Believe it or not, there is actually a correct way to wash hair. Most people, including me, wash their hair in a damaging way and have never been taught the correct technique. No matter how thick, hair is very delicate, and no one wants her hair to have breakage. Comb tangles out before you wet your hair. (Hair is less likely to break when dry.)
Wash hair with warm water (to open hair's cuticles) and rinse hair with cold water (to close cuticles and add shine).
Rub shampoo together in your hands before putting it onto your head. Don't apply shampoo to the ends of hair because it will dry the ends and cause them to break.
Squeeze excess water out of hair before the application of conditioner. Apply conditioner to all of your hair (don't put it on hair part if you have oily hair). Rinse after five minutes.
This may seem unnecessary, but it will really prove to be worth it when your hair looks beautiful and healthy.
Blow Dry or Air Dry?
Many people ask if it's better to blow dry or air dry hair. The truth is that both methods of drying hair have advantages and disadvantages for hair. It is really a matter of personal opinion and hair type. You need to learn the facts about each method in order to know what is best for your preferences and needs.
Air drying- People with short, low-maintenance hair or curly hair usually air dry their hair. It is best to air dry your hair if you want it to be curly because heat from a blow dryer will cause curly hair to frizz and poof. If you choose the air drying method, remember that wet hair is more prone to breakage than dry hair. It is important not to rub hair dry with a towel. The friction caused by the towel will make hair extremely delicate, and hair will eventually break. You should gently blot the moisture from your hair. Once excess moisture is removed from your hair, comb it with your fingers, instead of a brush.
Blow drying- Most people choose to blow dry their hair because it is more convenient and fits in with their fast-paced lives. Blow drying hair does add volume, but it also results in damage such as split ends. Blot hair before blow drying so that it takes less time and heat to dry. Keep the hair dryer at least six inches away from your head and constantly move it to different sections of your hair. Try protecting the outside layer of your hair by turning your head upside down before you blow dry. Do this with caution though because this can make thicker hair very volumous. Stop blow drying your hair when your hair is still a tad damp, and it won't be as unmanageable or frizzy.
-Laura Prestridge
Care To Grow Your Hair?
Each year many cancer patients lose their hair due to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. A sudden loss of hair is dramatic, profound, and may alter one’s self-esteem. Donating one’s hair makes it possible to create natural-looking wig for a person in need. Listed below are a few of the guidelines for acceptable donations.
10 inches measured tip to tip is the minimum length needed for a hair piece.
Hair that has been bleached (highlighted hair) is not usable.
Colored hair is not usable if it is colored over bleached hair.
Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches. Hair must be in a ponytail or braid before it is cut.
Natural wigs have a more realistic appearance and a greater durability than synthetic wigs. Also, they can withstand heat appliances and can be colored. However, natural wigs are expensive, starting at $500.
Most people prefer synthetic wigs because they are less expensive, ranging from $50-400. Synthetic colors will not fade after long periods in direct sunlight like natural wigs. Also, they tend to be lighter in weight, thus more comfortable to wear. However, these wigs cannot withstand extreme heat from hair dryers, flat irons and curling irons.
There are three different types of wig construction: machine-made, hand-made, and custom-made.
· Machine-made wigs are the most common and least expensive. These wigs look extremely realistic as long as they are not parted. Some people find these wigs more comfortable because the construction creates vents that allow air to circulate to the scalp.
· Although custom-made wigs are almost indistinguishable from natural hair, they are usually not an option for cancer patients because they are extremely expensive and take around two months to construct.
· Hand-made wigs can be parted and styled with accessories. Also, the hair falls and moves more naturally.
How to get a wig that fits?
Step 1: Measure Head
· To measure one’s head, find a flexible, seamstress measuring tape. Start at the forehead, just above the eyebrows. Then, move to one ear, following the hairline. Proceed all the way around the head, meeting up at the forehead.
Step 2: Select Style
· One should choose a style that best fits his or her needs
Step 3: Select Color
· When choosing a wig, one should select a color that is a lighter than his or her own hair. One’s skin color may be off during chemotherapy; less contrast is generally more flattering and will not draw attention to his or her complexion. Also, wig hair is usually thicker than natural hair. Thus, while the shade may be the same as one’s hair color, the wig will appear darker.
If one has been diagnosed with cancer, it may be a good idea to cut his or her hair short before he or she starts chemotherapy. It’s less traumatic to lose short clumps of hair than long ones. Also, if one’s hair is long enough, he or she can cut it and make a wig out of his or her own hair.
Cancer touches the life of every American in some way. Actress Hilary Swank cut her hair for Pantene Beautiful Lengths to show her support for women with cancer. Spring is approaching and a short hair cut will keep one cool in the spring and summer months. There is no better time than now to get a short haircut and help someone in need. There are many organizations one can donate his or her hair to: Locks of Love, Pantene Beautiful Lengths, and Wigs for Kids.