Easy Tips for Hair Care & Combing for different Hair Types

In a world where stress and pollution levels are rising rapidly, caring for your hair is crucial if you want long, healthy locks for the better part of your life. While different people have different types of hair, it is important that you comb, wash and take care of your hair regularly, no matter which hair type you have.

Doing so will help you save tons of money on expensive hair care products and enable you to style your hair the way you desire.

This article gives you various hair care tips - from how to comb your hair to how to wash it – which will help you turn your lifeless locks into healthy strands. But before we list down care tips for hair, we first need to look at different hair types, find out how to care for them, and finally, the benefits that these easy-to-follow hair care tips might have in store for you.

What are the 4 types of hair?

Hair is basically a protein filament that grows from follicles found on the epidermal layer of the skin. Its type depends largely on genetics. If you are searching for care tips for hair, you should first understand the different types of hair and the challenges one can face while caring for each type.

Haircare experts and scientists mainly distinguish among four types of hair. These hair types include straight, curly, wavy and coily. Each hair type is defined by certain features, characteristics and problems. In order to care well for our individual hair type, we must first understand each particular hair type and then look at the unique problems faced by each.

Straight Hair

Straight, silky hair falling in long stresses is universally coveted by women. There are several benefits of having straight hair. These include the following:

1. Since the hair is long and straight, it is easier for the natural oil (sebum) found on the scalp to make its way down the shaft of the hair. This keeps the hair healthy and moisturised throughout the day. Your hair, much like your skin, looks lustrous because of the presence of the oil.
2. Straight hair can hold mirror-like shine for a longer period of time, rather than curly or wavy hair. This is because the long, straight strands of hair reflect more natural sunlight, thereby making them shinier.
3. Straight hair can be shaped into any style that one desires. This is difficult if one’s hair is wavy or curly. This is due to the fact that these hair types are difficult to be managed into neat styles. While it is true that curly and wavy hair have their own charm, straight, classic tresses are timeless and desired by everyone.

While straight hair certainly has its own set of benefits, there are several disadvantages that one encounters while managing such a hair type:

1. Straight hair lacks volume. Usually, we find that straight hair often becomes thin and fragile, especially when you fail to take care of it. These hair strands are, therefore, easily susceptible to being broken and having split ends.
2. A lot of women find straight hair to be a bit boring and lifeless from the stylistic point of view. Although hairstylists consider straight hair to be timeless and classic, many women think that they lack the texture that is needed to make this type of hair more dramatic.
3. Straight hair can become greasy and oily very easily. Since the natural oil of the scalp, called the sebum, flows down the hair shaft quite easily, it makes the hair oily and sticky, thereby raising the fear of attracting more pollutants. As such, women with straight hair are often required to wash their hair more frequently in order to keep the oil and grime away.

Wavy Hair

Wavy hair falls in a wave-like pattern, unlike straight, long hair. Further, unlike straight hair, wavy hair is more adaptable and requires a lot less care and attention. Here are some of the benefits of having wavy hair:

1. Wavy hair does not require that much attention as straight hair does. Regularly brushing your hair and shampooing are enough to manage wavy locks.
2. Wavy hair is more attractive and noticeable than straight hair, as per experts. Also, they can be easily tied into a bun or a knot, unlike long, straight or short and curly hair. While straight hair can slip (especially, if it is oily), curly hair can end up in knots or can get easily entangled.

However, wavy hair does bring its own set of challenges for those who have this hair type.

1. Humidity is an enemy of wavy hair. Especially during the wet months of July and August, wavy hair becomes unmanageable.
2. Straightening is always discouraged when you have wavy hair. This is because wavy hair, unless it is thick and voluminous, can look limp and unattractive, especially when it is straightened with a flat iron.
3. Wavy hair also looks shorter than the original length. This is due to the fact that wavy or curly hair is always twisted in waves or curls. As such, the true length of the hair is never apparent.

Curly Hair

The shape of the hair follicle, its length and the angle of its growth are usually determined by genetic factors. Curly hair appears like tangled hair and grows at an angle, unlike straight hair. They are much drier than straight hair and, if left without care, can tend to be difficult to be managed. Here are certain benefits of curly hair:-

1. Curly hair has a naturally messy look that is much sought-after these days. You can get out of bed and go straight to the office without worrying about styling your.
2. Curly hair appears to be naturally styled. There is no need to spend your hard-earned money on buying expensive styling products. Women today spend huge amounts, buying expensive curlers. Not only are they expensive but sometimes even dangerous. Having naturally curly hair requires minimal effort.
3. Curly hair, which was in much vogue during the 70s and the 80s, is now making a comeback, thanks to a resurgence of retro fashion.

However, such hair is not without its own set of challenges:

1. Curly hair gets easily knotted and entangled much more than straight or even wavy hair.
2. Humidity is indeed an enemy for curly hair. Once damp, your hair looks thin and fragile. Surely, that’s not an attractive look.
3. Care should also be taken while combing curly hair as such hair is often prone to wear and tear.

Coily Hair

Coily hair is a type of extremely curly hair that often appears to be voluminous. Also known as Type-4 hair, the strands form tight curls in an asymmetrical zig zag pattern. Some of its benefits are:

1. Coily hair is undoubtedly far more interesting than normal, straight hair. Voluminous, thick curls give an attractive edge to your face that normal straight hair can seldom do.
2. Coily hair does not need elaborate hairstyling or expenditure on expensive styling products. Tie up the hair into a neat bun or let it be free. In both cases, you will look gorgeous.

While coily hair can appear strikingly attractive (thanks to the popularity of Afro wigs), it also comes it with its own set of challenges:

1. Coily hair can also break and become frizzy quite easily.
2. Moreover, once you have a snarl or an entanglement, coily hair can become unmanageable.

How can I know my hair type?

Much like your skin, knowing your hair type will help you in choosing the right hair care product, be it a shampoo or a conditioner or even a styling gel or a cream. Companies across the world, bring out customised products, promising miraculous results for all hair problems.

However, in order to truly benefit from hair care products, one needs to know about one’s hair type. But the question is, “How can I know my hair type?”

We have already talked about the different types of hair. However, in addition to these types, there are a couple of other things you must note while you care for your hair or comb your hair strands:

1. Texture : Hair texture refers to the shape of the hair. Straight, wavy, curly and coily are the four types of hair that one usually finds. However, one must note that all our hairs are a mix of two or more than two hair types. So straight hair may be slightly wavy, while coily hair can also be thick and voluminous. As such, one should read the label of hair care products carefully before using them.
2. Structure : When we talk about hair structure, we are referring specifically to the thickness of the hair strands. The thickness of hair strands affects how well your hair will hold styles and react with styling products. There can be three types of hair strands in terms of structure. These are fine, medium and coarse (or thick).
3. Porosity : Porosity refers to the amount of liquid (oil or water) your hair can absorb. Dry, normal and oily are the three different types of hair one can think of in terms of porosity.

How can I take care of my hair as per my hair type?

Different types of hair require customised hair care solutions. From combing your hair regularly to washing your hair, here are the top tips for hair health that can work for all hair types:

1. Comb Your Hair : We have all heard our mothers and grandmothers tell us to brush our hairs almost a hundred times a day. But there is a good reason why they say so. Combing hair regularly has a lot of health benefits. From improving blood circulation to getting rid of dandruff, the list of benefits is endless.
2. Wash Your Hair : Don’t be scared of water. Washing hair cleanses it of grime and dirt. However, it is equally important to dry your hair with a hairdryer. The wet scalp can attract more dirt and make the hair look limp and lifeless.
3. Shampoo Your Hair : Shampooing and conditioning your hair help you get rid of the pollutants that may daily stick to your locks when you venture out of the home. Shampooing helps your scalp to remain dirt-free, while conditioning nourishes each hair strand and keeps it moisturized and smooth.

What food is good for hair?

Hair growth depends on a number of factors such as age, genes and diet. While age and genes cannot be altered, modifications in one’s dietary habits may promote hair growth and provide a long-standing hair loss solution.

Doctors and nutritionists recommend a number of food items for hair regrowth. Here’s a list of food you may want to incorporate in your diet that may promote hair growth.

1. Eggs : Eggs contain protein and biotin – both of which are excellent for hair regrowth. If you are allergic to eggs, you may want to try out a hair pack made of eggs and curd that may prevent hair fall and also promote hair regrowth.
2. Berries : Berries are loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants, which fight harmful molecules like free radicals, thereby protecting the hair follicles.
3. Spinach : This green leafy vegetable is loaded with folate, iron and vitamins A and C - all of which constitute an excellent hair loss treatment.
4. Sweet Potatoes : Loaded with Vitamin A, which helps in sebum production, sweet potatoes are a must in any hair fall treatment.
5. Avocado : This fruit is rich in Vitamin E, an antioxidant, which promotes hair regrowth.

Also Read :- 10 Plant Based Foods That Can Do a Lot of Good to Your Hair

What is the correct way to comb your hair?

Women are often confused about how to comb their hair. While regular combing of hair is an important part of any hair fall treatment, combing it the correct way may produce better results.

Here’s a step-by-step description of how to comb your hair:-

1. First, detangle your hair with your fingers.
2. Second, use any oil or lotion to make hair strands more manageable.
3. Third, once you have your hair strands under control, start combing your hair from top of strands in a downward motion.
4. Finally, finish off with oil or a serum that will protect your hair strands from split ends and breakage.

Should I comb my hair every day?

Hair should definitely be combed every day. Combing one’s hair regularly helps blood to circulate, keeping your hair healthy and full of shine.

What happens if you don’t comb your hair?

Neglecting your hair, not combing your hair regularly leads to hair becoming frizzy and dry. Furthermore, it adds to chances of hair becoming entangled. What we need to understand here is that hair fall is a natural occurrence.

Like dead skin cells that need exfoliation, hair too demands regular brushing to get rid of the hair that you lose every day. If you don’t comb your hair often, there will be a build-up of the fallen hair that may lead to hair damage, entanglement and eventual hair fall.

Why does my hair fall out when I comb it?

Hair loss is a natural phenomenon, and it is estimated that we lose about 50 to 100 hair strands every day. Combing is not necessarily associated with hair fall, in fact, combing has been proven to be an effective method to combat hair fall and strengthen the hair.

However, the reason our hair falls when we comb it is because combing helps the scalp get rid of its fallen hair. If we fail to regularly comb, wash and take care of our hair, loose hair strands may get accumulated and lead to further hair damage.

Is it bad to comb wet hair and which is better - a brush or a comb?

When your hair is wet, it is also fragile and limp and, therefore, susceptible to being broken. As such, it is imperative that you first gently press out the water from your hair strands. Blow-drying your hair is another option.

However, frequent application of hot dry air may make your hair strands even drier. Gently pressing out excess water from your hair is a better idea. Using a wide-toothed comb, separate each strand.

Afterwards, you may use a brush to gently comb your hair to get the desired look. If you are combing your hair before sleep, gather your hair in a neat bun or a braid, before you go off to sleep.

Conclusion

Healthy hair requires regular hair care, such as washing, combing and conditioning. However, with age, you still might encounter hair loss. Worry not, because clinics like Advanced Hair Studio provide an effective hair loss solution, promoting hair regrowth.

Both surgical and non-surgical hair loss treatments are available. Renowned for its advanced hair fall treatment, Advanced Hair Studio is your one-stop solution to all your hair needs.