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Hair, an integral part of grooming, can be beautified and protected through correct combing, which also benefits the brain and strengthens the body.
Benefits of Hair Combing
Beyond joint mobility, other body parts rely on external forces or overall body movement. The head, often limited in movement, requires external support. Combing is a vital activity for hair growth, protection, and head health.
Many blood vessels, nerves, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and hair follicles are distributed on the scalp. Combing removes dandruff and dirt, and the gentle strokes on the scalp stimulate nerve endings, regulating head nerve functions and relieving tension. This promotes blood circulation, nourishing the follicles and glands.
Modern research shows that regular hair combing removes dead hair and dandruff, enhances scalp blood circulation, and fosters healthy hair growth. In American beauty culture, both men and women pay increasing attention to hair care.
Historical figures like U.S. Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were known for meticulous hair grooming. They used powder and curlers, reflecting personal image importance. Modern celebrities and social media influencers share hair care tips and products, influencing public hair care awareness and habits. Thus, combing and hair care are crucial for personal health and image.
Choosing the Right Comb
Combs, traditional handicrafts, come in various materials: bone, horn, stone, wood, bamboo, copper, iron, aluminum, silver, gold, plastic, nylon, etc., and in countless styles.
The quality of a comb directly affects hair health. A good comb leads to thick, strong, and non-shedding hair. Choose a comb material based on preference, ensuring even, appropriately spaced teeth with blunt tips to avoid scalp damage. Inflammations, allergies, and infections on the scalp can be linked to minor injuries from combs.
Be wary of nylon, hard plastic, and metal combs that generate static electricity, causing hair dryness, brittleness, and potential hair loss. These are unsuitable for dry hair.
Thick, tangled, curly, or wet hair should be combed with thick-toothed combs. Using fine-toothed, wire, or round brushes can break hair, damage follicles, and cause hair loss.
Besides combs, boar bristle brushes can also be used. Keep combs and brushes clean by soaking them in hot water with detergent or alkali.
To prevent skin infections, avoid sharing combs or using public ones.
Correct Hair Combing Technique
Sit calmly and close your eyes while combing. The action should be gentle and even, avoiding excessive force. Do not pull hair into specific styles or rub it vigorously with a towel.
Start from the tips and gradually move upwards for long hair; start from the roots for short hair. Hold the hair at the root while combing. Begin detangling from the tips.
Ensure all hair is combed, flipping it forward after combing from the neck to the ends. Lift and toss the hair back, combing from the forehead to the ends. This method aligns with the natural growth of hair follicles and shafts, promoting blood circulation.
To protect follicles, try vertical combing: comb upward on top, sideways on the sides, and backward at the back, ensuring even force around each follicle without damaging the roots.
As hair texture, length, and straightness vary, adjust the combing force accordingly. Comb through easily manageable hair quickly, and patiently handle difficult hair. Focus on smoothing the hair without damaging it or the follicles.
Regular combing, combined with gentle head tapping with fingertips, can improve circulation, leading to healthier, shinier, and stronger hair. This can alleviate headaches and strengthen the body.
Losing dozens of hairs daily during combing is normal and not a cause for concern.
Scientific Approach to Braiding
Avoid tight braids, as they can pull hair strongly, leading to traction alopecia and thinning. Similarly, tight buns can cause hair damage and loss.
Tight braids may lead to “tube hair,” characterized by white, translucent keratin sleeves on the hair, sliding up and down. This doesn't cause hair loss but is unsightly. Looser braids or stopping braiding altogether can prevent this.
Long braids aren't recommended due to dirt accumulation, lengthy washing and combing times, increased chances of damage to the hair's outer protective layer, and split ends.