Healthy, attractive hair plays an essential role in the self-image and the self-confidence of men and women. We often spend hours styling and grooming our "crowing glory" to look our best. Although genetics determine what kind of hair you have, there are a number of hair care products that allow you to enhance your hair.
Shampoo
Dirty, unwashed hair is unattractive and is difficult to control and style. Cleanse your hair and scalp by using shampoo. Finding the best shampoo for your hair is often a trial-and-error experiment. Shampoos are available in a variety of formulas, including those specifically made for dry hair, fine hair, coarse hair, oily hair and color treated hair. Choose the shampoo that is best suited for your hair and use it regularly. Oily hair often requires a daily shampoo, while dry or color-treated hair may only need shampooing every other day.
Conditioner
Conditioners remove tangles from your hair and help the hair appear smoother and feel softer. They also make dry, coarse hair easier to manage. Conditioners can replace oils and other natural materials that hair loses through shampooing, exposure to the sun, chlorine and chemical treatments such as coloring, permanents and relaxers. Choose a hair conditioner that is specifically made for your hair type and use it after every shampoo.
Styling Products
Styling your hair is sometimes challenging, but styling products help you control your hair and make the process easier. Styling products are made for all types of hair and offer a variety of options. There are gels and mousses that will enhance your curls or smooth and straighten coarse hair while other products allow you to add soft waves to your style. Gels provide more control and offer a stronger hold, while mousses give hair a more relaxed, natural look. Gels and mousses typically are applied to damp hair before styling. Once you've achieved a hairstyle that you're happy with, hairspray will keep your hair in place. It comes in a variety of holds from light to extra strength. Spray an even layer over your hair and allow the product to dry; if possible, don't brush your hair once the spray is applied.
Damage Treatments
Your hair becomes dry and brittle when you use chemical treatments such as relaxers, permanents and coloring. Damage also occurs from excessive blow drying, over-use of curling irons and flat irons and from exposure to the elements. There are a variety of deep conditioners and hot oil treatments available that help hair look healthier and feel softer. Although deep conditioning products give hair a better over-all appearance, conditioning treatments cannot repair your hair.
References
- CosmeticsInfo.org: Hair Care Products
- Hairrr.com: Hair Products
- American Academy of Dermatology: Does Your Hair Need a Little TLC? Hair Care Products Can Deliver the Goods For Thinning and Textured Hair
- Exploratorium: Better Hair Through Chemistry
- Best Shampoo and Conditioner: Deep Conditioner for Hair
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