You hair is an intricate structure with three layers. The innermost layer is the medulla. It is surrounded by the cortex and covered by a top layer called the cuticle. Anything that ruins the natural organization of these layers will do your hair more harm than good. Though a lot of high quality hair styling products are available in the market, moderation is the key. Learn what some popular styling techniques do to your hair.

 

Try recalling what all have you done to make your hair look gorgeous in the last couple of years. You probably got it straightened, then used some bleach on it, and of course you colored it too.

 

But how is it that the friend of yours who is not so much into hair styling and beauty products seems to have such lovely locks and yours do not match up after so much effort! Step back and think about it. Maybe you are putting too much effort into making your hair beautiful and it is having the opposite effect.

 

You hair is an intricate structure with three layers. The innermost layer is the medulla. It is surrounded by the cortex and covered by a top layer called the cuticle. Anything that ruins the natural organization of these layers will do your hair more harm than good. Though a lot of high quality hair styling products are available in the market, moderation is the key. Learn what some popular styling techniques do to your hair.

 

 

• Chemical straightening or curling – Straightening or curling first breaks the natural inner bonds in your hair and then re-forms them in a different way. Understandably, this will weaken your hair and may make it look brittle and lifeless. Hence, frequent curling and straightening may not be a great idea. Pick up styling techniques that flatter your natural hair type rather than forcing your hair to look the way it isn’t.
• Hair Bleach – Bleach works by penetrating the cuticle and removing the natural pigment of your hair. So when you bleach, you are in fact tampering with the normal hair structure. Explore options other than bleaching. In fact, coloring without bleaching is not as bad as bleaching.
• Highlights and coloring – Good quality highlights and hair color do not cause major damages to hair structure, but avoid applying them close to the roots. Moreover, not all coloring agents suit all people. Observe closely how your hair responds to the color. If you notice dryness or loss of luster after coloring, you should perhaps minimize coloring rather than experimenting with your hair.
• Blow drying – Blow drying works by causing short terms changes in the bonds in your hair.  It is usually safe but just as with color go easy with it. May be you do not need to do it daily. Also try to avoid very high temperatures.
• Tightly-pulling it back – A tight pony tail actually tugs at the roots and wearing this style daily can be damaging to your hair. Tightly tying back wet hair is an absolute no-no because wet hair is more fragile.
• Brushing till it shines – Maybe someone told you that some hundred strokes everyday bring shine and bounce to your hair by improving scalp blood circulation. Unfortunately, this isn’t correct. Running a brush through your hair means exposing it to friction. Too much of it can actually cause split ends and breakage.
•  Over-shampooing – There is no uniform definition for over-shampooing. You need to figure out how frequent shampooing is required to keep your scalp clean and remove oil build-up. This varies greatly from person to person. Those with oily hair typically need more frequent shampooing. If your hair is somewhat dry, daily shampooing is not recommended.

 

Remember that your hair is a part of your body. It will reflect the general state of your health and there is no way that it can shine and bounce with life if the rest of your body isn’t feeling that way. Look at a more holistic approach to your health and pamper you tresses rather than torturing them. They are much more likely to look beautiful that way!