give you some effective tips.
Pat DryTowel drying is one of the biggest causes of damage to men’s hair. When hair is wet, it is highly susceptible to damage. When the hair is rubbed with a towel, they become tangled in the threads of the towel and get stretched to the point of breaking, causing damage to the cuticle, frizziness, and split ends. To properly towel dry, shake out the excess water and stroke your hair in the direction it grows, rather than rubbing the hair with the towel. Drying takes a bit longer this way but after a few haircuts, you’ll notice the difference in the way your hair looks. Blow drying is also a common cause of damage to the hair. Excessive blow drying can dry out the hair and scalp. If you must use a blow dryer, apply a thermal styling spray or detangler to coat the hair and protect it from damage, use a wide-tooth comb to prevent pulling, and always leave the hair slightly damp. This will prevent over drying the hair
Cool OffNothing feels better than a piping hot shower, but it wreaks havoc on your hair and scalp. Very hot water strips too much of the essential oil from the hair and scalp and leads to dryness.
Avoid Chemical TreatmentsColoring or perming hair repeatedly can leave it damaged, dry, and dull. I recommend avoiding at-home chemical products and seek a good stylist for such services. A stylist will know how to properly prepare you hair and choose the best products for your hair type.
Use a Good Shampoo and ConditionerA good shampoo and conditioner will help cleanse the hair, add moisture and elasticity, and smooth the cuticle to add shine.
Use the Right ToolsDon’t use a brush on wet hair- the hair is most vulnerable then. When combing through wet hair, use a wide-toothed comb and gently work out any tangles. Avoid heated tools such as blow dryers or irons which can dry and damage hair.
Stay HealthyThe condition of your hair is often a reflection of the overall health of your body. Eat well, exercise, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and reduce stress in your life. Doing so will result in a healthier scalp and great looking hair. Living well and staying healthy will also increase the rate of hair growth.
Avoid Tight HatsA tight hat (or ponytail) can cause “traction alopecia”- a condition in which hair is pulled out of the scalp. If worn long enough, the damage can become permanent. A tight hat or ponytail can also cause damage to the cuticle and breakage.
Keep it trimmedSince the only real way to remove damaged hair is to cut off the damaged section, keeping your hair trimmed regularly will help eliminate split ends. Even if you’re growing your hair out, make sure to get it trimmed about every six weeks, but make it clear to your barber or stylist that you only want enough hair removed to eliminate the damage.
Reduce FrizzLow moisture and protein in the hair can cause frizz. To minimize this problem, use a good moisturizing conditioner. A slick, smoothing serum can be applied to add shine and give the hair a smoother appearance.