Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1547346
54 AHP Indie Stylist Volume 7 Issue 2 hair with a microfiber towel rather than scrubbing it with rough terrycloth. Encourage clients to sleep on satin or silk pillowcases to avoid nighttime friction that can damage fragile textured hair types. Help clients select styles for home that preserve the ends of the hair and don't place tension on the client's hairline. Many clients with textured hair wear braids, twists, or wigs to protect their hair—and when done right, they are highly protective. However, these same protective styles can be problematic if they aren't changed out to provide relief. Encourage clients to give their hair and scalp genuine rest between styles. Clients should minimize direct heat use when possible. When heat styling is incorporated into a regimen, it's best to use heat tools that distribute the heat evenly over the hair fibers (e.g., hooded dryers versus blow dryers). A heat protectant should always be used to protect the hair and distribute the temperature evenly. When using direct heat tools like blow dryers and flat irons, use the lowest effective setting required to achieve the final style. OPTIMIZE THE SCALP ENVIRONMENT Because the hair fiber is no longer living once it emerges, everything about its future quality is already decided at the follicular level. A healthy scalp is essential for supporting this process. is means establishing a consistent cleansing and conditioning routine to keep the scalp hydrated and supple and follicle openings clear. If persistent flaking or inflammation occurs despite routine care, clients should address the problem with their dermatologist. Beyond topical care, internal wellness plays an important role in hair health. Clients should aim for adequate daily hydration, maintain a balanced diet rich in protein and iron, and supplement with a daily vitamin when needed. For clients who prefer braids, wigs, or long locs, monitoring traction and styling tension is critical. Chronic pulling or slicking along the hairline can inflict permanent damage on the follicles over time. Unlike simple structural breakage along the hair sha, this type of follicular injury is irreversible. Any pattern of true thinning from the root warrants a professional evaluation with a dermatologist. Remember, the hair preservation game is pure math. Scalp hair grows a little less than half an inch per month for most people, about four to six inches a year, regardless of what happens at the ends. e ends, meanwhile, are the oldest part of the strand, with years of accumulated washing, styling, and friction behind them. Length retention is simply the difference between new growth at the root and cumulative loss at the ends. When breakage and maintenance trimming remove less hair than monthly growth, you're ahead. Notes 1. H. P. Baden, "Hair Keratin," in Hair and Hair Diseases, eds. C. E. Orfanos and R. Happle (Springer, 1990), 45–71. 2. Maria F. R. G. Dias, "Hair Cosmetics: An Overview," International Journal of Trichology 7, no. 1 (January– March 2015): 2–15, doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.153450. Hair Recovery, in Short In the salon, you should: • Start at the bowl with a clarifying reset wash • Rebuild the hair's moisture through deep conditioning with high-quality moisture-based products • Trim strategically, protect the scalp, and trust the process At home, the client should: • Maintain salon results by deep conditioning between visits • Use water-based moisturizers throughout the week to boost moisture levels and seal hydration after with natural oils or butters • Add protein-focused conditioning in measured doses • Handle their hair gently, use heat rarely, and ensure they protect their strands with silk or satin nightly UNSPLASH