The Leeds Trichologist Clinic
https://www.trichological.co.uk/
Title: Thin Curly Hair.
Question 1) Structure of Hair.
All human scalp hair is made up of a Cuticle, cortex, and medulla. The cortex is the outer layer which offers protection from mechanical damage and controls the movement of substances in and out of the hair. The cortex sits beneath the cuticle and is the main bulk of the hair fibre, its function is the hairs strength and elasticity. The medulla is found at the hairs core, it is not present in all hair shafts.
Hair does not grow continually but grows a cycle which lasts anything from 2-7 years. There are approximately 80,000-100,000 hairs on the human scalp. The length of the hair growth cycle can be shortened by a variety of factors such as hormones, diet, stress also lack vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining healthy hair growth. This can lead to many hair shafts not reaching their potential length, which in turn leads to thinner hair density, increased hair shedding, wispy ends and dry unmanageable hair.
Question 2)
Thin curly hair can be difficult to manage, as it often has less cell layers in the cuticle. The fewer hair cells in the cuticle layer, reduce the hair’s ability to retain moisture, leaving it dry and unmanageable. In the past decade the increased use of Thermal styling devices, such as hair straighteners, which cause irreversible damage to the cuticle layer, with the high heat settings used to smooth the hair. Have meant an increase in cuticle damage and unmanageable hair. People with naturally curly hair often use these devices daily to help them achieve a straight hairstyle.
The only way to remove this damage is by cutting of the damaged section.
Question 3)
· Do not vigorously towel dry, but blot dry gently with a towel.
· Leave the curls to dry naturally, if using a hairdryer use an ionic dryer on a low heat setting with a diffuser. Its is very important not to stretch the wet hair with excessive force.
· Pre poo!! Is a term for applying conditioner to the hair, while dry before shampooing, this helps prevent tangling, also ensuring excess moisture is not removed, while cleansing with shampoo? After shampooing and conditioning make sure the hair is squeezed with a towel not rubbed! Allow as much of the hair to dry to a semi damp state before applying your favourite product Too much water in the hair will dilute and weigh down the natural curl and texture desired.
· Have a good haircut! at a salon that specializes in curly hair. Curly hair needs regular attention to remove any styling damage. I recommend that, you wear your hair in its natural state. this always more flattering, than to have a style which is not suitable for your hair texture. A good hairdresser will be able to advise you in a consultation.
Question 4) How often should you shampoo your hair?
It is my opinion that you wash your face every day to remove the buildup of environmental contaminants. So why not your hair? It is ok to wash your hair every day with a quality shampoo. Some people’s hair does not require daily shampooing as they do not encounter a dirty environment, but if your hair feels dirty, or itchy, I advise you shampoo it. I advise patients to treat the hair and scalp as two different stages, so if scalp is dry but hair is coloured first use a shampoo for this with Pictone olamine, followed by a shampoo to protect the colour such as the shampoo recommended by the colour manufacturer followed by the matching conditioner.
There is much debate online about the use of sulphates & parabens in shampoo. Whilst I do not disagree with some of the comments in some instances the replacement chemicals are no better than the sulphates. I have tried Philip Kingsley, Deva Curl, Cantu ranges a
The function of shampoo is to clean the hair removing all debris and bacteria. This cannot be done by only using a conditioner. Over time it is possible that Malesia species and yeasts may colonize upon the scalp which can lead to fungal disorder. Healthy hair grows on a clean healthy scalp. Shine is the reflection of light and light reflects better on a smooth flat cuticle layer.
Why is your hair thinning?
There are many reasons why curly hair may be thinning. If your hair texture has always been thin, then this is most likely due to genetic inheritance. But if you have noticed that your ponytail has started to lose its density. It may be that you have a hair loss or scalp disorder. This is best treated by consulting a qualified trichologist.
There are many effective treatments for most hair and scalp disorders, which a trichologist will be able to design a personal treatment plan for you.
Question 5) To nourish hair, it is better achieved by eating good healthy diet which includes at least 3 meals a day, with good sources of protein. Hair is made of a protein “Keratin”. Fresh green leafy vegetables, which are rich in amino acids. Supplements such as Viviscal professional hair growth program, Help Hair protein supplements with hair enhancing ingredients Biotin, or Philip Kingsley Trichotherapy range of supplements. Taking a holistic approach to this with perhaps some exercise and mindfulness are also of great benefit
Question 6) Why the frizz?
It is true that curly hair when exposed to high humidity tends to frizz. This is due to the reduced layers of cells in the cuticle of the hair which allow the hairs moisture to pass out of the cuticle. Therefore, it is very important to have the moisture level beneath the cuticle maintained at the optimum level. This can be achieved by using a pre shampoo conditioning treatment such as Elasticiser by Philip Kingsley. This will fill the hair with moisture, which once the hair is full of moisture, the humidity in the air will not be able to pass into the hair and cause the hair to frizz.
Question 7) As mentioned above previously, the pre poo method of conditioner on dry hair helps natural curly girl’s fine hair.
It is very important not to overstretch thin/ fine curly hair when it is in a wet state. Comb and brush through very gently, to avoid breakage. Start at the tips, working towards the roots.
Question 8) When it comes to fine textured natural curly hair, you do not want to add too much weight.
After shampooing and conditioning, make sure the hair is squeezed with a towel not rubbed! Allow as much of the hair to dry to a semi damp state, before applying your favourite product. Too much water in the hair will dilute and weigh down the natural curl and texture desired. For those who want to temporarily change their natural curl and wave without damaging high heat, then the silicone Curlyo, no damaging curling and waving system from the house of curls is a game changer.
Question 9) A fine woven internal layering pattern adds volume and texture, providing added support volume and texture.
Question 10) Updos on curly hair are beautiful, yet wearing your natural curl down in stunning form, is just awesome. It is important that the hairdresser works with your natural curl pattern and face shape also considers the density before advising you upon the correct style.
Question 11) To camoflage any scalp show through, on very fine hair. Camoflage products are a real boost, these work by adding texture and density to the hair, also by disguising the visible scalp. Products such as Toppik hair building fibres, Dermatch scalp concealer and Mane spray.
Call: 07904353108
Clinic:
Iveridge Hall, Wakefield Rd, Oulton, Leeds, LS26 8EU.