Hair & Satin Information
Each individual hair is formed inside a hair bulb deep within a hair follicle. The follicle will produce hairs and then finally the hair will fall out. The follicle will rest for a little while and then start to produce another new hair.
Each hair shaft is composed of 3 layers, The outermost layer is the cuticle. It is made up of overlapping scales that protect the cortex. When cuticles lie flat, hair will look shiny and smooth. The middle layer is the medulla which is not affected by hair care products. The innermost layer is the cortex which gives the hair its strength, If the cortex and cuticle are damaged, breakage and split ends occur.
Hair follows a specific growth cycle in three phases: anagen, catagen and telogen. The anagen phase is the growth phase. It begins in the papilla and can last from two to six years. About 85 of the airs on ones head are in the anagen phase at any given time. The second phase, catagen lasts about 10 days and is considered the transitional stage. Telogen is the next phase which lasts about 3 months. While the old hair is resting, a new hair begins the growth phase. The last phase, exogen is the part of the resting phase where the old hair sheds and a new hair continues to grow. Approximately 50-150 hairs can fall out daily.
When it comes to African American hair, we must keep in mind that our hair is extremely fragile and prone to breakage. Although the hair in its natural state looks full and thick, the reality is that it is not strong and unable to withstand a great deal of combing and friction. Sebum is the oil produced by our scalp and skin. It lubricates the hair strand. However, in black hair, due to the curly nature of the strand, it does not always travel to the end of the shaft, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Also, although our hair grows, it may break at the same rate. The key to healthy hair is to prevent breakage at all cost.
Due to the fragile nature of our hair, we must change our perspective toward it and the way in which we handle our strands. Along with using appropriate hair products, maintenance is extremely important. We should comb our hair from the end back to the root, or finger comb the hair. Use a wide tooth comb to avoid excess friction which can lead to breakage, and protect the hair from excess contact with fibers and material that can cause thinning and friction which also leads to breakage. One type of wide tooth comb is offered here as part of a hair maintenance accessory.
Satin is key in the struggle to protect hair from breaking and thinning and is offered here in the form of hair maintenance accessories. Satin is a weave and its smooth nature will not pull and grip your hair as cotton material will. Satin is shiny on one side and dull on the other. Good quality satin should block some or most of the light when you hold it to light. Satin will not strip the hair of oils which contribute to breakage. It actually help your hair retain moisture. Satin will keep the head cool in the summer and warm in the winter and will prevent thinning. You will see the difference in your hair when you consistently use a satin scarf on your head or a satin bonnet or sleep on satin pillowcases.
Satin is so important to hair maintenance that it is offered here as hair accessories. Satin items are offered here in the form of satin scarves, satin bonnets, and envelope style satin pillowcases. The scarves and bonnets come with purse friendly satin bags. Change your hair lifestyle and see the difference satin and a changed perspective to your hair will make.