For Hair That Shines

WHAT IS SEBUM?

Hair’s natural shine comes from sebum an oil produced by the sebaceous glands sebum protects the whole hair shaft, smoothing the cuticle scales and helping the hair to be elastic and strong.

WHY DOES HAIR BECOME OILY, EVEN WITHOUT OIL?

Too much sebum –from a hormonal imbalance, for instance – and your hair will be greasy; too little and it’s dry. Each Hair as Three layers; the cuticle or outer layer, which has lots of tiny overlapping scales; the cortex, which consists of fiber – like cells that provide strength and elasticity; and the medulla in balance with the cuticle cells. If the cuticle scales are damaged, the hair is brittle, dull and knotty.

HOW TO GET ‘NATURAL’ SHINE ON HAIR?

The ideal is to have everything in balance with the cuticle scales lying flat and overlapping neatly so that your hair shines and looks silky. lf you have wavy or curly hair, you need to pay even more attention to condition because it won’t reflect the light as much as the flat surface of straight hair. Follow these steps to have beautiful shiny healthy hair. Buy cosmetics online for haircare.

1. SHAMPOOING REGULARLY

“Hair looks its best when the natural oils from the scalp are allowed to reach the ends,” says Sally Hershberger, executive style director for John Frieda/Sheer Blonde. That’s why most experts suggest that you shampoo every other day or even every third day. If you feel you need a freshener, simply spritz roots with water and restyle with a blow dryer.

2. ALWAYS FASTENING YOUR PONYTAIL IN THE SAME SPOT

Because strands tend to get caught — and broken — in bands, it’s a good idea to alternate the fastening point. Move it up a half inch one day, then down the next. Using seamless elastic bands will further minimize damage.

3. COMBING WET HAIR FROM ROOTS TO ENDS

A comb is easier on fragile wet hair than a brush is, but tugging it from scalp to tips can cause breakage. First, smooth out knots with a leave-in de-tangler. Then start to comb at ends, working up in sections.

4. BRUSHING YOUR HAIR FOR SHINE

All you need is a few strokes to style hair and spread the natural oils from roots to ends. Anything more than that is unnecessary friction, which can lead to breakage. Buy beauty products for shiny hair.

5. BLOW-DRYING HAIR THAT’S DRIPPING WET

Not only will this make it difficult to style your hair, it will cause a ton of heat damage. A blow dryer should be used on damp — not wet — hair for 20 minutes, tops. Before applying heat, wrap hair in a towel for five minutes, then let hair air-dry for another five.

6. IGNORING YOUR SCALP

To grow healthy hair, your scalp needs nourishment. Massaging your head with your fingertips will stimulate blood flow. For extra care, use a leave-in scalp treatment.

7. USING THE WRONG BRUSH

The incorrect brush can not only ruin your style, it can get snagged in your hair. Generally, the longer your locks, the larger in diameter your brush should be (basically, more hair, more brush). To create volume, use a round brush; to smooth hair, a paddle shape is best.

8. AVOIDING HAIR SPRAY

It’s gotten a bad rap, but hair spray contains a polymer that actually locks out humidity. And contrary to popular belief, it’s not harmful. It’s the polymer, not the alcohol that dries on your hair. The alcohol evaporates before it hits your head. Use just enough to hold your style.

9. MASKING — NOT TREATING — DANDRUFF

Trying to mix flakes with moisturizing stylers like oils and pomades is only a temporary fix. Dandruff is actually an inflammatory scalp disease unrelated to dryness. Use a shampoo with salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide or tar to eliminate flakes.