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There are three distinct types of hair that grows on a human body, but it is two in particular that we are concerned with regarding hair loss - Vellus and Terminal hair (the third kind is called Lanugo hair and is the hair that grows on an unborn baby).
Hair is composed of Keratin. Each piece of hair consists of 3 layers, the cuticle, the cortex, and the medulla. The cuticle is thin and colorless. It also protects the melanin. Melanin is responsible for the color of hair you have. There are two types of it, eumelanin, which causes blackish or brown hair, and pheomelanin, which makes hair appear to have a read color. Blonde hair comes about because of very low amounts of melanin, but the shade of blonde also depends on the type of melanin you have as well. Gray hair is a result of a lack of melanin, but can also be caused by old and stress.
The innermost layer of hair is called the medulla and reflects light giving hair the various color tones it has. That's why hair color looks a lot different in sunlight than it does in the shade.
Whether you have straight or curly hair depends on the shape of the cortex. If the cross section of the cortex is round you will have straight hair, if the cortex is oval shaped you will have curly or wavy hair.
Hair type is determined by the hair's natural condition - that is , by the amount of sebum the body produces. Treatment programs such as perming, coloring and heat styling will also have an effect on hair type. Finding out which type of hair you possess is the first step to beautiful hair. Curly hair is prone to dryness therefore you should use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. After washing your hair and towel drying it, apply 4 to 6 drops of silicone-based shine serum and then detangle your hair with your fingers. Allow to air dry. Use shine enhancing shampoo and conditioner. After towel drying, separate the wet stands with a wide tooth comb and use some silicon based shine-enhancing spray from ends to the roots of your hair. Blow dry your hair and direct air down the hair shaft and seal the cuticle. Straight hair tends to lie flat against your scalp when it accumulates grease. Use a deep-cleaning shampoo and apply a clarifying gel treatment to the roots once a week to prevent oil buildup. After drying your hair use flatiron for shiny hair.
Normal Hair Types
- If you need to shampoo your hair more than twice a week, then you should alternate between a normal hair shampoo and a dry hair shampoo.
- Hair has minimal breakage or split ends and is strong from the scalp. Looks and feels clean.
- If you have a normal scalp, then you can use any shampoo meant for normal hair. You do need to use a light conditioner each time you shampoo.
- If you have dry hair, you need to use a more intensive conditioner meant for dry hair.
Dry Hair Types
- Sometimes there are dry flakes of skin around the hair line.
- Hair that flakes, is coarse and wiry.
- Brush hair with a bristle brush to spread the naturally produced oil gently down the hair shaft.
- The head too feels dry and sometimes itchy. Dry hair breaks of very easily.
- It is difficult to control dry hair after shampooing. Looks dull and has ends that are dry and split. Even just before shampooing the ends look dry.
- Avoid the use of heated appliances and steer clear of perming or coloring for the immediate future.
- For short term use, a spray-on shine conditioning product on dry hair will give instant sheen and a healthy looking appearance.
Oily Hair Types
- Groups of hair cling together in unattractive strands and the head feels dirty.
- Hair is usually moist and sticky to the scalp.
- It often has the problem of dandruff.
- Looks good for a day or two after shampooing but then quickly becomes lifeless.
Combination Hair Type
- It is the combination of both greasy and dry hair.
- After shampooing, the hair looks good except for the ends. Use a mild shampoo and condition the hair ends
- Combination Hair Type is seen more in long hair that has damaged ends.
- This type of hair is usually oily at the scalp and dry at the ends.
- Ends look difficult to set smoothly, split and lighter in color than the roots.
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