Healthy Hair Care: Mask Your Hair from Damage

Your hair is an important expression of who you are. A woman with well-groomed and lustrous hair is known to attract men.

That apart, the texture of your hair also signifies youth, health, strength and vitality. Many people, especially women, don’t feel right unless their hair looks perfect. There are days when you find yourself saying, ‘It’s just another bad hair day’.

Hair structure

The structure of the hair shaft comprises the medulla, the cortex and the cuticle. The medulla is the innermost core of hair and has soft keratin cells. The cortex is the second layer and gives your hair inherent strength and elasticity. It contains the pigment melanin, which is responsible for the colour of your hair. The outermost layer is the cuticle which acts as a protective shield.

Hair scare

Each part of your body needs care, so does your hair. You often tend to realise this only when your mane starts suffering from split ends, dryness and loss of shine. The environment, pollutants, harmful chemicals, an imbalanced diet, stress, UV rays, lack of sleep and water are some of the major factors affecting your hair. As dust and dirt cling to your hair, it begs all the more for maintenance. Hence, hair care mainly depends on your hair type and the problem you are having with it.

Why use hair masks

A hair mask is wellness for your hair. Just as the skin requires regular facials for rejuvenations, your hair needs a similar kind of pampering too and hair masks are a good way to do that. Masks contain nutrients and active substances to strengthen and restore hair structure, which makes them great conditioners that will add lustre and shine to hair.

What you need to know

Hair is not just your crowning glory but a vital factor of self-image, prestige and confidence. The way your hair looks depends on what you eat and drink. A balanced diet and the right intake of water help maintain natural shine and keep a lot of hair and scalp problems at bay. All external applications like hair masks and conditioners work on the cuticle and can alter only the external appearance of the hair. However, they are not responsible for the inner strength of the hair.

Step by step

Masks should be applied often if your hair is being exposed to chlorine, seawater or excessive sun, as well as frequent colouring.

1. Apply the mask evenly on every strand of your hair.

2. Leave it for 30 to 40 minutes depending on the ingredients of the mask.

3. Wrap your hair in a warm towel while the mask works its wonders. It will amplify the mask’s effect and make you feel good too.

4. Do not leave the mask on for more than the required time.

5. After the requisite time, rinse thoroughly with warm water. A good mask will take longer to rinse out than a shampoo or conditioner, so give it the time it needs. To give your hair more shine, finish off by spraying some cool water.

6. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle wet hair. Brush it only when it is dry.

7. Avoid using a hairdryer to dry your hair after the wash as the heat can make your hair dry and coarse again.