“Hair is like a flower,” said Paula Dowds, style specialist and owner of Ms. P’s Hair Studio, located at 280 W. 118th St. in New York City.
Hair grows daily with proper care. Most people lose at least 100 strands of hair a day. Why are people losing their hair? Her comments on the subject kept the conversation going for longer than an hour last Thursday afternoon.
The reasons for hair loss vary, from a serious illness, stress and tension, to medications, menopause, kitchen-beauticians at work, improper use of curling irons, chemicals and fabrics that touch the hair. Your hair loss could also be hereditary. It’s important to keep your scalp clean, and make sure you read all the labels of the products you use on your hair.
Your diet and nutrition play a big part in your hair’s health. Speak to a professional to determine how often you should wash your hair.
When you are using color, be sure to consult with a specialist, especially if you want to color and perm your hair on the same day. Take special care in removing wigs, weaves and hairpieces. Be sure to wear a cloth cap under your wig, and don’t just pull it off when you are removing it. Ask the technician whether it’s best to sew on a weave or glue hair on. Use your discretion.
When it comes to tension, having your braids too tight and always braiding in the same direction can cause hair loss. Change directions so that the style is not always front to back, but middle, down the side, circles, zigzag or twisted. If dreadlocks are too heavy, you can experience some balding. To remedy this for a recent client, Dowds cut her locks and created a beautiful weave.
Dowds also works with seniors in Harlem. For Christmas, Ms. P’s Hair Studio is asking folks to drop off donations of personal gifts such as soaps, combs, brushes, lotions, toothpaste, cologne, nightgowns, games, etc., for seniors in the neighboring Harlem Nursing Homes. Call 212-222-8268 for appointments and salon hours.
Many folks are wearing their hair natural. Proper hair care, including keeping your hair and scalp clean, is essential. You can’t hear this enough: Moisturizing and conditioning your hair are a must. If you are swimming, you should rinse your hair thoroughly and condition your hair after you leave the pool. If traveling to a warm place this season, pack your hair conditioners, moisturizers and suntan lotion.
With winter already here, be careful of heavy fabrics close to your hair. With stand-up collars and wool hats, make sure you wear a silk scarf around your neck and under your wool hat to prevent hair fall out. At night, wear a silk scarf or sleep on silk or acetate pillowcases. Note that certain cleaning solutions can cause hair loss. When traveling or sleeping over, always take your own pillow cases or pillow covering with you.
There are products on the market to help your hair grow. Read the labels and consult your favorite professional hair specialist. Know your hair type and what’s best for your hair.