How to preserve and increase the beauty of hair

Many people aspire to have beautiful, healthy hair, but maintaining it can be difficult. The inherent strength and shine of your hair can be weakened by daily exposure to pollutants, styling tools, and inclement weather. You can, however, preserve and accentuate its beauty with the correct maintenance.

Maintaining healthy hair begins with a basic regimen. A balanced diet, avoiding excessive heat styling, and using the proper products for your hair type can all have a significant impact. You can maintain the health and vibrancy of your hair by making small adjustments to your daily routine.

It’s also critical to give your hair the additional care it requires when called for. Investing time in these procedures can guarantee that your hair remains strong and gorgeous for an extended period of time, whether it’s through routine trims to avoid split ends or deep conditioning treatments to replenish moisture.

It’s crucial to concentrate on a balanced regimen that includes adequate washing, conditioning, and shielding your hair from heat and environmental damage if you want to maintain and improve the beauty of your hair. A nutritious diet high in vitamins, regular trims, and mild styling techniques can all help preserve radiance and strength. You can maintain your hair’s vibrant and healthy appearance by using the right products and giving it the care it deserves.

Introduction

This guide carries general information for a person who wants to have beautiful and well -groomed hair as after the salon every day, but does not know which side to approach them.
We must remember that each person is individual and that perfectly suitable alone, can only worsen the situation in the other. It can take more than one year to find your ideal care. I advise you not to start with expensive products right away, it will be a shame to spend a lot of money, and in the end find out that the ideal care, specifically for you, is a product for 100 rubles. All information is for informational and introductory purposes only.

Basic knowledge about human hair

Human skin contains horny formations called hair. It is typically thought of as an extension of the skin. Water and the protein keratin make up the majority of it. It is possible to conditionally separate the "living" and "non-living" portions of human hair.

The hair follicle or root is the living portion. The interior of the root is where hair primarily grows and is nourished. The follicle, or hair sac, envelops the hair follicle. The structure of the hair—straight, wavy, or curly—is determined by the shape of the follicle. The shaft is the non-living portion of the hair. The three layers are the outer (cuticle/hair scales), middle (cortex) and inner (core/medulla).

The majority of hair cell division and nutrition take place in the inner layer. Because melanin is found in the middle layer, this layer gives hair its natural color. The appearance of the hair is determined by its outer layer.

The outer layer’s structure, which is made up of scales that are next to one another, is shaped like a Christmas cone. The porosity of the hair can be classified as low, medium, or high depending on how adherent the scales are. Because the scales are closely spaced apart and have low porosity, the hair is smooth to the touch, has a brilliant shine, and absorbs odors and care products poorly. In contrast, extremely porous hair has scales that resemble a "hedgehog," absorb moisture, odors, and care products well, reflect sunlight less effectively, and shine less.

The genetic level is where the structure of hair is formed. You need to "squeeze" as much beauty out of it as possible. Only with the aid of various procedures (e.g., a chemical curl causes the hair core to adopt a coil structure that is not natural for it; however, the curling structure can be physically extended into a straight line with tongs) is it possible to alter the structure of the hair itself?

A human hair’s life cycle is unique. There are three stages to it: anagen, when hair is actively formed and grows; catagen, when the hair follicle separates from its location and starts to move toward the skin’s edge; and telogen, when hair falls out and the follicle rests.

Even young hair in the anagen phase can fall out if there is an underlying medical condition (hormonal imbalance, stress, inadequate nutrition, or deficiency in vitamins, for example). Alopecia is the term for severe hair loss resulting from a failure of the hair development phases (baldness in some area or all over the head). To determine and eradicate the underlying cause of the illness in the body in this situation, you ought to speak with a physician (trichologist, therapist, endocrinologist, etc.).

Basics of hair care

• Organic – these are those that do not contain chemical compounds or they are minimal. Usually on such bottles it is written "Does not contain sulfates, parabens, silicones". But real organic cosmetics cannot cost 100 rubles and you need to look for it. Its production requires large investments, time and effort for research, extraction of raw materials and creation of the product.
• Anything that is cheap and "screams" about its naturalness is called – pseudo-organic. They have the properties of both chemical and organic shampoo. They wash well, but have less aggressive surfactants than chemical ones and may contain silicones.
• In chemical shampoos, the first items will be quite aggressive compounds and they often contain silicones. Such shampoos wash hair better.

Professional and mass-market goods are offered. Professional hairdressers can be found in dedicated stores, typically found in expansive shopping centers, while mass-market hairdressers can be found in any store (Podruzhka, Ulybka Radugi, Eliza, Auchan).

The variations in the concentration of beneficial substances between professionals and the general public. Expert products frequently have a higher concentration of gentler surfactants and caring ingredients. Mass market products are typically less expensive than professional ones, perform worse than their professional counterparts, and are primarily composed of harsh surfactants and chemicals, with all "oils" and other "useful" ingredients present in very small amounts (all ingredients are present in the product in less than 1% concentration after the word "perfume"). *My personal opinion: I vehemently oppose mass-market products because they are quickly consumed and offer no value. Definitely begin your care regimen with professional products.

Group-specific product options:

• professional – (from 100 rubles) Kapous, Ollin, Estel; (from 500 rubles) Kaaral, Brelil, Lakme, Indola, Cutrin, Revlon; (over 1000 rubles) Kerastase, Lanza, Salerm, Moroccanoil, Angel prof, DSD;
• mass-market – (from 200 rubles) Elseve, Dove, Pantene, Babushka Agafya;
• pseudo-organic – (from 200 rubles) Natura Siberica, EcoLab, Planeta Organica;
• organic – (from 1000 rubles) Ausganica, Zeitun, ChocoLatte;
• natural – (from 200 rubles) handmade cosmetics (selected individually by a competent master), herbs, Indian products.

1. Basic – cleansing (shampoo, kovosh).
2. Auxiliary – caring (mask, balm, conditioner).
3. Final:
   a) leave-in (spray, fluid, cream, oil, etc.),
   b) styling (foam, hairspray, gel, cream),
   c) additional (ampoules, tonics, solutions).

Basic care products

• if hair gets greasy at the roots and requires daily washing – oily type;
• if you wash your hair several times a week – normal type;
• if less often or the scalp peels and tightens – dry type.

Cowashing is the term for "conditioner-washing." This is how conditioner is added in place of shampoo. In essence, the curly method works well for gently washing hair that is curly. It is preferable to use specific conditioners for washing instead of basic ones (these are typically made by foreign companies or specifically labeled as co-washing on the jar). Applying this group of products to the scalp, letting the foam run down the length of the hair, and then rinsing thoroughly with water are the recommended steps.

Auxiliary care products

Balm/conditioner: a post-shampoo hair care product that closes hair cuticles. The smoothness of the hair is attributed to the tightly packed scales, which do not stick to one another, break off, or split.

One of the most important and effective hair care products is the mask. A mask is made to nourish and enhance the beauty of hair. It may include extracts, active ingredients, oils, etc. Additionally, silicones (most of which end in -cone, such as dimethicone) can be found in masks. These are substances that coat the hair and contribute to its shine. Silicones can build up in the hair (I use GOSH for deep cleaning).

*My personal opinion: masks containing silicones can be used to improve the appearance of burnt or severely damaged hair. Silicones tend to make hair heavier.

Only hair length is considered for this group! Administering directly onto the scalp may result in adverse reactions, such as irritation, dandruff, pore blockage, etc. D. Application technique: Starting from the middle of the hair, generous amounts of product are applied, working out the entire length with care and giving the ends extra attention. Holding time in centimeters on a particular product’s packaging (ranging from five to one hour). Rinse with water thoroughly after holding. Not advised for use on a daily basis.

Variations in masks Products are available for both moisturizing and nourishing/restoring purposes. Moisturizing products help retain moisture in the hair and are lighter and more frequently applied. Nutritional products are thicker, meant to be used once a week at most, and they help to repair and nourish hair. The differences in mass-market products are negligible.

What is a pepita? In case your hair started to appear unattractive, with strands falling out into greasy icicles or an unusual dryness appearing, it’s probably due to overdrying, especially if you use nourishing products frequently. Using GOSH to rinse hair and a light moisturizing mask will help get rid of it (GOSH always dries out hair because it washes out everything that can be found in it). If you use styling products, you must use GOSH. It is best to use a professional, modest volume product at least once a month as it will last for years.

Final care products

Leave-in products

Spray is a thin aqueous solution whose primary functions are to hydrate hair, release static electricity, and make combing easier. During the day, spray can be used on damp or dry hair.

Viscous substances like fluids, creams, oils, etc. are essential to preventing split ends. A tiny amount must be applied to the hair’s ends using smoothing motions. This will aid in the smoothing out of the ends’ most damaged scales. These products don’t need to be rinsed, but they should be applied carefully. You will eventually become adept at figuring out how much leave-in product is right for you.

Styling

All products that assist in fixing a hairstyle or hairdo fall into this category. Usually, damp hair is used for application, followed by drying and styling. * In my opinion, it is preferable to use a shampoo with SLS to remove styling products from hair since leaving styling products behind can cause dryness, pore clogging, and breakage.

Additional products

There are products for the scalp and length in this category.

Ampoules: these are extremely concentrated treatments meant to get rid of a particular issue, such as itching, dandruff, hair loss, dry ends, and/or oily scalps. applied rigorously in compliance with the guidelines.

Tonics are typically concentrated solutions applied to the scalp to address particular issues.

You can also draw attention to masks for the scalp. In essence, these masks have a warming effect in addition to targeting hair growth. It is essential to read the instructions very carefully! This product category is used strictly in compliance with the guidelines or advice provided by the physician.

Dyeing

Every woman aspires to be attractive, and many of them are unhappy with the color of their hair. Both natural (herbs) and chemical dyeing agents can be used. In a different article titled "Dying with henna – easy and fast," we go over herbal dyeing. Standard recipe for using herbs as colorants."

Dyeing is a chemical process that damages the hair’s structure, lifts the scales, and allows the composition to enter the hair’s middle layer. Hydrogen peroxide is used in any chemical dyeing process. This liquid chemical is intended to oxidize—that is, to break down the structure of the hair—and aid in the fixing of the coloring molecules within the hair. It can burn skin and mucous membranes if it gets on them.

The process will be more damaging to your hair the lighter you want to make it, as this will increase the aggressiveness of the chemical reaction. Chemical paints are available for both professional and general use. Without hydrogen peroxide, paints would not exist. If the paint’s packaging or the salon claim that it doesn’t contain peroxide, check the oxidizer’s composition; peroxide will be the first ingredient.

• Mass segment usually costs around 200 rubles per pack. They include a ready-made tube of the desired color dye, an oxidizer (hydrogen peroxide) and auxiliary products (instructions, gloves, balm for care after the procedure, etc.). The main disadvantage of such paint is the unknown percentage of oxidizer (usually 9% and higher, because.. the paint manufacturer does not know what the original hair color will be and is on the safe side – the higher the percentage of oxide, the more likely it is that the hair will be dyed in the color "in the picture"). And the higher the percentage, the faster the hair is destroyed. Usually, dyeing by 2-3 tones can be done with an oxide of no more than 6%.
• Prof. segment costs around 200 rubles for a tube of paints + 200 rubles for a jar of an oxidizing agent + era for additional funds. The main plus of this staining is that you yourself can choose the percentage of the oxidizing agent and reduce hair destruction.

Good care is required at the end of any staining process. Never forget that there could be a bad reaction to any chemical staining! It’s necessary to perform a preliminary sensitivity test.

Combing hair

In order to avoid missing any nodules or stiff spots, combing the hair needs to be done carefully (perhaps with the help of supplemental products, like sprays) and with a high-quality comb. Don’t rush the process; it should be done from the ends to the roots. The hair should be washed individually and on a regular basis; the comb shouldn’t pull out and electrify the hair, and the cloves shouldn’t have zabins on them. Selecting a comb composed of superior materials is advised; hardwood (NOT pine) and synthetic (Janeke, TangleTizeer) materials are preferred.

If you must use elastic bands, go for ones made of natural silk if possible, as they are free of iron.

General hair care scheme

1. Before going to bed, long hair should be thoroughly combed and braided. This way, the nighttime friction against the pillow will not injure the fragile ends.
2. Before washing, you should comb your hair thoroughly. You can wash your hair either leaning over the bathtub or standing in the shower. The downside of washing in the shower is that all the products will flow down your back and can provoke inflammation in this area.
3. You should apply shampoo to your palm, then lather it up and apply it to your scalp in this form. You can rinse the length of your hair with the flowing foam or gently work the foam through with your hands. You should wash your hair with shampoo twice (the first time washes away surface dirt and styling, the second time washes away the fat itself from the scalp).
4. Then you should gently squeeze your hair with your hands and apply a care product. When applying a care mask, you should first blot your hair with a towel so that the dripping water does not interfere.
5. After rinsing, the hair should be gently blotted with a towel. If desired, you can make a turban out of a towel, but you should not wear it for more than 5 minutes – it can draw out the necessary moisture from the hair. Then leave-in products and styling are applied to the hair.
6. If you use hot devices (hair dryer, curling iron, tongs), you should choose leave-in products with heat-protective properties so as not to physically damage the hair.

Features of the curly method

CGM, or the "curly girl method," is a unique technique designed specifically for girls with curly hair structures. The key components of care are: using products with mild surfactants (co-washing is frequently used in place of shampoo), completely avoiding silicones, and using a specific technique for washing, applying care products, styling, and drying hair. Try the curly method if you had curly hair as a child or if high humidity causes your hair to frizz and curl. It appears very "tricky" at first and has a lot of points, but all you really need to do is understand it a little. Then you won’t have to wait long for magical curls.

Hair Thickening Products

Initially, you should make an effort to eat healthily, drink more water, eat fruits and vegetables, and experience less anxiety. You can boost your immune system by taking a vitamin course in the fall and spring. See a doctor if you experience severe and ongoing hair loss. Any product may have an adverse reaction or cause an allergy! First, a sensitivity test must be performed!

1. Mint spray (from 30 rubles) – peppermint tincture and water in a 1:1 ratio, increases growth and thickness. The product must be shaken well before each use, it is more convenient to use in a spray bottle. Spray onto damp hair roots after each wash. After use, a tingling and cold sensation occurs on the scalp. The concentration of the tincture can be reduced in case of an allergic reaction or headaches.
2. Compliment mask with pepper (from 150 rubles) – stimulates active hair growth. Should be done in courses, can noticeably burn the skin. A preliminary allergy test is necessary!
3. Oils (from 50 rubles) – usma, castor, burdock, amla, grape seed, peach – to thicken and accelerate hair growth. It is better to use in a mixture and warm. Holding time from 20 minutes. Make sure to wash off with shampoo. Can cause clogging of the scalp, do not use every day and with caution.
4. Nicotinic acid in ampoules (from 30 rubles) – vitamin B3 (PP), increases hair growth and thickness due to the flow of blood and nutrients to the hair follicle, as a result of which the hair grows faster and "sleeping" follicles are activated. This product must be applied to the partings with massage movements daily for 1 month, then take a break. The product can cause allergy! Use with caution, only after first conducting a sensitivity test! Taking nicotinic acid internally does not affect hair. There is no nicotinic acid specifically “for hair growth”, it is a marketing ploy, any nicotine helps in this matter.
5. Specialized professional ampoules/tonics (from 1000 rubles) – good professional products act as SOS products – help to quickly stop severe hair loss. They can’t always be used as a maintenance therapy (depending on the composition). Do not use drugs with hormones without prescribing a doctor.
6. Herbs – good quality herbs will cost expensive (at least 300 rubles)
7. Pharmacy herbs (from 15 rubles) – chamomile, nettle, oak bark, etc.D. – strengthen hair, help fight the fat content of hair and close scales.
8. Ayurvedic herbs (from 300 rubles) – mainly Indian herbs – fenior, zizifus, Brigandine, amla, Shikakai, etc.D. – sold in oriental and Ayurvedic stores, strengthen hair, envelop and thicken, have a very good effect on growth. Sold both individually and in special mixtures. Decoctions should be made from pharmaceutical herbs and used to rinse hair, and herbal masks from Ayurvedic herbs (mix several herbs, dilute with water and apply the “gruel” to hair for 30 minutes, rinse with water). Herbs can cause dry ends, so it is essential to use rinse-off products. If you have blond hair, herbs should be used with caution. Masks from Ayurvedic herbs are more effective than decoctions from pharmaceutical herbs.
9. Colorless henna (from 15 rubles) (cassia or jujube) – stimulates growth, strengthens roots and thickens hair by enveloping. Mix the required amount of colorless henna with warm water, let it brew for 15 minutes and apply the “gruel” to hair, leave for 20 minutes. Do not confuse colorless henna with white henna! White henna does not exist, but cheap bleaching powder (or who knows what) with a pinch of henna can cause hair loss, burns or allergies.
10. Herbal dyes (from 150 rubles) – henna and basma are herbs that dye hair, they strengthen and thicken hair well, promote active growth, add weight and shine to hair, and do not dry out hair if prepared correctly. Think carefully before using – herbal dyeing is almost impossible to wash off or lighten.
11. Henna – dyes hair in different shades of red depending on the composition of the mixture, quality and production. Henna can be lightened with chemical lighteners, but pure blond will never work. You can dye it with chemical dye.
12. Basma – in its pure form dyes hair green. Depending on the composition of the mixture, you can achieve shades from dark red to blue-black. Basma takes longer to set on hair. Basma can only be dyed with chemical dye in a dark shade, lightening agents will give a green color.

What you can save on

• Shampoo
• Mask
• Conditioner
• Leave-in
• Comb

Length masks and leave-in conditioners are essentials that should not be overlooked; they should be your workhorses, giving your hair a gorgeous appearance without damaging its structure. Additionally, they typically consume little and produce a lot of volume. I suggest you look more closely at silicone-free products if you have low porosity, uncolored hair. Silicone-containing products can make your hair appear instantly gorgeous, but they don’t nourish it.

When it comes to scalp products, you should never cut corners. If you’re experiencing severe issues, you should also see a doctor. Recall that the product will last longer and give you healthier, more beautiful hair if you select a professional segment.

Overall result

Beautiful hair requires ongoing maintenance. This is using the right comb, gentle coloring, careful treatment, and hair care and protection products.

Hair needs to be shielded from extreme heat and cold, wind, and physical harm. When there is a lot of frost, it is preferable to tuck your hair under your clothes to prevent breakage and split ends. You should wear sun protection products and cover your hair when it’s hot outside. After all, hair contains protein, which will curl up in hot weather and cause structural damage to the hair when it freezes and causes a drop in temperature.

It’s also a good idea to tuck your hair under your clothes or wear a hairstyle to prevent tangles and breakage during strong winds. Indeed, you don’t grow and take care of your hair to cover it up. Nonetheless, it is preferable to flaunt your beauty at work, in the theater, or at home than to attempt to sort out tangled threads while riding the bus.

My hair in the picture following a perm and three years of good maintenance. My before and after stories are available to read here, here, and even here. Naturally, my hair is not nearly as perfect as it looks in the second picture. I get the proper coloring and care from all of this.

Tip	Description
Regular trims	Cutting your hair every 6-8 weeks helps remove split ends and keeps it looking fresh.
Use conditioner	Conditioning after shampooing helps to hydrate and soften hair, reducing breakage.
Eat a balanced diet	Consuming enough vitamins, especially biotin and vitamin E, promotes healthy hair growth.
Avoid heat damage	Use heat styling tools sparingly and always apply a heat protectant to prevent damage.
Stay hydrated	Drinking plenty of water keeps your hair moisturized from the inside out.
Use silk pillowcases	Sleeping on silk helps reduce friction, preventing breakage and frizz.
Limit chemical treatments	Overusing dyes or perms can weaken hair, so space them out to avoid damage.

Hair maintenance and beauty enhancement don’t have to be difficult tasks. You can maintain the health and vibrancy of your hair with a regimen that includes regular trimming, gentle washing, and conditioning.

You can enhance the strength and shine of your hair even more by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and shielding it from heat and harsh chemicals. Over time, small actions like these have a significant impact.

In the end, consistency is essential. You can help your hair grow and maintain its beauty by incorporating hair care into your daily routine.

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