Hair

Each hair grows from a deep narrow pit in the skin called the hair follicle.

It is estimated that there are five million hair follicles covering the human body, except on the palms, soles, lips and nipples. Around 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles are found on the scalp, which has the greatest density of follicles.

Humans are born with the greatest number of hair follicles as they will ever have because no new follicles are created after birth.

The hair has two important structures: the root and the shaft.

The hair root is enclosed by the hair follicle, which contains blood vessels that supply the hair with oxygen and nutrients needed for growth. The hair root is surrounded by sebaceous glands that secrete oil or sebum.

The sebum protects and moisturizes the hair, keeping it shiny and resistant to water passage.

The shaft is the part of the hair that projects beyond the skin. It is mainly composed of keratin, an extremely tough protein. The cuticle covers and protects the hair shaft.

The cuticle is composed of a single layer of overlapping cells, resembling the shingles on a roof.

Natural Cures for Hair:

Caring for your hair does not have to be expensive. There are different home remedies that maintain the shine and health of your hair.

Olive Oil:

Olive oil naturally moisturizes the hair, bringing back its shine and softness. In addition, olive oil thickens the hair and promotes hair growth.

Add olive oil to coconut or jojoba oil in 50/50 concentration.

Rinse your hair with warm water, and gently massage the mixture into the scalp in circular motion.

Using care, rub the ends of your hair, and rinse well.

Mayonnaise:

Mayonnaise is another home remedy that adds shine and strength to the hair.

This natural conditioner consists of oil and eggs, which are beneficial to your hair.

Eggs are rich in protein, which may strengthen brittle, dry or damaged hair.

Apply half a cup of mayonnaise on your hair, and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar removes the buildup of hair styling products.

It closes the cuticle scales that cover the surface of the hair shaft, resulting in smoother, shinier and easily managed hair.

Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of warm water, and apply the vinegar rinse after shampooing.

This natural product may be used once or twice a week.