Anthea McGibbon, Staff Reporter
Massage the shampooed head in firm, circular motions. - Photos by Patrick James
This is another instalment of The Gleaner's new feature, 'How to ...', an instruction guide giving practical advice on fixing your day-to-day problems yourself - without paying an arm and a leg.
A BAD hair day can be one's worst nightmare. Expert Kingsley Davis gives great tips today on how well-groomed hair can keep anyone happy and beautiful for a long time.
Topping the list of problems for women are weak or broken strands, split hairs, drying out of brittle hair, fading colour, especially where hair has been chemically treated, and dandruff. These problems sometimes make styling a headache, whether natural or processed.
Healthy tips
Warning against possible ill-effects of sand, sea, pool and river water on the hair, Davis offers a few pointers.
1. A stable diet should be considered top priority for maintaining healthy hair and styles. Ton-loads of vegetables, beans and vitamins are important.
2. Wear a swim cap when exposing hair to sea or fresh water. Rinse hair immediately after swimming.
3. Items such as hibiscus leaves, tuna, egg, lime, castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil, tea tree oil and onions are among nature's products renowned for helping hair woes.
4. Shampoos should be chosen according to hair type. Emphasising that alcohol dries out the hair, Davis recommends egg-based products for dry hair, and lime or lime-based substances for oily hair.
5. Scrubbing and massaging within a reasonable range is good. NEVER scrub or massage your head too much.
Tips for shampooing and conditioning
Here is where the range of natural products is mostly used alongside the shampoo or conditioner products. Otherwise, shelf products consisting of those recommended are applied. Only in few instances are some of the natural oils applied after the washing process as leave-in hairdress.
For shampooing, use a wide-tooth comb in hair before getting it wet. Thoroughly wet the hair and scalp, and apply shampoo in portions, first to the palm of your hand, then to the hair.
Massage the shampooed head in firm, circular motions. Rinse thoroughly while checking the hairline to see if all dirt has been cleansed. Lather or shampoo as often as necessary and then blot the hair dry after final rinse.
To condition hair for a shiny manageable finish, do the following:
Comb hair with fingers or wide-tooth comb and again apply the conditioner to the palm of the hands, which will be used to gently massage the conditioner into the hair from the scalp and hair roots.
Allow the conditioner a five-minute stay before rinsing. Protein conditioner is best for damaged hair: Moisturising for dry hair, oil free conditioners for oily hair.
GOLDEN LINKS
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_3_25/ai_n15775891
http://beauty.iloveindia.com/hair/healthy-hair-tips.html
http://www.hairparlor.com/haircare-articles/hair-style-and-care.htm
http://www.stellure.com/articles/hair_style/
Let us know how you feel about The Gleaner's new fix-it feature, 'How To ...' Give us ideas on problems you want to know how to fix yourself. Email us at anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.
Rinse thoroughly while checking the hairline to see that all dirt has been removed.
