The reason why people have different hair characteristics is due to the unique functioning of each individual's body. Therefore, it is essential to understand the characteristics and nature of hair in order to choose appropriate hair care methods.
In general, hair is categorized into three types based on moisture levels: normal hair, oily hair, and dry hair. Each type requires different care approaches as follows:
1. Normal Hair
Characteristics: Smooth, glossy, moisturized, and voluminous. Easily styled with a comb.
Cause: The sebaceous gland, located beneath the scalp, produces sebum, which coats the hair in an appropriate amount—neither too much nor too little.
Care: Use a mild shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your hair regularly. Avoid factors that can damage your hair, such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight or environments with low relative humidity, excessive brushing, overuse of hair dryers, and the use of hair dye or perming products.
2. I have oily hair.
Characteristics: Hair appears dull and lifeless, with an oily, greasy texture that easily attracts dirt and grime, leading to an oily scalp and facial skin.
Cause: It may be caused by internal factors, such as the sebaceous glands producing excessive amounts of sebum to moisturize the hair, or by external factors, such as the hair being exposed to high humidity, or the use of hair care or styling products that contain too much oil.
Care: Wash your hair regularly to remove dirt that may accumulate on the hair strands. Use cold water for washing. If using conditioner, apply only a small amount and massage it into the ends of your hair. Avoid using conditioners or hair treatment products that are highly concentrated or contain excessive oil. Additionally, steer clear of behaviors that stimulate oil production, such as consuming high-fat foods and not getting enough rest.
3. Dry Hair
Characteristics: My hair is coarse, frizzy, brittle, prone to breakage, lacks weight and moisture, and is difficult to style. If my hair is extremely dry, it may lead to split ends.
Cause: It may be caused by internal factors, such as the sebaceous glands producing excessive amounts of sebum to moisturize the hair, or by external factors, such as the hair being exposed to high humidity, or the use of hair care or styling products that contain too much oil.
Care: You should not wash your hair frequently or keep it long, as this can cause split ends. Avoid brushing your hair vigorously, using hot air dryers, frequent hair perming, and shampoos with high alkaline content. Every time you wash your hair, apply conditioner or a hair treatment product thoroughly. The shampoo you use should contain moisturizing ingredients to help maintain hair health.
Above all, the most important hair care, regardless of hair type, is to wash your hair regularly with appropriate products that do not damage the hair structure or disrupt the function of the sebaceous glands under the scalp. For example, AloEx shampoo and serum contain extracts from over 30 natural herbs that help nourish hair and scalp, keeping them moisturized and healthy.
Thank you for the valuable information from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, and Cosmetics in Daily Life (Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University, 2001), pages 150–152.
