Cindy's Health Tips:
Hair
Health Tip #6, 3 October 1996
What is HAIR?
Hair is composed of 97% protein, and the rest if moisture. Yes, it is dead cells, but the follicle beneath your scalp still needs nutrients and oxygen nourishment. Each strand has a life-span of about 2-7 years before it falls out from washing or combing. You are born with about 90,000 hair follicles. The number does not change with time, but the functioning of the follicles will. You can expect to lose between 100-200 strands a day.
How does NUTRITION affect my hair?
An inadequate diet does not give you enough nutrients to nourish your hair. Researches note that a strict diet can cause hair deterioration within the first 2-3 days. So, the following are some important nutrients for healthy hair:
Iron (most important): deficiencies may cause brittle, dull, and hard to manage hair
Sulfur: keeps your hair smooth and silky; found in eggs, fish, beans, nuts, and meat
Zinc: prevents excessive hair loss, lack of sheen, and difficulty with control
Vitamins C and B: lack of Vitamin B12 will result in dandruff and hair loss
What kind of SHAMPOO should I use?
Herb-and-plant-based or protein-based shampoos are good for your hair and provide pH balance. If you wash your hair daily, use a pH-balanced shampoo and only wash once. Washing too many times removes too much natural oil. Jojoba-based shampoo is good for all hair types.
Oily Hair: lemon shampoo or lemon-and-water mixture helps control oil in hair
Dry Hair: oil treatments may help; if dryness is due to over-processing or over-coloring, use protein pack instead of oil pack
Dandruff: can not be prevented, but can be controlled; brush frequently to remove flakes; massage scalp to improve circulation; avoid alkaline-based shampoos; try jojoba oil-based shampoo; do NOT over-shampoo; massage table salt into your dry scalp before shampooing
Damaged or Fine Hair: use protein shampoo labeled with high protein content
Fine Hair with Little Body: try balsam-based shampoo
Split Ends: cut off hair ends to prevent further splitting; if you blow dry, use medium or cool only; stay out of sun; change shampoos to acid-based; do not brush with short-bristled or nylon brush
What if I DYE my hair?
dye as infrequently as possible
do NOT leave dye on head longer than specified
wash hair and scalp thoroughly after dyeing
try frosting or streaking instead of applying dye to entire scalp
DRYING hair...
dry hair by wrapping it in a towel
blow and squeeze, do not rub or pull
do not brush wet hair
use a wide-toothed comb instead of brush
FREEBORN HALL
Unit 1, 2650 Durant Avenue
University of California at Berkeley
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