Healthy Hair
by Mary Louise:Town Jaqua, Health Minister 2/4/19If there is one part of the body that receives the most attention,
it is the hair. More time, money, and effort is spent cutting, curling,
straightening, styling, dying, braiding, twisting, moussing, rolling,
polling, and controlling hair than any other personal care exercise.
With all the attention that hair receives, however, surprisingly little
consideration is given to hair health.Hair Facts
Human hair is a natural, living expression of the body and covers
all the skin except for the palms of the hands and soles of the
feet. A strand of hair is a protein fillament that grows from a
follicle in the second layer of the skin known as the dermis.
Hair functions as a sensor to touch and aids in protecting the
body, especially the head. Take a look into the secret life of hair.
- The body has five million hair follicles, one hundred thousand
of which are located on the scalp. The combined scalp follicles
grow one thousand inches of hair each day.- Over its lifetime, a follicle will produce twenty six feet of hair
and collectively the follicles will produce nearly five hundred
miles of hair.- Hair follicles have a growth and rest cycle. Those on the head
grow in a cycle of two-seven years, during which time the hair
will lengthen daily. Follicles then go into a rest cycle for three
months by maintaining the same length. When a new cycle
begins, new hair erupts from the follicle and pushes out the
old hair which results in the loss of 50-125 hairs per day.Apart from practicality, hair adds beauty to the body. Thus having
a 'good crop of hair' is considered desirable and admirable.Hair: unhealthy symptoms
While having a good head of hair is a valuable and often enviable
asset, focusing on hair health should be priority. Hair has the
distinct ability to reflect what is happening inside the body, thus
when hair problems occur, they should not be ignored. Common
symptoms of sick hair include
- dull, dry hair
- split ends
- dandruff
- excessively oily hair
- thinning, especially of scalp hair
- hair loss
Problematical hair is largely the result of lifestyle factors that
pose potential harm on the body's overall ability to function
well. Of these factors the greatest threats to healthy hair
are
- stress
- inferior diet
- hormonal imbalances/pregnancy
- thyroid problems
- heavy metal poisoning
- poor circulation
- lack of sufficient oxygen
- seasonal changes, especially hot weather
Symptoms of unhealthy hair are an alert that lifestyle
elements need to be examined, addressed, and
corrected. Failing to do so can inflict serious harm
on the hair and more importantly on the entire body.Hair Care Do's and Don't's
Like any other part of the body, hair likes to be treated
well. As a living feature of the body beautiful hair has
distinct needs that deserve attention.Thus how we
care for our hair determines its overall health. For the
sake of healthy hair
- wash hair in warm but not hot water. Heat
traumatizes and therefore inflicts harm to hair
filaments and follicles.- refrain from washing hair too often. Frequent
washing strips the hair of natural oils that are
important for hair growth, elasticity, and overall health.- refrain from exposing hair to heat. Since heat
damages hair, use curling irons, blow dryers, electric
curlers, etc. conservatively or not at all.- avoid using shampoos, conditioners, etc. that
are chemically-based. Most commercial shampoos
contain at least fifteen chemicals that harm the body.
Many of these chemicals are carcinogenic and/or
neurotoxic.- avoid hair dyes. Coloring agents are highly toxic
carcinogens and/or neurotoxins. Since only a thin
layer of skin covers the scalp, dyes applied to scalp
hair are quickly absorbed by the brain and are linked
as contributing factors to memory loss, dementia,
and Alzheimers disease. Likewise avoid permanents
and other chemically-based hair treatments. Coffee
and Henna are known to be naturally safe hair dyes.
Likewise a few non-toxc hair dyes are on the market.- avoid teasing hair. Increasing the 'volume' of hair
by the exercise of teasing damages hair. Long term
teasing can cause severe breakage, thinning, and
hair loss.- refrain from exposing hair to long-term sunlight.
Since hair does not like heat, consider wearing a hat
in conditions of bright sunlight.- refrain from constricting hair with tight elastics,
pins, barrettes, etc. Hair likes to 'breathe' by being
naturally free. As much as possible let hair hang
loose. Use hair bands, etc. conservatively if at all.- refrain from wearing a hat constantly. Worn on
long term, head coverings can damage and suffocate
hair, causing breakage and even baldness.- choose hair care products that are naturally-based.
An increasingly number of hair care products (shampoos,
conditioners, etc.) are now on the market which contain
natural ingredients. Investigate by reading labels.- brush scalp hair thoroughly morning and night.
Brushing increases circulation/oxygen flow to hair
follicles, thus promoting healthy hair.- use a natural bristle brush. The brush should be
preferrably natural (i.e. boar bristle, etc.) and deliver
a firm but not harsh stroke to the scalp.- massage scalp. Gently massaging the scalp with
the finger tips stimulates blood circulation and brings
oxygen to hair follicles. It is a relaxing exercise that
alleviates stress and is particularly effective when
done before bed.- periodically trim or cut hair. Much like pruning
a fruit tree, hair likes to be cut back now and then
to encourage growth and overall health.Hair and diet
The body will only be as healthy as the foods we give it,
so feed your hair well. Hair likes to eat, but it wans healthy
foods, namely living foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals,
oxygen, distilled water, phytonutrients, anti-oxidants, etc.
Plant-based foods are shown to best nourish the body
and therefore are a prime source for hair health. Naturally-
sourced fruit, vegetables, seeds, and nuts restore and
promote hair health. This being said, consider the following:
- dark, leafy greens (especially spinach and kale)
help to restore brittle hair because they are rich in
Vitamins A & C, iron, beta carotene, and folate.- combat hair loss by eating more iron-rich foods:
spinach, legumes, pumpkin seeds, beets, quinoa,
broccoli, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, dried apricots.- Zinc helps prevent hair loss and breakage (even in
eyelashes). Hair-building cells rely on zinc to help
them work hard. Guava (a tropical fruit) and seeds
(hemp, pumpkin, sesame) are high in zinc.- Sweet potatoes help fight dull hair because they are
loaded with beta carotene, an antioxidant, that turns
into Vitamin A. Beta Carotene is also found in other
orange foods such as carrots, pumpking, cantaloupe,
and mangoes. This food group stimulates the glands
in the scalp to make an oily fluid called sebum that
keeps hair from drying out. These foods are also
rich in Biotin, a B Vitamin, that helps hair growth. An
insufficient Biotin level can also lead to hair loss.- cinnamon aids in blood flow by delivering oxygen
and nutrients to hair follicles. Add cinnamon to
smoothies, fresh fruit, salads, and desserts.- Vitamin B5 (known as pantothenic acid) and
Vitamin B12 help prevent hair thinning and loss.- Drink plenty of pure water to reduce and/or eliminate
body toxins that cause hair loss.Hair also likes healthy oils such as coconut, hemp, flax, and
olive that are rich in omega's 3, 6, 9. These Omega oils
contribute to overall hair health by feeding the follicles the
essential fatty acids that are needed to maintain a balance
of good fats in the cells, especially brain cells. Well-oiled
cells are follicle-friendly.Hair Styles
A hair style is a personal statement that is often propelled
by vain pursuits in that those who have straight hair want curly
hair, those with curly hair want straight hair, brunettes want to
be blondes, etc., etc. Likewise the vast majority will do anything
and everything to avoid having grey hair. Still others want a hair
style with shock appeal, i.e. spiked, spray painted, glittered,
shaved or partially shaved. While hair has creative potential
and in the hands of a good hair dresser can be sculpted
into most any shape/configuration, the health of the hair
should be priority. No matter what style one chooses, it
should complement the face by framing it in a pleasing
manner. A simple, natural hair style has timeless beauty
that is far healthier and easier to maintain than any pretentious
display. Thus it is better to be content/happy with the hair
nature has given than to try to turn it into something unnatural
for the sake of 'beauty.'Hair Therapy
For good reason, troubled or problematical hair is often
targeted for special treatment. Apart from making dietary
corrections, many people try assorted therapies to
achieve healthier hair. While recipes/treatments abound,
naturally-sourced therapies are recommended. To
encourage strong, healthy hair growth consider the
following therapies:
- Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
1 part apple cider vinegar
2 parts warm water.
Mix and rinse hair after washing (or between washes)
at least 2-3 times per week. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes
then rinse out of hair completely. The apple cider
vinegar rinse closes up your hair follicle to prevent
damage by keeping your hair’s pH levels balanced,
making smoother, shinier, stronger hair.
- Hair Growth Serum (promotes strong hair)
10 drops rosemary essential oil
10 drops cedarwood essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops cypress essential oil
Add the oils to 4 ounces of grapeseed oil or aloe
vera gel. (Use the oil on dry hair, aloe on oily hair).
Apply a small amount to fingertips after washing hair
and massage into the scalp daily. This serum can
also be used to do a deep moisture treatment by
massaging a generous amount into the scalp and
hair (especially the ends). Leave it on for about 30-60
minutes and then wash as usual. Recommended
therapy if heating tools are used on the hair.Conclusion
Hair care is a multimillion dollar industry that sadly does more
harm than good in properly caring for hair. For the most
part, hair dressers, salons, and hair care merchants feed
on the whims of the public that is more interested in how
hair looks rather than its health. Thus it is no surprise that
Americans spend an inordinate amount of time, effort,
and money to achieve what they believe is beautiful hair.
While there is nothing wrong with wanting attractive-looking
hair, it is important that the hair is healthy. Beautiful hair
begins on the inside of the body at the cellular level. Without
proper care and nourishment hair cells break down, resulting
in the all-too familiar 'hair today, gone tomorrow' syndrome
of breakage, thinning, and hair loss which, if pushed to the
extreme, can cause baldness. While baldness has become
a popular fashion trend (especially for men) that many may
adopt as a practical, convenient way to eliminate or at least
cover up hair problems, it does not solve the issue of
unhealthy hair.It is common knowledge among health experts that the
root cause(s) of most hair problems is poor diet, and
when diet is corrected, most hair problems disappear.
Nevertheless, a hair analysis may be required in some
cases in order to identify hidden health problems within
the body that are causing unhealthy hair.Having healthy hair, however, is largely the result of a healthy
lifestyle: eating well and exercising well. When nourished
properly, the body responds favorably, proving that beauty
begins inside the body. No amount of external fuss, muss,
primping, or crimping will give us beautiful hair. The choices
that we make daily ultimately determine how well we feel
and look.Therefore, for the sake of a healthy body that has
beautifully healthy hair, become naturally healthy the
living way!
Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles,
expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe
yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within,
the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so
precious to YHVH. 1 Peter 3:3,4 (NLT)____________
