American scientists have suggested an odd theory – they have tried to persuade the world that dirty hair is good for one’s health. In fact, it turns out that this paradoxical idea might lie at the root of creating beautiful and healthy hair.
New scientific research from Missouri University has discovered that dirty hair has a protective function: secretions produced by the head’s oil glands cover hair that incepts ozone intensively. Ozone is a toxic gas which appears as an active compound of oxygen, and in larger quantities, can seriously harm a human being’s health.
As a result of one experiment, it has emerged that dirty hair absorbs seven times more harmful ozone than clean hair does. But scientists still have not explained how it affects the state of hair. Besides that, in the scientific community there is a common perception that sebaceous matter covering unwashed hair contributes to faster hair growth. It protects hair against environmental influences. As a result, the hair experiences fewer splits and less damage and actually grows faster.
Typical mistake
At the same time, there is no denying it – unwashed hair is one of women’s biggest mistakes.
“When I am walking along the street I notice often that women have unwashed hair. This is perhaps the biggest style error. – says famous American designer Isaac Mizrahi. – You know people have excuses for bad shoes – because you know some people have back problems, it is the street and they're walking and walking and walking – but I do think that people have no excuse for bad hair. Because you know what? There's a hat, if your hair is really that bad that day. But I always think that women should be encouraged to spend a lot of money on their hair” – designer says.
But what about those people who worry about the possibility of ozone poisoning, but honestly believe that “clean hair – it is already a head-dress”? The results of the American study do not completely mean that the hair should now be rarely washed.
There is just no point in washing it too often, so as not to destroy the work of the head’s oil glands, which are in charge of the shine of healthy hair and for protecting the hair’s owner from the surrounding concentration of harmful ozone. Besides that, several simple rules should be observed during hair treatment in order to improve its conditions.
Correct washing
For those who can’t make themselves wash their hair once per 3-5 days, specialists advise the use of special soft products, which don’t clean hair too deeply. Soft shampoo is not able to wash off week-old “dirt” from hair or wash away peeling head skin; therefore, the dirty hair and dandruff are “guaranteed” to you. Application of shampoo on the hair should occur twice. The first time, the shampoo will only wash off the fat. The second time, it must be used to enact the therapeutic additives and vitamins contained within it. During application, you should accurately, but energetically, massage the head skin to activate blood circulation.
Hair nourishment
If the shampoo “uncovers” the hair "scales" and moves mud away from the hair, then conditioner, on the contrary, closes the scales and envelops hair. Specifically, because of shampoo and conditioner act oppositely, it is not worth using two-in-one products. They do only as a fast wash-n-go option. Conditioning rinse, furthermore, neutralizes static electricity, makes hair manageable, protects it from the harmful environmental effects, facilitates combing and gives the hair shine and elasticity. Conditioning rinse must be thoroughly washed out the last time in cool water. Specialists consider that cold water also makes hair smooth and glossy. Water for hair-washing should not be hot but pleasantly warm, about 35 degrees Celsius, or even slightly cooler. It is not advisable. to wash hair in hot water, at least because this leads to additional exudation of the oil glands. Warm or slightly cool water also washes hair well if the shampoo or soap fit the type of hair. However, very cold water is also harmful for the hair. It is very healthful to “gladden” hair by using special head beauty masks 2-3 times per month. However, healthy hair not only requires washing but also external nourishment in the form of masks and balsams.
The basic substance the hair consists of is protein substance Keratin, rich in sulphur (5%) and nitrogen (20%). Hair has necessary nourishment from within, i.e. the protein food, which delivers building materials to the hair and also regular head massages, which stimulates blood circulation of the scalp and makes it possible to more rapidly and more effectively bring the necessary nourishment to the hair. For strengthening thehair and preventing hair loss, one should take phytin, vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, pantothenic acid, endocrine preparations and so on.
Also very significant in regards to the healthy look of your hair is regular combing. Ideally, you should comb your hair twice per day, since the comb teeth irritate nerve endings of the head skin, which revives blood circulation and contributes to hair growth. It is necessary to have a comb with dull teeth so that they do not scratch the skin. Constant combing massages the hair well and, to a certain extent, cleans it, moving dust away from it. However, only dry hair should be combed. Moist hairs, heavy from the water, are easily pulled out during combing.
