DEFINITION

Hair is a thread-like growth from the skin. It is composed of many chemicals, chiefly a protein called keratin. The finger nails are also made up of keratin. The root of each hair is located in a follicle, which is embedded in the skin and nourished by the blood vessels in the dermis.

DESCRIPTION

Making the hair look healthy and full of life is a time honoured pursuit with the popular technique being to brush it 100 brush strokes a day. This exercise allowed the hair to be kept in the best condition. In fact this suggestion worked well many years ago before the advent of modern shampoos. The brushing cleaned the hair of soap residue when the hair was washed with soap.
Hair still needs to be brushed but for different reasons. Styling and good grooming of the hair requires constant brushing but not to the same extent.
A good brush will help rid the hair of dust and dirt which clings to the hair particles, particularly if the hair is oily. Brushing also massages the scalp and encourages hair growth. A good brush will distribute the natural oils along the hair shaft, to soothe the cuticle and give the hair a natural healthy sheen.

The best method to brush the hair is to bend at the waist and brush from the scalp to the ends. Use long slow, firm strokes finishing each stroke by sliding the brush from the end of the hair. While brushing, never flick the wrist as it may cause damage to the ends.

There are many reasons why you should brush the hair frequently:
DRY HAIR: Stimulates the oil glands to lubricate the hair shaft for elasticity and bounce
OILY HAIR: Lifts away excess oil from the hair shaft. Do not brush oily hair to excess as this will stimulate the production of oil and make the hair even more oily
DANDRUFF: Loosens and brushes away the scales. Make sure the brush reaches every area of the scalp. Clean the brush regularly and never borrow or lend a brush.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) Always use a quality hair shampoo and conditioner. Ask your Pharmacist for advice. Remember the cheapest is not always the best.
2) Ask your Pharmacist for the correct brush for your particular hair. A natural bristle brush is usually suggested. See the Hair Brushes topic.
3) If the diet is inadequate some nutritional supplements might be taken. Vitamin A and vitamin E are supplements beneficial to hair, particularly dry hair.

NOTES

- Towel dry wet hair gently before styling and detangle with a wide toothed comb or a single bristle brush. Always use a suitable hair conditioner after a shampoo.
- Never force a brush through the tangles. Gently work through the tangles with a wide toothed-comb starting from the ends of the hair up, one small section at a time.
- Avoid too much brushing for oily hair as it can stimulate oil production.
- Purchase from your Pharmacy a static free brush for thin, "fly away" hair and keep brushing to a minimum.
- Permed hair is often fragile and is easily damaged. Use a wide toothed or "Afro" comb, or a brush with widely spaced nylon or plastic bristles.

Provided by