Hair grows from a cluster of matrix cells beneath the skin. These cells divide rapidly and push the new hair up towards the scalp.
When the new hair emerges at the scalp it is effectively keratinized (dead). The sebaceous glands at the side of the hair follicle are largely responsible for the lustre of the hair: too much sebum will produce an oily hair conditions; too little a dry one.
1. Normal Hair – Healthy-looking, shiny hair is the result of well-balanced internal chemistry (good genetic profile and wellregulated hormone levels), common sense and careful management.
2. Dry Hair – Four to thirteen percent of healthy hair is water. Dry hair is usually symptomatic of dehydration often caused by a lack of sebum. It not only looks dull and lifeless but is also much more susceptibleto breakage and splitting due to its reduced elasticity. Take steps to protect it from stresses, such as pulling, brushing or harsh styling. Also protect it from strong sunlight.
3. Oily Hair – Oily hair is a result of overactivesebaceous glands. All hair tends to become greasier at puberty when the sebaceous glands become much more active (over active) due to hormonal changes. In some cases, it can also become noticeably oilier at times of smaller hormonal fluctuation, such as before menstruation. Oily hair usually improves during the last six months of pregnancy when there isa surge in several hormones.
4. Combination Hair – Active sebaceous glands produce a glut of sebum that is absorbed at the base of the scalp and prevented from travelling along the hair shaft, robbing it of essential lubrication and gloss. Hence the scalp and hair at the roots are oily, while the ends are dry, frizzy and prone to breakage and splitting.