Hair Analysis - Texture And Type

The texture of your hair is determined by the size and shape of the hair follicle, which is a genetic
trait controlled by hormones and related to age and racial characteristics. Whether hair is curly, wavy
or straight depends on two things: its shape as it grows out of the follicle, and the distribution of
keratin-producing cells at the roots. When viewed in cross-section, straight hair tends to be round,
wavy hair tends to be oval, and curly hair kidney shaped. Straight hair is formed by roots that produce
the same number of keratin cells all around the follicle. In wavy and curly hair, the production of
keratin cells is uneven, so that at any given time there are more cells on one side of the oval=shaped
follicle than on the other. Furthermore, the production of excess cells alternates between the sides.
This causes the developing hair to grow first in one direction and then in the other. The result is wavy
or curly hair. The natural color of the hair also affects the texture. Natural blondes have finer hair than
brunettes, while redheads have the thickest hair. Generally speaking, hair can be divided into three
categories: fine, medium and coarse and thick. Fine hair can be strong or weak; however, because of
its texture, all fine hair has the same characteristic - it lacks volume. As the name suggests, medium
hair is neither too thick nor too thin, and is strong and elastic. Thick and coarse hair is abundant and
heavy, with a tendency to grow outwards from the scalp as well as downwards. It often lacks elasticity
and is frizzy. A single head of hair may consist of several different textures. For example, fine hair is
often found on temples, and the hairline at the front and on the nape of the head, while the texture
over the rest of the head may be medium or even coarse.

Normal, Dry Or Oily?

Hair type is determined by the hair's natural condition - that is the amount of sebum the body
produces. Treatments such as perming, coloring and hair styling will also have an effect on hair type.
Natural hair types and those produced by applying treatments are described here, with advice on
haircare where appropriate.

Dry Hair: It can look dull, feels dry and tangles easily. It is difficult to brush, particularly when it is wet.
It is often quite thick at the roots but thinner, and sometimes split, at the ends.

Causes: Excessive shampooing, over-use of heat-styling equipment, misuse of color or perms, damage
from the sun, or harsh weather conditions. Each of these factors depletes the moisture content of
hair, so that it loses its elasticity, bounce and suppleness. Dryness can also be the result of a sebum
deficiency on the hair's surface, caused by a decrease in or absence of sebaceous gland secretions.

Solutions: Use a nourishing shampoo and an intensive conditioner. Dry hair naturally.

Normal Hair:It is neither oily nor dry, has not been permed or colored, hold its style and looks good
most of the time. Normal hair is suited to the daily use of two-in-one conditioning shampoos. These
are formulated to provide a two-stage process in one application. When the product is lathered into
wet hair the shampoo removes dirt, grease and styling products. At this stage the conditioner
remains in the lather. As the hair is rinsed with more water, the grease and dirt are washed away, and
the micro-fine conditioning droplets are released onto the hair, leaving it shiny and easy to comb.
Oily Hair: It looks lank and greasy and needs frequent washing to look good.

Causes: Overproduction of sebum as a result of hormone disturbances, stress, hot and humid
atmosphere, excessive brushing, or constantly running hands through the hair, perspiration, or a diet
rich in saturated fat. The hair becomes oily, sticky and unmanageable in just a few days, or sometimes
within hours.

Solutions: Use a gentle, non-aggressive shampoo that also gives the hair volume. A light perm will lift
the hair at the roots and limit the dispersal of sebum. Rethink your diet; cut out as many dairy fats
and greasy foods as you can. Try to eat plenty of fresh food, and drink six to eight glasses of water
everyday.

Combination Hair: It is oily at the roots but dry and sometimes split at the ends.

Causes: Chemical treatments, using detergent based shampoos too frequently, overexposure to
sunlight, and over-use of heat-styling equipment. Such repeated abuse often provokes a reaction in
sebum secretion at the roots and a partial alteration in the scales, which can no longer fulfil their
protective role. The hair ends therefore become dry.

Solutions: Use products that have only a gentle action on the hair. Excessive use of formulations for
oily hair and those for dry hair may contribute to the problem. Ideally, use a product specilly designed
for combination hair. If this is not possible try using a shampoo for oily hair and finish by applying a
conditioner from the middle lengths to the ends of the hair only.

Colored Or Permed Hair: It is very often more porous than untreated hair, so it needs to be treated
with gentle cleansers and good conditioners. Color-care products will help prevent fading by
protecting the hair from the damaging rays of sunlight.toducts specially designed for permed hair can
also help maintain elasticity, giving longer-lasting results.

SCALP MASSAGE
Structure: Skin and Hair

The skin consists of two basic layers: the epidermis, which is the thin outer layer, and the
dermis, which is the thick inner layer. The epidermis consists of sheets of tough, flat cells.
Hair grows from hair follicles, which are modified regions of epidermis that reach into the
dermis. New hair cells, made in the follicle, eventually die to form the scaly hair shaft. The
dermis is made of strong, elastic tissue and contains blood vessels, glands, and nerve
endings, which respond to stimuli such as heat, pressure, and pain.
Pore surrounded by epidermal cells

Sweat from glands in the dermis reaches the skins surface through pores such as this one.
The large, upright flakes around the pore are dead epidermal cells.

Magnified section of hair

Hair has three layers: the inner medulla (which is usually hollow), a thick pigmented cortex,
and an outer cuticle.

Structure: Mucous membranes

Mucous membranes are sheets of cells that protect body areas that must not dry out. These
membranes line the mouth and nose; the insides of the eyelids; and the genital, digestive,
and respiratory tracts. Special cells in the membranes, called goblet cells, secrete mucus, a
sticky protein that lubricates and cleans. At the opening of body cavities, mucous
membranes are continuous with the skin.

Membrane layers

The structure of mucous membranes rapidly dividing cells in the basal layer below the layer
of flat cells is similar to that of the skins epidermis, but lacks a thick, distinctive outer edge.

The basic structure of hair is medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The basic structure of skin is
epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

BENEFITS OF SCALP MASSAGE http://www.short-hair-style.com/scalp-massage.html

12 Wonderful Benefits of Scalp Massage

According to ayurveda, a system of medicine founded in historical India, a healthy beautiful
head of hair requires an ongoing care routine that starts with nourishment. Why wait until
you experience hair problems? As with your skin, start taking care of it now and you'll reap
the benefits for years to come.

short hair model - woman copper highlight

By Shreelata Suresh

12 Benefits of Scalp Massage

A warm oil massage, done at least once a week (if you have more Vata in your make-up, you
would want to try to do it two to three times a week), has the following benefits:

It lubricates and conditions the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry scalp without the use
of harsh chemical shampoos.

It helps enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area. When the scalp is "tight" from
stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded.

It helps relax the scalp and increase pliability.

It helps strengthen the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair
growth and strengthening current hair.

It helps soften and condition the hair, making it more manageable.

It spreads the natural oils of the hair, increasing hair lustre and vibrancy.

It helps protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun and harsh weather by improving
resiliency over time.

It is replenishing and rejuvenating for dry, damaged hair, and helps prevent excessive
brittleness and split-ends.

It helps pacify Vata dosha. Especially when enriched with Vata-pacifying herbs, a warm oil
hair and scalp massage can be wonderfully relaxing for the mind and nervous system.

When fortified with cooling, Pitta-pacifying herbs, the hair and scalp massage can help
balance Pitta dosha and help prevent Pitta-related problems such as premature graying or
thinning of hair. It also helps reduce body heat in general, especially if you have been up late
a few nights or your eyes are smarting from too much close work on the computer or
reading. A Pitta-pacifying massage also helps promote emotional balance.

The massage helps relax the muscles in the neck area.

The hair and scalp massage can help promote sound sleep at night.

How Massage Affects Your Hair & Scalp

Jane L. Bullock - Copyright - 2000 - 2008 - All Rights Reserved

Revised Date: 4/12/2008 - Original Publication Date: 4/1/2000

Introduction - Advantage Of Scalp Massage

I am the poster child for regular massage. In fact, I would give up grocery shopping before I'd
give up my bi-monthly massages! One of the best antidotes for stress is massage, and since it
took me years to build up this much stress, I'm due.

However, your scalp can also greatly benefit from regular massage. It stimulates blood flow,
which in turn helps feed the hair follicles. Often it helps to prevent and fight avoidable hair
loss, and reestablish the natural development of healthy hair. In addition to all this, it is
extremely relaxing, calming, and helps relieve headaches and migraines.

Healthy Hair and Scalp Tips

The following tips have been gleaned from various sources. They can help stop hair loss as
well as keeping the hair you have healthy.

Massage your scalp (see the next section to give you step-by-step instructions) with your
fingertips (not your nails) daily to stimulate and promote circulation to your scalp.

When using blow dryers, always keep the heat a good distance from your scalp and hair.
Avoid heating the scalp and hair excessively.

Avoid getting hair creams, lotions, styling gels and sprays directly on the scalp as this can clog
your hair follicles.

After swimming in a pool, shampoo your hair as soon as possible to remove any chlorine
residue. Chlorine is extremely damaging to the hair and scalp.

Avoid over-exposing your hair and scalp to the wind and sun.

Avoid tight hats and caps as they contribute to poor circulation, depriving the hair of proper
nutrition. Sweat, dirt, and grime around the rim inhibit follicle health and contribute to build-
up.

Continued below
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Always consult your health care provider for extreme fallout and thinning.

A medical condition or medication could be causing hair loss side effects.

Strive for balance and harmony in both your personal and professional lifestyle. High stress
factors can cause our body to react by fluctuating hormone levels. This in turn causes
excessive oil secretion (sebum) which results in hair loss.

Pregnancy, nursing, menopause even birth control medication cause constant changing
factors on your nutritional needs and hormonal levels which contribute to hair loss and
fallout.

Avoid "crash and fad" diets. Proper nutritious meals along with vitamin and mineral
supplements is a key factor for healthy hair and skin.

Give Yourself a Hair/Scalp Massage

Massaging the scalp helps keep your hair healthy and can also promote hair growth.
Nourishment is sent to the capillary vessels in hair papillae to activate the hair cells. Many
hair stylists, while shampooing hair, will give scalp massages.

Massage your scalp in this way:

1. Start from the forehead hairline along the arteries in the front, side, and back of the head,
making small circles with your fingertips.

2. Work your way toward the top of the head as if drawing a circle.

3. Massage your hair/scalp for just ten minutes a day: once in the morning and once in the
afternoon. Do not give up after a few days. Make it a habit! You can also massage your scalp
when shampooing your hair.

Additional Massage Help From Your Brush

Many hair stylists say that the only role that brushing plays is to arrange and style your hair.
Excessive brushing can damage your hair because it can scrape away your hair cuticles.

Forget the old saying about brushing 100 strokes a day! Brushing too much or too roughly
can strip away your hair's cuticle, or even cause it to hair breakage.
Additionally, It can also make oily hair more oily and dry hair more brittle.

The type of bristles on your brush can make a difference in your overall hair health. Choose a
brush that works best for your type of hair.

Generally speaking, wooden brushes with natural or Boar's Head bristles are a lot easier on
the hair. The natural bristles can also provide gentle massage for the scalp and give the hair
shaft a smooth finish.

Soft plastic brushes are usually best for medium to fine hair. The ones with knobs at the
bristle ends are generally easier on the scalp but may NOT be good for your hair.

Karen Marie Shelton & Her Hair Brushes

HairBoutique.com's Karen Shelton is extremely picky about what type ofbrush3.jpg (6942
bytes) brushes she will use on her hair.

As she explains it, it took her over 10 years to grow her gorgeous hair to her waist. The last
thing she wants to do is to use an "unfriendly hair brush" that will harm her silken tresses.

She takes a small magnifying glass to beauty supply stores and looks at the ends of each
brush. She will not buy a brush that is rough to the touch or has little knobs on the ends of
each bristle.

Karen currently has over 100 hair brushes but her favorites are Conair, Mason Pearson and
Kent brushes. She has a small purse sized version of the Mason Pearson. Karen is also picky
about the picks and combs she uses.

Note: The Mason Pearson brushes shown above are from The HairBoutique.com
Marketplace.

Other Brushes To Consider

Rubber base brushes with durable and dense bristles give all the hair types a strong workout.
The rubber base flexes so there is much less pulling at the roots.

Round brushes are the best for hair styling. However, be careful using them as they can snag
hair very easily. Try the largest size appropriate for your particular style.

Try not to push down too hard or use excessive force when brushing your hair. If your hair is
longer, don't comb straight from the root to the tip.

If there are tangles in your hair, you will force them on top of each other. Comb the bottom
third of your hair first using a "hair friendly" large toothed pick.

When this part is free of tangles, comb the hair from root to tip. Use this method whether
the hair is wet, dry or during conditioner application. Remember, NEVER brush your hair
when it is wet.

Hair is very fragile in that condition and will be more prone to breaking.

Be Good To Yourself!

Start at the top with a good hair and scalp massage. They don't take long, they make you feel
good, and who knows? You might become addicted to massage in general as I have.

Hey--it's cheaper than Godiva's chocolates and a lot better for you!

If you have comments or questions on this article you can post your comments on Hair
Boutique.com's Hair Talk board.

If you want to talk more about this or other hair care articles on HairBoutique.com or
anywhere else, please post a message on HairBoutique.com's Hair Talk Forums.

http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/articles.php?f=tip273.htm#continued
Contraindications of Massage

A contraindication is a situation when massage should not be performed. Continuing with treatment
may be more detrimental than beneficial and in some cases may cause serious medical problems.
Below we list a number of massage contraindications but do not claim it to be an exhaustive list.
Always get professional advice.

Open wounds - Any cuts, lacerations or grazes. Obvious really, but it has to be said. You should wait
until the scar has properly formed. This is usually between one and two weeks.

Muscle ruptures - In the acute stage these may still be bleeding. Massage will increase bleeding and
tissue damage and prolong recovery. After the initial 48 to 72 hours massage may be possible but it
will depend on the extent of the injury.

Tendon ruptures - The above also applies to tendon injuries. Complete ruptures will need surgery, not
massage.

Muscle and tendon partial tears - Massage may be suitable after a minimum period of 48 hours,
longer for more serious injuries.

Contusions - These are impact injuries causing bleeding within the muscle. Massage to a contusion
too soon after the injury may cause further damage and may lead to Myositis Ossificans (bone growth
within the muscle).

Burns, Chilblains and Broken bones - Massaging all of these will hurt and cause damage. Don't do it.

Periostitis - This is inflammation of the sheath that surrounds the bone. Massage directly to the bone
may cause irritation. You may be able to massage the surrounding muscles but stay well clear of the
bone.

Rheumatoid arthritis and gout - These are inflammatory conditions. The same rules apply here as to
acute injuries. Massage may cause further inflammation.

Bursitis - Inflammation to a bursa. A bursa is a small sack of fluid that helps tendons pass over bones
at joints. If there is pain, swelling and redness over the skin then massage should be avoided.
Myositis ossificans - A bad contusion or muscle rupture may begind to calcify (grow bone). Massage
will make the damage worse.

Infections of the skin and soft tissue - Bacterial infections, viral infections and fungal infections can be
spread to other areas of the body by the therapist. Pain may also result from the infection, not an
injury so massage will not help.

Thrombosis - This is a rare but potentially lethal blood clot in a vein. It is common in the calf muscle
area. A deep, sore pain in the belly of the muscle may be a thrombosis. If this is massaged, it may
dislodge, travel up the veins and damage the heart.

Artificial blood vessels - Artificial blood vessels which are implanted through surgery should be
avoided.

Bleeding disorders such as heamophillia - Massage may cause damage to tissues and result in
bleeding.

Tumours - If you are unsure of any lumps and bumps in the muscle or skin then leave well alone.
Most often these lumps are muscle spasms or fatty tissue. An experienced therapist can usually tell.

Absolutely anything else you are not sure of! - Massage should only be done by qualified therapists
and the writers of this site accept no responsibility for injury resulting from actions not under their
direct supervision or control! http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/treatments-therapies/sports-
massage/contraindications-of-massage