Take Care of Hair

Fight The Hair Fall

2009-03-11T17:27:00.000+05:30

Hair breakage is a common problem affecting most of the men & women all over the world. The causes are many, ranging from treating your hair to color and perms, tying hair tightly and not maintaining it well even using the wrong shampoo and conditioner. Don’t forget the harassing effects of the pollution.

[Prevention]

* You need to be doubly careful of the shampoo you use on your hair to prevent and protect it from breaking. Pick one that suits your hair and avoid experimenting with different products in the market.

* It’s known that a balanced diet helps keep hair healthy and in turn prevent hair from breaking easily. It also helps make your hair grow stronger.

* Treat your hair kindly and gently. Do not apply too much pressure while combing it and never use harsh treatments such as coloring, straightening, blow-drying, perming and bleaching to protect your hair and keep them healthy and strong.

* Allow your hair to air dry a bit before beginning to blow-dry it. This means you’ll spend less time on your style and your hair will reap the benefits of less time in the heat.

* Most importantly, never take chances when it comes to your shampoo and conditioner. Using the wrong shampoo and conditioner can make your hair weak, dry and lackluster which leads to hair breakage.

[Fight the fall]

=>If you are like the many men & women who suffer from hair breakage, fight it out with these single treatments.

* Brushing the hair gently improves blood circulation and which in turn results in stronger hair follicles. This prevents hair breaking easily.

* If your hair breaks easily, try to use Velcro rollers instead of metal brushes and curling irons when styling your do. They don’t get as hot as metal stylers which can possibly burn or damage your hair.

* Brushing your hair gently tells how much you love your hair, this improves blood circulation which in turn results in stronger hair follicles. This prevents hair from breaking easily.

* It’s also important to clean hair properly. Never brush wet hair – you will just damage it and cause it break more easily. If you must, use a wide-toothed comb and gently disentangle parts of it at a time.

* Brush your hair before washing in shower. You will have less tangles when you get out of the shower which means no more tugging or pulling fragile wet hair which can snap easier when it’s dry.

* Pamper your hair with a shampoo and conditioner with fruit vitamins. While having a shower, wet your hair, apply the shampoo and rinse it throughout. After that apply the conditioner, leave for 2 minutes and again rinse throughout. This is the best way to keep the hair healthy and shiny.

TIPS & SUGGESTIONS

2009-03-11T17:20:00.004+05:30

Here are some important tips and suggestions that would help you fight the hair-fall.

[*] Importance of Juices for Hair

Do you find yourself rushing through the day to catch – insane deadlines, erratic meeting schedules, and a bite on the run? Are skipped meals, junk food and insufficient sleep part of your daily life? If the answer is yes & you wish for a more healthy lifestyle?

Read More...

[*] Fight The Hair Fall

Hair breakage is a common problem affecting most of the men & women all over the world. The causes are many, ranging from treating your hair to color and perms, tying hair tightly and not maintaining it well even using the wrong shampoo and conditioner. Don’t forget the harassing effects of the pollution.

Read More...

Importance of Juices For Hair

2009-03-11T17:20:00.002+05:30

* Do you find yourself rushing through the day to catch – insane deadlines, erratic meeting schedules, and a bite on the run? Are skipped meals, junk food and insufficient sleep part of your daily life? If the answer is yes & you wish for a more healthy lifestyle, read on.

* You may be eating plenty of food, but not the right foods that give your body the nutrients to be healthy. You may not be getting physical activity to stay fit and burn those extra calories. Eating right and being physically active aren’t just a “diet” or a program – they are keys to healthy lifestyle. The sooner you start the better for you, your family and your future.

* Eating a variety of nutrient packed foods is basic to good nutrition & health. Healthy beverage is like a 100% fruit juice are not only good and refreshing to taste but are also rich in vitamins and minerals. They can be a part of power breakfast or a mid milk snack or an alternative to coffee or tea in the morning or afternoon. Health professionals continue to stress that eating at least five servings of fruits & vegetables is extremely important for good health.

* Although it’s a good idea to consume fresh home-made juices every day, it may not be easy to spend hours at home making juice. Hence you should choose a different fruit juice product every day. Like Monday – apple, Tuesday – Grapes, etc. This may keep the balance of nutrients in your body and your beauty will be more than before and it will surely last forever.

* Start your day with a juice – either homemade or readymade; it’s must to consume one every day. While selecting a fruit juice pack, make sure that there are no artificial preservative, flavor and color, and the one which is real packaged the goodness of nature into fruit juices.

A Special Article

2009-03-11T17:16:00.002+05:30

Long, strong and shiny hair is everyone's dream, because it helps improve one's personality. The one who is fit physically and mentally is gifted with such kind of hair. But these days because of many things like stress and pollution, people complain about the hair fall. Generally the problems are about the dandruff and weakness of hair. But the main worry is about to be balder because in women's case they are most concerned.

15-20% women suffer from little or severe baldness; which can be called as common female pattern baldness. What is hair fall? Why does hair fall? Is it possible to prevent the hair fall without operations?

It is possible. Just follow these 5 easy steps and you will get rid of your hair problem forever.

• Observation

-> The observation can be done in 2 ways; one of them is Open Eyes method – we can see our hair fall on the comb after setting the hair. If the number of hair is approximately 50 or more, one has to be aware of it because if that goes on, the thickness of hair on scalp goes on decreasing and it looks balder.

-> Another observation is done in the clinic. The clinical analysis estimates the position and strength of the rot of hair strands, the texture (whether they are oily or not) is tested too. All these things are observed and studied carefully and then it’s decided what should be done.

• How the Treatments are done

-> Even though the hair fall is severe and also the scalp looks balder, there’s not a lot to worry about. Because there are many effective and confidential treatments available. If you are on a low diet, you may lack some nutrition and vitamins like A which are essential for hair growth. Hence it’s advisable to stop the low-diet and start keeping diet full of nutrition and essential vitamins.

• Causes of Hair Fall

-> The main cause of hair fall may be the stress or the pollution. To avoid the over stress, do the things you like for a while; this may help you reduce the hair fall.

-> If your mother or father have lost the hair (for women and men respectively), it may be the effect of the heredity if you find your hair fall a little more.

-> The problems related to the hormones like thyroid, ovarian, cist, diabetes, etc may also be possible.

-> Severe diseases like tumor, high-fever, high physical and mental stress, skin related problems, sudden low-diet can also cause the hair fall.

• Use of Lotions

-> To overcome the baldness, lotions can also be used. But these medicines shouldn’t be used without consulting the hair specialist. If the lotion is used without any advice, you may grow hair on the unwanted places on your body too, and they can be permanent; this happens because the lotions do affect the hormones and skin texture. These lotions contain additive power, hence after starting to use them it can’t be stopped immediately; this warning is given purposely as this can do harm the hair real bad.

• Special Shampoo

-> A special shampoo is also available; it should be used with the specialist’s advice. In addition to it, vitamin, calcium are also given. So that the hair growth goes on well. If the hair are dry, they are given a different type of oil to improve the hair texture.

In short, everyone has got different types of hair, considering this fact the experts do the correct treatments. Just make sure that the specialist you are consulting is a reputed one. Best Luck.

Articles From Experts

2009-03-11T17:14:00.002+05:30

[*] A Special Article

Long, strong and shiny hair is everyone's dream, because it helps improve one's personality. The one who is fit physically and mentally is gifted with such kind of hair. But these days because of many things like stress and pollution, people complain about the hair fall. Generally the problems are about the dandruff and weakness of hair. But the main worry is about to be balder because in women's case they are most concerned.

Read More...

Problems & Solutions

2009-03-11T17:12:00.001+05:30

[*] My Hair is Getting Thinner

[*] My Hair is Too Dry & Damaged

[*] How can I Grow Hair Faster?

How Can I Grow Hair Faster

2009-03-11T17:02:00.001+05:30

1. Assess the current condition of your hair. Is it healthy, shiny and strong, or has it been damaged from heat, sun, coloring, etc.? You don't want to grow out hair that is damaged and scraggly. If you suffer from split, thin, and dry ends, seriously consider getting a trim to remove as much of the damage as possible. Split ends will not slow down hair growth, as your hair grows from the scalp, but they may prevent length accruing due to breakage of the ends.

2. Look at your overall health and your lifestyle. How is your diet? Do you exercise and sleep enough? Are you under a large amount of stress? If your body is lacking in health, your hair will be lacking as well. Your hair growth rate will be at its maximum when you are at your healthiest and fittest.

3. Make some dietary changes. Hair consists of protein (because hair is keretinized protein) so be sure that you are getting enough. Incorporate foods from all food groups - especially protein. Nuts, poultry, vegetables, fruits, grains, eggs, etc. All contribute to hair health.

4. Consider taking a daily vitamin supplement. There are many options on the market nowadays. Research the multi-vitamins which may work best for you. Other vitamins and minerals that are believed to contribute to hair growth are: biotin, beta-carotene, biosil, B complexes, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, silica, nettle, and flaxseed oil.

o A good hair vitamin will contain all of the nutrients necessary for overall health, as well as those specific to hair growth. Biotin and MSM are ingredients every hair vitamin should contain. Biotin promotes cell growth, the production of fatty acids, metabolism of fats, and amino acids. MSM lengthens the hair growth phase. Using a combination of the two is beneficial for healthy hair. Using an amino acid supplement is not necessary for growing longer hair. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. They are found in all natural foods, such as meat, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, grains, fruit, nuts, and pulses. Most Americans eat more than enough protein for to supply these amino acids. Only people who do not consume enough calories need to be concerned with their protein intake. So one may assume that using an amino acid supplement can only make hair grow faster.

5. Stimulate blood flow to your scalp. One of the two main ways is by doing cardio. There are many benefits to cardio - staying fit, being healthier, glowing skin, and increased blood flow, which can get rid of strange hues that some people get on their legs and increase hair growth. The other main way of stimulating blood flow is by massaging your scalp. Take the tips of your fingers and massage your scalp all over, for about 5 minutes.

6. Do not over brush your hair and NEVER use a bristled brush, as this will tear and damage your hair. Not to mention it doesn't feel very nice. (Boar bristled brushes, however, are in fact good for your hair as they "maintain good hair condition by keeping it clean, stimulating the scalp and distributing oils for a healthy, glossy look, without ever damaging it or causing split ends." Do not brush your hair when it is wet. Wet hair is very elastic and prone to breakage. De-tangle your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.

7. Do not over wash your hair. The oils that your scalp produces can be beneficial to the health of your hair. If you wash your hair every day, consider skipping a day or only using conditioner one day instead of both shampoo and conditioner. Shampooing everyday may be necessary for oily hair, but normal hair can get by with shampooing about 2-4 times a week, and dry hair is best when you shampoo about 1-2 a week. Curly hair (types 3A-4C) and some dry wavy hair (2A-2C) can be shampooed as little as once a week, to once every two weeks, because curly hair tends to be dryer.Use a shampoo/conditioner that is right for your hair. For instance, if you have dry, frizzy hair, you should not be using products designed for oily hair. Look into using a leave-in conditioner and/or hot oil treatments. Your local beauty supply store (i.e. Sally's) will have many options to choose from. Make sure to read the directions beforehand!

8. Cut back on the coloring sessions, which will inevitably cause your hair damage. If you must color your hair, look into some of the newer dyes available which offer more moisturizing protection when dying. If you want to dye your hair a shade of red, try dying it naturally with henna. If you want to dye your hair black, you can try dying it with a combination of henna and indigo.

9. Use protective styles, which are hair styles that keep your hair up and unexposed from environmental damage. Some examples would be buns, ponytails, plaits, cornrows, French braids, etc. This is very effective for a person whose hair is above shoulder length, because the hair tends to rub against clothes. Use them loosely, though, as you don't want to yank on your roots and scalp. When pulling back your hair, use smooth bands and clips. Avoid metal clips that can tangle and break hair, and never use bare rubber/elastic bands on your hair or hair bands that contain metal connections.

10. Avoid excessively hot water as well as blow dryers and curling irons. If you must use a blow dryer, invest in a diffuser. Consider wearing a cap or scarf of some sort when outside. Excessive heat/cold, wind and the elements can damage your hair. You may also choose to invest in a silk/satin hair wrap or a silk/satin pillowcase to reduce damage to your hair when you toss and turn at night.

11. Have patience. Scalp hair grows at an average rate of 0.4 mm/day (approximately 0.5 in/month). Unless you are genetically programed that you grow hair faster, it will take some good old fashioned time and patience to see the desired results. ^[1] Your hair growth tends to decrease during colder months. Try as you might, it may take years to grow your hair to a desired length, curly or straight. With trends changing so quickly, you have to consider that by the time your hair is long, it may be more in style to have shorter hair. Be diligent and have patience, and you will at the very least be rewarded with beautiful, healthy, if not long, hair. Love your hair and don't damage it!

12. After a shower turn the shower to a cold temp. then run your hair through it.

· If you get your hair relaxed, you may want to do a relaxer stretch, or decide to go natural, which is much less damaging to your hair. If you decide to stretch or go natural, you can choose to blow or flat iron the roots straight, or wear it in protective styles.

· If you are an avid swimmer, consider wearing a swimming cap to protect your hair from chlorine damage.

· Another tip to try is to eat a square of jelly everday. The gelatine in it encourages both your hair and nails to grow.

· If your hair is dry to oily, do not constantly touch it and finger-comb it with your fingers. The oil on your hands may "rub off" on your hair and give it a greasy look, also making your scalp feel dirty.

· Those with curly/frizzy hair will have to be patient. The texture of your hair means that length will take a while to show, it doesn't mean your hair grows slower.. Straightening your hair will add length, but be sure that you aren't damaging your hair in the process by using heat and chemicals. Letting your hair air dry wrapped around large curlers or cans is usually an effective and safe method.

· Still not fast enough for you? Consider hair extensions, but exercise caution. There are many drawbacks to the use of hair extensions. You must make sure that whoever is applying your extensions is a professional. If applied poorly, your extensions will look both fake and severely damage your hair. Take your time selecting your extensions as well. There are a variety of materials and extensions available on the market, many of which can and will look horribly fake. The other drawback is that extensions must be periodically replaced every six to eight weeks. If you are willing to invest the time and money, then they may be the right choice for you.

· If you have curly hair avoid over washing your hair!

My Hair Is Too Dry & Damaged

2009-03-11T16:57:00.002+05:30

Hair is made of protein. A diet rich in protein can avoid most of the hair problems. Proper hair care can give you fabulous, shining, thick, beautiful, gorgeous, and dandruff free hair. Oiling hair regularly will prevent various hair problems. Home-made beauty recipes like face-packs, facial masks, scrubs, hair care, dandruff care and bodywraps based on herbs and natural ingredients help improve the skin disorders and detoxify. They help in providing natural oil and moisture to the skin.

This may help you:

Olive Oil Hair Mask:
Mix 5 tablespoon of olive oil with 2 eggs. Apply throughly to hair. Wrap head with plastic wrap or a shower cap. After 15 minutes rinse well.

Honey & Olive Oil Hair Mask -1
Mix 2 tablespoon honey with 3 tablespoon olive oil. Apply throughly to hair. Cover hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap. After 15 minutes shampoo and rinse well.

Beautiful Gorgeous Hair Mask -2
After you shampoo your hair, pour 1 cup fresh lemon juice or vinegar through hair and massage and rinse with water. Apply your usual conditioner and wash with water. It will remove all the dirt and your hair will be shine sparkling. Do not repeat this method before 2 weeks.

Beautiful Gorgeous Hair Mask
Grind fenugreek (methi) seeds soaked in water overnight. Massage this paste on scalp and hair and leave it for15-20 minutes. Wash it off with a mild shampoo. This paste is good for all types of hair problems, viz. dandruffs, falling hair, thinning of hair, baldness, split hair, etc.

Hair Rinse for soft and shiny hair
Mix 1 Tbsp of following herbs with enough boiling water and let it stand for 1/2 an hour. Add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and mix well. Shampoo your hair. Pour mixture over hair repeatedly. Vinegar will seal the hair cuticle.

Use the herbs as following:
For hair general care: rosemary leaves, nettle, burdock root, elder flowers
For dry hair: chamomile flowers, comfrey root, nettle, elder flowers
For oily hair: lemon peel, , peppermint, lemongrass

Shining Hair
Mix juice of one fresh orange, water, 1 tablespoon Honey and a few drops (5-7) of sandalwood oil. Use as an after-shampoo rinse.
Beat two eggs in a tablespoon of milk and apply on your hair. Rinse your hair after 5-7 minutes to get an instant shining.
Add a 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water and rinse your hair.

For Damaged Hair
Mash a ripe banana with a few drops of almond oil and massage into hair. Leave it for about 15 minutes. Rinse with soda water and then shampoo and condition.

Dry Hair
Mix 1 tablespoon of honey in half cup of full cream milk. Massage on the scalp and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash with a mild shampoo.

Combine 1 banana, 1 egg, 1/4 cup honey, about 3 Tbs of milk and about 5 Tbs spoons of olive oil. Massage on the scalp and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash with a mild shampoo.

Zinc and essential fatty acids (pumpkin seeds, nuts, vegetable oils) are good for dry hair. Eating the foods rich in zinc help.

Falling Hair, Hair Loss
Rub Indian gooseberry (Amla) into the scalp regularly. It can show wonderful results, it will stop hair falling.
Eat a protein rich diet inluding green leafy vegetables, carrots, mango, dried apricots, whole grain cereals, sprouts, lentils in the daily diet for the hair loss and falling hair.

Get complete information. Hair Loss No More: Hair Loss and How To Stop It.

Split Hair
Oil your hair twice a week with coconut oil mixed with fresh lime juice.

Frizzy Hair
Make an after-shampoo rinse by mixing one tablepsoon of honey to a liter of water. Use it after every hair wash with your usual shampoo.

Source & Courtesy: www.answers.yahoo.com

My Hair Is Getting Thinner

2009-03-11T16:54:00.002+05:30

.
> When shampooing hair massage your scalp for a few minutes as it stimulates hair follicles, encouraging growth.
> You should Limit use of tongs/hairdryers.
> If you really have to use hot things like tongs etc then always use thermal protector spray!
> Don't brush too violently!
> Don't dye it much.
> Use volumizing/thickening shampoo/mousse.
> Or even just spraying some hairspray on your hair as it coats the hairs making them appear thicker than natural.
> Oh and also stress can make your hair go thinner. Be happy.

Source & Courtesy: www.answers.yahoo.com

Basic Structure of Hair

2009-03-11T16:34:00.002+05:30

Hair can be defined as slender, thread-like outgrowth from follicles (opening in the skin through which a hair grows) in the skin of humans and animals. Composed mainly of keratin, it has three morphological regions - the cuticle, medulla, and cortex.

Cuticle

The cuticle is a translucent outer layer of the hair shaft consisting of scales that cover the shaft. Cuticular scales always point from the proximal or root end of the hair to the distal or tip end of the hair.

There are three basic scale structures that make up the cuticle:

Coronal (crown-like) - The coronal, or crown-like scale pattern is found in hairs of very fine diameter and resemble a stack of paper cups. Coronal scales are commonly found in the hairs of small rodents and bats but rarely in human hairs.
Spinous (petal-like) - Spinous or petal-like scales are triangular in shape and protrude from the hair shaft. They are found at the proximal region of mink hairs and on the fur hairs of seals, cats, and some other animals. They are never found in human hairs.
Imbricate (flattened) - Imbricate or flattened scales type consists of overlapping scales with narrow margins. They are commonly found in human hairs and many animal hairs.

Combinations and variations of these types are possible.

Medulla

The medulla is a central core of cells that may be present in the hair. If it is filled with air, it appears as a black or opaque structure under transmitted light, or as a white structure under reflected light. If it is filled with mounting medium or some other clear substance, the structure appears clear or translucent in transmitted light, or nearly invisible in reflected light. In human hairs, the medulla is generally amorphous in appearance, whereas in animal hairs, its structure is frequently very regular and well defined.

When the medulla is present in human hairs, its structure can be described as fragmentary or trace, discontinuous or broken, or continuous.

Cortex

The cortex is the main body of the hair composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells. It may contain:

Cortical Fusi - Air spaces located in the cortex of hairs. They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair, although they may be present throughout the length of the hair.
Pigment Granules - Small, dark, and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi. They vary in color, size, and distribution in a single hair. In humans, pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle, except in red-haired individuals. Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla.

And/Or

Ovoid Bodies - Large oval-to-round-shaped structures - Large (larger than pigment granules), solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape, with very regular margins. They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs. To varying degrees, they are also found in human hairs.

A hair grows from the papilla and with the exception of that point of generation is made up of dead, cornified (horny) cells. It consists of a shaft that projects above the skin, and a root that is imbedded in the skin. The photo below shows how the lower end of the root expands to form the root bulb. Its basic components are keratin (a protein), melanin (a pigment), and trace quantities of metallic elements. These elements are deposited in the hair during its growth and/or absorbed by the hair from an external environment. After a period of growth, the hair remains in the follicle in a resting stage to eventually be sloughed from the body.

Source & Courtesy: http://www.hairfactz.com/basic_structure_of_hair.html

Hair Structure and Hair Chemistry - How Hair Vitamins can have an impact

2009-03-11T16:31:00.001+05:30

Hair Structure

We will begin by defining the hair. Hair is composed primarily of proteins (88%). These proteins are of a hard fibrous type known as keratin. Keratin protein is comprised of what we call "polypeptide chains.” The word, polypeptide, comes from the Greek word "poly" meaning many and "peptos" meaning digested or broken down. In essence, if we break down protein, we have individual amino acids. Many (poly) amino acids joined together form a "polypeptide chain". Two amino acids are joined together by a "peptide bond", and the correct number of amino acids placed in their correct order will form a specific protein; i.e. keratin, insulin, collagen and so on. The "alpha helix" is the descriptive term given to the polypeptide chain that forms the keratin protein found in human hair. Its structure is a coiled coil. The amino acids link together to form the coil and there are approximately 3.6 amino acids per turn of the helix (coil). Each amino acid is connected together by a "peptide bond". The peptide bond is located between the carbon atom of one amino acid extending to bond with the nitrogen atom of the next amino acid.

The A Helix Coil

In the organization of a single hair, three "alpha helices" are twisted together to form a "protofibril". This is actually the first fibril structure of the hair. Nine protofibrils are then bundled in a circle around two or more to form an eleven-stranded cable known as the "microfibril". These microfibrils are embedded in an amphorous unorganized protein matrix of high sulfur content, and hundreds of such microfibrils are cemented into an irregular fibrous bundle called a "macrofibril". These macrofibrils are grouped together to form the cortex (or the main body) layers of the hair fiber. Packed dead cells surround these structures and are known as the cuticular layers of the hair. In the center of these structures lies the medullary canal, which is actually apart of the excretory system and houses any foreign debris, heavy metals, synthetics and medications that are thrown off by the body and eventually released through the canal.

Bonding in Keratin Protein

When the hair is in its normal unstretched state. It is referred to as A of alpha keratin. The original configuration of the hair is held in place by the bonding found in the cortex layers of the hair. As we stated earlier, keratin protein begins with an alpha helix building into protofibrils, microfibrils, macrofibrils, then cortex layers. The bonds in the hair are located within each and every alpha helix.

The Hydrogen Bond

The first bond we will discuss is the hydrogen bond. This bond is located between the coils of the alpha helix and is responsible for the ability of the hair to be stretched elasticity) and return back to its original shape. The hydrogen bonds allow us to change the shape of the hair temporarily with the aid of water. These bonds are electrolytically controlled and are the most readily broken down and the most readily reformed. These bonds are responsible for approximately 35% of the strength of the hair and 50% of the hair's elasticity (some would argue up to 99.9% of the hair’s elasticity).

The Salt Bond

The salt bond is also an ionic (electrolytically controlled) bond formed by the electron transfer from the side chain of a basic amino group (an amino acid with an 00C- group) to the side chain of an acidic amino acid, i.e. NH3+. (This is two positive and negative charges attracting one another.) This occurs in a position paralleled to the axis line of the rotation of the helix of the hair. The salt bond is responsible for approximately 35% of the strength of the hair and 50% of the hair's elasticity.

The Cystine Bond

The cystine bond also known as the disulfide bond, sulfur bond, or just S bond is formed by cross-links between cystine residues (amino acids) of the main polypeptide chains. This bond is perpendicular to the axis of the hair and between the polypeptide chains. Because of its position in the hair, it is responsible for the hair's toughness or abrasion resistance. (It actually holds the hair fibers together.) These cross-links are frequent in the hair fiber, with maximum of frequency of one cystine bond every four turns of the alpha helix. This is what enables us to permanent wave the hair.

The Sugar Bond

The sugar bond is formed between the side chain of an amino acid having an OH group and an acidic amino group. This bond is also formed perpendicular to the axis of the hair. Because of its position, it gives the hair toughness but little strength (5%). Some moisture is contributed to the hair as a by-product of this bonding.

Isn't hair fun! :)

General Facts about Hair

Scientists claim that human beings will increasingly loose their hair, resulting in a totally naked being. Many hundred years have however to pass by until this awful prophecy will become true. Until then we have enough time to study and understand the life of hair.

Hair is actually dead material when it leaves it's root - otherwise it would hurt very much when your hairdresser works with his scissor. Most people know about this fact, but did you know about other facts: On a normal scalp there are about 100-150 thousand hair fibers. A blonde head of hair has usually much more fibers than red or dark haired heads. Hair consists mainly of keratin, which is also responsible for the elasticity of fingernails. A single hair has a thickness of 0.02-0.04mm, so that 20-50 hair fibers next to each other make one millimeter. Hair is strong as a wire of iron. It rips after applying a force equivalent to 60kg, after it stretched itself for about 70%.

The root of a hair fiber sticks in a bag in the skin. The fiber is pushed out of this bag about 0.35mm per day, making an average growth rate of 1cm, or half of an inch, per month. The growth rate is however very much related to the individual person, his/her age, his/her diet etc.

Healthy hair has an average lifetime of 2-6 years. After a rest period of three months the single hair falls out, and a new fiber starts to grow out of the bag. The lifetime depends on circumstances and person, too. The lifetime of hair is responsible for the maximum of hair length you can have. Waist length hair takes about 6 years to grow out from a short hair cut, periodic trims included. If your hair has a lifecycle of 2 years, you will never achieve a nice waist length mane.

Baby hair begins to grow around the third month after conception within the womb of the mother. {Trichocysts} are first formed. They develop into hair follicles as the fetus grows, then become downy hairs several centimeters long when the baby is born. The total number of hairs is determined before the baby is born. After that, the number of hairs never increases. It just decreases. The number of hairs greatly varies for each person, from sixty thousand to one hundred and fifty thousand, and makes up one of natural characteristics of each person when they are born. We should take good care of our hair.

Human beings have about one million and four hundred thousand hairs on their body, with about four hundred and fifty thousand of them to be found above the neck. These hairs include about one hundred thousand hairs on the head and about thirty thousand hairs taken up by mustaches, beards, or whiskers. The figure below illustrates average lengths of the hair (when it is left to grow naturally) and growth rates per day. The hairs on the head grow by about one centimeter per month and reach a length of around 70 centimeters if they are not cut. Hair grows at a faster rate in the spring and summer than in autumn and winter.

Average length and growth rate per day :
Hairs on the head 70cm / 0.35mm
Eyebrows ‚0cm / 0.15mm
Mustaches (beards or whiskers) 28cm / 0.4mm
Armpit hairs ‚Scm / 0.3mm
Pubic hairs ‚Ucm / 0.2mm

Source & Courtesy: http://www.hairformula37.com/chemistry.htm

Hair Structure & Hair Life Cycle

2009-03-11T16:28:00.001+05:30

Hair is composed of strong structural protein called keratin. This is the same kind of protein that makes up the nails and the outer layer of skin.

Each strand of hair consists of three layers.

An innermost layer or medulla which is only present in large thick hairs.
The middle layer known as the cortex. The cortex provides strength and both the color and the texture of hair.
The outermost layer is known as the cuticle. The cuticle is thin and colorless and serves as a protector of the cortex.

Structure of the hair root

Below the surface of the skin is the hair root, which is enclosed within a hair follicle. At the base of the hair follicle is the dermal papilla. The dermal papilla is feed by the bloodstream which carries nourishment to produce new hair. The dermal papilla is a structure very important to hairgrowth because it contains receptors for male hormones and androgens. Androgens regulate hairgrowth and in scalp hair Androgens may cause the hair follicle to get progressively smaller and the hairs to become finer in individuals who are genetically predisposed to this type of hair loss.

The Hair Growth Cycle

Hair follicles grow in repeated cycles. One cycle can be broken down into three phases.

Anagen - Growth Phase
Catagen - Transitional phase
Telogen - Resting Phase

Each hair passes through the phases independent of the neighboring hairs.

Anagen Phase - Growth Phase

Approximately 85% of all hairs are in the growing phase at any one time. The Anagen phase or growth phase can vary from two to six years. Hair grows approximately 10cm per year and any individual hair is unlikely to grow more than one meter long.

Catagen Phase - transitional phase

At the end of the Anagen phase the hairs enters into a Catagen phase which lasts about one or two weeks, during the Catagen phase the hair follicle shrinks to about 1/6 of the normal length. The lower part is destroyed and the dermal papilla breaks away to rest below.

Telogen Phase - resting phase

The resting phase follows the catagen phase and normally lasts about 5-6 weeks. During this time the hair does not grow but stays attached to the follicle while the dermal papilla stays in a resting phase below. Approximately 10-15 percent of all hairs are in this phase at an one time.

At the end of the Telogen phase the hair follicle re-enters the Anagen phase. The dermal papilla and the base of the follicle join together again and a new hair begins to form. If the old hair has not already been shed the new hair pushes the old one out and the growth cycle starts all over again.

Source & Courtesy : http://www.follicle.com/hair-structure-life-cycle.html

Hair Structure

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This section includes the facts about the hair structure, its composition and properties.

[*] Hair Structure & Hair Life Cycle

Hair is composed of strong structural protein called keratin. This is the same kind of protein that makes up the nails and the outer layer of skin.

Each strand of hair consists of three layers.

An innermost layer or medulla which is only present in large thick hairs.
The middle layer known as the cortex. The cortex provides strength and both the color and the texture of hair.
The outermost layer is known as the cuticle. The cuticle is thin and colorless and serves as a protector of the cortex.

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[*] Hair Structure and Hair Chemistry

We will begin by defining the hair. Hair is composed primarily of proteins (88%). These proteins are of a hard fibrous type known as keratin. Keratin protein is comprised of what we call "polypeptide chains.” The word, polypeptide, comes from the Greek word "poly" meaning many and "peptos" meaning digested or broken down. In essence, if we break down protein, we have individual amino acids. Many (poly) amino acids joined together form a "polypeptide chain"

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[*] Basic Structure of Hair

Hair can be defined as slender, thread-like outgrowth from follicles (opening in the skin through which a hair grows) in the skin of humans and animals. Composed mainly of keratin, it has three morphological regions - the cuticle, medulla, and cortex.

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