Every person on the planet has a head of tresses that can cause daily stresses. From the head to the body, hair care includes facial hair and pubes. Proper hair care has effected millions of people across the globe. Finding products that work for one’s hair can be a series of years filled with trial, error, and thousands of dollars on products that don’t work. Hair care is the umbrella term for hygiene and cosmetology for hair. While each culture has different hair regimens, there are basic understandings to get any person on the right track to healthy hair growth.

A basic hair care regimen includes cleansing, conditioning, and protection. When cleansing the hair one would start with shampoo or another form or cleanser designed for those luxurious locks. Shampoos traditionally used sulfate which stripped away natural oils and dyes. Sulfate free shampoos are recommended as they protect the natural oils while cleansing the cuticles. Co washes have been used an alternative or addition to shampoos to ensure moisture and protection of the strands above and below the scalp. Excessive cleansing has been proven to cause physical stress and invite bacteria like lice. So there needs to be a balance in cleansing to avoid more problems than solutions.

Following shampooing, the next step in a hair care regimen is conditioning. Conditioners are used to smooth the cuticle and provide a protective layer against physical and environmental damages. These damages include uv damage, oxidative stress, brushing, combing, and more.There are three main types of conditioners which are anti-oxidant conditioners, internal conditioners, and external conditioners, or everyday conditioners, which smooth down the cuticle layer, making the hair shiny, combable and smooth. Anti oxidant conditioners are used to prevent oxidation after chemical processes and internal conditioners are for the protection of the cortex. When hair is damaged people use deep conditioners that are left in the hair for several minutes to be rinsed in the end. Alongside deep conditioners, there are hair masques used to treat specific damages caused by the countless chemicals and styling the modern person encounters. Oils have been the latest addition to hair care regimens to replenish natural oils that may have been stripped away during the shampooing process. They can be added during a leave in conditioner or after hair is rinsed and styled.

Following conditioning, protecting the scalp and follicles are crucial to maintaining the efforts applied in the shampooing and conditioning stage. Hair protection includes hair styles and other attributes of daily life. Excessive styling can lead to damage the strands in various ways. Braids, weaves, and heatless styling techniques are the basic ways to protectively style one’s hair. Alongside the styles, how they are maintained can be effected simply by the fabric one lays their head. Satin pillowcases and scrunchies are recommended to protect the strands from damage as people toss and turn in their sleep. The cotton (blend) fabrics causes friction and encourages split ends.

Another helpful adjustment is to add wooden combs to your tools. Wooden combs have been proven to have a plethora of benefits. The natural material reduces static which causes frizz. The wood also evenly distributes the natural and added oils throughout the strands, while promoting blood flow on the scalp. With a more even distribution, the oils allow the strands to maintain moisture and smoothness throughout the crown.

All in all, an effective hair care regimen is consistent and filled with healthy products that are safe to the scalp and follicles. While cleansing is important, conditioning is just as important, if not more. It is crucial to nurture, moisturize, and maintain the scalps health in order for the strands to grow. Outside of a regimen, hair loss can be a sign of deeper health issues and it is important to consult with professionals for severe symptoms.