I am no authority on hair matters but I am tempted to share a few tips I have gathered over time and also a few observations I have made about our hair. Hopefully you will benefit from these everyday facts.
We worry so much about what to do with our hair; how short to cut it, how bushy it should be and what colour will make it more appealing. Sometimes we are forced to shave off all the hair on our scalp when the angel of baldness visits us. Our hair says a lot more about us than how closely we follow the latest hair styles.
The good news is what is good for the rest of your body is also what creates building blocks for healthy, shiny, strong and beautiful hair. This includes a healthy nutrient-rich diet, lots of water, exercise, relaxation, smoking cessation and a daily hair care regimen.
“HAIR” are the facts
1. Causes of grey hair are not always related to ones age. A major reason for our hair turning grey is heredity. Health conditions that cause premature graying include vitamin B-12 deficiency and thyroid disorders.
2. Pulling out one grey hair will not cause several more to grow back. When you pull out one you get only one growing back. If you hate the “colour of wisdom” that much then dye or colour the hair.
3. When your hair is part grey and part regular colour, we refer to it as “salt and pepper” and it may be a constant reminder that your teenage years are over for good.
4. Stress, poor hair management, bad nutrition, fungal infections, extreme weather, braiding and traction from brushing hair backwards may cause your hair to break and you may sometimes get large chunks of hair falling off.
5. Temporary conditions such as pregnancy, menopause, medication (including some form of cancer treatment), diet or stress can cause hair thinning. About 70% of women who experience hair loss can attribute it to heredity. That for men is also similar.
6. Many African women (and by extension African-American women) experience other forms of hair loss which may be due to the use of hair reshaping products (relaxers, straighteners, hot combs) or hair braiding methods.
7. Dandruff is not infectious. Neither is it a sign of bad hygiene or unkempt hair. You can control dandruff with the appropriate hair shampoo and hair cream.
8. If you can afford it, stop washing your hair with your bath soap, an appropriate shampoo will make a world of difference.
These days hair lice are not very common in Sikaman. Gone are the days when school children spotted “grey hair” courtesy of the “eggs” of lice. I wonder how we managed to be attentive in class as the rebellious lice competed for attention with the teachers.
Aye! This hair matter, when you quarrel with your spouse in the morning it may “show” from its terrible appearance. When you fail an examination, your rent is late or you have problems at work hmmm your hair may betray you.
TIPS FOR MANAGING YOUR HAIR
1. A healthy diet can help your hair stay strong and lustrous. Your diet can also prevent hair loss
2. Essential fatty acids play a key role in skin, hair and nail health. These can be found in salmon, tuna, mackerel and other fatty fish.
3. Vitamins B-6, B-12 and folic acid are also important to your hair. You may get these nutrients from bananas, potatoes, oranges, tomatoes, beans, meat, chicken, fish and dairy products (remember moderation is key)
4. Proteins are also found in fish, chicken and eggs and are critical for keeping hair healthy.
5. Exercise, rest, good hydration, smoking cessation and appropriate hair food will complete the equation.
6. Mothers stop “cooking” your children’s hair in the name of straightening it and watch the sort of chemicals you unleash into a child or even adult’s hair.
Dear friend, your hair may be revealing your innermost secrets so “look sharp” and if in doubt get professional help or maybe just maybe get a good looking wig.
HAVE A GOOD HAIR DAY.
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Moms’ Health Club/Health Essentials
(www.healthclubsgh.com)

Dr. Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.
Thought for the week – “One healthy choice is ALWAYS followed by another, make a healthy choice today.”
References:
1. 8 things your hair says about your health by Melanie Haiken
2. Your Crowning Glory-Beautiful Hair at www.speakingofwomenshealth.com