Hair Cosmetics: What products to choose to preserve hair health at all times

Hair health directly affects its appearance, so nourished and hydrated hair fibers will always be synonymous with voluminous and shiny hair. Therefore, beauty professionals working in this field must know how to acquire and work with those products that, in addition to fulfilling their indicated function, are capable of preserving the integrity of the hair.

In this article, we will analyze some of the products on the current market in order to know their benefits and explore their features to understand how they influence the appearance of the hair.

Hair structure

Hair is made up of a thin keratin fiber that forms in the hair follicles located in the hypodermis, something that distinguishes it from the rest of the hair located on the body. Its stem is composed of three well-differentiated parts:

- The medulla, made up essentially of keratin cells linked to each other. It serves as a grip structure and as a supply channel for nutrients received through the hair follicle.
- The cortex, which is the intermediate layer responsible for providing robustness and flexibility to the hair. In this intermediate area is also found melanin, the pigment that gives hair its natural color.
- The cuticle, which is the transparent coating of the hair that is responsible for safeguarding the hair cortex, protecting it from phenomena such as high temperatures, pollution or the erosive effect of wind. It is also responsible for regulating the hydration of hair fibers, assisting in the process of water absorption and expulsion.

This last layer plays an essential role in hair health, but its structure can be easily damaged due to its protective barrier condition. Its breakage or injury often causes the hair to be perceived as fragile, dull and lacking in volume. Therefore, when choosing a product to clean, pigment or treat it, it should be ensured that its ingredients include active substances that help maintain the integrity of the hair cuticle.

The dyeing process

Dyes and bleaches are one of the procedures that can most compromise the health of hair fibers. In order to alter the natural tone of the hair, it is necessary for the products to penetrate the hair cortex, an effect that can only be achieved with oxidation. Therefore, each dyeing or bleaching product must have been previously emulsified with an oxidant, a chemical substance designed to extract the melanin from the hair fiber.

Oxidants
Oxidants contain hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a chemical compound that allows the hair cuticle to open so that the color can penetrate or be properly removed. There are different types; deciding which one is most suitable for each case depends directly on the initial color of the hair and the result you want to obtain. Their potency is expressed in volumes, a measure that is equivalent to the percentage of H2O2 incorporated in its formulation. Thus, for example, we find:

- 10 volume oxidants, which contain a reduced concentration of H2O2, so they are used for colorations in which the hair should be darkened. They are very useful for covering gray hair and restoring the original color to hair fibers.
- 20 volume oxidants, the most used in the aesthetic field for their ability to lighten up to two tones and for their coverage power, capable of completely masking gray hair.
- 30 volume oxidants, which have a much greater lightening power because they contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide. They are usually used to achieve colors up to 4 tones lighter than the original.
- 40 volume oxidants, which are those oxidants with the most lightening power and are used in extreme bleaching. Their oxidizing effect is capable of reaching up to 8 color tones, so they are very useful for obtaining extremely light blonde pigments.

It is important to bear in mind that oxidants should be used with moderation and planning, always considering that exhaustive and recurrent use can alter the structure of the hair and seriously compromise its health. On the other hand, it is essential to understand that oxidation itself is a highly disruptive process that unbalances the composition of the hair, even if it is done occasionally. Therefore, it is necessary to correct its effect adequately and rehydrate the hair fibers in any case.

Dyes and Bleaches

Dyeing and bleaching are the ingredients that will determine the final color result on the hair fiber. Dyes pigment the hair cortex by adhering color particles, while bleaches remove its original tone and bleach it.

To achieve the desired effect, dyes usually include ammonia among their ingredients. This chemical compound is used in the dyeing field for its great penetrating power and its ability to pigment hair fibers in depth, offering a more intense, lasting and precise finish. However, there is a high percentage of the population whose skin does not adequately tolerate this chemical, so over time ammonia-free alternatives were devised.

These latter products are generally less durable and intense precisely because they lack this compound, but recently options have appeared on the market that offer results very close to those that would be obtained with a conventional ammonia dye. Among them are the exclusive ammonia-free dyes from the Tassel brand, which you can find in our extensive catalog. These, unlike products from other brands, have been made with monoethanolamine, a chemical compound that effectively replaces ammonia and provides an unparalleled color finish.

As a reminder, it should be mentioned that the most important thing when choosing a dyeing or bleaching product is to check that its ingredients do not damage the cuticle and contribute to closing it after the process. This will not only guarantee a healthy and shiny appearance, but will prevent the color from detaching from the fiber after washing. The dyes from the Dousse line, for example, contain an innovative formula enriched with 12 vegetable oils that promotes the sealing of the cuticle and deeply hydrates the hair, resulting in a lasting and shiny coloration that exceptionally withstands the passage of time.

Hair cleaning

To keep hair in good condition, it is necessary to clean it regularly in order to remove the dirt caused by day-to-day life. A neutral shampoo for frequent use is usually sufficient for people who do not suffer from any pathology that requires specific care. These products promote hair and scalp hydration and help maintain a suitable pH of hair fibers. The current market offers multiple options, many of them perfumed for an optimal cleaning experience. In our catalog you will find a wide range of shampoos with different fragrances, from cream and strawberry to melon, lavender and banana.

On the other hand, you will also find shampoos formulated with active ingredients, designed to treat certain hair conditions. We have, for example, shampoos for oily dandruff, which offer thorough cleaning while regulating skin flaking, providing an effective solution for those who suffer from seborrhea. We also have anti-hair loss shampoos, which allow the removal of dirt adhered to hair fibers while slowing hair shedding, or repairing shampoos reinforced with keratin, which effectively regenerate hair fibers during washing.

Occasional hair care
But cleaning is not everything; to guarantee an optimal result, it is essential to keep the hair nourished. Even if we do not subject the hair fibers to procedures such as dyeing, bleaching or heat styling, everyday life can reduce natural protection and affect its appearance.

In these cases, it is recommended to treat the hair with specific cosmetic items for sporadic application, such as masks and conditioners. Unlike shampoos, these products are designed to offer a solution to a specific problem, such as dryness, hair damage or hair loss. They are usually formulated with concentrated active ingredients to provide a stronger and longer-lasting treatment than that offered by shampoos, so it is not recommended to use them daily as they can also cause imbalances in the appearance of the hair.

Along the same lines as masks and conditioners, there are dry hair treatments. The difference between the two lies in the fact that the latter do not require rinsing, so they can be used outside the comfort of the home. They are very effective in correcting defects that manifest after drying the hair, such as frizz, the production of static electricity or loss of shine. At Dh Material Médico, we have one of the most cutting-edge articles in dry care: the 20 in 1 treatment by Dousse. Its exclusive composition hydrates the area and prevents the frizz effect while correcting the porosity of the hair, providing shine and smooth and shaping the hair fibers.

Products for styling
Lastly, it should be mentioned that it is also essential to carefully decide the products that are going to be used for the styling process. Although these do not offer direct benefits for the hair, it is essential that their composition includes ingredients that protect it and minimize the impact of the chemicals that make molding possible. Thus, for example, there are options like hairspray enriched with argan oil, capable of modeling hair fibers and fixing them firmly while offering extra protection and without drying them out.

Summary
As we have seen, hair care is a meticulous process that consists of multiple decisive phases that combine with each other. In order to preserve the correct health of hair fibers, it is essential to treat them with specific products that adequately meet their needs, whether to protect them from harmful elements, to correct a deficiency, or to treat them when they have already been exposed to harmful circumstances.

At Dh Material Médico, we have a wide catalog of hair cosmetic articles aimed at preserving hair health. Do not hesitate to get in contact with us if you want to acquire hair care products for your beauty center.