HAIR EXPLAINED & HAIR-CARE TIPS

Hair is composed of keratin, which is a protein made up of long chains of amino acids - made up of the elements carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Inter-twined layers of keratin make up the hair shaft (strand), which grows from follicles beneath a layer of skin (the dermis). The hair has three layers:

1. The Cuticle - the outer covering

2. The Cortex - the middle layer

3. The Medula - The central core. A medulla is almost always found in coarse hair, and is most times absent from very fine hair.

Research shows that hair grows faster during the summer. This is due to the fact that the body tends to use more energy to do activities and maintain homeostatis, which makes blood circulation more efficient throughout the body. The more efficiently blood circulates throughout the body, the more stimulation to the scalp - which causes the hair to grow. This is why excercise is so essential to the growth and maintenance of healthy hair.

The biological structure of hair varies by ethnicities. Curly or Ethnic Hair tends to be drier than Naturally Straight Hair; this is because the oils (sebum) secreted into the hair shaft can more easily travel down the shaft of straight hair.

Tips for Re-Growing and Maintaining Healthy Hair:

1. If you are experiencing severe hair loss be sure to consult a dermatologist to rule out any possible illnesses.

2. Eat a healthy High Protein Diet.

3. Make an effort to minimize stress. Exercise regularly and/or try Meditation to help alleviate stress. Also, get plenty of rest and sleep, as this allows your body to grow hair.

4. Use the Olde Jamaica Black Castor Oil Hair Treatment to give yourself weekly (1 hour) hot oil treatments. This will not only stimulate hair follicles, but it will also protect the hair's shaft. Please do not use a hair dryer, apply the oil to hair and scalp, then cover with a conditioning cap and allow your body's natural heat to condition and treat the hair.

5. Also apply a small amount of the Olde Jamaica Black Castor Oil Hair Pomade to your scalp twice daily (once in the morning and at night).

6. Avoid any unnecessary combing or brushing.

7. Try not to use alot of heat on the hair (if possible totally avoid it). This includes hot water, flat irons, hot curling irons, or hot blow dryers. How about going back to Roller Setting your hair? But instead of using the Hair Dryer - allow it to air dry.

8. Purchase a Scalp Massager. Give yourself (or have someone else give you) a weekly scalp massage to stimulate the hair follicles.

9. Be consistent with your hair-care regimen!